Hartford Lakes

Lakes Close to Hartford

Every once in a while you should spend some time on the water. Lucky for you, when you come to Hartford there are some great spots when it comes to spending time on the lake.

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to paddleboard, partake in some wakeboarding, go for a swim, or work on your tan, the lakes near Hartford provide you with lots of opportunities for aquatic adventures. Don’t you deserve an enjoyable getaway? Load up your vehicle with sunscreen and a cooler then make the trip this weekend to find your own favorite spot on the water!

Lakes Near Hartford

Lake Activities

On a day trip to a lake near Hartford there are many things to do for groups of all types. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or make it a long weekend to a hotel or AirBnB to enjoy yourself more fully.

Let’s look at some of the options available to you when you arrive at a lake near Hartford:

Partake in some water sports. Should you be able to get access to a fast boat, why not get out on the water and start kicking up a wake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports expertise? Hit the water and go wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the all sports lakes provide you with several options.

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 tossing a line in from the dock.

Start paddling. For those in search of some exercise, pack up your board of choice and chart your course to a lake that has a public launch and get out and enjoy nature’s beauty on the waterfront.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

A day at the lake can be very different depending on the lake you’re heading to, what the weather is going to be, what your goals are for the getaway. However, we took the time to make a list for some ideas for your next summer trip so everything goes smoothly!

Lake basics

When you’re out on a lake near Hartford it makes a lot of sense to bring some of the items below to make sure you’re safe, comfortable, and enjoying your time.

  • Snacks
  • Towels
  • Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Bug spray
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Sunblock
  • Sweatshirt and sweatpants
  • A blanket or sheet
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both

Additional lake stuff

Depending on what you’ll be doing for the day and who will be in your entourage, the items below could make your day more enjoyable and worth packing before hitting the road.

  • Games for the beach
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Rafts and floaties
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Wine key
  • Something to read
  • Worms or other bait

Staying Safe on a Lake

While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, it’s important that you remember to keep safety top of mind. The following safety protocols can make sure that you and your family are always safe on the water.

  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat

Some More Tips

If you’re going to visit the one of a kind lakes around Hartford, there are a few things that can make your trip plan substantially more successful. As an example, each lake has unique environment so it is important to take into account what will make for an unforgettable adventure when planning yours.

  1. Make the most of unique assets in the area. If there’s time for a longer trip, find local state parks and recreation areas that offer the ability to camp right on the water at an affordable price.
  2. 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 relaxing day of fishing or tubing with the kids. Doing a quick Google search can typically allow you to locate a marina that has what you need.
  3. Do homework on the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally beaches can get very crowded. To find more space to spread out, research a variety of lakes in the area to see if you can find one that’s less crowded if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the busiest, most popular beach!