Oakley Lakes

Lakes Close to Oakley

Sometimes you just need to pack up and find a spot on the water. Fortunately, when you visit Oakley there are some options when it comes to spending time on the lake.

There are many great motivations to visit a lake in Oakley this summer – the cool water for swimming, relaxing summer entertainment such as wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. Some of the lakes in Oakley have beaches that are ideal for working on your tan. Take a look at the table below to see the options from small lakes with beaches to larger lakes for you and the family to visit.

Lakes Near Oakley

Things to Do at the Lake

On a day trip to a lake near Oakley there are many activities that can be enjoyed by families, couples, or with a group of friends. You could go for an exciting day trip or decide to stay overnight at a hotel or AirBnB to make for a bigger, better getaway.

A day, weekend, or a week on or in the water gives you a full range of activities from thrilling to chilling.

Picnic time. Oakley’s lakes offer many great picnic areas where you can enjoy foods, or something as simple as crackers and cheese and a cold beverage by the water. Should you be with someone you want to impress, this plan is hard to beat.

Go for a swim. Finding a swimming lake near Oakley will offer all kinds of fun and excitement 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! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a beautiful public beach!

Grab a board. If paddling is your thing, load up your preferred vessel and find yourself a lake with a boat launch and start paddling around to soak up the scenery on the waterfront.

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can be very different depending on which lake you go to, when you go, or if there are any activities planned. However, we put together a list with some of our favorite ideas for your watery excursion so everything goes smoothly!

The basics

When you’re out on a lake near Oakley it makes a lot of sense to bring many of the items below so that you’ll be safe, comfortable, and enjoying your time.

  • A picnic basket
  • Swimsuits
  • A cooler with water bottles
  • USB charger
  • Radio or speaker
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • A blanket or sheet
  • Garbage bags
  • Reserve clothing
  • Plates, cups and utensils

Additional lake gear

The gear in the list below 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.

  • Legal flotation devices
  • Corkscrew
  • Tackle box
  • Swimming goggles
  • Fishing poles
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Worms or other bait
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)

Staying Safe on a Lake

While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near Oakley, safety should be top of mind. Here are some general tips that will make sure that your whole group stays safe at your favorite Oakley lake.

  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions

More Ideas for Lake Fun

When you make a trip to the one of a kind lakes around Oakley, there are a few things that can make your weekend gameplan much more rewarding. For example, each individual lake is going to have their own qualities which makes it important to consider what will make for a memorable trip as you plan yours.

  1. No boat, no problem. Many lakes have local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or a day of watersports. Doing a quick Google search will typically allow you to find a marina that has what you need.
  2. Make the most of unique local resources. If there’s time for a lengthier stay, find local state campgrounds and parks which give you the ability to camp directly on the water for a reasonable price.
  3. Research your beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally the beaches near Oakley could be extremely busy. If you want some space to yourself, do some digging on multiple lakes and beaches 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 popular sandy party scene!