Best Lakes for Swimming Near Madison
Wisconsin
12 swimming lakes within driving distance of Madison, Wisconsin, ranked by water quality and swimming-specific filters. Filtered for grade A or B water quality, low algae (chlorophyll-a under 15 µg/L), and public access. Always check local advisories on the day you swim.
| # | Lake | County | Grade | Distance | Clarity | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Salmo Pond | Dane | A | 15 mi | 30.2 ft | - |
| 2 | Stewart Lake | Dane | A | 17.5 mi | 19.7 ft | 12 ft |
| 3 | Hope Lake | Jefferson | A | 21.4 mi | 26.2 ft | 24 ft |
| 4 | Rock Lake | Jefferson | A | 23.7 mi | 39.4 ft | 60 ft |
| 5 | Clear Lake | Rock | A | 28.7 mi | 123 ft | - |
| 6 | Devils Lake | Sauk | A | 29 mi | 34.9 ft | 47 ft |
| 7 | Lake Ripley | Jefferson | A | 21.2 mi | 27.9 ft | 44 ft |
| 8 | Lake Mendota | Dane | B | 2 mi | 18 ft | 83 ft |
| 9 | Red Cedar Lake | Jefferson | B | 21.9 mi | 13.1 ft | - |
| 10 | Lake Wingra | Dane | B | 1.8 mi | 13.1 ft | 14 ft |
| 11 | Lake Waubesa | Dane | B | 6.3 mi | 10.3 ft | 38 ft |
| 12 | Lake Kegonsa | Dane | B | 10.9 mi | 12.3 ft | 32 ft |