Highland Lakes

Lakes Around Highland

Every once in a while you just need to gather your family and friends and make time to be near the water. A lake vacation can be amazing 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 go kayaking, partake in some water skiing, go swimming, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Highland offer you numerous beautiful locations for aquatic activities. The time is now! Pack up your vehicle with your fishing gear and a picnic basket then hit the road your next day off and discover a brand new number one location on a lake!

Lakes Close to Highland

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

On a day trip to a lake near Highland there are many activities that can be enjoyed by families and couples. You could go for an exciting day trip or make it a long weekend to a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to make the most of your time unwinding.

Here are some of our top picks for activities when you arrive at a lake near Highland:

Catch some fish. For those that love to fish, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re out on a boat or standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.

Picnic time. Highland’s lakes offer all sorts of excellent picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite culinary delights, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy while enjoying the scenery. If you’re with that special someone, a picnic on the beach should put a smile on their face.

Grab a board. If paddling is your thing, load up your preferred vessel and find yourself a lake near Highland that has a public boat launch you can use and get out and enjoy nature’s beauty on the waterfront.

Lake Checklist

A day at the lake can be drastically different when you take into consideration the specific lake you’ll be visiting, the season, and what you want to do while you’re there. However, we’ve put together a list of some of the most common lake necessities that you can use as a checklist for your getaway.

The basics

If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for most of the day, the list below should be an excellent starting point for essentials to have on hand.

  • Food
  • Sunblock
  • Beach blanket
  • Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
  • Bottle opener
  • Swimsuits
  • A fully stocked cooler
  • Bug spray
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both

More lake gear

Consider the itinerary when at the water and your guests, the items below might also prove useful and worth packing prior to departure.

  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Worms or other bait
  • Fishing gear
  • Legal flotation devices
  • Wine key
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing

Staying Safe on a Lake

While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, safety should be top of mind. Here are some general tips that should ensure that you and your family stays safe on the water.

  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions

More Highland Lake Tips

When you make a trip to the beautiful lakes near Highland, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that can make your weekend gameplan far more successful. As an example, each lake is going to have their own qualities which makes it important to consider what will make for a memorable getaway as you plan yours.

  1. Find a marina. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas where you can rent a boat. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Using a search engine can usually help you find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  2. Make the most of the best assets in the area. When there’s time for a longer trip, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the ability to stay near or even on the water at an affordable price.
  3. Do homework on the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally the beaches near Highland may be packed with beachgoers. If you want more space to yourself, research a variety of nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the busiest, most happening beach!