Scottsdale Lakes

Lakes Close to Scottsdale

The weather is warm and that means it’s time to start planning your upcoming grand getaway. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Scottsdale. Lucky for you, when you visit Scottsdale you have lots of options when it comes to getting on, or in the water.

It doesn’t matter if you’re seeking to paddleboard, buzz around doing wakeboarding, swim, or just lounge at the beach, the lakes near Scottsdale offer you plentiful beautiful locations for aquatic fun. Take a look at the data directly beneath this paragraph and see your nearby locations including small lakes with beaches to larger lakes for you to visit.

Lakes Close to Scottsdale

Lake Activities

When you visit a lake near Scottsdale there are many things to do for families and couples. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or make it a long weekend to a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to make the most of your time unwinding.

Any stay on or in the water gives you everything from fun to relaxation.

Go fishing. For anglers, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re roaming the lake in a killer fishing boat or fishing from shore.

Get a little crazy with the water sports. Should you be able to get access to a ski 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.

Get in the water. Finding a swimming lake near Scottsdale will offer all kinds of fun and excitement for the big kids and little ones, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want in between working on their tan. Make sure to do your research and verify that your lake has a sandy beach and a designated swimming area prior to packing the car and the family! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool just isn’t as much fun as a glorious public beach on a lake near Scottsdale!

Checklist for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can be very different based on the lake you’re heading to, what the weather is going to be, or if there are any activities planned. However, we took the time to make a list for some ideas for your next summer trip so there’s nothing to stress over!

General items

For a day spent on the water it makes a lot of sense to take many of the things in our list below to make sure you’re safe, comfortable, and relaxed.

  • Sunscreen
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Bathing suits
  • Sunglasses
  • Sweatpants and sweatshirt
  • Snacks
  • Bottle opener
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Insect repellant
  • Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)

Additional lake stuff

The list of items below can make your life easier for trips to the lake based on your plans. You may want to double check some of these before heading out.

  • Legal flotation devices
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Wine key
  • Tackle box
  • Toys for the beach
  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Bait
  • Rafts for the kids
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes

Lake Safety Checklist

Yes, being on the water can make for a memorable day, safety should be top of mind. These safety protocols should make sure that your whole group are always safe at your favorite Scottsdale lake.

  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • 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
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding

More Scottsdale Lake Tips

If you’re going to visit the beautiful lakes around Scottsdale, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that might make your trip plan much more rewarding. As an example, each lake is going to have unique qualities and surroundings so it is important to think about what will make for a memorable adventure when planning yours.

  1. Make the most of the best assets in the area. When you have time for a longer getaway, look for local state campgrounds and parks which give you the ability to stay near or even on the water for a reasonable price.
  2. Find a marina. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or tubing with the kids. Asking a local will typically allow you to find a marina that has what you need.
  3. Research your beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally beaches may be extremely busy. To find a little more privacy, research a variety of nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, then look for the busiest, most happening beach!