Lakes Near Springfield
When the weather is right you should gather your family and friends and make time to be near the water. Fortunately, when you visit Springfield you have quite a few great spots for spending time on the lake.
It doesn’t matter if you’re itching to float in a tube with a book, buzz around doing water skiing, go swimming, or work on your tan, the lakes near Springfield provide you with numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. Take a look at the table below to have a look the nearby locations including swimming lakes to larger lakes for you to visit.
Nearby Lakes for Springfield
Lake Activities
On a day trip to a lake near Springfield there are many activities that can be enjoyed by families, couples, or with a group of friends. You could go for an exciting day trip or make it a long weekend at a hotel or AirBnB to make for a bigger, better getaway.
Now we’ll run down a list of some of the best things to do when you arrive at a lake near Springfield:
Partake in some water sports. If you’ve got access to a fast boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of kicking up a wake showing off your water sports skills? Enjoy a day of wakeboarding or knee boarding as the lakes near Springfield provide you with a number of choices.
Catch some fish. For anglers, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard 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.
Picnic time. Springfield’s lakes provide all sorts of great picnic areas for you to pack up some foods, or something as simple as crackers and cheese and a cold beverage while enjoying the scenery. For a romantic evening, this plan is hard to beat.
Lake Checklist
A day at the lake can be drastically different depending on which lake you choose, when you decide to go, and what you want to do while you’re there. For your convenience we’ve built out a short list of our favorite lake necessities that you can use as a checklist to make sure you cover your bases.
The basics
If the plan is to be in the sun for most of the day, the following list of items is an excellent starting point when it comes to the necessities to have on hand.
- Sunblock
- A beach blanket and umbrella
- Snacks
- Dry shirt
- A receptacle for trash
- Something to dry off with
- Proper footwear
- Sunglasses
- Swimsuits
- Plates, cups and utensils
Specialty lake gear
The gear in the list below might prove useful for trips to the lake considering your itinerary. You may want to double check for some of these so you’re not missing something critical.
- Fishing gear
- Rafts for the kids
- Masks and snorkels
- Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
- Something to read
- Wine key
- Games for the beach
- Your tackle box
- Legal flotation devices
- Fishing and boating licenses
Lake Safety Tips
While a day to your favorite body of water can provide lots of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. If you’re going to be out on the water here are some important safety tips.
- Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
- Don’t swim alone
- Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
- Always wear sunblock
- Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
- Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
- Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Springfield
If you’re going to visit the fabulous lakes near Springfield, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that can make your weekend gameplan substantially more rewarding. For example, every lake is going to have unique qualities so it is important to take into account what will make for an enjoyable trip as you plan yours.
- Find a marina. Many lakes have local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Asking a local will usually help you find a marina that has what you need.
- Research your beaches. Depending on the time of year, occasionally beaches might be very busy. To find more space to spread out, research multiple lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, search out the biggest, most popular beach!
- Maximize unique assets in the area. If there’s time for a lengthier trip, find local state parks and recreation areas which give you the option to stay in a spot that is right on top of the water for a reasonable price.
