Oakland Lakes

Lakes Around Oakland

Sometimes you just need to gather your family and friends and make time to be on the water. Lucky for you, when you make a trip to Oakland you have some options for getting on, or in the water.

Whether you’re itching to float in a tube with a book, get active with watersports, go swimming, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Oakland offer you numerous options for outdoor fun. Don’t you deserve an enjoyable getaway? Pack up your vehicle with your beach goodies and a cooler then set out on your next vacation and discover your own favorite location on a lake!

Lakes Close to Oakland

Things to Do at the Lake

A day trip to the lake, or a longer trip gives you a nearly boundless amount of stuff for people of all stripes.

Any stay at the lake gives you all the options from partying to restful bliss.

Go for a swim. Finding a swimming lake near Oakland will provide all kinds of laughs and games for the big kids and little ones, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want in between working on their tan. Make sure to do your research and verify that your lake has a sandy beach and a designated swimming area prior to packing the car and the family! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool doesn’t offer as much to do as a beautiful public beach on a lake near Oakland!

Start paddling. If paddling is your thing, 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 get out and soak up nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.

Water sports. If you’re able to get access to a ski boat, why not get out on the water and start flying around the water showing off your water sports skills? Enjoy a day of wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the lakes near Oakland give you a number of choices.

Lake Getaway Prep

A day at the lake can be very different depending on which lake you go to, what the weather is going to be, and what your perfect itinerary looks like. While every trip is its own animal, we took the time to make a list with some of our favorite ideas for your next trip to a lake near Oakland so there’s nothing to stress over!

Common lake items

When you’re out on a lake near Oakland you’ll probably want to take along several of these things to make sure you’re safe, comfortable, and getting the most out of your getaway.

  • Towels and dry clothes
  • Food and snacks
  • Backup clothing
  • Beach blanket
  • Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)
  • Insect repellant
  • Bathing suits
  • USB charger
  • Proper footwear
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups

Specialty lake items

Depending on what you’ll be doing when at the water and what your party looks like, the items below will likely be helpful and worth a quick spot check before hitting the road.

  • Toys for the beach
  • Wine key
  • Bait
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Rafts for the kids
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Fishing poles
  • Tackle box
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Legal flotation devices

Lake Safety

While your getaway on the lake can 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.

  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • 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

More Ideas for Lake Fun

If you’re going to visit the fabulous lakes near Oakland, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that can make your weekend gameplan far more successful. For example, each lake near Oakland is going to have unique qualities and surroundings so it is important to think about what you need to make a memorable adventure as you plan yours.

  1. Pay attention to the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally beaches could be extremely busy. If you want some more peace and quiet, do some digging on multiple lakes in the area to see if you can find one that’s less crowded to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, then look for the busiest, most happening sandy party scene!
  2. Find a marina. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a wild day of wakeboarding. Doing a quick Google search can typically help you find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  3. Maximize unique assets in the area. If there’s time for a lengthier getaway, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the ability to stay in a spot that is right on top of the water at an affordable price.