Potomac Lakes

Lakes Near Potomac

Every once in a while you just need to pack up and find a spot near the water. Fortunately, when you make a trip to Potomac you have quite a few great spots for getting on, or in the water.

Whether you’re itching to go kayaking, partake in some watersports, swim, or work on your tan, the lakes near Potomac offer you lots of options for outdoor adventures. The time is now! Load up the car with sunscreen and snacks then set out on your next vacation to find your own number one spot on the water!

Lakes Close to Potomac

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

A day trip, or a longer trip provides an almost endless list of things to do for families or couples.

Now we’ll run down a list of some of the best things to do when you arrive at a Potomac lake:

Get in the water. Finding a swimming lake near Potomac will offer all kinds of fun and excitement for the big kids and little ones, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between getting that perfect golden tan. If you want to spend time swimming and on the beach you’ll want to be sure your lake has a sandy beach and a designated swimming area prior to packing the car and the family! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a magnificent public beach!

Picnic time. The lakes near Potomac provide many excellent picnic areas for you to pack up some culinary delights, or something as simple as crackers and cheese and a cold beverage by the water. For a romantic evening, this plan should put a smile on their face.

Catch some fish. For those that love to fish, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water 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.

Lake Getaway Prep

A day at the lake can be very different based on the lake you’re heading to, what time of year it is, and what your perfect itinerary looks like. While every trip is its own animal, we’ve created a list that will give some ideas for your watery excursion so you have everything you need!

General items

If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for most of the day, the following list of items should be a good place to start for essentials you are likely to need.

  • Something to eat
  • Tennis shoes
  • Something to dry off with
  • Sweatshirt and sweatpants
  • Travel dinnerware and cups
  • Bathing suits
  • Sunglasses
  • Radio or speaker
  • Beach blanket
  • Bug spray

Additional lake gear

Depending on the itinerary for the day and your guests, the list of gear could make your day more enjoyable and worth a quick spot check before you make the trip.

  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Tackle box
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Rafts and floaties
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Bait
  • Corkscrew
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Fishing and boating licenses

Lake Safety

While spending a weekend on your favorite body of water should be tons of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. If you’re going to be out on the water here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.

  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • 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

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Potomac

When you make a trip to the beautiful lakes around Potomac, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that can make your weekend gameplan much more rewarding. Case in point, every lake near Potomac has their own qualities and surroundings which makes it important to think about what you need to make an unforgettable trip as you plan yours.

  1. Make the most of the best assets in the area. When you have time for a lengthier getaway, find local state parks and recreation areas which give you the option to stay near or even on the water at an affordable price.
  2. Rent a boat. Many lakes have local marinas that offer boat rentals. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a day of watersports. Using a search engine can usually allow you to find a marina that has what you need.
  3. Research your beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes beaches could be extremely busy. If you want more space to yourself, research multiple lakes in the area to see if you can find one that’s less crowded to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, search out the biggest, most popular beach!