Holland Lakes

Lakes Close to Holland

Sometimes you just need to spend some time near the water. A lake getaway can be amazing for those who love getting outside too, because they offer opportunities to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

There are numerous great motivations to visit a lake in Holland this summer – the cool water for swimming, relaxing summer entertainment such as wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. Some of the lakes in Holland have beaches that are ideal for working on your tan. Scan the local listings directly beneath this paragraph and have a look the nearby locations from swimming lakes to all sports lakes for you and the family to visit.

Lakes Close to Holland

Lake Activities

On a day trip to a lake near Holland you’ll find all kinds of activities that can be enjoyed by groups of all types. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or make it a long weekend at a hotel or AirBnB to make the most of your time unwinding.

Here are some of our top picks for activities when you make your way to a Holland lake:

Fishing. For those that love to fish, 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 in the water. The swimming lakes near Holland offer all kinds of fun and excitement for the big kids and little ones, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between working on their tan. Make sure to do your research and verify that your lake has a sandy beach and a designated swimming area prior to packing the car and the family! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t offer as much to do as a beautiful public beach!

Get a little crazy with the water sports. Should you be able to get access to a fast boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of flying around the water demonstrating your athleticism and water sports skills? Hit the water and go tubing or skiing as the local lakes give you a number of choices.

Lake Checklist

Your plan for a lake getaway can be drastically different when you take into consideration which lake you choose, the time of year, the weather, and what you want to do while you’re there. To make things easier we’ve put together a list of our favorite lake and beach-related necessities for you to use as a checklist before you hit the road.

Common lake items

If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for the majority of the day, the following list of items is a good place to start for essentials that you’ll be happy to have on hand.

  • Beach blanket
  • Snacks
  • Radio or speaker
  • Travel dinnerware and cups
  • Bathing suits
  • Garbage bags
  • Sunblock
  • Reserve clothes
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • A fully stocked cooler

Additional lake stuff

The list of items 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.

  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Rafts for the kids
  • Goggles or masks
  • Toys for the beach
  • Something to read
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Tackle box
  • Life jackets
  • Paper towels and sanitizer

Lake Safety Tips

While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near Holland, failing to follow some simple safety rules can make things turn tragic in a hurry. Following a few standard safety tips that will make sure that you and your family stays safe while around the lake.

  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Holland

Not everyone has had the opportunity to visit the amazing lakes around Holland and might have some questions about how to make the most of their time there. Obviously, no matter where you go each lake is going to possess their own character and trappings, but here are a handful of items to look into while planning which could help put together a trip your whole family will remember.

  1. Find a marina. It’s common that lakes will have local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or a day of watersports. Using a search engine will usually allow you to locate options for renting the perfect boat.
  2. Maximize the best assets in the area. When you have time for a lengthier getaway, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds which give you the ability to camp directly on the water at an affordable price.
  3. Pay attention to the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, sometimes the beaches near Holland may be very busy. If you want some space to yourself, research a variety of 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, search out the busiest, most happening beach!