West Hartford Lakes

Lakes Close to West Hartford

Every once in a while you just need to gather your family and friends and make time to be near the water. Lucky for you, when you come to West Hartford you have some great spots when it comes to spending time on the lake.

It doesn’t matter if you’re seeking to paddleboard, buzz around doing water skiing, go for a swim, or nap in the sand, the lakes near West Hartford provide you with plentiful beautiful locations for outdoor fun. Scan the table below to have a look the nearby locations including swimming lakes to larger lakes for you and the family to visit.

Nearby Lakes for West Hartford

Things to Do at the Lake

When you visit a lake near West Hartford you’ll find all kinds of activities that can be enjoyed by people of all persuasions. You could go for an exciting day trip or take a longer vacation at a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to make for a bigger, better getaway.

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

Grab a board. If you like to paddle around, pack up your board of choice and chart your course to a lake near West Hartford with a public launch and start paddling around to enjoy the scenery on the waterfront.

Water sports. If you’re able to get access to a ski boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of zipping around the lake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports expertise? Hit the water and go tubing or skiing as the all sports lakes give you a number of choices.

Have a picnic. West Hartford’s lakes provide a wealth of excellent picnic areas for you to pack up some tasty treats, or you could just do some cheese and crackers while enjoying the scenery. Should you be with someone you want to impress, this plan should put a smile on their face.

Lake Checklist

Your plan for a lake getaway can honestly be all over the map when you take into consideration which lake you choose, the time of year, the weather, and your plan of attack. However, we’ve put together a list of popular lake items for you to use as a checklist prior to locking up the house and heading out.

The basics

When you’re out on a lake near West Hartford it makes a lot of sense to bring many of the items below to make sure you’re feeling good, healthy, and getting the most out of your getaway.

  • Snacks
  • Sunglasses
  • A cooler and drinks
  • Something to dry off with
  • Sunscreen
  • Swimsuits
  • Flip flops or water shoes
  • Backup clothing
  • Insect repellant
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups

Additional lake stuff

The following items might prove useful for trips to the lake depending on what you’ll be doing. You may want to double check some of these prior to hitting the road.

  • Bait
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Goggles or masks
  • Rafts and floaties
  • Something to read
  • Your tackle box
  • Games for the beach
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Corkscrew

Staying Safe on a Lake

Of course a day on a lake in West Hartford should be lots of fun, safety should remain top of mind at all times. When you decide to spend a day at the lake here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.

  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • 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
  • Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning

More West Hartford Lake Tips

When you make a trip to the beautiful lakes around West Hartford, there are a few things that will make your itinerary far more successful. As an example, every lake is going to have their own features so it’s important to consider what you need to make an enjoyable getaway as you plan yours.

  1. Maximize the best local resources. When you have time for a lengthier getaway, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds which give you the option to camp near or even on the water at an affordable price.
  2. Do homework on the beaches. Depending on the time of year, occasionally the beaches near West Hartford could be really busy. To find some more peace and quiet, 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, search out the biggest, most popular beach!
  3. Rent a boat. Many lakes have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a wild day of wakeboarding. Asking a local can typically help you find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.