Chapel Hill Lakes

Lakes Near Chapel Hill

When the weather is right you should spend some time near the water. As it turns out, when you visit Chapel Hill you have some great spots for spending time on the lake.

Whether you’re itching to float in a tube with a book, partake in some water skiing, go swimming, or work on your tan, the lakes near Chapel Hill offer you numerous beautiful locations for outdoor activities. The time is now! Load up the car with your fishing gear and snacks then hit the road your next day off to find your own number one location on the water!

Lakes Near Chapel Hill

Lake Activities

A quick excursion to a lake, or a longer getaway offers a nearly 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 lake near Chapel Hill:

Grab a board. If you want a little physical activity, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and find yourself a lake that has a boat launch and start paddling around to enjoy the scenery on the waterfront.

Get a little crazy with the water sports. Should you be able to get access to a speed boat, why not spend the day kicking up a wake showing off your water sports skills? Take the family out for some wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the local lakes provide you with several choices.

Have a picnic. Chapel Hill’s lakes gives you the chance to visit all sorts of great picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite tasty treats, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy as you enjoy the view. If you’re with that special someone, this plan should put a smile on their face.

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can vary quite a bit when you take into consideration which lake you choose, when you decide to go, and what you want to do while you’re there. For your convenience we’ve put together a list of popular go-to necessities that you can use as a checklist for your getaway.

Common lake items

If the plan is to be in the sun for the majority of the day, the list below is a good starting point for essentials that you’ll be happy to have on hand.

  • Portable stereo
  • Sunblock
  • Insect repellant
  • USB charger
  • Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • Beach blanket
  • Swimsuits
  • Garbage bags
  • A picnic basket

Additional lake gear

Consider the itinerary for the day and what your party looks like, the list of gear could make your day more enjoyable and worth packing prior to departure.

  • Something to read
  • Corkscrew
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Tackle box
  • Goggles or masks
  • Games for the beach
  • Rafts and floaties
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Worms or other bait
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing

Lake Safety

While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, failing to follow some simple safety rules can make things turn tragic in a hurry. The following safety measures can ensure that your whole group remains safe while around the lake.

  • 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
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning

Some More Tips

Not everyone has had a chance to visit the amazing lakes around Chapel Hill and might have a lot of 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 assembling your itinerary which could help put together a trip your whole family will remember.

  1. Maximize unique local resources. When there’s time for a longer trip, look for 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 nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a day of watersports. Asking a local can usually allow you to locate options for renting the perfect boat.
  3. Do homework on the beaches. Depending on the time of year, occasionally beaches can get extremely crowded. If you want more space to yourself, do some digging on a variety of 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 popular sandy party scene!