Valley Junction Lakes

Lakes Near Valley Junction

Every once in a while you just need to gather your family and friends and make time to be by the water. Fortunately, when you come to Valley Junction you have quite a few options when it comes to spending time on the lake.

Whether you’re seeking to float in a tube with a book, get active with wakeboarding, go swimming, or just lounge at the beach, the lakes near Valley Junction provide you with lots of opportunities for aquatic adventures. Has there ever been a better time? Load up the car with sunscreen and a cooler then set out on your next vacation to find your own favorite spot on a lake!

Lakes Close to Valley Junction

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

When you visit a lake near Valley Junction you’ll find all kinds of things to do for families, couples, or with a group of friends. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or decide to stay overnight to a hotel on the beach to enjoy yourself more fully.

Any stay on or in the water offers you all the options from partying to restful bliss.

Get in the water. The swimming lakes near Valley Junction offer tons of fun for the big kids and little ones, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want in between working on their tan. If you want to spend time swimming and on the beach you’ll want to be sure your lake has a nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on before you make the trip! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a magnificent public beach on a lake near Valley Junction!

Grab a board. For those in search of some exercise, pack up your board of choice and find yourself a lake near Valley Junction with a boat launch and get out and soak up the scenery in all it’s glory.

Fishing. For anglers, 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 out on a boat 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 depending on which lake you choose, the weather forecast, and what you want to do while you’re there. To make things easier we’ve put together a list of our favorite lake items for you to use as a checklist prior to locking up the house and heading out.

Lake basics

If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for the majority of the weekend, the list below should be a good starting point for essentials that you’ll be happy to have on hand.

  • Dry shirt
  • Snacks
  • A receptacle for trash
  • A fully stocked cooler
  • Sunscreen
  • Towels
  • Travel dinnerware and cups
  • Bug spray
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • USB charger

Additional lake stuff

Depending on the itinerary when at the water and what your party looks like, the following items could make your day more enjoyable and worth packing prior to leaving.

  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Tackle box
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Toys for the beach
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Rafts for the kids
  • Wine key
  • Your favorite magazine or book

Staying Safe on a Lake

Yes, being on the water can make for a memorable day, it’s important that you remember to keep safety top of mind. Here are some general tips that should ensure that your whole group stays safe on the water.

  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Always swim with a buddy

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Valley Junction

Some people may not get the opportunity to visit the amazing lakes around Valley Junction and likely have some questions regarding planning. Obviously, any body of water is going to have unique qualities and surroundings, but you should keep in mind a handful of items to review when planning that might help put together a trip your whole family will remember.

  1. Make the most of the best assets in the area. When you have time for a longer trip, look for local state campgrounds and parks that offer the option to stay near or even on the water for a reasonable price.
  2. Pay attention to the beaches. Depending on the time of year, occasionally the beaches near Valley Junction might be extremely busy. If you want a little more privacy, research a variety of nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, search out the biggest, most happening beach!
  3. Rent a boat. It’s common that lakes will have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy fishing with family and friends or tubing with the kids. Doing a quick Google search can usually allow you to locate options for renting the perfect boat.