Wilmington Lakes

Lakes Close to Wilmington

When the weather is right you should spend some time on the water. Fortunately, when you visit Wilmington there are lots of great spots for spending time on the lake.

There are many great reasons for making a trip to a lake in Wilmington while it’s hot outside – the cool water for swimming, fun summer activities like wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. Some of the lakes in Wilmington have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. Scan the data directly beneath this paragraph and have a look your options from small lakes to all sports lakes for you to visit.

Lakes Near Wilmington

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

A quick excursion to a lake, or a more lengthy trip gives you an almost endless amount of stuff for families, couples, or even those looking for some quiet time.

A day, weekend, or a week on or in the water offers you a full range of activities from thrilling to chilling.

Grab a board. If you like to paddle around, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and chart your course to a lake with a public launch and get out and soak up the scenery in all it’s glory.

Partake in some water sports. Should you be able to get access to a ski boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of flying around the water showing off your water sports skills? Take the family out for some wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the lakes near Wilmington offer you several options.

Pack a picnic basket. Wilmington’s lakes offer all sorts of excellent picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite portable delicacies, or a quick snack while enjoying the scenery. Should you be with someone you want to impress, this plan should be suitably romantic.

Lake Checklist

A day at the lake can be very different based on which lake you go to, what time of year it is, and what you want to do for entertainment. However, we took the time to make a list with some of our favorite ideas for your watery excursion so everything goes smoothly!

General items

If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for the majority of the day, our list of provisions below is an excellent starting point for essentials that you’ll be happy to have on hand.

  • A receptacle for trash
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Portable stereo
  • Bug spray
  • USB charger
  • UV protection
  • Towels
  • A fully stocked cooler
  • Dry shirt
  • Swimsuits

More lake gear

Depending on your planned activities when at the water and who will be joining you, the list of gear might also prove useful and worth packing before you make the trip.

  • Corkscrew
  • Life jackets
  • Your tackle box
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Goggles or masks
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Fishing gear
  • Rafts and floaties
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)

Lake Safety Checklist

While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, failing to follow some simple safety rules can make things turn tragic in a hurry. Here are some general tips that can ensure that you and your family are always safe while around the lake.

  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • 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

More Ideas for Lake Fun

If you’re going to visit the fabulous lakes around Wilmington, there are a few things that can make your weekend gameplan substantially more successful. As an example, each lake is going to have unique qualities so it is important to take into account what will make for an unforgettable getaway as you plan yours.

  1. Research your beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally the beaches near Wilmington may be packed with beachgoers. To find some more peace and quiet, research multiple lakes and beaches to see if you can find one that’s less crowded to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the biggest, most happening beach!
  2. No boat, no problem. 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 fishing with family and friends or a day of watersports. Using a search engine will typically allow you to locate several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  3. Maximize the best local resources. When you have time for a lengthier stay, look for local state parks and recreation areas that offer the option to camp right on the water at an affordable price.