West Haven Lakes

Lakes Close to West Haven

Sometimes you just need to gather your family and friends and make time to be near the water. A lake vacation is amazing for those who love wildlife too, as they are a great way to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

There are countless brilliant arguments for a getaway to a lake in West Haven while it’s hot outside – the water is refreshing on hot days, fun summer entertainment like boating, fishing or swimming. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches that are ideal for working on your tan. The time is now! Pack up the car with sunscreen and snacks then hit the road this weekend to find your own number one location on the water!

Lakes Close to West Haven

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

When you visit a lake near West Haven you’ll find all kinds of activities that can be enjoyed by groups of all types. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or make it a long weekend at a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to make for a bigger, better getaway.

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

Go for a swim. Finding a swimming lake near West Haven will provide tons of fun and excitement for the youngsters, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between working on their tan. If you want to spend time swimming and on the beach you’ll want to be sure your lake has a sandy beach and a designated swimming area prior to packing the car and the family! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool just isn’t as much fun as a glorious public beach on a lake near West Haven!

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. If you want a little physical activity, load up your preferred vessel and find yourself a lake that has a boat launch and get out and enjoy the scenery on the waterfront.

Pack a picnic basket. The lakes near West Haven gives you the chance to visit many top-notch picnic areas where you can enjoy tasty treats, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy while enjoying the scenery. For a romantic evening, good food and a view is hard to beat.

Lake Getaway Prep

Everyone’s beach getaway will be unique depending on which lake you go to, what time of year it is, and what your perfect itinerary looks like. However, we put together a list for some ideas for your next trip to a lake near West Haven to ensure nothing gets forgotten!

The basics

For a day spent on the water you will likely need to bring several of the things in our list below to make sure you’re safe, comfortable, and having fun.

  • A cooler with water bottles
  • Proper footwear
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • Snacks
  • Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • Portable phone charger
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Bathing suits
  • Backup clothes

Additional lake gear

The gear in the list below could be helpful for getaways to the lake depending on what you’ll be doing. It’s also worth checking before heading out.

  • Your tackle box
  • Kindle
  • Legal flotation devices
  • Worms or other bait
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Wine key

Lake Safety Checklist

While your getaway on the lake can provide tons of fun, safety should remain top of mind at all times. A day on the lake means safety first so here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.

  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming

More Ideas for Lake Fun

When you make a trip to the beautiful lakes around West Haven, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that can make your trip plan far more rewarding. Case in point, every lake near West Haven is going to have unique qualities and surroundings so it’s important to take into account what you need to make an enjoyable getaway when planning yours.

  1. Rent a boat. Many lakes have nearby marinas where you can rent a boat. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Asking a local can typically help you locate a marina that has what you need.
  2. Research your beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally the beaches near West Haven can get very crowded. If you want a little more privacy, research a variety of nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, search out the biggest, most happening sandy party scene!
  3. Make the most of unique assets in the area. If you have time for a longer trip, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the ability to camp directly on the water without breaking the bank.