Fresno Lakes

Lakes Close to Fresno

The weather is warm and that means it’s time to start planning your upcoming grand getaway. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Fresno. Lucky for you, when you make a trip to Fresno you have some great spots when it comes to spending time on the lake.

Whether you’re looking to go kayaking, partake in some water skiing, swim, or work on your tan, the lakes near Fresno offer you numerous beautiful locations for aquatic activities. Don’t you deserve an enjoyable getaway? Pack up the car with sunscreen and a cooler then set out your next day off to find your own favorite spot on a lake!

Nearby Lakes for Fresno

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

When you visit a lake near Fresno there are many things to do for families, couples, or with a group of friends. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or take a longer vacation to a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to enjoy yourself more fully.

Every getaway on or in the water gives you all the options from partying to restful bliss.

Swimming. The swimming lakes near Fresno provide all kinds of fun 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 sandy beach and a designated swimming area before you make the trip! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a glorious public beach on a lake near Fresno!

Fishing. 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 roaming the lake in a killer fishing boat or fishing from shore.

Get a little crazy with the water sports. Should you be able to get access to a speed boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of flying around the water showing off your water sports expertise? Take the family out for some tubing or skiing as the local lakes give you several options.

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can be very different depending on the lake you’re heading to, what the weather is going to be, what your goals are for the getaway. However, we’ve created a list with some of our favorite ideas for your watery excursion so you have everything you need!

Lake basics

If the plan is to be in the sun for most of the day, the list below should be an excellent place to start for essentials that you’ll be happy to have on hand.

  • Snacks
  • Flip flops or water shoes
  • Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)
  • Insect repellant
  • Swimsuits
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • A fully stocked cooler
  • Portable stereo
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both

Additional lake items

The following items could be helpful for getaways to the lake based on your plans. You may want to double check some of these prior to hitting the road.

  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Life jackets
  • Fishing gear
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Your tackle box
  • Kindle
  • Rafts and floaties
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Wine key

Lake Safety Checklist

While a day to a lake in Fresno should be tons of fun, everyone’s safety needs to remain top of mind. A day on the lake means safety first so these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.

  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices

More Fresno Lake Tips

When you make a trip to the beautiful lakes near Fresno, there are a few things that will make your trip plan far more successful. As an example, every lake is going to have unique environment so it is important to consider what will make for an enjoyable adventure when planning yours.

  1. Maximize the best local resources. When there’s time for a longer trip, find local state campgrounds and parks that offer the option to stay directly on the water for a reasonable price.
  2. No boat, no problem. Many lakes have nearby marinas where you can rent a boat. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy fishing with family and friends or a day of watersports. Using a search engine can typically help you locate a marina that has what you need.
  3. Do homework on the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally the beaches near Fresno might be swarmed with beachgoers. If you want a little more privacy, research a variety of nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, search out the biggest, most popular sandy party scene!