Dover Lakes

Lakes Around Dover

It’s summertime so it’s time to plan your next family vacation. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Dover. As it turns out, when you come to Dover there are quite a few options when it comes to spending time on the lake.

There are numerous brilliant motivations for making a trip to a lake in Dover this summer – the cool water for swimming, relaxing summer activities like boating, fishing or swimming. Some of the lakes in Dover have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. The time is now! Pack up the car with your fishing gear and snacks then hit the road on your next vacation and discover your own number one spot on a lake!

Nearby Lakes for Dover

Lake Activities

When you visit a lake near Dover there are many things to do for people of all persuasions. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or decide to stay overnight to a hotel on the beach to make for a bigger, better getaway.

Here are some of our top picks for activities when you arrive at a lake near Dover:

Go fishing. For anglers, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re out on a boat or standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.

Partake in some delicious delights outside. The lakes near Dover offer all sorts of top-notch picnic areas where you can enjoy tasty treats, or something as simple as crackers and cheese and a cold beverage by the water. If you’re with that special someone, good food and a view should be suitably romantic.

Swimming. The swimming lakes near Dover offer all kinds of fun and excitement for the big kids and little ones, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want 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 beautiful public beach!

Lake Checklist

Your plan for a lake getaway can vary quite a bit depending on which lake you’re going to, when you decide to go, and your plan of attack. For your convenience we’ve assembled a rundown of some of the most common lake items that you can use as a checklist before you hit the road.

Common lake items

When the plan is to be outdoors for the vast majority of the day, the list below should be an excellent starting point for essentials that you’ll be happy to have on hand.

  • Portable stereo
  • Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Beach blanket
  • Sunglasses
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Food and snacks
  • Bug spray
  • Proper footwear
  • Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)

More lake items

The following items could be helpful for trips to the lake considering your itinerary. You may want to double check for some of these so you’re not missing something critical.

  • Toys for the beach
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Rafts and floaties
  • Kindle
  • Bait
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Goggles or masks
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Legal flotation devices
  • Your tackle box

Lake Safety Tips

Yes, being on the water can make for a memorable day, everyone’s safety is the most important part of your getaway. Here are some general tips that should ensure that you and your family stays safe at your favorite Dover lake.

  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside

Some More Tips

Few people get the opportunity to visit the lakes near Dover and might have a few questions about how to make the most of their time there. Certainly, no matter where you go each lake is going to possess their own character and surroundings, but here are a couple key points to review when planning which could help start your trip on the right foot.

  1. Research your beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, sometimes beaches may be very busy. If you want some more space to spread out, do some digging on a variety of lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the biggest, most happening sandy party scene!
  2. Rent a boat. If you’re near the water you’ll often find nearby marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Asking a local will usually allow you to find options for renting the perfect boat.
  3. Make the most of the best assets in the area. When you have time for a lengthier getaway, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds which give you the option to camp right on the water at an affordable price.