San Marcos Lakes

Lakes Near San Marcos

The weather is warm so it’s time to plan your next family vacation. There aren’t many better options than a lake near San Marcos. A stay at a lake is amazing for people that enjoy getting outside too, as they are a great way to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

There are many great motivations for a getaway to a lake in San Marcos during the warmer months – the cool water for swimming, relaxing summer entertainment such as wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. Some of the lakes in San Marcos have beaches you can enjoy while building sandcastles with the family. Don’t you deserve an enjoyable getaway? Pack up your vehicle with sunscreen and a cooler then set out on your next vacation and discover your own favorite location on a lake!

Lakes Close to San Marcos

Things to Do at the Lake

A day trip, or a more lengthy trip gives you a nearly boundless amount of stuff for families, couples, or even those seeking some quiet time.

Now we’ll run down a list of some of the best things to do when you visit a lake near San Marcos:

Go for a swim. The swimming lakes near San Marcos offer tons of fun for the big kids and little ones, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between working on their tan. If you want to spend time swimming and on the beach you’ll want to be sure 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!

Partake in some water sports. If you’ve got access to a ski boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of flying around the water demonstrating your athleticism and water sports expertise? Enjoy a day of wakeboarding or knee boarding as the lakes near San Marcos offer you several options.

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.

Lake Getaway Prep

A lake day itinerary can vary quite a bit depending on which lake you choose, the season, and the activities on your to-do list. For your convenience we’ve assembled a rundown of our favorite go-to necessities for you to use as a checklist before you hit the road.

The basics

When you’re out on a lake near San Marcos you will likely need to take several of these things to make sure you’re feeling good, healthy, and getting the most out of your getaway.

  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Swimsuits
  • Food
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • Beach blanket
  • Bluetooth speaker

More lake gear

Take into consideration your planned activities when at the water and what your party looks like, the list of gear might also prove useful and worth packing before hitting the road.

  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Swimming goggles
  • Legal flotation devices
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Kindle
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Rafts for the kids
  • Toys for the beach
  • Fishing gear
  • Fishing and boating licenses

Lake Safety Tips

Of course spending a weekend on a lake in San Marcos can provide ample amounts of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. When you decide to spend a day at the lake these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.

  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land

Some More Tips

If you’re going to visit the beautiful lakes around San Marcos, there are a few things that can make your weekend gameplan much more successful. Case in point, each individual lake near San Marcos is going to have their own qualities which makes it important to consider what you need to make a memorable getaway as you plan yours.

  1. Find a marina. 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 fishing with family and friends or tubing with the kids. Using a search engine can typically help you locate a marina that has what you need.
  2. Maximize the best local resources. If you have time for a lengthier stay, find local state campgrounds and parks that offer the ability to stay right on the water for a reasonable price.
  3. Do homework on the beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes beaches can get very crowded. To find a little more privacy, do some digging on a variety of nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the biggest, most popular beach!