We're blessed with miles and miles of lake and riverfront here in our beautiful state. Those long winters make us antsy for warm weather and help us to enjoy every second of our few short months of summer.

So there's nothing worse than gearing up for a gorgeous day out only to have it ruined by a totally overcrowded beach where folks step on your towel, interrupt your nap and generally are disruptive. So instead of heading to the most popular beaches in the state, why not find a lesser-known or more secluded place to soak up the sun before cooling of in the water.

1. Beckman Lake - Browntown

A great option near the Illinois border, this place is a definite oasis in an area not known for it's lakes and rivers. Located in Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area at N2241 Cadiz Springs Rd, Browntown, WI 53522.

2. Buck Lake - Rhinelander

This crystal clear spring-fed lake is an awesome place to spend the day Bring a picnic and warm up in the sun before you slip into the cool water. Located at Almon Park at 3540 Hixon Lake Rd, Rhinelander, WI 54501.

3. Lake of the Dalles - St. Croix Falls

Just a few miles from the St. Croix River, this lake in a very popular state park is a definite hidden gem. Just 12 feet deep, it's perfect for a lazy summer afternoon. Located in Interstate State Park at WI-35, St Croix Falls, WI 54024.

4. Lions Beach - Janesville

Popular locally but not well-known outside of town, this beach has been welcoming visitors for decades. Right next to the Botanical Garden, you can make a day of it. Located at 1401 Palmer Dr

Janesville, WI 53545.

5. Pike Lake - Hartford

The various Kettle Moraine units are popular for hiking, but few know this gorgeous beach is located a short drive north of Milwaukee. Last weekend we saw kayakers, swimmers and wind-surfers taking advantage. Work up a sweat on the trails than cool off with a dip. Located in the Kettle Moraine State Forest at 3544 Kettle Moraine Rd, Hartford, WI 53027.

6. Big Foot Beach - Lake Geneva

Not that there's a quiet spot anywhere around this super popular lake, but you can avoid a lot of the crowds at the city's public beaches by heading to this state park, instead. Located at 1452 S Wells St, Lake Geneva, WI 53147

7. Klode Park - Whitefish Bay

Racine's North Beach and Milwaukee's Bradford Beach are the most popular Lake Michigan access points in southeast Wisconsin, but there are actually quite a few parks along the coast here with smaller beaches that folks seem to forget about. Klode has a huge cliff and a windy, steep path down, but it's worth the trek to feel like you've stolen away to a private strip of beach just outside the city. Located at 5900 North Lake Dr

Whitefish Bay, WI 53217.

8. Atwater Beach - Shorewood

Similar to Klode, this is a beach just north of downtown that offers access to the lake with a lot less crowds. The view from the top of the bluff is always stunning. Located at 4000 N Lake Dr

Shorewood, WI 53211.

9. Alma Beach - Alma

Lifeguards, showers, a boat launch and a gorgeous sandy beach are just some of the reasons this is actually one of the best swimming spots in the state. Right along the MIssissippi River, you'll love everything this place has to offer. Located at 125 Beach Harbor Rd, Alma, WI 54610.

10. Friendship Lake - Adams/Friendship

This lake was formed by a damn and there's a public beach right off Main Street, downtown, that gives you access. Located on N Main St., Friendship, WI 53934.

11. Sunset Lake - Amherst

Popular with the locals, but less well-known otherwise, this place has everything you could need for a perfect day at the beach, including picnic tables and grills. Located at 1092 Sunset Lake Road

Amherst, WI 54406.

12. Crescent Beach - Algoma

There's a .5 mile long boardwalk along the beach and there's a pierhead lighthouse to add ambiance. A gorgeous, quaint little place to take a dip. Located at 1025 Lake St, Algoma, WI 54201.

Looking for another less-popular option for beating the heat? Check out Make Your Summer Epic With A Visit To This Hidden Wisconsin Water Park.