Lakes Near Lancaster
Every once in a while you should pack up and find a spot on the water. Lucky for you, when you come to Lancaster you have some options when it comes to spending time on the lake.
It doesn’t matter if you’re seeking to float in a tube with a book, buzz around doing water skiing, go for a swim, or just lounge at the beach, the lakes near Lancaster offer you numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. Browse through the local listings directly beneath this paragraph and have a look the nearby locations from swimming lakes to larger lakes for you and the family to visit.
Lakes Close to Lancaster
Things to Do at the Lake
When you visit a lake near Lancaster there are many activities that can be enjoyed by people of all persuasions. You could go for an exciting day trip or make it a long weekend to a hotel on the beach to make the most of your time unwinding.
Here are some of our top picks for activities when you arrive at a lake near Lancaster:
Catch some fish. 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 out on a boat or tossing a line in from the dock.
Have a picnic. The lakes near Lancaster gives you the chance to visit a wealth of great picnic areas where you can enjoy portable delicacies, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy while enjoying the scenery. For a romantic evening, good food and a view is hard to beat.
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 wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the local lakes give you all kinds of choices.
How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake
Every day at the lake will have its own requirements based on which lake you go to, what time of year it is, or if there are any activities planned. For your benefit, we put together a list with some of our favorite ideas for your lake getaway so you have everything you need!
General items
When you’re out on a lake near Lancaster it makes a lot of sense to take several of the things in our list below to make sure you’re feeling good, healthy, and relaxed.
- Bug spray
- Sweatpants and sweatshirt
- A cooler with water bottles
- Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
- Swimsuits
- Something to eat
- Travel dinnerware and cups
- A blanket or sheet
- Portable phone charger
- Something to dry off with
Additional lake stuff
Take into consideration what you’ll be doing at the lake and who will be joining you, the following items could make your day more enjoyable and adding to your checklist before you get on the road.
- Fishing gear
- Wine key
- Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
- Pool noodles, rafts, floats
- Goggles or masks
- Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
- Something to read
- Worms or other bait
- Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
- Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
Lake Safety Tips
Of course spending a weekend on your favorite body of water should be ample amounts of fun, everyone’s safety needs to remain top of mind. When you decide to spend a day at the lake here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.
- Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
- Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
- Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
- Always swim with a buddy
- Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
- Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
- Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
More Lancaster Lake Tips
Some people may not get a chance to make their way to the lakes near Lancaster and might have a lot of questions on ways to maximize their fun. Clearly, each lake near Lancaster will have their own character and surroundings, but you should keep in mind a few things to look into while making plans that might help put together a trip your whole family will remember.
- Pay attention to the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally the beaches near Lancaster may be swarmed with beachgoers. To find some more peace and quiet, do some digging on multiple nearby beaches and lakes to see if you can find one that’s less crowded to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, search out the biggest, most popular sandy party scene!
- 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 a day fishing on the lake or tubing with the kids. Asking a local can typically help you find options for renting the perfect boat.
- Make the most of unique local resources. When there’s time for a longer getaway, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds which give you the option to stay directly on the water for a reasonable price.
