Janesville Lakes

Lakes Close to Janesville

When the weather is right you just need to pack up and find a spot by the water. A lake getaway can be amazing for those who love 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 looking to float in a tube with a book, buzz around doing water skiing, go for a swim, or just lounge at the beach, the lakes near Janesville provide you with plentiful options for aquatic fun. Browse through the local listings directly beneath this paragraph to see the nearby locations from small lakes with beaches to all sports lakes for you and the family to enjoy.

Lakes Close to Janesville

Lake Activities

A day trip to the lake, or a longer getaway gives you an almost limitless list of activities for families or couples.

Every getaway on or in the water gives you everything from fun to relaxation.

Pack a picnic basket. The lakes near Janesville gives you the chance to visit many great picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite portable delicacies, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy while enjoying the scenery. For a romantic evening, this plan should put a smile on their face.

Water sports. If you’ve got access to a speed boat, why not get out on the water and start flying around the water demonstrating your athleticism and water sports talents? Hit the water and go tubing or skiing as the local lakes provide you with a number of choices.

Start paddling. If paddling is your thing, pack up your board of choice and find yourself a lake near Janesville that has a public launch and start paddling around to soak up the scenery in all it’s glory.

Lake Getaway Prep

Your plan for a lake getaway can honestly be all over the map depending on which lake you’re going to, the time of year, the weather, and what you want to do while you’re there. For your convenience we’ve assembled a rundown of popular go-to necessities that you can use as a checklist for your getaway.

Lake basics

If the plan is to be in the sun for the majority of the vacation, the following list of items is an excellent starting point when it comes to the necessities you are likely to need.

  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Bug spray
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • A fully stocked cooler
  • Sweatshirt and sweatpants
  • Radio or speaker
  • Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)
  • Sneakers
  • UV protection

Additional lake stuff

The gear in the list below could be helpful 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.

  • Life jackets
  • Bait
  • Rafts and floaties
  • Goggles or masks
  • Corkscrew
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Books
  • Fishing poles
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Paper towels and sanitizer

Staying Safe on a Lake

Yes, being on the water can make for a memorable day, safety should be top of mind. Following a few standard safety tips that will make sure that everyone remains safe on the water.

  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Make sure no one swims alone

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Janesville

Not everyone has had a chance to visit the amazing lakes around Janesville and likely have some questions about how to make the most of their time there. Of course, no matter where you go each lake is going to possess unique qualities and surroundings, but it’s worth noting a handful of items to review when making plans that might help put together a trip your whole family will remember.

  1. Make the most of unique local resources. If you have time for a longer getaway, find local state parks and recreation areas that offer the option to stay right on the water for a reasonable price.
  2. Do homework on the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally beaches can get very crowded. If you want more space to yourself, research a variety of lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, then look for the busiest, most happening sandy party scene!
  3. No boat, no problem. Many lakes have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy fishing with family and friends or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Using a search engine can usually help you locate options for renting the perfect boat.