Carmel Lakes

Lakes Near Carmel

When the weather is right you just need to gather your family and friends and make time to be near the water. Fortunately, when you come to Carmel you have quite a few options when it comes to spending time on the lake.

There are numerous brilliant arguments for a getaway to a lake in Carmel during the warmer months – the water is refreshing on hot days, relaxing summer activities such as paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches that are ideal for working on your tan. The time is now! Pack up your vehicle with sunscreen and a picnic basket then hit the road this weekend and discover your own favorite spot on a lake!

Nearby Lakes for Carmel

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

A day trip, or a more lengthy trip gives you a nearly endless list of things to do for families, couples, or even those looking for some quiet time.

Any stay at the lake gives you all the options from partying to restful bliss.

Start paddling. For those in search of some exercise, load up your preferred vessel and find yourself a lake with a public launch and get out and soak up the scenery on the waterfront.

Partake in some water sports. Should you be able to get access to a ski boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of kicking up a wake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports expertise? Take the family out for some wakeboarding or knee boarding as the all sports lakes provide you with several options.

Go for a swim. The swimming lakes near Carmel provide tons of fun for the kids, 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 nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on before you make the trip! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool just isn’t as much fun as a beautiful public beach on a lake near Carmel!

Lake Getaway Prep

Every day at the lake will have its own requirements depending on which lake you go to, when you go, what your goals are for the getaway. For your benefit, we’ve created a list for some ideas for your next trip to a lake near Carmel to ensure nothing gets forgotten!

Lake basics

If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for most of the vacation, our list of provisions below should be a good place to start for essentials to have on hand.

  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Bug spray
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Food and snacks
  • A cooler and drinks
  • Swimsuits
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • A blanket or sheet
  • USB charger

Additional lake items

The list of items below might prove useful for getaways to the lake considering your itinerary. It’s also worth checking before heading out.

  • Goggles or masks
  • Games for the beach
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Books
  • Your tackle box
  • Legal flotation devices
  • Worms or other bait
  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Wine key
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes

Staying Safe on a Lake

Yes, being on the water can make for a memorable day, failing to follow some simple safety rules can make things turn tragic in a hurry. These safety tips should make sure that everyone remains safe while around the lake.

  • Always swim with a buddy
  • 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
  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding

More Carmel Lake Tips

Few people get the opportunity to visit the lakes near Carmel and might have a lot of questions on ways to maximize their fun. Obviously, each lake near Carmel will possess unique qualities and trappings, but here are a couple key points to look into while making plans which could help put together a trip your whole family will remember.

  1. Rent a boat. It’s common that lakes will have local marinas where you can rent a boat. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Using a search engine can typically allow you to find options for renting the perfect boat.
  2. Pay attention to the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally beaches can get extremely crowded. To find a little more privacy, research multiple lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, search out the biggest, most popular beach!
  3. Maximize the best local resources. When you have time for a lengthier stay, find local state parks and recreation areas which give you the ability to camp directly on the water at an affordable price.