Terre Haute Lakes

Lakes Near Terre Haute

It’s summertime and that means it’s time to plan your next family vacation. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Terre Haute. A lake vacation is wonderful for those that enjoy getting outside too, because they offer opportunities to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

It doesn’t matter if you’re itching to float in a tube with a book, buzz around doing water skiing, go swimming, or just lounge at the beach, the lakes near Terre Haute provide you with numerous opportunities for outdoor adventures. Browse through the local listings below and see your options including small lakes to larger lakes for you to enjoy.

Lakes Near Terre Haute

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

On a day trip to a lake near Terre Haute there are many things to do for families and couples. You could go for an exciting day trip or make it a long weekend at a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to enjoy yourself more fully.

Let’s look at some of the options available to you when you make your way to a Terre Haute lake:

Get in the water. Finding a swimming lake near Terre Haute will provide tons of fun for the big kids and little ones, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want in between getting that perfect golden tan. If you want to spend time swimming and on the beach you’ll want to be sure your lake has a nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on before you make the trip! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t offer as much to do as a magnificent public beach on a lake near Terre Haute!

Pack a picnic basket. The lakes near Terre Haute gives you the chance to visit a wealth of top-notch picnic areas for you to pack up some culinary delights, or you could just do some cheese and crackers while enjoying the scenery. If you’re with that special someone, good food and a view is hard to beat.

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. If you like to paddle around, pack up your board of choice and find yourself a lake near Terre Haute that has a boat launch and start paddling around to soak up nature’s beauty on the waterfront.

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

Every day at the lake will have its own requirements depending on the lake you’re heading to, what the weather is going to be, and what your perfect itinerary looks like. For your benefit, we put together a list that will give some ideas for your next trip to a lake near Terre Haute so you have everything you need!

Lake basics

If the plan is to be in the sun for the majority of the vacation, the following list of items should be an excellent place to start for essentials to have on hand.

  • Bluetooth speaker
  • A receptacle for trash
  • Sweatpants and sweatshirt
  • A cooler and drinks
  • Portable phone charger
  • Beach blanket
  • Insect repellant
  • Towels
  • Swimsuits
  • UV protection

Additional lake items

Depending on what you’ll be doing for the day and who will be joining you, the following items could make your day more enjoyable and adding to your checklist prior to leaving.

  • Games for the beach
  • Books
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Life jackets
  • Wine key
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Tackle box

Lake Safety

While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, everyone’s safety is the most important part of your getaway. Here are some general tips that should ensure that everyone remains safe at your favorite Terre Haute lake.

  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Terre Haute

If you’re going to visit the fabulous lakes around Terre Haute, there are a few things that will make your weekend gameplan substantially more successful. As an example, each lake near Terre Haute is going to have unique qualities which makes it important to take into account what will make for an unforgettable getaway as you plan yours.

  1. Maximize the best local resources. When you have time for a lengthier getaway, look for local state parks and recreation areas which give you the option to camp near or even on the water for a reasonable price.
  2. Do homework on the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, sometimes the beaches near Terre Haute can get extremely crowded. To find some more space to spread out, research 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 busiest, most happening beach!
  3. Rent a boat. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas that offer boat rentals. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or tubing with the kids. Doing a quick Google search will typically help you find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.