Amherst Lakes

Lakes Near Amherst

Every once in a while you should gather your family and friends and make time to be near the water. A lake vacation is wonderful for those that enjoy wildlife too, because they offer opportunities to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

It doesn’t matter if you’re itching to paddleboard, partake in some water skiing, swim, or work on your tan, the lakes near Amherst offer you plentiful beautiful locations for outdoor adventures. Don’t you deserve an enjoyable getaway? Load up your vehicle with your beach goodies and a cooler then make the trip on your next vacation and discover a brand new favorite spot on a lake!

Nearby Lakes for Amherst

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

When you visit a lake near Amherst there are many things to do for people of all persuasions. You could go for an exciting day trip or decide to stay overnight to a hotel or AirBnB to enjoy yourself more fully.

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

Fishing. For anglers, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot 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.

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. If you like to paddle around, load up your preferred vessel and chart your course to a lake that has a public launch and start paddling around to enjoy nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.

Get a little crazy with the water sports. Should you be able to get access to a speed boat, why not get out on the water and start flying around the water demonstrating your athleticism and water sports expertise? Enjoy a day of wakeboarding or knee boarding as the lakes near Amherst provide you with all kinds of options.

Lake Checklist

Your plan for a lake getaway can be drastically different when you take into consideration which lake you’re going to, the season, and what you want to do while you’re there. However, we’ve assembled a rundown of popular lake items for you to use as a checklist for your getaway.

The basics

When you’re out on a lake near Amherst you’ll probably want to bring several of the items below to make sure you’re safe, healthy, and enjoying your time.

  • A blanket or sheet
  • Portable phone charger
  • Snacks
  • A receptacle for trash
  • Towels
  • Swimsuits
  • Flip flops or water shoes
  • Backup clothes
  • Bug spray
  • A sunhat or glasses

Specialty lake items

Take into consideration the itinerary when at the water and what your party looks like, the following items might also prove useful and adding to your checklist before hitting the road.

  • Wine key
  • Toys for the beach
  • Tackle box
  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Life jackets
  • Fishing gear
  • Bait
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Fishing and boating licenses

Staying Safe on a Lake

While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, it’s important that you remember to keep safety top of mind. These safety tips should ensure that you and your family remains safe on the water.

  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat

Some More Tips

Not everyone has had the opportunity to visit the amazing lakes around Amherst and might have a few questions regarding planning. Obviously, each lake near Amherst will have unique qualities and trappings, but you should keep in mind a handful of items to look into while assembling your itinerary that might help put together a trip your whole family will remember.

  1. No boat, no problem. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas that offer boat rentals. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a wild day of wakeboarding. Asking a local will usually help you find a marina that has what you need.
  2. Do homework on the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, sometimes the beaches near Amherst may be swarmed with tourists. If you want some space to yourself, do some digging on a variety of lakes in the area to see if you can find one that’s less crowded if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the busiest, most popular sandy party scene!
  3. Make the most of unique local resources. When you have time for a longer getaway, find local state parks and recreation areas which give you the option to stay near or even on the water for a reasonable price.