Wilmington Lakes

Lakes Near Wilmington

It’s summertime and that means it’s time to plan your next family vacation. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Wilmington. A lake vacation is perfect for those that enjoy getting outside too, because they offer opportunities to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

Whether you’re looking to paddleboard, partake in some watersports, go for a swim, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Wilmington offer you plentiful opportunities for aquatic fun. Has there ever been a better time? Pack up your vehicle with sunscreen and snacks then make the trip on your next vacation to find your own number one location on a lake!

Nearby Lakes for Wilmington

Lake Activities

A quick excursion to a lake, or a more lengthy getaway provides an almost limitless list of activities for couples or families.

A day, weekend, or a week at the lake gives you all the options from partying to restful bliss.

Start paddling. If you want a little physical activity, pack up your board of choice and find yourself a lake near Wilmington that has a public launch and start paddling around to soak up nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.

Picnic time. Wilmington’s lakes offer all sorts of top-notch picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite portable delicacies, or a quick snack by the water. Should you be with someone you want to impress, this plan is hard to beat.

Swimming. Finding a swimming lake near Wilmington will provide tons of laughs and games for the big kids and little ones, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want 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! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a magnificent public beach!

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

Every day at the lake will have its own requirements depending on which lake you go to, when you go, and what you want to do for entertainment. While every trip is its own animal, we put together a list that will give some ideas for your next trip to a lake near Wilmington so you have everything you need!

The basics

For a day spent on the water you’ll probably want to bring some of these things to make sure you’re safe, healthy, and having fun.

  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Bug spray
  • Food and snacks
  • Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
  • Bathing suits
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Sweatpants and sweatshirt
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • Flip flops or water shoes
  • Portable stereo

Specialty lake stuff

The following items could be helpful for getaways to the lake based on your plans. It’s also worth checking before heading out.

  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Swimming goggles
  • Wine key
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Bait
  • Kindle
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Tackle box

Lake Safety Tips

While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, safety should be top of mind. Following a few standard safety tips that will ensure that you and your family are always safe while around the lake.

  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat

More Ideas for Lake Fun

When you make a trip to the one of a kind lakes near Wilmington, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that might make your itinerary substantially more successful. For example, each individual lake has their own environment which makes it important to consider what will make for an enjoyable adventure when planning yours.

  1. Make the most of unique local resources. If there’s time for a longer stay, find local state campgrounds and parks which give you the option to stay right on the water for a reasonable price.
  2. Research your beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally beaches can get very crowded. If you want some more peace and quiet, research a variety of nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the busiest, most happening sandy party scene!
  3. No boat, no problem. Many lakes have nearby marinas where you can rent a boat. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or tubing with the kids. Asking a local will typically help you find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.