Dothan Lakes

Lakes Near Dothan

Every once in a while you just need to spend some time by the water. A lake getaway can be amazing for people that enjoy getting outside too, as they are a great way to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

Whether you’re looking to paddleboard, buzz around doing watersports, go swimming, or work on your tan, the lakes near Dothan offer you numerous beautiful locations for outdoor fun. So what are you waiting for? Pack up the car with your beach goodies and a picnic basket then make the trip on your next vacation and discover your own number one spot on the water!

Lakes Near Dothan

Lake Activities

A day trip to the lake, or a more lengthy getaway gives you an almost limitless list of things to do for families, couples, or even those seeking some quiet time.

Let’s look at some of the options available to you when you arrive at a lake near Dothan:

Have a picnic. The lakes near Dothan provide all sorts of top-notch picnic areas for you to pack up some portable delicacies, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy while enjoying the scenery. For a romantic evening, a picnic on the beach should be suitably romantic.

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. If you want a little physical activity, load up your preferred vessel and find yourself a lake near Dothan that has a public boat launch you can use and start paddling around to enjoy nature’s beauty on the waterfront.

Catch some fish. For anglers, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re drifting behind a trolling motor or standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.

Checklist for a Day at the Lake

Your plan for a lake getaway can be drastically different when you take into consideration which lake you’re going to, the time of year, the weather, and the activities on your to-do list. However, we’ve put together a list of some of the most common go-to items that you can use as a checklist prior to locking up the house and heading out.

Lake basics

For a day spent on the water it makes a lot of sense to bring many of the things in our list below so that you’ll be safe, comfortable, and getting the most out of your getaway.

  • A blanket or sheet
  • Food and snacks
  • UV protection
  • Travel dinnerware and cups
  • Bathing suits
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Tennis shoes
  • Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)
  • Insect repellant
  • Portable phone charger

More lake stuff

The following items could be helpful for getaways to the lake depending on what you’ll be doing. You may want to double check some of these so you’re not missing something critical.

  • Worms or other bait
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Books
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Wine key
  • Your tackle box
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Life jackets

Lake Safety

Of course a day to the lake can provide tons of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. A day on the lake means safety first so here are some important safety tips.

  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong

More Dothan Lake Tips

Few people get a chance to visit the amazing lakes around Dothan and likely have a few questions regarding planning. Certainly, any body of water will have their own character and surroundings, but you should keep in mind a few things to review when assembling your itinerary that might help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. Pay attention to the beaches. Depending on the time of year, occasionally the beaches near Dothan can get very crowded. If you want a little more privacy, do some digging on a variety of lakes and beaches to see if you can find one that’s less crowded if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, then look for the busiest, most happening beach!
  2. Rent a boat. It’s common that lakes will have local marinas where you can rent a boat. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or a wild day of wakeboarding. Using a search engine can usually allow you to locate options for renting the perfect boat.
  3. Make the most of unique assets in the area. When you have time for a longer getaway, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the option to camp right on the water at an affordable price.