Appleton Lakes

Lakes Close to Appleton

Sometimes you should pack up and find a spot on the water. A stay at a lake is perfect for people that enjoy the outdoors too, because they offer opportunities to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

There are many great arguments for a getaway to a lake in Appleton this summer – the water is refreshing on hot days, relaxing summer entertainment such as paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming. Some of the lakes in Appleton have beaches you can enjoy while building sandcastles with the family. Has there ever been a better time? Load up your vehicle with sunscreen and snacks then set out this weekend and discover a brand new favorite spot on the water!

Lakes Close to Appleton

Things to Do at the Lake

A quick excursion to a lake, or a longer trip offers an almost boundless list of things to do for families, couples, or even those looking for some quality alone time.

A day, weekend, or a week on or in the water offers you a full range of activities from thrilling to chilling.

Start paddling. If you like to paddle around, load up your preferred vessel and chart your course to a lake with a boat launch and start paddling around to enjoy the scenery on the waterfront.

Pack a picnic basket. Appleton’s lakes gives you the chance to visit many great picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite tasty treats, or you could just do some cheese and crackers while enjoying the scenery. For a romantic evening, a picnic on the beach should be suitably romantic.

Partake in some water sports. If you’re able to get access to a ski boat, why not spend the day kicking up a wake showing off your water sports skills? Enjoy a day of wakeboarding or knee boarding as the all sports lakes give you a number of choices.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

A day at the lake can be drastically different depending on which lake you choose, the season, and your plan of attack. However, we’ve assembled a rundown of some of the most common lake items that you can use as a checklist for your getaway.

General items

If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for most of the vacation, the list below is an excellent starting point for essentials that you’ll be happy to have on hand.

  • A fully stocked cooler
  • Food
  • Swimsuits
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Sunblock
  • Dry shirt
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Towels
  • Radio or speaker
  • Flip flops or water shoes

Specialty lake gear

Depending on what you’ll be doing at the lake and what your party looks like, the items below might also prove useful and worth packing prior to departure.

  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Rafts and floaties
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Goggles or masks
  • Tackle box
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Games for the beach
  • Something to read
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Wine key

Lake Safety Checklist

Of course a day to your favorite body of water can be ample amounts of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. When you decide to spend a day at the lake here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.

  • 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
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding

Some More Tips

Few people get a chance to visit the amazing lakes around Appleton and likely have a lot of questions about how to make the most of their time there. Obviously, every lake will possess unique qualities and surroundings, but it’s worth noting a handful of items to look into when making plans that might help put together a trip your whole family will remember.

  1. Maximize unique assets in the area. If there’s time for a lengthier getaway, find local state parks and recreation areas that offer the ability to stay right on the water for a reasonable price.
  2. Research your beaches. Depending on the time of year, occasionally beaches could be really busy. If you want more space to yourself, research multiple 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 biggest, most happening sandy party scene!
  3. No boat, no problem. It’s common that lakes will have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or a day of watersports. Doing a quick Google search will usually allow you to find a marina that has what you need.