Little Rock Lakes

Lakes Near Little Rock

The weather is warm so it’s time to plan your next grand getaway. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Little Rock. A lake vacation can be perfect for people that enjoy getting outside too, as they are a great way to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

There are numerous brilliant arguments for a getaway to a lake in Little Rock this summer – the cool water for swimming, fun summer entertainment like wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. Some of the lakes in Little Rock have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. Scan the local listings directly beneath this paragraph and see your nearby locations including small lakes with beaches to all sports lakes for you and the family to visit.

Nearby Lakes for Little Rock

Lake Activities

When you visit a lake near Little Rock there are many things to do for families, couples, or with a group of friends. You could go for an exciting day trip or take a longer vacation at a hotel or AirBnB to enjoy yourself more fully.

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

Have a picnic. Little Rock’s lakes offer all sorts of excellent picnic areas for you to pack up some foods, or you could just do some cheese and crackers by the water. For a romantic evening, this plan should put a smile on their face.

Get a little crazy with the water sports. If you’re able to get access to a speed boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of kicking up a wake showing off your water sports expertise? Take the family out for some wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the lakes near Little Rock give you all kinds of choices.

Go fishing. For anglers, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re drifting behind a trolling motor or tossing a line in from the dock.

Lake Checklist

A day at the lake can vary quite a bit depending on which lake you’re going to, the time of year, the weather, and your plan of attack. However, we’ve put together a list of popular lake items for you to use as a checklist to make sure you cover your bases.

Lake basics

If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for most of the day, our list of provisions below should be a good place to start for essentials that you’ll be happy to have on hand.

  • A cooler and drinks
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • A picnic basket
  • Flip flops or water shoes
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • Bug spray
  • UV protection
  • Dry shirt
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices

Specialty lake stuff

The list of items below could be helpful for excursions to the lake depending on what your plans are. You may want to double check for some of these prior to hitting the road.

  • Worms or other bait
  • Corkscrew
  • Tackle box
  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Swimming goggles

Lake Safety Tips

Of course a day on a lake in Little Rock should be ample amounts of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. A day on the lake means safety first so here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.

  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Little Rock

Not everyone has had the opportunity to visit the amazing lakes around Little Rock and might have some questions about how to make the most of their time there. Of course, no matter where you go each lake will possess their own character and trappings, but it’s worth noting a few things to review when making plans that might help start your trip on the right foot.

  1. Pay attention to the beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes beaches may be extremely busy. To find more space to spread out, research a variety of lakes and beaches to see if you can find one that’s less crowded to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, search out the busiest, most popular sandy party scene!
  2. Rent a boat. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas where you can rent a boat. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a day of watersports. Doing a quick Google search will typically allow you to find options for renting the perfect boat.
  3. Maximize the best local resources. When there’s time for a lengthier trip, find local state campgrounds and parks which give you the option to camp near or even on the water without breaking the bank.