Whitewater Lake

Walworth County, Wisconsin, USA

Surrounded by rolling glacial hills and thick forests, it’s a favorite destination for boating, fishing, and year-round outdoor recreation.

705 acres

Surface Area

42 ft

Max Depth

10 miles

Shoreline

1946-47

Created

Photo Courtesy of Lake Home Info, LLC

Robert Sivek

Waterfront Specialist - NextHome Success

As a Whitewater Lake expert and Waterfront Specialist with NextHome Success, I combine years of experience with a genuine love for lake life. I’m here to guide you through every step of finding your perfect home on the water.

630-774-4640

Robert@LakehomeInfo.com

www.Lakehomeinfo.com

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About Whitewater Lake

Whitewater Lake lies about five miles southeast of the city of Whitewater in Walworth County. Created in 1946 by merging several smaller kettle lakes, it now covers 705 acres with a maximum depth of 42 feet and a mean depth of 8.3 feet. The lake is spring- and seepage-fed, contributing to its stable water level and excellent clarity throughout much of the year.

Home to roughly 350 lakefront properties, the lake blends residential comfort with natural beauty. Surrounding forests, rolling glacial hills, and nearby state forest trails make it an ideal destination for boating, swimming, hiking, and year-round outdoor recreation. While Rice Lake lies just to the north and connects via a culvert, it’s not navigable without portage. Together they’re often referred to as the Whitewater–Rice Lakes, sharing the same lake management district and property owners’ association.

Key Features

Swimming Areas

Boating & Water Sports

Fishing (Diverse Species)

Marinas & Boat Services

Natureland County Park

Picnic Areas & Outdoor Leisure

Minimal Water Level Fluctuation

Wildlife Viewing

Quick facts (at-a-glance)

Surface Area: 705 acres
Maximum Depth: 42 feet
Lake Type: Spring- and seepage-fed
Elevation: 869 feet above sea level
Water Source: Groundwater inflow, rainfall, and small creeks
County: Walworth County, Wisconsin
Public Access: Two public boat launches and a public beach
Fish Species: Largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye, bluegill, crappie, and yellow perch
Surrounding Region: Kettle Moraine State Forest (Southern Unit)
Nearby Town: Whitewater, Wisconsin
Lakefront Homes: 350 lakefront properties

Whitewater Lake Vacation Homes For Rent

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Whitewater Lake EVENT GUIDE

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Whitewater Lake DINING GUIDE

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What you can do there

Swimming & Relaxation: The lake’s public beach offers shallow, sandy areas ideal for families. Lifeguard-patrolled in summer, it includes picnic tables, grills, and restroom facilities. The clean, calm water makes it perfect for floating, swimming, and paddleboarding.

Boating & Water Sports: Boating is a major draw, with two well-maintained public ramps and a nearby marina offering rentals for pontoons, kayaks, and fishing boats. Jet skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing are popular, while quiet morning paddles provide a tranquil way to explore the shoreline.

Fishing: Whitewater Lake supports a healthy fishery of largemouth bass, walleye, northern pike, and panfish. Anglers can fish from shore, piers, or boats, and ice fishing is a winter tradition. Local tournaments and the annual “Fish-A-Ree” event keep the angling community active year-round.

Nature & Wildlife Viewing: The surrounding forest and wetlands attract sandhill cranes, herons, otters, and white-tailed deer. Early mornings are ideal for birdwatching along the Natureland County Park trails or from a kayak drifting near the cattail edges.

Hiking & Biking: Trails in the Kettle Moraine State Forest connect directly to the lake area, offering miles of scenic hiking and cycling routes, including sections of the famed Ice Age Trail.

Access, marinas & ramps

Public Boat Launches: Two DNR-maintained ramps are available—one near State Park Drive and another off Whitewater Lake Road—both offering ample parking for trailers. A Wisconsin State Park vehicle sticker may be required for entry.

Public Beach Access: The Whitewater Lake Beach (N7660 State Park Dr) features sandy shoreline, restrooms, and picnic shelters. It’s one of the most family-friendly swimming areas in southeastern Wisconsin.

Marina & Rentals: Local marina services near the beach provide rentals for pontoons, kayaks, paddleboards, and fishing gear. Fuel, supplies, and seasonal boat slips are also available.

Shoreline Parks & Access Points: Besides the beach and landings, Natureland County Park and the nearby Clover Valley segment of Kettle Moraine offer additional walking and lake-view access points.

Safety & regulations

Slow-No-Wake Rule: Boats must operate at slow-no-wake speed from 7 p.m. (or sunset) to 9 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays (and their eves). Maintain slow-no-wake within 100 feet of shorelines, piers, swimmers, anchored boats, and marked buoys at all times.
Skiing / Tubing / Wakeboarding: Allowed only from 9 a.m. to sunset. All boats towing must travel counterclockwise and carry a competent observer in addition to the operator.
Personal Watercraft (PWC) Rules: Operators must be 16+ with boater-safety certification. Maintain at least 100 ft from other vessels and 200 ft from shore when traveling above slow speed.
Swimming from Boats: Permitted only within 25 ft of an anchored boat. Long-distance swimming requires a support boat with life ring or trained observer.
Lighting & Night Operation: Navigation lights required between sunset and sunrise; after dark, use caution in no-wake zones.
Environmental Stewardship: All boaters must inspect and clean equipment before launching to prevent the spread of invasive species.

Gallery

Nearby highlights & suggested day trips

Rice Lake: A 167-acre companion lake located just north of Whitewater Lake. Though not navigable without portage, it shares the same management district and homeowners association, forming the broader Whitewater–Rice Lakes community.
Kettle Moraine State Forest: Just steps away from the lake, this vast protected area offers hiking, biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing trails. The Ice Age Trail runs nearby, showcasing glacial formations and sweeping overlooks.
Natureland County Park: Located on the lake’s west side, this county park provides picnic shelters, nature trails, and scenic viewpoints—an ideal place to spend a quiet afternoon.
City of Whitewater: Only a 10-minute drive away, Whitewater offers charming restaurants, shops, coffeehouses, and cultural attractions tied to the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater campus.
Day Trip Options: Within 30–40 minutes, visitors can reach Lake Geneva, Delavan Lake, or Janesville for additional lake adventures, shopping, or dining.

Events & community

The Whitewater–Rice Lake Management District oversees both lakes, handling water quality, safety, and shoreline management. The Greater Whitewater Lake Property Owner’s Association (GWLPOA) connects more than 400 lakefront residents through cleanup events, educational workshops, and seasonal celebrations. Annual favorites include the “Fish-A-Ree,” boating safety courses, and summer fireworks over the water. The community prides itself on preserving the natural beauty and neighborly spirit of the Whitewater–Rice Lakes area.