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Best Lakes in Illinois

11 top-rated lakes in Illinois. Discover pristine lakes ideal for swimming, fishing, boating, and peaceful waterfront relaxation.

SwimmingFishingKayakingBoatingCamping

Top Lakes in Illinois

Top 10 on the map

Locations approximate to pin

14.7(436)

Whalon Lake

Reservoir · Naperville, Illinois

Camping nearbyDog-friendly

Nature park featuring a quarry lake, prairie & wetlands, plus fishing, boating, trails & a dog park.

24.7(268)

Carlyle Lake

Lake · Carlyle Township, Illinois

Camping nearby

Large 26,000-acre lake used for sailing & fishing, with sandy beach areas & state park trails.

34.7(250)

Lake Shelbyville

Lake · Illinois

Camping nearby

Popular, 11,000-acre lake featuring boating, swimming, camping, fishing, sandy beaches & picnicking.

44.4(86)

Lake Springfield

Lake · Springfield, Illinois

4,260-acre reservoir with boating, fishing, a marina with watercraft rentals & a park with a zoo.

54.8(54)

Cedar Lake

Lake · Illinois

Large reservoir lake for water activities like fishing, kayaking, canoeing & swimming.

64.4(54)

Lake Decatur

Lake · Decatur, Illinois

Expansive manmade lake, a popular destination for boating & fishing, with several boat ramps.

74.7(29)

Upper Peoria Lake

Lake · Illinois

Camping nearby

Fishing, boat cruises, camping & other activities offered along a part of the Illinois River.

84.5(27)

Peoria Lake

Lake · Illinois

Lake on the Illinois River, home to the city of Peoria, with waterfront parks, fishing & boating.

94.6(21)

Loon Lake

Lake · Antioch Township, Illinois

Recreational lake with a launch used for boating, fishing & other water activities.

104.6(20)

Chain O'Lakes

Lake · Grant Township, Illinois

Series of river-linked lakes for boating & fishing, plus beaches & sheltered coves for water sports.

4.1(11)

Meredosia Lake

Lake · Illinois

Meredosia Lake is a riparian lake that forms part of the valley of the Illinois River. It is located in Cass and Morgan Counties, Illinois.

Trip packing checklist

Gear for Lakes in Illinois

Useful gear categories for this kind of water trip. These links open Amazon search results so you can compare current options before you go.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Inflatable Paddleboard

Useful for calm-water exploring without roof-rack logistics.

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Day Cooler

Keeps food and drinks together for longer waterfront stays.

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Fishing Rod Combo

A starter combo is often enough for casual lake fishing.

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UPF Sun Hat

Open shorelines and boats can mean hours of direct sun.

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Tips for Lakes in Illinois

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Check for boat launch facilities and fees

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Obtain required fishing licenses before arrival

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Be aware of lake-specific regulations and restrictions

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Monitor water quality reports before swimming

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