Berkeley Lakes

Lakes Close to Berkeley

The weather is warm and that means it’s time to pack up and head out for your upcoming summer adventure. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Berkeley. A stay at a lake is perfect for people that enjoy getting outside too, as they are a great way to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

It doesn’t matter if you’re seeking to paddleboard, buzz around doing watersports, go swimming, or work on your tan, the lakes near Berkeley offer you lots of beautiful locations for aquatic fun. Scan the local listings below and see your options from swimming lakes with beaches to all sports lakes for you and the family to enjoy.

Nearby Lakes for Berkeley

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

A quick excursion to a lake, or a more lengthy trip gives you a nearly limitless list of things to do for families, couples, or even those looking for some quality alone time.

Any stay on or in the water offers you a full range of activities from thrilling to chilling.

Grab a board. If paddling is your thing, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and chart your course to a lake near Berkeley with a public boat launch you can use and get out and soak up the scenery in all it’s glory.

Have a picnic. Berkeley’s lakes gives you the chance to visit all sorts of great picnic areas where you can enjoy tasty treats, or you could just do some cheese and crackers while enjoying the scenery. Should you be with someone you want to impress, good food and a view should put a smile on their face.

Go for a swim. Finding a swimming lake near Berkeley will offer tons of fun and excitement for the youngsters, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between getting that perfect golden 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 doesn’t hold a candle to a magnificent public beach!

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, and what you want to do for entertainment. For your benefit, we’ve created a list for some ideas for your next trip to a lake near Berkeley so you have everything you need!

General items

When the plan is to be outdoors for most of the day, our list of provisions below should be an excellent place to start when it comes to the necessities you are likely to need.

  • A cooler with water
  • Sunblock
  • A picnic basket
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Bathing suits
  • Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Reserve clothes
  • Towels

Specialty lake stuff

The list of items below could be helpful for trips to the lake depending on what you’ll be doing. You may want to double check some of these before heading out.

  • Life jackets
  • Your tackle box
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Games for the beach
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Books
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Rafts and floaties
  • Worms or other bait

Lake Safety Checklist

Yes, being on the water can make for a memorable day, everyone’s safety is the most important part of your getaway. Here are some general tips that can make sure that you and your family stays safe while around the lake.

  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over

Some More Tips

Some people may not get the opportunity to make their way to the lakes near Berkeley and likely have some questions on ways to maximize their fun. Of course, no matter where you go each lake will possess their own character and trappings, but here are a couple key points to look into when making plans that might help start your trip on the right foot.

  1. Find a marina. It’s common that lakes will have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or tubing with the kids. Asking a local can typically help you locate options for renting the perfect boat.
  2. Research your beaches. Depending on the time of year, occasionally beaches can get extremely crowded. To find some more space to spread out, research multiple lakes in the area to see if you can find one that’s less crowded if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the busiest, most happening beach!
  3. Make the most of unique assets in the area. When there’s time for a longer getaway, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the ability to camp near or even on the water for a reasonable price.