Thousand Oaks Lakes

Lakes Around Thousand Oaks

Every once in a while you just need to gather your family and friends and make time to be on the water. A lake getaway can be amazing for those who love wildlife too, as they are a great way to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

Whether you’re seeking to float in a tube with a book, buzz around doing wakeboarding, swim, or just lounge at the beach, the lakes near Thousand Oaks offer you lots of beautiful locations for aquatic fun. Has there ever been a better time? Load up the car with sunscreen and a cooler then hit the road this weekend to find a brand new number one location on a lake!

Lakes Near Thousand Oaks

Things to Do at the Lake

A quick excursion to a lake, or a more lengthy trip offers a nearly limitless list of activities 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 arrive at a Thousand Oaks lake:

Partake in some delicious delights outside. The lakes near Thousand Oaks provide a wealth of great picnic areas where you can enjoy tasty treats, or you could just do some cheese and crackers while enjoying the scenery. Should you be with someone you want to impress, this plan is hard to beat.

Partake in some water sports. If you’ve got access to a fast boat, why not spend the day flying around the water demonstrating your athleticism and water sports talents? Enjoy a day of wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the lakes near Thousand Oaks provide you with a number of choices.

Start paddling. If paddling is your thing, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and chart your course to a lake near Thousand Oaks with a public boat launch you can use and start paddling around to enjoy nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

A lake day itinerary can vary quite a bit when you take into consideration which lake you’re going to, the season, and your plan of attack. To make things easier we’ve built out a short list of our favorite lake and beach-related items for you to use as a checklist before you hit the road.

General items

When the plan is to be outdoors for the vast majority of the weekend, the list below should be a good starting point when it comes to the necessities you are likely to need.

  • Portable stereo
  • Tennis shoes
  • Sunscreen
  • Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • Beach blanket
  • Swimsuits
  • Reserve clothing
  • Sunglasses
  • Towels

Additional lake items

Depending on what you’ll be doing for the day and your guests, the items below will likely be helpful and adding to your checklist prior to leaving.

  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Wine key
  • Worms or other bait
  • Life jackets
  • Rafts for the kids
  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Goggles or masks

Lake Safety

While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near Thousand Oaks, everyone’s safety is the most important part of your getaway. These safety tips will ensure that your whole group remains safe at your favorite Thousand Oaks lake.

  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating

More Thousand Oaks Lake Tips

Some people may not get the opportunity to visit the amazing lakes around Thousand Oaks and likely have a few questions about how to make the most of their time there. Clearly, any body of water will have unique qualities and surroundings, but it’s worth noting a handful of items to review while making plans which could help put together a trip your whole family will remember.

  1. Research your beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally the beaches near Thousand Oaks may be swarmed with tourists. To find some more peace and quiet, do some digging on multiple 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, search out the busiest, most popular beach!
  2. Maximize unique local resources. When there’s time for a longer getaway, find local state parks and recreation areas that offer the option to camp near or even on the water for a reasonable price.
  3. No boat, no problem. Many lakes have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or tubing with the kids. Asking a local can typically allow you to find a marina that has what you need.