Kalamazoo Lakes

Lakes Near Kalamazoo

When the weather is right you should gather your family and friends and make time to be near the water. A lake getaway is amazing for those who love getting outside too, as they are a great way to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

There are many great arguments to visit a lake in Kalamazoo this summer – the cool water for swimming, enjoyable summer activities like boating, fishing or swimming. Some of the lakes in Kalamazoo have beaches that are ideal for working on your tan. Take a look at the local listings below and see your nearby locations from small lakes to larger lakes for you to visit.

Lakes Near Kalamazoo

Things to Do at the Lake

When you visit a lake near Kalamazoo there are many activities that can be enjoyed by families, couples, or with a group of friends. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or make it a long weekend to a hotel or AirBnB to enjoy yourself more fully.

Now we’ll run down a list of some of the best things to do when you arrive at a lake near Kalamazoo:

Grab a board. If you like to paddle around, pack up your board of choice and find yourself a lake near Kalamazoo with a public launch and get out and enjoy the scenery in all it’s glory.

Partake in some delicious delights outside. Kalamazoo’s lakes gives you the chance to visit a wealth of great picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite foods, or something as simple as crackers and cheese and a cold beverage as you enjoy the view. If you’re with that special someone, this plan should be suitably romantic.

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 fishing from shore.

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

Your plan for a lake getaway can honestly be all over the map depending on which lake you choose, the season, and the activities on your to-do list. To make things easier we’ve assembled a rundown of our favorite go-to necessities for you to use as a checklist before you hit the road.

Common lake items

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

  • Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)
  • Portable stereo
  • Beach blanket
  • Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
  • Sunscreen
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • Snacks
  • Insect repellant
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Sneakers

More lake items

Consider your planned activities for the day and who will be in your entourage, the list of gear will likely be helpful and worth packing prior to departure.

  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Corkscrew
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Games for the beach
  • Something to read
  • Your tackle box
  • Life jackets

Staying Safe on a Lake

While a day at your favorite body of water should be lots 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.

  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Kalamazoo

When you make a trip to the one of a kind lakes near Kalamazoo, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that can make your weekend gameplan far more successful. For example, each lake near Kalamazoo has unique qualities and surroundings which makes it important to take into account what you need to make a memorable getaway as you plan yours.

  1. No boat, no problem. If you’re near the water you’ll often find nearby marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or a day of watersports. Doing a quick Google search will usually help you locate options for renting the perfect boat.
  2. Pay attention to the beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes beaches can get extremely crowded. To find a little more privacy, do some digging on multiple lakes in the area to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, search out the biggest, most happening beach!
  3. Make the most of unique local resources. If there’s time for a longer trip, look for local state campgrounds and parks which give you the ability to camp directly on the water for a reasonable price.