The Villages Lakes

Lakes Close to The Villages

The weather is warm and that means it’s time to pack up and head out for your upcoming summer adventure. There aren’t many better options than a lake near The Villages. A lake vacation can be wonderful for those that enjoy wildlife too, because they offer opportunities to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

There are numerous brilliant reasons to visit a lake in The Villages while it’s hot outside – the cool water for swimming, relaxing summer activities like boating, fishing or swimming. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. Has there ever been a better time? Pack up the car with your fishing gear and a picnic basket then make the trip your next day off to find your own number one location on a lake!

Lakes Close to The Villages

Lake Activities

When you visit a lake near The Villages there are many activities that can be enjoyed by people of all persuasions. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or take a longer vacation to a hotel or AirBnB to make the most of your time unwinding.

A day, weekend, or a week on or in the water offers you everything from fun to relaxation.

Get a little crazy with the water sports. Should you be able to get access to a ski boat, why not spend the day kicking up a wake showing off your water sports skills? Hit the water and go tubing or skiing as the all sports lakes provide you with several choices.

Grab a board. If you want a little physical activity, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and chart your course to a lake near The Villages that has a boat launch and start paddling around to soak up the scenery on the waterfront.

Have a picnic. The Villages’s lakes gives you the chance to visit a wealth of excellent picnic areas where you can enjoy foods, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy by the water. Should you be with someone you want to impress, good food and a view should be suitably romantic.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

Everyone’s beach getaway will be unique depending on the lake you’re heading to, what time of year it is, or if there are any activities planned. For your benefit, we’ve created a list with some of our favorite ideas for your watery excursion so there’s nothing to stress over!

General items

For a day spent on the water you’ll probably want to bring many of these things to make sure you’re feeling good, healthy, and having fun.

  • A fully stocked cooler
  • Bathing suits
  • Insect repellant
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • Flip flops or water shoes
  • Sunscreen
  • Portable phone charger
  • Dry shirt
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • A receptacle for trash

More lake gear

The gear in the list below might prove useful for getaways to the lake considering your itinerary. It’s also worth checking before heading out.

  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Worms or other bait
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Wine key
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Your tackle box
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Games for the beach
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes

Lake Safety Checklist

While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near The Villages, it’s important that you remember to keep safety top of mind. Following a few standard safety tips that can ensure that you and your family remains safe while around the lake.

  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in The Villages

Not everyone has had a chance to make their way to the amazing lakes around The Villages and might have a few questions about how to make the most of their time there. Clearly, no matter where you go each lake will possess their own character and trappings, but you should keep in mind a few things to look into while making plans which could help start your trip on the right foot.

  1. Make the most of the best local resources. If you have time for a longer getaway, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the ability to camp near or even on the water without breaking the bank.
  2. No boat, no problem. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a wild day of wakeboarding. Doing a quick Google search can usually help you locate a marina that has what you need.
  3. Research your beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes the beaches near The Villages may be packed with beachgoers. If you want some more peace and quiet, do some digging on multiple lakes in the area to see if you can find one that’s less crowded to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, then look for the biggest, most happening beach!