Albany Lakes

Lakes Near Albany

The weather is warm and that means it’s time to plan your next summer adventure. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Albany. Lucky for you, when you make a trip to Albany you have lots of great spots for getting on, or in the water.

It doesn’t matter if you’re seeking to float in a tube with a book, partake in some wakeboarding, go swimming, or work on your tan, the lakes near Albany provide you with plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities. The time is now! Pack up your vehicle with your fishing gear and snacks then make the trip your next day off and discover your own favorite spot on a lake!

Lakes Close to Albany

Things to Do at the Lake

A day trip to the lake, or a longer trip gives you a nearly limitless list of activities for families, couples, or even those seeking some quiet time.

Let’s look at some of the options available to you when you make your way to a lake near Albany:

Go fishing. For those that love to fish, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re roaming the lake in a killer fishing boat or tossing a line in from the dock.

Water sports. If you’re able to get access to a ski boat, why not get out on the water and start flying around the water demonstrating your athleticism and water sports talents? Hit the water and go tubing or skiing as the all sports lakes offer you several options.

Picnic time. The lakes near Albany offer many excellent picnic areas where you can enjoy foods, or a quick snack as you enjoy the view. Should you be with someone you want to impress, this plan should be suitably romantic.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

Everyone’s beach getaway will be unique depending on which lake you go to, what the weather is going to be, or if there are any activities planned. However, we put together a list for some ideas for your lake getaway so everything goes smoothly!

The basics

When the plan is to be outdoors for the vast majority of the weekend, the list below should be a good place to start for essentials that you’ll be happy to have on hand.

  • Towels and dry clothes
  • Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
  • Beach blanket
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Insect repellant
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Snacks
  • A cooler with water
  • Bottle opener
  • Sunscreen

Specialty lake items

The gear in the list below could be helpful for getaways to the lake based on your plans. You may want to double check some of these prior to hitting the road.

  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Tackle box
  • Legal flotation devices
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Worms or other bait
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Toys for the beach

Staying Safe on a Lake

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 will ensure that you and your family stays safe while around the lake.

  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming

More Albany Lake Tips

Some people may not get a chance to visit the amazing lakes around Albany and likely have a lot of questions regarding planning. Obviously, any body of water is going to possess their own character and trappings, but here are a couple key points to look into when assembling your itinerary that might help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. Do homework on the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally the beaches near Albany may be packed with beachgoers. To find a little more privacy, do some digging on a variety of lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the busiest, most happening sandy party scene!
  2. No boat, no problem. If you’re near the water you’ll often find nearby marinas where you can rent a boat. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy fishing with family and friends or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Using a search engine can usually help you find options for renting the perfect boat.
  3. Make the most of unique assets in the area. If there’s time for a lengthier getaway, find local state parks and recreation areas that offer the option to camp near or even on the water for a reasonable price.