Montclair Lakes

Lakes Around Montclair

The weather is warm and that means it’s time to plan your next summer adventure. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Montclair. A stay at a lake can be amazing for people who love getting outside too, because they offer opportunities to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to go kayaking, get active with wakeboarding, swim, or work on your tan, the lakes near Montclair offer you numerous opportunities for outdoor fun. So what are you waiting for? Load up the car with sunscreen and a picnic basket then make the trip this weekend and discover a brand new number one spot on the water!

Nearby Lakes for Montclair

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

A day trip, or a longer getaway gives you a nearly boundless list of things to do for families or couples.

A day, weekend, or a week at the lake gives you a full range of activities from thrilling to chilling.

Start paddling. If you like to paddle around, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and find yourself a lake with a public boat launch you can use and start paddling around to enjoy the scenery in all it’s glory.

Go 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 out on a boat or standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.

Go for a swim. Finding a swimming lake near Montclair will provide tons of fun and excitement for the kids, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between getting that perfect golden tan. Make sure to do your research and verify that 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 beautiful public beach on a lake near Montclair!

Checklist for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can be very different depending on the lake you’re heading to, what time of year it is, and what your perfect itinerary looks like. For your benefit, we put together a list that will give some ideas for your next summer trip so there’s nothing to stress over!

Common lake items

If the plan is to be in the sun for the majority of the weekend, the following list of items is a good starting point for essentials to have on hand.

  • Portable stereo
  • Something to dry off with
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Proper footwear
  • Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
  • Sunglasses
  • Garbage bags
  • Bug spray
  • Food and snacks
  • Beach blanket

More lake stuff

Take into consideration your planned activities at the lake and what your party looks like, the following items might also prove useful and adding to your checklist before hitting the road.

  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Games for the beach
  • Worms or other bait
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Wine key
  • Something to read
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Rafts and floaties
  • Swimming goggles

Lake Safety Checklist

Of course a day to a lake in Montclair can be tons of fun, safety should remain top of mind at all times. A day on the lake means safety first so here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.

  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Always swim with a buddy

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Montclair

Not everyone has had the opportunity to make their way to the lakes near Montclair and likely have a lot of questions about how to make the most of their time there. Certainly, every lake is going to have unique qualities and surroundings, but here are a handful of items to look into when assembling your itinerary which could help start your trip on the right foot.

  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 fishing with family and friends or a day of watersports. Using a search engine can typically help you find options for renting the perfect boat.
  2. Pay attention to the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, sometimes beaches may be swarmed with beachgoers. If you want some space to yourself, research 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!
  3. Maximize unique local resources. When there’s time for a lengthier trip, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the ability to camp directly on the water for a reasonable price.