Muskegon Lakes

Lakes Around Muskegon

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 Muskegon. A lake getaway is perfect for those who love getting outside too, because they offer opportunities to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

There are many great motivations to visit a lake in Muskegon during the warmer months – the water is refreshing on hot days, relaxing summer entertainment like boating, fishing or swimming. Some of the lakes in Muskegon have beaches that are ideal for working on your tan. Take a look at the table below to see the options including swimming lakes to larger lakes for you and the family to visit.

Nearby Lakes for Muskegon

Things to Do at the Lake

When you visit a lake near Muskegon you’ll find all kinds of activities that can be enjoyed by people of all persuasions. You could go for an exciting day trip or make it a long weekend at a hotel on the beach to make the most of your time unwinding.

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

Swimming. The swimming lakes near Muskegon provide all kinds of laughs and games for the kids, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between working on their tan. If you want to spend time swimming and on the beach you’ll want to be sure 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 just isn’t as much fun as a beautiful public beach!

Partake in some delicious delights outside. Muskegon’s lakes provide all sorts of excellent picnic areas where you can enjoy culinary delights, or you could just do some cheese and crackers while enjoying the scenery. For a romantic evening, a picnic on the beach should put a smile on their face.

Go fishing. For anglers, 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 out on a boat or tossing a line in from the dock.

Lake Getaway Prep

A day at the lake can be very different based on the lake you’re heading to, what the weather is going to be, and what your perfect itinerary looks like. While every trip is its own animal, we’ve created a list with some of our favorite ideas for your next summer trip to ensure nothing gets forgotten!

General items

When you’re out on a lake near Muskegon you’ll probably want to bring many of the items below to make sure you’re feeling good, healthy, and enjoying your time.

  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • Swimsuits
  • A fully stocked cooler
  • Sunblock
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
  • Proper footwear
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • Bug spray

More lake items

The following items can make your life easier for getaways to the lake considering your itinerary. You may want to double check for some of these prior to hitting the road.

  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Life jackets
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Wine key
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Worms or other bait
  • Kindle

Lake Safety Checklist

While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near Muskegon, everyone’s safety is the most important part of your getaway. Following a few standard safety tips that should make sure that everyone are always safe at your favorite Muskegon 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
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions

More Ideas for Lake Fun

Some people may not get a chance to visit the lakes near Muskegon and might have some questions on ways to maximize their fun. Certainly, no matter where you go each lake will have unique qualities and trappings, but here are a handful of items to look into when assembling your itinerary which could help start your trip on the right foot.

  1. Find a marina. It’s common that lakes will have local marinas that offer boat rentals. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a day of watersports. Doing a quick Google search can typically help you find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  2. Research your beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes the beaches near Muskegon can get very crowded. To find a little more privacy, research a variety of lakes and beaches to see if you can find one that’s less crowded if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, then look for the busiest, most popular sandy party scene!
  3. Make the most of the best assets in the area. If you have time for a lengthier trip, find local state campgrounds and parks that offer the option to camp directly on the water for a reasonable price.