Colorado Springs Lakes

Lakes Close to Colorado Springs

When the weather is right you should gather your family and friends and make time to be near the water. As it turns out, when you come to Colorado Springs you have lots of options when it comes to getting on, or in the water.

There are many great arguments to visit a lake in Colorado Springs this summer – the cool water for swimming, relaxing summer activities such as boating, fishing or swimming. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches that are ideal for working on your tan. Don’t you deserve an enjoyable getaway? Load up your vehicle with your beach goodies and a cooler then set out your next day off to find your own favorite spot on a lake!

Nearby Lakes for Colorado Springs

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

A quick excursion to a lake, or a longer getaway offers a nearly boundless list of activities for couples or families.

Here are some of our top picks for activities when you visit a lake near Colorado Springs:

Water sports. If you’ve got access to a fast boat, why not spend the day kicking up a wake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports expertise? Enjoy a day of tubing or skiing as the all sports lakes offer you all kinds of 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.

Start paddling. For those in search of some exercise, pack up your board of choice and find yourself a lake near Colorado Springs with a public launch and get out and enjoy nature’s beauty on the waterfront.

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can be very different based on which lake you go to, when you go, what your goals are for the getaway. While every trip is its own animal, we’ve created a list with some of our favorite ideas for your watery excursion so there’s nothing to stress over!

The basics

When the plan is to be outdoors for the vast majority of the weekend, the following list of items should be an excellent place to start for essentials you are likely to need.

  • Beach blanket
  • A cooler and drinks
  • Something to eat
  • USB charger
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Reserve clothes
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Bug spray
  • Sunblock
  • Swimsuits

Specialty lake stuff

Depending on what you’ll be doing for the day and what your party looks like, the items below could make your day more enjoyable and worth packing prior to departure.

  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Rafts for the kids
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Fishing gear
  • Your tackle box
  • Wine key
  • Goggles or masks
  • Diapers and baby gear

Staying Safe on a Lake

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 make sure that your whole group remains safe while around the lake.

  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Always wear sunblock

Some More Tips

If you’re going to visit the beautiful lakes near Colorado Springs, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that will make your itinerary far more rewarding. As an example, every lake has unique qualities and surroundings so it is important to consider what will make for an enjoyable trip when planning yours.

  1. Pay attention to the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally beaches can get exceptionally crowded. If you want some more peace and quiet, research multiple 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 popular beach!
  2. Find a marina. If you’re near the water you’ll often find nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy fishing with family and friends or a day of watersports. Asking a local will usually allow you to find options for renting the perfect boat.
  3. Maximize unique assets in the area. If there’s time for a lengthier trip, look for local state campgrounds and parks that offer the ability to stay in a spot that is right on top of the water for a reasonable price.