Cottage Grove Lakes

Lakes Near Cottage Grove

Every once in a while you should pack up and find a spot by the water. As it turns out, when you come to Cottage Grove you have some options when it comes to spending time on the lake.

There are countless brilliant reasons for a getaway to a lake in Cottage Grove while it’s hot outside – the water is refreshing on hot days, enjoyable summer entertainment such as boating, fishing or swimming. Some of the lakes in Cottage Grove have beaches you can enjoy while building sandcastles with the family. Take a look at the table below to see the nearby locations from swimming lakes to all sports lakes for you to enjoy.

Lakes Near Cottage Grove

Things to Do at the Lake

When you visit a lake near Cottage Grove there are many things to do for families and couples. You could go for an exciting day trip or decide to stay overnight at a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to make for a bigger, better getaway.

Every getaway at the lake gives you a full range of activities from thrilling to chilling.

Catch some fish. For anglers, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re drifting behind a trolling motor or standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.

Grab a board. If paddling is your thing, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and find yourself a lake with a boat launch and start paddling around to soak up the scenery on the waterfront.

Partake in some delicious delights outside. The lakes near Cottage Grove offer a wealth of excellent picnic areas for you to pack up some culinary delights, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy as you enjoy the view. For a romantic evening, a picnic on the beach should be suitably romantic.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

A lake day itinerary can vary quite a bit depending on which lake you choose, the time of year, the weather, and the activities on your to-do list. For your convenience we’ve put together a list of popular go-to necessities for you to use as a checklist before you hit the road.

General items

If the plan is to be in the sun for the vast majority of the day, the following list of items should be a good place to start for essentials to have on hand.

  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Garbage bags
  • Something to eat
  • Dry shirt
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Something to dry off with
  • Swimsuits
  • Radio or speaker
  • USB charger
  • Sunblock

Specialty lake gear

The gear in the list below might prove useful for excursions to the lake depending on what your plans are. It’s also worth checking so you’re not missing something critical.

  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Wine key
  • Books
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Games for the beach
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)

Lake Safety Tips

While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near Cottage Grove, it’s important that you remember to keep safety top of mind. The following safety measures should ensure that you and your family remains safe on the water.

  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside

More Cottage Grove Lake Tips

When you make a trip to the beautiful lakes around Cottage Grove, there are a few things that will make your itinerary much more successful. As an example, each individual lake near Cottage Grove is going to have unique environment so it’s important to consider what will make for an unforgettable adventure when planning yours.

  1. Rent a boat. It’s common that lakes will have 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. Using a search engine will usually allow you to locate several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  2. Research your beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally the beaches near Cottage Grove can get very crowded. If you want more space to spread out, research multiple lakes in the area to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the biggest, most popular sandy party scene!
  3. Maximize unique local resources. When you have time for a lengthier getaway, find local state campgrounds and parks that offer the ability to camp near or even on the water at an affordable price.