New Haven Lakes

Lakes Close to New Haven

The weather is warm and that means it’s time to plan your next family vacation. There aren’t many better options than a lake near New Haven. Fortunately, when you visit New Haven you have lots of great spots when it comes to spending time on the lake.

There are many great reasons for a getaway to a lake in New Haven while it’s hot outside – the water is refreshing on hot days, relaxing summer activities like wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches you can enjoy while building sandcastles with the family. The time is now! Pack up the car with your fishing gear and a picnic basket then make the trip your next day off to find a brand new number one location on the water!

Lakes Close to New Haven

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

A day trip, or a more lengthy trip gives you a nearly endless amount of stuff for families, couples, or even those seeking some quiet time.

Any stay on or in the water gives you everything from fun to relaxation.

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. For those in search of some exercise, load up your preferred vessel and find yourself a lake near New Haven with a boat launch and start paddling around to enjoy nature’s beauty on the waterfront.

Water sports. If you’ve got access to a ski boat, why not get out on the water and start zipping around the lake showing off your water sports expertise? Hit the water and go wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the all sports lakes offer you a number of choices.

Pack a picnic basket. The lakes near New Haven provide a wealth of top-notch picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite tasty treats, or you could just do some cheese and crackers as you enjoy the view. If you’re with that special someone, this plan should be suitably romantic.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

Every day at the lake will have its own requirements based on the lake you’re heading to, what time of year it is, or if there are any activities planned. However, we put together a list with some of our favorite ideas for your next trip to a lake near New Haven so everything goes smoothly!

General items

If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for the vast majority of the weekend, the list below is an excellent place to start for essentials you are likely to need.

  • A picnic basket
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • Dry shirt
  • Something to dry off with
  • Bottle opener
  • Portable stereo
  • A blanket or sheet
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Sunscreen
  • A cooler with water

Specialty lake stuff

Depending on what you’ll be doing for the day and your guests, the following items might also prove useful and adding to your checklist before you get on the road.

  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Corkscrew
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Swimming goggles
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Toys for the beach
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Bait

Lake Safety Checklist

While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near New Haven, safety should be top of mind. These safety protocols should make sure that everyone are always safe on the water.

  • Don’t swim alone
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong

More Ideas for Lake Fun

Not everyone has had a chance to visit the lakes near New Haven and might have some questions about how to make the most of their time there. Obviously, each lake near New Haven will have their own character and trappings, but you should keep in mind a couple key points to look into while assembling your itinerary which could help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. Make the most of the best assets in the area. When you have time for a lengthier stay, find local state parks and recreation areas that offer the ability to camp near or even on the water for a reasonable price.
  2. Do homework on the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, sometimes beaches might be swarmed with beachgoers. If you want some more space to spread out, do some digging on a variety of 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, then look for the busiest, most happening beach!
  3. Find a marina. It’s common that lakes will have local marinas where you can rent a boat. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or tubing with the kids. Asking a local will usually allow you to locate options for renting the perfect boat.