Santee Lakes

Lakes Close to Santee

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 Santee. A lake getaway is amazing for those that enjoy wildlife too, as they are a great way to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

Whether you’re looking to go kayaking, partake in some water skiing, go swimming, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Santee offer you plentiful opportunities for aquatic adventures. The time is now! Load up your vehicle with your beach goodies and a cooler then set out on your next vacation to find a brand new favorite spot on a lake!

Nearby Lakes for Santee

Things to Do at the Lake

A day trip, or a longer trip provides an almost endless amount of stuff for people of all stripes.

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

Swimming. The swimming lakes near Santee offer all kinds of fun and excitement for the youngsters, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want in between getting that perfect golden 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 just isn’t as much fun as a beautiful public beach on a lake near Santee!

Water sports. If you’re able to get access to a fast boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of zipping around the lake showing off your water sports skills? Hit the water and go wakeboarding or knee boarding as the lakes near Santee provide you with a number of options.

Fishing. For anglers, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re drifting behind a trolling motor or tossing a line in from the dock.

Lake Checklist

A day at the lake can be very different depending on the lake you’re heading to, when you go, or if there are any activities planned. However, we took the time to make a list that will give some ideas for your lake getaway so there’s nothing to stress over!

The basics

If the plan is to be in the sun for the vast majority of the vacation, our list of provisions below is a good starting point for essentials that you’ll be happy to have on hand.

  • Bathing suits
  • Sweatpants and sweatshirt
  • Food
  • Flip flops or water shoes
  • Beach blanket
  • A cooler and drinks
  • Sunglasses
  • Insect repellant
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • USB charger

Specialty lake items

The gear in the list below might prove useful for trips to the lake depending on what your plans are. You may want to double check for some of these before heading out.

  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Bait
  • Rafts for the kids
  • Your tackle box
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Wine key
  • Something to read
  • Toys for the beach
  • Paper towels and sanitizer

Staying Safe on a Lake

While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near Santee, safety should be top of mind. Here are some general tips that should make sure that your whole group remains safe on the water.

  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong

More Santee Lake Tips

Some people may not get a chance to make their way to the lakes near Santee and likely have some questions about how to make the most of their time there. Certainly, any body of water is going to possess their own character and surroundings, but you should keep in mind a handful of items to look into while planning that might help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. No boat, no problem. If you’re near the water you’ll often find nearby marinas where you can rent a boat. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or tubing with the kids. Asking a local will usually allow you to locate several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  2. Do homework on the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally beaches can get very crowded. If you want some more peace and quiet, do some digging on multiple lakes in the area to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the biggest, most popular sandy party scene!
  3. Make the most of the best assets in the area. If there’s time for a lengthier stay, look for local state parks and recreation areas which give you the option to camp in a spot that is right on top of the water without breaking the bank.