Castro Valley Lakes

Lakes Near Castro Valley

Sometimes you just need to spend some time by the water. Lucky for you, when you make a trip to Castro Valley there are quite a few options for spending time on the lake.

Whether you’re looking to paddleboard, get active with water skiing, go swimming, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Castro Valley provide you with numerous opportunities for aquatic activities. Has there ever been a better time? Pack up your vehicle with your beach goodies and a picnic basket then hit the road your next day off to find your own favorite location on the water!

Lakes Near Castro Valley

Things to Do at the Lake

On a day trip to a lake near Castro Valley you’ll find all kinds of activities that can be enjoyed by people of all persuasions. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or make it a long weekend to a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to enjoy yourself more fully.

Now we’ll run down a list of some of the best things to do when you arrive at a Castro Valley lake:

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. For those in search of some exercise, load up your preferred vessel and chart your course to a lake with a public launch and get out and soak up nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.

Catch some fish. For anglers, 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 standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.

Pack a picnic basket. Castro Valley’s lakes offer a wealth of top-notch picnic areas for you to pack up some foods, or a quick snack while enjoying the scenery. For a romantic evening, a picnic on the beach should put a smile on their face.

Lake Getaway Prep

A day at the lake can be very different depending on which lake you go to, what time of year it is, and what you want to do for entertainment. However, we took the time to make a list with some of our favorite ideas for your next trip to a lake near Castro Valley so everything goes smoothly!

Lake basics

When you’re out on a lake near Castro Valley you will likely need to take along many of the items below so that you’ll be safe, comfortable, and enjoying your time.

  • Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)
  • A blanket or sheet
  • A cooler with water bottles
  • Proper footwear
  • Sunglasses
  • Something to eat
  • Dry shirt
  • Portable phone charger
  • Something to dry off with
  • Swimsuits

Additional lake gear

The gear in the list below might prove useful for trips to the lake depending on what your plans are. It’s also worth checking prior to hitting the road.

  • Rafts for the kids
  • Wine key
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Kindle
  • Goggles or masks
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Worms or other bait
  • Games for the beach
  • Fishing gear

Staying Safe on a Lake

Of course your getaway to a lake in Castro Valley can be ample amounts of fun, everyone’s safety needs to remain top of mind. If you’re going to be out on the water here are some important safety tips.

  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • 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

When you make a trip to the one of a kind lakes around Castro Valley, there are a few things that might make your trip plan much more successful. Case in point, each lake near Castro Valley has their own qualities and surroundings which makes it important to consider what will make for a memorable trip as you plan yours.

  1. Find a marina. Many lakes have local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or tubing with the kids. Using a search engine will usually help you find a marina that has what you need.
  2. Make the most of unique assets in the area. If there’s time for a longer stay, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds which give you the ability to camp in a spot that is right on top of the water without breaking the bank.
  3. Do homework on the beaches. Depending on the time of year, occasionally beaches can get very crowded. To find a little more privacy, research a variety of 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, search out the biggest, most happening beach!