Tempe Lakes

Lakes Close to Tempe

The weather is warm and that means it’s time to plan your next family vacation. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Tempe. A lake vacation can be perfect for those that enjoy getting outside too, because they offer opportunities to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

Whether you’re looking to float in a tube with a book, get active with water skiing, swim, or just lounge at the beach, the lakes near Tempe offer you lots of beautiful locations for aquatic activities. Has there ever been a better time? Load up the car with your beach goodies and a picnic basket then make the trip this weekend to find your own favorite location on the water!

Lakes Near Tempe

Lake Activities

A day trip, or a more lengthy trip offers an almost limitless amount of stuff for families, couples, or even those seeking some quality alone time.

A day, weekend, or a week at the lake gives you everything from fun to relaxation.

Get in the water. The swimming lakes near Tempe offer all kinds of fun for the big kids and little ones, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between working on their 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! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool just isn’t as much fun as a beautiful public beach!

Water sports. If you’re able to get access to a fast boat, why not get out on the water and start flying around the water showing off your water sports expertise? Hit the water and go wakeboarding or knee boarding as the lakes near Tempe offer you a number of choices.

Fishing. For those that love to fish, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re out on a boat or tossing a line in from the dock.

Lake Checklist

A day at the lake can vary quite a bit depending on the specific lake you’ll be visiting, the weather forecast, and what you want to do while you’re there. However, we’ve put together a list of some of the most common lake necessities for you to use as a checklist for your getaway.

Common lake items

When the plan is to be outdoors for the majority of the weekend, the following list of items is a good place to start when it comes to the necessities that you’ll be happy to have on hand.

  • Sunglasses
  • A cooler with water bottles
  • Bathing suits
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • Insect repellant
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Snacks
  • Tennis shoes
  • Dry shirt
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices

Specialty lake items

The list of items below might prove useful for excursions to the lake considering your itinerary. You may want to double check for some of these so you’re not missing something critical.

  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Something to read
  • Tackle box
  • Toys for the beach
  • Fishing gear
  • Worms or other bait
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Corkscrew

Staying Safe on a Lake

While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near Tempe, failing to follow some simple safety rules can make things turn tragic in a hurry. Following a few standard safety tips that can make sure that everyone are always safe while around the lake.

  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Don’t swim alone
  • 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

Some More Tips

When you make a trip to the one of a kind lakes near Tempe, there are a few things that can make your itinerary far more rewarding. As an example, each individual lake near Tempe has their own qualities which makes it important to think about what will make for an unforgettable getaway when planning yours.

  1. No boat, no problem. It’s common that lakes will have local marinas that offer boat rentals. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or a wild day of wakeboarding. Asking a local can typically allow you to find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  2. Pay attention to the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, sometimes beaches might be packed with tourists. If you want some more peace and quiet, research a variety of lakes in the area to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the busiest, most popular sandy party scene!
  3. Make the most of unique assets in the area. When there’s time for a lengthier stay, find local state parks and recreation areas which give you the option to stay in a spot that is right on top of the water for a reasonable price.