Rockford Lakes

Lakes Near Rockford

Every once in a while you just need to gather your family and friends and make time to be on the water. A lake vacation is amazing for people who love the outdoors too, because they offer opportunities to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

There are countless brilliant reasons for a getaway to a lake in Rockford during the warmer months – the water is refreshing on hot days, relaxing summer activities such as paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches that are ideal for working on your tan. So what are you waiting for? Load up the car with your fishing gear and a cooler then set out this weekend to find your own favorite spot on a lake!

Lakes Near Rockford

Things to Do at the Lake

On a day trip to a lake near Rockford you’ll find all kinds of things to do for people of all persuasions. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or make it a long weekend at a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to make for a bigger, better getaway.

Here are some of our top picks for activities when you arrive at a lake near Rockford:

Catch some fish. For anglers, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re roaming the lake in a killer fishing boat or standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.

Get a little crazy with the water sports. If you’ve got access to a speed boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of kicking up a wake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports talents? Take the family out for some wakeboarding or knee boarding as the lakes near Rockford provide you with all kinds of choices.

Have a picnic. Rockford’s lakes provide many top-notch picnic areas for you to pack up some foods, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy while enjoying the scenery. For a romantic evening, a picnic on the beach should be suitably romantic.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

A day at the lake can be drastically different depending on which lake you’re going to, when you decide to go, and the activities on your to-do list. For your convenience we’ve put together a list of popular go-to necessities that you can use as a checklist prior to locking up the house and heading out.

General items

For a day spent on the water you will likely need to take along some of the things in our list below so that you’ll be feeling good, healthy, and getting the most out of your getaway.

  • Sweatshirt and sweatpants
  • Swimsuits
  • A fully stocked cooler
  • Garbage bags
  • Radio or speaker
  • Sunblock
  • A picnic basket
  • Tennis shoes
  • Bug spray
  • A blanket or sheet

Specialty lake stuff

Consider what you’ll be doing for the day and who will be joining you, the items below will likely be helpful and worth a quick spot check before you make the trip.

  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Goggles or masks
  • Bait
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Legal flotation devices
  • Books
  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Wine key
  • Tackle box
  • Baby gear (if necessary)

Lake Safety Checklist

Of course a day to a lake in Rockford can be ample amounts of fun, safety should remain top of mind at all times. A day on the lake means safety first so here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.

  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding

More Rockford Lake Tips

If you’re going to visit the beautiful lakes around Rockford, there are a few things that might make your trip plan substantially more rewarding. Case in point, every individual lake has their own environment which makes it important to take into account what you need to make a memorable getaway as you plan yours.

  1. Find a marina. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas that offer boat rentals. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or tubing with the kids. Asking a local will typically allow you to locate a marina that has what you need.
  2. Maximize the best local resources. When there’s time for a lengthier stay, look for local state parks and recreation areas which give you the ability to stay right on the water at an affordable price.
  3. Do homework on the beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes the beaches near Rockford might be swarmed with tourists. To find more space to spread out, research multiple lakes in the area to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the biggest, most happening sandy party scene!