Atascadero Lakes

Lakes Close to Atascadero

It’s summertime and that means it’s time to plan your next big getaway. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Atascadero. A lake vacation can be wonderful for those who love wildlife too, as they are a great way to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

Whether you’re looking to paddleboard, buzz around doing wakeboarding, go for a swim, or work on your tan, the lakes near Atascadero provide you with lots of opportunities for aquatic activities. Has there ever been a better time? Load up your vehicle with your fishing gear and a cooler then hit the road this weekend and discover a brand new favorite location on a lake!

Lakes Close to Atascadero

Lake Activities

When you visit a lake near Atascadero you’ll find all kinds of activities that can be enjoyed by families and couples. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or decide to stay overnight at a hotel or AirBnB to make the most of your time unwinding.

Any stay at the lake offers you all the options from partying to restful bliss.

Catch some fish. For those that love to fish, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard 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.

Start paddling. If you want a little physical activity, load up your preferred vessel and find yourself a lake near Atascadero that has a boat launch and start paddling around to soak up the scenery on the waterfront.

Swimming. Finding a swimming lake near Atascadero will provide tons of laughs and games for the kids, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want 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 sandy beach and a designated swimming area prior to packing the car and the family! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a glorious public beach on a lake near Atascadero!

Checklist for a Day at the Lake

Your plan for a lake getaway can vary quite a bit depending on the specific lake you’ll be visiting, the time of year, the weather, and the activities on your to-do list. To make things easier we’ve built out a short list of our favorite lake necessities for you to use as a checklist for your getaway.

The basics

If the plan is to be in the sun for most of the day, our list of provisions below should be a good place to start when it comes to the necessities that you’ll be happy to have on hand.

  • A receptacle for trash
  • Bug spray
  • Sunscreen
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Sneakers
  • Beach blanket
  • A picnic basket
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Towels

Additional lake gear

The following items might prove useful for excursions to the lake depending on what your plans are. It’s also worth checking prior to hitting the road.

  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Tackle box
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Wine key
  • Worms or other bait
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Swimming goggles
  • Books
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.

Lake Safety

Yes, being on the water can make for a memorable day, everyone’s safety is the most important part of your getaway. These safety tips will make sure that your whole group remains safe at your favorite Atascadero lake.

  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Don’t swim alone

Some More Tips

When you make a trip to the one of a kind lakes near Atascadero, there are a few things that will make your weekend gameplan far more rewarding. Case in point, each individual lake near Atascadero has unique environment so it’s important to consider what will make for an enjoyable trip as you plan yours.

  1. Make the most of unique local resources. When there’s time for a lengthier stay, find local state parks and recreation areas which give you the option to camp directly on the water for a reasonable price.
  2. Pay attention to the beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes beaches may be swarmed with tourists. If you want some space to yourself, do some digging on multiple lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, search out the busiest, most popular sandy party scene!
  3. No boat, no problem. Many lakes have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or a day of watersports. Using a search engine can usually allow you to find a marina that has what you need.