Madison Lakes

Lakes Around Madison

When the weather is right you should gather your family and friends and make time to be on the water. A lake getaway is amazing for those who love wildlife too, as they are a great way to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

Whether you’re looking to float in a tube with a book, partake in some watersports, go swimming, or work on your tan, the lakes near Madison provide you with plentiful beautiful locations for aquatic adventures. Has there ever been a better time? Load up the car with your fishing gear and snacks then set out on your next vacation and discover your own number one spot on a lake!

Lakes Close to Madison

Lake Activities

On a day trip to a lake near Madison you’ll find all kinds of activities that can be enjoyed by families and couples. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or take a longer vacation to a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to enjoy yourself more fully.

Now we’ll run down a list of some of the best things to do when you visit a lake near Madison:

Partake in some water sports. If you’ve got access to a ski boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of kicking up a wake showing off your water sports skills? Enjoy a day of wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the lakes near Madison give you all kinds of options.

Have a picnic. The lakes near Madison provide a wealth of excellent picnic areas for you to pack up some portable delicacies, or you could just do some cheese and crackers as you enjoy the view. For a romantic evening, a picnic on the beach should put a smile on their face.

Swimming. The swimming lakes near Madison provide all kinds of laughs and games for the big kids and little ones, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want in between getting that perfect golden tan. If you want to spend time swimming and on the beach you’ll want to be sure your lake has a nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on prior to packing the car and the family! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a beautiful public beach!

Checklist for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can be very different depending on which lake you go to, when you go, and what you want to do for entertainment. For your benefit, we put together a list that will give some ideas for your lake getaway so everything goes smoothly!

Common lake items

For a day spent on the water it makes a lot of sense to bring some of the things in our list below so that you’ll be safe, healthy, and getting the most out of your getaway.

  • Sunscreen
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • Beach blanket
  • Insect repellant
  • Bottle opener
  • Something to eat
  • Travel dinnerware and cups
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Radio or speaker
  • Bathing suits

Additional lake gear

The list of items below might prove useful for excursions to the lake considering your itinerary. It’s also worth checking so you’re not missing something critical.

  • Swimming goggles
  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Books
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Fishing poles
  • Bait
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Corkscrew
  • Baby gear (if necessary)

Lake Safety Tips

Of course spending a weekend to your favorite body of water can provide ample amounts of fun, safety should remain top of mind at all times. If you’re going to be out on the water these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.

  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Madison

Not everyone has had the opportunity to make their way to the lakes near Madison and likely have some questions on ways to maximize their fun. Obviously, no matter where you go each lake will have unique qualities and surroundings, but here are a handful of items to look into while making plans that might help put together a trip your whole family will remember.

  1. Make the most of the best local resources. If there’s time for a lengthier trip, look for local state parks and recreation areas which give you the ability to camp right on the water without breaking the bank.
  2. Do homework on the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally beaches may be very busy. If you want some space to yourself, do some digging on 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 biggest, most popular beach!
  3. Rent a boat. 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 day fishing on the lake or a day of watersports. Using a search engine can typically allow you to locate a marina that has what you need.