Three Oaks Recreation Area Swim Beach Has Some Of The Clearest Water In Illinois
By Melissa Mahoney|Published May 19, 2021
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and have a deep love for photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream!
When summer rolls around, many of us start thinking about where we’ll go for a swim. Lucky for us, Illinois has numerous lakes, rivers, and watering holes to cool off on a sweltering day. One place you may consider heading to in the warmer months is the beach at Three Oaks Recreation Area which has some of the clearest water to swim in. And it just so happens to be in the aptly named city of Crystal Lake.
Three Oaks Recreation Area offers everything you could ask for to have fun in the summer sun with numerous activities and amenities around a pristine lake.
The long-abandoned Vulcan Lakes Quarry was transformed into Three Oaks over the course of 20 years. Since its opening, it has become a premier place for outdoor recreation.
This is the perfect location to spend the day with friends or family. Hike one of the sandy trails, each leading to a shelter with picnic tables. Spend time on the beach and let the kids play on the splash pad and playground...
Rent a rowboat, canoe, paddleboat, sailboat, or kayak and try catch-and-release fishing here. The recreational opportunities are seemingly endless.
With such clear water, scuba diving is a great option and available to do for a fee. There is a scuba facility with three training platforms, beach access, and a private dock.
Go wakeboarding and have lunch at the restaurant at The Quarry Cable Wakeboard Park located on the North Lake. If you prefer stand-up paddleboarding, rent one at The Board House on the South Lake.
Your epic summer adventure of fun and swimming in pristine waters awaits you at the Three Oaks Recreation Area's swim beach. Bring your friends or family for a day to remember!
Are you planning to swim in the crystalline waters at Three Oaks Recreation Area this year? If you’ve been here before, please let us know about your experience.
Visit the Three Oaks Recreation Area webpage and Facebook page for more information and to plan a day trip here this summer.
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