Waukegan Lakes

Lakes Around Waukegan

When the weather is right you should gather your family and friends and make time to be near the water. Fortunately, when you make a trip to Waukegan you have quite a few great spots for spending time on the lake.

It doesn’t matter if you’re seeking to float in a tube with a book, partake in some wakeboarding, go for a swim, or work on your tan, the lakes near Waukegan provide you with plentiful options for outdoor adventures. Browse through the data below to see the options from small lakes with beaches to all sports lakes for you and the family to enjoy.

Lakes Near Waukegan

Things to Do at the Lake

When you visit a lake near Waukegan you’ll find all kinds of things to do for groups of all types. You could go for an exciting day trip or take a longer vacation to a hotel on the beach to enjoy yourself more fully.

Let’s look at some of the options available to you when you arrive at a lake near Waukegan:

Have a picnic. Waukegan’s lakes gives you the chance to visit many great picnic areas for you to pack up some portable delicacies, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy by the water. If you’re with that special someone, this plan is hard to beat.

Fishing. For anglers, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re out on a boat or standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.

Water sports. If you’re able to get access to a ski boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of zipping around the lake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports skills? Enjoy a day of wakeboarding or knee boarding as the all sports lakes give you a number of options.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

A lake day itinerary can vary quite a bit depending on which lake you choose, when you decide to go, and your plan of attack. For your convenience we’ve put together a list of some of the most common go-to necessities that you can use as a checklist before you hit the road.

General items

If the plan is to be in the sun for most of the day, our list of provisions below should be an excellent place to start when it comes to the necessities to have on hand.

  • Swimsuits
  • Radio or speaker
  • A receptacle for trash
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • A fully stocked cooler
  • Bottle opener
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Portable phone charger
  • Food and snacks
  • Plates, cups and utensils

More lake gear

The following items could be helpful for trips to the lake depending on what you’ll be doing. You may want to double check for some of these so you’re not missing something critical.

  • Toys for the beach
  • Goggles or masks
  • Tackle box
  • Fishing gear
  • Corkscrew
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Life jackets
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Rafts for the kids
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes

Lake Safety

Of course a day to the lake can provide ample amounts of fun, safety should remain top of mind at all times. When you decide to spend a day at the lake here are some important safety tips.

  • Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Waukegan

If you’re going to visit the one of a kind lakes near Waukegan, there are a few things that might make your itinerary much more rewarding. Case in point, every individual lake near Waukegan is going to have unique features so it is important to think about what will make for an unforgettable getaway as you plan yours.

  1. Make the most of unique assets in the area. If there’s time for a longer stay, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds which give you the ability to camp near or even on the water at an affordable price.
  2. Pay attention to the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, sometimes the beaches near Waukegan may be very busy. To find more space to spread out, do some digging on multiple lakes and beaches to see if you can find one that’s less crowded 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!
  3. Rent a boat. Many lakes have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or tubing with the kids. Asking a local can typically allow you to find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.