Fort Smith Lakes

Lakes Close to Fort Smith

When the weather is right you just need to gather your family and friends and make time to be by the water. A lake vacation can be amazing for people who love the outdoors too, as they are a great way to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

There are countless great motivations for making a trip to a lake in Fort Smith during the warmer months – the water is refreshing on hot days, relaxing summer entertainment such as wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches that are ideal for working on your tan. Don’t you deserve an enjoyable getaway? Pack up your vehicle with your beach goodies and snacks then set out your next day off to find your own favorite location on a lake!

Lakes Close to Fort Smith

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

On a day trip to a lake near Fort Smith you’ll find all kinds of things to do for groups of all types. You could go for an exciting day trip or decide to stay overnight to a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to enjoy yourself more fully.

Here are some of our top picks for activities when you arrive at a Fort Smith lake:

Grab a board. If you want a little physical activity, pack up your board of choice and find yourself a lake that has a public launch and get out and soak up nature’s beauty on the waterfront.

Get a little crazy with the water sports. If you’re able to get access to a ski boat, why not get out on the water and start kicking up a wake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports skills? Hit the water and go tubing or skiing as the all sports lakes offer you a number of choices.

Have a picnic. The lakes near Fort Smith provide many excellent picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite portable delicacies, or a quick snack as you enjoy the view. Should you be with someone you want to impress, a picnic on the beach should put a smile on their face.

Checklist for a Day at the Lake

Every day at the lake will have its own requirements depending on the lake you’re heading to, what the weather is going to be, and what your perfect itinerary looks like. However, we’ve created a list for some ideas for your lake getaway so you have everything you need!

Lake basics

For a day spent on the water you will likely need to take along some of these things so that you’ll be feeling good, healthy, and enjoying your time.

  • Portable stereo
  • Food
  • Flip flops or water shoes
  • A cooler and drinks
  • Sunglasses
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • USB charger
  • Garbage bags
  • Backup clothes
  • Sunblock

More lake gear

The following items might prove useful 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.

  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Corkscrew
  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Worms or other bait
  • Tackle box
  • Life jackets
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)

Lake Safety

Yes, being on the water can make for a memorable day, safety should be top of mind. Following a few standard safety tips that can make sure that you and your family are always safe at your favorite Fort Smith lake.

  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat

More Ideas for Lake Fun

If you’re going to visit the one of a kind lakes near Fort Smith, there are a few things that can make your itinerary much more successful. Case in point, every lake has their own qualities and surroundings so it is important to consider what you need to make an enjoyable getaway when planning yours.

  1. No boat, no problem. Many lakes have nearby marinas where you can rent a boat. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Using a search engine can usually help you find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  2. Do homework on the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally beaches can get extremely crowded. If you want some space to yourself, research multiple lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, then look for the busiest, most happening beach!
  3. Make the most of the best assets in the area. When you have time for a longer getaway, find local state campgrounds and parks which give you the ability to stay in a spot that is right on top of the water without breaking the bank.