Lakes Around Bakersfield
The weather is warm and that means it’s time to start planning your upcoming family vacation. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Bakersfield. A stay at a lake is perfect for those that enjoy the outdoors too, as they are a great way to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.
There are numerous brilliant reasons for a getaway to a lake in Bakersfield while it’s hot outside – the water is refreshing on hot days, relaxing summer activities like wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. Some of the lakes in Bakersfield have beaches that are ideal for working on your tan. Scan the table directly beneath this paragraph and see your options from swimming lakes to larger lakes for you and the family to enjoy.
Lakes Close to Bakersfield
Lake Activities
A quick excursion to a lake, or a longer getaway offers an almost boundless amount of stuff for people of all stripes.
Here are some of our top picks for activities when you arrive at a lake near Bakersfield:
Go 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 standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.
Start paddling. If you want a little physical activity, load up your preferred vessel and chart your course to a lake that has a public boat launch you can use and get out and soak up the scenery on the waterfront.
Get a little crazy with the water sports. If you’ve got access to a fast boat, why not get out on the water and start flying around the water demonstrating your athleticism and water sports expertise? Enjoy a day of wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the all sports lakes give you a number of options.
How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake
Every day at the lake will have its own requirements depending on the lake you’re heading to, when you go, or if there are any activities planned. While every trip is its own animal, we’ve created a list that will give some ideas for your next summer trip so you have everything you need!
Common lake items
If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for most of the day, our list of provisions below is an excellent starting point when it comes to the necessities to have on hand.
- Plates, cups and utensils
- Swimsuits
- Something to eat
- Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
- Backup clothing
- A receptacle for trash
- Sneakers
- Sunscreen
- Towels and dry clothes
- A blanket or sheet
Specialty lake stuff
The gear in the list below might prove useful for excursions to the lake considering your itinerary. It’s also worth checking before heading out.
- Fishing poles
- Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
- Tackle box
- Masks and snorkels
- Wine key
- Kindle
- Rafts and floaties
- Games for the beach
- Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
- Bait
Lake Safety Tips
While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, it’s important that you remember to keep safety top of mind. Here are some general tips that will ensure that your whole group are always safe on the water.
- 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
- Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
- Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
- Make sure no one swims alone
- Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
- Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
More Bakersfield Lake Tips
Some people may not get the opportunity to make their way to the lakes near Bakersfield and might have a lot of questions regarding planning. Clearly, any body of water will possess their own character and surroundings, but here are a couple key points to review when assembling your itinerary that might help start your trip on the right foot.
- Do homework on the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, sometimes beaches can get extremely crowded. If you want more space to yourself, research multiple 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, search out the biggest, most happening sandy party scene!
- Make the most of the best local resources. If there’s time for a lengthier trip, find local state parks and recreation areas that offer the ability to stay near or even on the water for a reasonable price.
- No boat, no problem. Many lakes have local marinas where you can rent a boat. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or tubing with the kids. Asking a local can typically allow you to locate several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
