Stratford Lakes

Lakes Near Stratford

The weather is warm and that means it’s time to plan your next summer adventure. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Stratford. Fortunately, when you come to Stratford there are quite a few great spots for getting on, or in the water.

There are countless brilliant arguments for a getaway to a lake in Stratford while it’s hot outside – the cool water for swimming, relaxing summer activities such as wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. Some of the lakes in Stratford have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. Take a look at the table below and see the options from swimming lakes to larger lakes for you to visit.

Lakes Close to Stratford

Things to Do at the Lake

On a day trip to a lake near Stratford there are many activities that can be enjoyed by families, couples, or with a group of friends. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or take a longer vacation to a hotel on the beach to enjoy yourself more fully.

Any stay at the lake gives you everything from fun to relaxation.

Swimming. The swimming lakes near Stratford provide tons of laughs and games for the youngsters, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between getting that perfect golden tan. If you want to spend time swimming and on the beach you’ll want to be sure your lake has a nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on before you make the trip! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool doesn’t offer as much to do as a glorious public beach!

Catch some fish. For those that love to fish, 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. If paddling is your thing, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and find yourself a lake that has a public launch and get out and enjoy nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.

Lake Getaway Prep

Every day at the lake will have its own requirements depending on the lake you’re heading to, what time of year it is, and what your perfect itinerary looks like. While every trip is its own animal, we took the time to make a list with some of our favorite ideas for your lake getaway so everything goes smoothly!

General items

If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for the vast majority of the day, the following list of items should be a good place to start for essentials to have on hand.

  • Towels
  • A cooler and drinks
  • Bottle opener
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Swimsuits
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Sunscreen
  • Reserve clothes
  • Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both

Specialty lake items

The following items could be helpful for trips to the lake depending on what you’ll be doing. You may want to double check for some of these so you’re not missing something critical.

  • Your tackle box
  • Rafts for the kids
  • Fishing poles
  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Bait
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Corkscrew
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Toys for the beach

Lake Safety Tips

While spending a weekend on the lake should be ample amounts of fun, safety should remain top of mind at all times. When you decide to spend a day at the lake these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.

  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • 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
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Don’t swim alone

More Ideas for Lake Fun

When you make a trip to the one of a kind lakes near Stratford, there are a few things that can make your trip plan much more rewarding. As an example, each individual lake near Stratford is going to have their own qualities and surroundings which makes it important to take into account what you need to make an enjoyable getaway when planning yours.

  1. Find a marina. Many lakes have local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or a day of watersports. Asking a local will usually allow you to find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  2. Do homework on the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally beaches may be packed with tourists. If you want more space to spread out, research multiple lakes and beaches 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, search out the biggest, most popular sandy party scene!
  3. Maximize unique local resources. When there’s time for a lengthier trip, look for local state campgrounds and parks which give you the option to stay in a spot that is right on top of the water without breaking the bank.