Stockton Lakes

Lakes Around Stockton

The weather is warm so it’s time to start planning your upcoming summer adventure. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Stockton. Lucky for you, when you visit Stockton you have quite a few options for spending time on the lake.

Whether you’re seeking to go kayaking, get active with wakeboarding, go for a swim, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Stockton provide you with numerous opportunities for outdoor adventures. Take a look at the table below to have a look your nearby locations from small lakes to larger lakes for you to visit.

Lakes Near Stockton

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

A day trip to the lake, or a more lengthy getaway offers an almost limitless list of things to do for families, couples, or even those seeking some quality alone time.

A day, weekend, or a week on or in the water gives you everything from fun to relaxation.

Swimming. The swimming lakes near Stockton offer all kinds of fun 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. 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! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool doesn’t offer as much to do as a magnificent public beach on a lake near Stockton!

Water sports. If you’ve got access to a speed boat, why not spend the day zipping around the lake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports skills? Enjoy a day of wakeboarding or knee boarding as the lakes near Stockton provide you with all kinds of options.

Picnic time. Stockton’s lakes provide many great picnic areas for you to pack up some tasty treats, or you could just do some cheese and crackers as you enjoy the view. If you’re with that special someone, good food and a view should be suitably romantic.

Checklist for a Day at the Lake

A lake day itinerary can honestly be all over the map when you take into consideration which lake you’re going to, the time of year, the weather, and the activities on your to-do list. For your convenience we’ve assembled a rundown of some of the most common lake necessities that you can use as a checklist prior to locking up the house and heading out.

The basics

If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for most of the day, our list of provisions below is an excellent starting point for essentials you are likely to need.

  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Bottle opener
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Sweatpants and sweatshirt
  • Bathing suits
  • A fully stocked cooler
  • A blanket or sheet
  • Portable stereo
  • Towels
  • Insect repellant

More lake gear

The following items might prove useful for trips to the lake based on your plans. You may want to double check for some of these so you’re not missing something critical.

  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Rafts and floaties
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Games for the beach
  • Swimming goggles
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Your tackle box
  • Bait
  • Kindle
  • Fishing poles

Lake Safety Checklist

Yes, being on the water can make for a memorable day, it’s important that you remember to keep safety top of mind. Following a few standard safety tips that will ensure that everyone remains safe while around the lake.

  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • 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
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land

More Ideas for Lake Fun

Few people get a chance to visit the amazing lakes around Stockton and might have some questions about how to make the most of their time there. Clearly, each lake near Stockton is going to possess their own character and trappings, but here are a couple key points to review when assembling your itinerary which could help start your trip on the right foot.

  1. Make the most of unique assets in the area. If you have time for a longer stay, look for local state parks and recreation areas which give you the option to camp near or even on the water at an affordable price.
  2. Find a marina. Many lakes have local marinas where you can rent a boat. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or a wild day of wakeboarding. Asking a local can usually help you locate options for renting the perfect boat.
  3. Research your beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally beaches might be very busy. If you want some space to yourself, research multiple lakes and beaches to see if you can find one that’s less crowded to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the busiest, most happening sandy party scene!