St. Johns Lakes

Lakes Close to St. Johns

Sometimes you should spend some time on the water. A lake getaway is wonderful for people that enjoy 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 St. Johns during the warmer months – the cool water for swimming, fun summer entertainment such as boating, fishing or swimming. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches you can enjoy while building sandcastles with the family. Take a look at the data below and have a look your options including swimming lakes to larger lakes for you to visit.

Nearby Lakes for St. Johns

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

A quick excursion to a lake, or a more lengthy getaway offers a nearly endless list of things to do for people of all stripes.

Any stay at the lake gives you everything from fun to relaxation.

Water sports. Should you be able to get access to a ski boat, why not get out on the water and start kicking up a wake showing off your water sports talents? Take the family out for some tubing or skiing as the local lakes offer you several choices.

Grab a board. For those in search of some exercise, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and chart your course to a lake that has a public launch and get out and soak up nature’s beauty on the waterfront.

Get in the water. Finding a swimming lake near St. Johns will offer tons of laughs and games for the big kids and little ones, 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 before you make the trip! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool just isn’t as much fun as a beautiful public beach!

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

A lake day itinerary can be drastically different when you take into consideration the specific lake you’ll be visiting, the time of year, the weather, and the activities on your to-do list. To make things easier we’ve assembled a rundown of our favorite go-to items for you to use as a checklist to make sure you cover your bases.

Lake basics

If the plan is to be in the sun for the majority of the vacation, the following list of items should be an excellent starting point for essentials to have on hand.

  • A blanket or sheet
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • A fully stocked cooler
  • Something to dry off with
  • Portable phone charger
  • A picnic basket
  • Bug spray
  • Bottle opener
  • Sunblock
  • Bluetooth speaker

More lake gear

The list of items below can make your life easier for getaways to the lake considering your itinerary. You may want to double check some of these so you’re not missing something critical.

  • Games for the beach
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Bait
  • Kindle
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Life jackets

Staying Safe on a Lake

Yes, being on the water can make for a memorable day, safety should be top of mind. Here are some general tips that will make sure that everyone stays safe while around the lake.

  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Don’t swim alone

More St. Johns Lake Tips

When you make a trip to the fabulous lakes near St. Johns, there are a few things that will make your trip plan much more rewarding. As an example, every individual lake is going to have their own environment so it’s important to think about what you need to make a memorable trip when planning yours.

  1. Research your beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes the beaches near St. Johns might be packed with tourists. To find more space to spread out, do some digging on multiple nearby beaches and lakes to see if you can find one that’s less crowded if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, search out the busiest, most happening sandy party scene!
  2. Find a marina. If you’re near the water you’ll often find nearby marinas where you can rent a boat. 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 typically allow you to locate a marina that has what you need.
  3. Maximize the best local resources. If you have time for a longer trip, find local state campgrounds and parks that offer the option to camp directly on the water at an affordable price.