El Centro Lakes

Lakes Near El Centro

The weather is warm so it’s time to start planning your upcoming family vacation. There aren’t many better options than a lake near El Centro. A lake getaway can be perfect for those that enjoy getting outside too, because they offer opportunities 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 El Centro this summer – the cool water for swimming, fun summer activities such as wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches that are ideal for working on your tan. Take a look at the local listings directly beneath this paragraph to see the options from swimming lakes to larger lakes for you and the family to enjoy.

Nearby Lakes for El Centro

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

A day trip to the lake, or a more lengthy trip gives you a nearly limitless list of activities for people of all stripes.

Every getaway at the lake offers you a full range of activities from thrilling to chilling.

Water sports. If you’ve got access to a ski boat, why not get out on the water and start flying around the water demonstrating your athleticism and water sports skills? Enjoy a day of tubing or skiing as the all sports lakes offer you several choices.

Start paddling. If you want a little physical activity, load up your preferred vessel and chart your course to a lake near El Centro that has a boat launch and start paddling around to soak up nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.

Get in the water. The swimming lakes near El Centro provide all kinds of fun and excitement for the youngsters, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want 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 sandy beach and a designated swimming area before you make the trip! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool just isn’t as much fun as a beautiful public beach!

Checklist for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can be drastically different depending on which lake you’re going to, the time of year, the weather, and your plan of attack. To make things easier we’ve put together a list of our favorite go-to items that you can use as a checklist to make sure you cover your bases.

Lake basics

When you’re out on a lake near El Centro you will likely need to bring some of these things so that you’ll be safe, comfortable, and relaxed.

  • Flip flops or water shoes
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • A picnic basket
  • Garbage bags
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • A blanket or sheet
  • UV protection
  • Insect repellant
  • A fully stocked cooler
  • Backup clothing

Specialty lake items

Take into consideration your planned activities when at the water and what your party looks like, the items below will likely be helpful and worth a quick spot check before you make the trip.

  • Kindle
  • Corkscrew
  • Toys for the beach
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Legal flotation devices
  • Swimming goggles
  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Tackle box
  • Bait

Lake Safety

Of course a day to the lake can provide tons of fun, safety should remain top of mind at all times. When you decide to spend a day at the lake here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.

  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating

More El Centro Lake Tips

If you’re going to visit the one of a kind lakes near El Centro, there are a few things that can make your itinerary far more successful. For example, each lake near El Centro has their own environment which makes it important to consider what will make for a memorable getaway as you plan yours.

  1. Maximize the best local resources. When there’s time for a longer trip, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds which give you the ability to stay in a spot that is right on top of the water at an affordable price.
  2. No boat, no problem. It’s common that lakes will have local marinas that offer boat rentals. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or a wild day of wakeboarding. Asking a local can usually help you find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  3. Pay attention to the beaches. Depending on the time of year, occasionally the beaches near El Centro may be swarmed with beachgoers. If you want some more space to spread out, do some digging on multiple nearby beaches and lakes to see if you can find one that’s less crowded if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, search out the busiest, most happening sandy party scene!