Jacksonville Lakes

Lakes Close to Jacksonville

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 Jacksonville. As it turns out, when you make a trip to Jacksonville you have lots of great spots for spending time on the lake.

It doesn’t matter if you’re itching to paddleboard, partake in some wakeboarding, go for a swim, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Jacksonville provide you with numerous beautiful locations for outdoor fun. Scan the table below to see the nearby locations including small lakes to all sports lakes for you and the family to visit.

Lakes Near Jacksonville

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

When you visit a lake near Jacksonville you’ll find all kinds of activities that can be enjoyed by groups of all types. You could go for an exciting day trip or decide to stay overnight to a hotel or AirBnB to make the most of your time unwinding.

A day, weekend, or a week on or in the water gives you all the options from partying to restful bliss.

Go for a swim. Finding a swimming lake near Jacksonville will offer tons of laughs and games for the youngsters, 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 prior to packing the car and the family! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a magnificent public beach!

Start paddling. If you like to paddle around, load up your preferred vessel and chart your course to a lake with a boat launch and start paddling around to enjoy the scenery on the waterfront.

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 drifting behind a trolling motor or tossing a line in from the dock.

Lake Getaway Prep

A day at the lake can be very different depending on the lake you’re heading to, what time of year it is, and what your perfect itinerary looks like. For your benefit, we’ve created a list with some of our favorite ideas for your next summer trip so everything goes smoothly!

Lake basics

When you’re out on a lake near Jacksonville it makes a lot of sense to take several of the things in our list below so that you’ll be safe, healthy, and getting the most out of your getaway.

  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • A receptacle for trash
  • A fully stocked cooler
  • Swimsuits
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Dry shirt
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Sneakers
  • Travel dinnerware and cups

More lake stuff

Take into consideration your planned activities for the day and who will be in your entourage, the list of gear will likely be helpful and adding to your checklist before hitting the road.

  • Tackle box
  • Kindle
  • Life jackets
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Rafts and floaties
  • Corkscrew
  • Goggles or masks
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Bait
  • Baby gear (if necessary)

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. Following a few standard safety tips that will make sure that your whole group remains safe at your favorite Jacksonville lake.

  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat

Some More Tips

Not everyone has had the opportunity to make their way to the lakes near Jacksonville and might have some questions about how to make the most of their time there. Clearly, every lake will possess their own character and surroundings, but it’s worth noting a handful of items to look into when assembling your itinerary which could help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. Pay attention to the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally beaches might be packed with beachgoers. If you want more space to spread out, do some digging on a variety of nearby beaches and lakes 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 happening beach!
  2. Make the most of unique local resources. When you have time for a lengthier getaway, find local state parks and recreation areas that offer the option to stay right on the water for a reasonable price.
  3. Rent a boat. It’s common that lakes will have local marinas that offer boat rentals. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Asking a local can usually allow you to locate a marina that has what you need.