Wheeling Lakes

Lakes Close to Wheeling

The weather is warm and that means it’s time to pack up and head out for your upcoming big getaway. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Wheeling. A lake getaway can be wonderful for those who love wildlife too, because they offer opportunities to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

There are many brilliant motivations to visit a lake in Wheeling during the warmer months – the water is refreshing on hot days, enjoyable summer entertainment such as paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. Browse through the table below to have a look the options including swimming lakes to all sports lakes for you to visit.

Lakes Near Wheeling

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

A quick excursion to a lake, or a more lengthy trip gives you an almost endless list of activities for couples or families.

Any stay on or in the water offers you a full range of activities from thrilling to chilling.

Grab a board. If you like to paddle around, pack up your board of choice and find yourself a lake near Wheeling that has a boat launch and get out and enjoy nature’s beauty on the waterfront.

Catch some fish. For anglers, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re out on a boat or tossing a line in from the dock.

Get a little crazy with the water sports. Should you be able to get access to a speed boat, why not spend the day kicking up a wake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports expertise? Take the family out for some tubing or skiing as the lakes near Wheeling give you several options.

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can be very different depending on the lake you’re heading to, what time of year it is, and what you want to do for entertainment. While every trip is its own animal, we took the time to make a list that will give some ideas for your next trip to a lake near Wheeling so you have everything you need!

Lake basics

For a day spent on the water it makes a lot of sense to bring several of the things in our list below to make sure you’re feeling good, healthy, and enjoying your time.

  • A cooler and drinks
  • Snacks
  • Flip flops or water shoes
  • A receptacle for trash
  • Insect repellant
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Swimsuits
  • Portable stereo
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • Sweatshirt and sweatpants

More lake stuff

The following items might prove useful for excursions to the lake depending on what your plans are. You may want to double check some of these so you’re not missing something critical.

  • Swimming goggles
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Something to read
  • Corkscrew
  • Legal flotation devices
  • Bait
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Fishing poles

Lake Safety

Yes, being on the water can make for a memorable day, everyone’s safety is the most important part of your getaway. The following safety protocols will make sure that everyone remains safe while around the lake.

  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • 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
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding

More Wheeling Lake Tips

Few people get a chance to visit the amazing lakes around Wheeling and might have a lot of questions about how to make the most of their time there. Clearly, no matter where you go each lake will possess their own character and trappings, but it’s worth noting a handful of items to review while planning which could help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. Pay attention to the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally the beaches near Wheeling can get extremely crowded. To find some more peace and quiet, do some digging on multiple lakes and beaches to see if you can find one that’s less crowded if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the biggest, most happening beach!
  2. Make the most of unique assets in the area. When there’s time for a longer getaway, find local state campgrounds and parks that offer the ability to stay near or even on the water without breaking the bank.
  3. No boat, no problem. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas that offer boat rentals. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Using a search engine can usually allow you to locate a marina that has what you need.