McLean Lakes

Lakes Near McLean

It’s summertime and that means it’s time to start planning your upcoming big getaway. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near McLean. A lake vacation can be wonderful for those who love the outdoors too, as they are a great way to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

Whether you’re itching to go kayaking, get active with water skiing, go swimming, or work on your tan, the lakes near McLean offer you plentiful beautiful locations for aquatic fun. So what are you waiting for? Load up your vehicle with sunscreen and a picnic basket then make the trip this weekend to find your own favorite spot on the water!

Lakes Close to McLean

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

When you visit a lake near McLean you’ll find all kinds of things to do for people of all persuasions. You could go for an exciting day trip or take a longer vacation at a hotel on the beach to enjoy yourself more fully.

Every getaway at the lake offers you everything from fun to relaxation.

Catch some fish. 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 drifting behind a trolling motor or standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.

Water sports. Should you be able to get access to a ski boat, why not spend the day flying around the water showing off your water sports talents? Take the family out for some wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the lakes near McLean give you a number of choices.

Start paddling. If you like to paddle around, 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.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

A day at the lake can be very different depending on the lake you’re heading to, when you go, or if there are any activities planned. While every trip is its own animal, we put together a list that will give some ideas for your watery excursion so you have everything you need!

The basics

When you’re out on a lake near McLean you will likely need to bring along many of these things to make sure you’re feeling good, healthy, and relaxed.

  • USB charger
  • Sweatshirt and sweatpants
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Sunscreen
  • Towels
  • Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
  • Bathing suits
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • A picnic basket

Additional lake stuff

The gear in the list below might prove useful for trips to the lake based on your plans. It’s also worth checking before heading out.

  • Toys for the beach
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Goggles or masks
  • Bait
  • Fishing poles
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Corkscrew
  • Life jackets
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)

Staying Safe on a Lake

Of course spending a weekend at your favorite body of water can provide ample amounts of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. If you’re going to be out on the water here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.

  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • 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 no one swims alone
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat

Some More Tips

If you’re going to visit the fabulous lakes around McLean, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that will make your trip plan far more successful. Case in point, every individual lake near McLean has unique features which makes it important to think about what will make for an enjoyable adventure as you plan yours.

  1. Research your beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally the beaches near McLean may be extremely busy. To find some more peace and quiet, research a variety of 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 popular sandy party scene!
  2. Make the most of unique local resources. When you have time for a longer getaway, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the ability to camp right on the water for a reasonable price.
  3. No boat, no problem. Many lakes have local marinas that offer boat rentals. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a day of watersports. Using a search engine can typically help you find a marina that has what you need.