Fairbanks Lakes

Lakes Near Fairbanks

It’s summertime so it’s time to plan your next family vacation. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Fairbanks. A lake vacation can be wonderful for people who love getting outside too, as they are a great way to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to float in a tube with a book, get active with water skiing, go swimming, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Fairbanks offer you numerous beautiful locations for outdoor activities. Don’t you deserve an enjoyable getaway? Pack up your vehicle with your fishing gear and snacks then make the trip on your next vacation to find a brand new number one location on a lake!

Nearby Lakes for Fairbanks

Things to Do at the Lake

When you visit a lake near Fairbanks there are many things to do for groups of all types. You could go for an exciting day trip or take a longer vacation to a hotel on the beach to make for a bigger, better getaway.

Now we’ll run down a list of some of the best things to do when you make your way to a lake near Fairbanks:

Water sports. If you’ve got access to a ski boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of flying around the water demonstrating your athleticism and water sports expertise? Hit the water and go wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the local lakes provide you with several options.

Fishing. For anglers, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re out on a boat or fishing from shore.

Have a picnic. The lakes near Fairbanks offer many great picnic areas for you to pack up some portable delicacies, or something as simple as crackers and cheese and a cold beverage as you enjoy the view. For a romantic evening, a picnic on the beach should be suitably romantic.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

Every day at the lake will have its own requirements based on which lake you go to, what the weather is going to be, what your goals are for the getaway. For your benefit, we took the time to make a list that will give some ideas for your lake getaway so there’s nothing to stress over!

The basics

When the plan is to be outdoors for the vast majority of the day, the list below is a good starting point when it comes to the necessities you are likely to need.

  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • Swimsuits
  • Food and snacks
  • Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Portable stereo
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Sweatshirt and sweatpants
  • Sunblock
  • Proper footwear

Specialty lake items

The following items might prove useful for getaways to the lake considering your itinerary. You may want to double check some of these before heading out.

  • Games for the beach
  • Something to read
  • Life jackets
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Corkscrew
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Rafts and floaties

Staying Safe on a Lake

While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near Fairbanks, it’s important that you remember to keep safety top of mind. The following safety protocols can ensure that everyone stays safe while around the lake.

  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Fairbanks

Not everyone has had a chance to visit the lakes near Fairbanks and might have some questions regarding planning. Clearly, no matter where you go each lake will have unique qualities and trappings, but it’s worth noting a few things to look into when planning that might help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. Make the most of unique assets in the area. When you have time for a lengthier trip, find local state campgrounds and parks that offer the ability to stay right on the water for a reasonable price.
  2. No boat, no problem. Many lakes have local marinas where you can rent a boat. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Doing a quick Google search can usually help you locate options for renting the perfect boat.
  3. Do homework on the beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes beaches may be very busy. To find a little more privacy, 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 biggest, most popular beach!