San Bernardino Lakes

Lakes Near San Bernardino

Every once in a while you just need to pack up and find a spot on the water. As it turns out, when you make a trip to San Bernardino there are lots of options when it comes to getting on, or in the water.

It doesn’t matter if you’re itching to go kayaking, partake in some water skiing, go swimming, or nap in the sand, the lakes near San Bernardino provide you with plentiful options for aquatic fun. Take a look at the table directly beneath this paragraph and have a look your options including small lakes to larger lakes for you and the family to visit.

Nearby Lakes for San Bernardino

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

On a day trip to a lake near San Bernardino you’ll find all kinds of activities that can be enjoyed by families and couples. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or decide to stay overnight at a hotel on the beach to make the most of your time unwinding.

Now we’ll run down a list of some of the best things to do when you make your way to a San Bernardino lake:

Go fishing. For anglers, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re roaming the lake in a killer fishing boat or fishing from shore.

Pack a picnic basket. San Bernardino’s lakes offer all sorts of excellent picnic areas for you to pack up some tasty treats, or you could just do some cheese and crackers by the water. If you’re with that special someone, good food and a view should put a smile on their face.

Get in the water. The swimming lakes near San Bernardino 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 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 prior to packing the car and the family! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t offer as much to do as a magnificent public beach on a lake near San Bernardino!

Lake Checklist

A day at the lake can be very different based on the lake you’re heading to, what the weather is going to be, or if there are any activities planned. While every trip is its own animal, we took the time to make a list that will give some ideas for your lake getaway so everything goes smoothly!

General items

For a day spent on the water it makes a lot of sense to take along several of the items below so that you’ll be safe, healthy, and relaxed.

  • Insect repellant
  • Towels
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
  • Snacks
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • A cooler and drinks
  • Sweatshirt and sweatpants
  • Proper footwear
  • UV protection

More lake stuff

Take into consideration the itinerary for the day and who will be joining you, the list of gear might also prove useful and worth a quick spot check before you make the trip.

  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Rafts and floaties
  • Fishing poles
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Swimming goggles
  • Corkscrew
  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Legal flotation devices
  • Fishing and boating licenses

Lake Safety Checklist

Of course your getaway to your favorite body of water can be tons of fun, everyone’s safety needs to remain top of mind. If you’re going to be out on the water here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.

  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • 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

More San Bernardino Lake Tips

Some people may not get a chance to make their way to the lakes near San Bernardino and likely have a lot of questions on ways to maximize their fun. Certainly, each lake near San Bernardino is going to have their own character and surroundings, but you should keep in mind a couple key points to review while planning that might help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. Maximize unique local resources. If you have time for a longer stay, find local state campgrounds and parks which give you the option to camp right on the water without breaking the bank.
  2. Rent a boat. It’s common that lakes will have nearby marinas where you can rent a boat. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or tubing with the kids. Using a search engine can usually allow you to find options for renting the perfect boat.
  3. Research your beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally the beaches near San Bernardino can get extremely crowded. To find more space to spread out, research a variety of lakes and beaches to see if you can find one that’s less crowded if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, then look for the biggest, most happening beach!