Gilbert Lakes

Lakes Near Gilbert

When the weather is right you just need to pack up and find a spot by the water. A lake vacation can be amazing for those that enjoy the outdoors too, as they are a great way to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

It doesn’t matter if you’re itching to paddleboard, get active with water skiing, go swimming, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Gilbert offer you plentiful options for outdoor activities. So what are you waiting for? Load up your vehicle with your beach goodies and a cooler then hit the road this weekend to find a brand new number one location on a lake!

Lakes Close to Gilbert

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

A day trip to the lake, or a more lengthy getaway provides an almost endless list of activities for couples or families.

Any stay at the lake gives you everything from fun to relaxation.

Pack a picnic basket. The lakes near Gilbert offer a wealth of top-notch picnic areas for you to pack up some tasty treats, or a quick snack while enjoying the scenery. Should you be with someone you want to impress, this plan is hard to beat.

Grab a board. If you want a little physical activity, load up your preferred vessel and chart your course to a lake near Gilbert that has a boat launch and get out and soak up the scenery in all it’s glory.

Water sports. If you’re able to get access to a fast boat, why not get out on the water and start zipping around the lake showing off your water sports skills? Enjoy a day of wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the local lakes give you a number of options.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

A lake day itinerary can honestly be all over the map when you take into consideration which lake you choose, the season, and what you want to do while you’re there. For your convenience we’ve assembled a rundown of popular lake items for you to use as a checklist to make sure you cover your bases.

General items

For a day spent on the water you’ll probably want to bring many of the things in our list below to make sure you’re safe, healthy, and enjoying your time.

  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Beach blanket
  • Bug spray
  • Bottle opener
  • Travel dinnerware and cups
  • Sunblock
  • Sweatpants and sweatshirt
  • Radio or speaker
  • Snacks
  • Swimsuits

More lake stuff

Take into consideration your planned activities at the lake and who will be in your entourage, the following items will likely be helpful and worth a quick spot check before hitting the road.

  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Tackle box
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Corkscrew
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Fishing gear

Staying Safe on a Lake

Yes, being on the water can make for a memorable day, safety should be top of mind. Following a few standard safety tips that can ensure that your whole group stays safe while around the lake.

  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land

More Gilbert Lake Tips

Few people get the opportunity to visit the lakes near Gilbert and likely have some questions on ways to maximize their fun. Obviously, no matter where you go each lake will have their own character and surroundings, but here are a few things to review while assembling your itinerary which could help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. Maximize the best assets in the area. When there’s time for a longer trip, find local state campgrounds and parks that offer the option to stay near or even on the water without breaking the bank.
  2. No boat, no problem. Many lakes have nearby marinas where you can rent a boat. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a day of watersports. Asking a local will typically allow you to find a marina that has what you need.
  3. Do homework on the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, sometimes the beaches near Gilbert may be packed with tourists. To find more space to yourself, do some digging on multiple nearby beaches and lakes 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 sandy party scene!