Lakes Around Boise
Sometimes you should pack up and find a spot near the water. A lake getaway is amazing for people who love the outdoors too, because they offer opportunities to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.
There are countless great arguments to visit a lake in Boise while it’s hot outside – the water is refreshing on hot days, enjoyable summer activities like paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming. Some of the lakes in Boise have beaches you can enjoy while building sandcastles with the family. Has there ever been a better time? Pack up the car with your beach goodies and a cooler then set out on your next vacation to find your own number one spot on the water!
Lakes Close to Boise
Lake Activities
On a day trip to a lake near Boise 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 make it a long weekend to a hotel on the beach to make for a bigger, better getaway.
A day, weekend, or a week on or in the water offers you all the options from partying to restful bliss.
Get a little crazy with the water sports. Should you be able to get access to a fast boat, why not get out on the water and start kicking up a wake showing off your water sports skills? Enjoy a day of wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the all sports lakes offer you a number of choices.
Swimming. The swimming lakes near Boise provide tons of fun and excitement for the youngsters, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between working on their tan. Make sure to do your research and verify that your lake has a nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on before you make the trip! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool doesn’t offer as much to do as a glorious public beach!
Go fishing. For anglers, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re drifting behind a trolling motor or fishing from shore.
Lake Getaway Prep
Everyone’s beach getaway will be unique depending on which lake you go to, when you go, what your goals are for the getaway. While every trip is its own animal, we took the time to make a list that will give some ideas for your next trip to a lake near Boise so there’s nothing to stress over!
Common lake items
If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for the majority of the day, our list of provisions below should be an excellent place to start when it comes to the necessities that you’ll be happy to have on hand.
- A receptacle for trash
- Backup clothes
- Flip flops or water shoes
- A beach blanket and umbrella
- UV protection
- Bathing suits
- Insect repellant
- Portable phone charger
- Something to dry off with
- Snacks
Specialty lake items
The list of items below can make your life easier for getaways to the lake depending on what you’ll be doing. You may want to double check some of these so you’re not missing something critical.
- Your favorite magazine or book
- Fishing and boating licenses
- Fishing poles, nets, etc.
- Legal flotation devices
- Goggles or masks
- Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
- Wine key
- Pool noodles, rafts, floats
- Baby gear (if necessary)
- Tackle box
Lake Safety Tips
While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, safety should be top of mind. These safety measures can make sure that you and your family stays safe at your favorite Boise lake.
- Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
- Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
- Always wear sunblock
- Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
- Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
- Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
- Don’t swim alone
More Ideas for Lake Fun
If you’re going to visit the fabulous lakes around Boise, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that might make your weekend gameplan far more successful. As an example, each lake is going to have their own qualities and surroundings so it is important to consider what you need to make a memorable adventure when planning yours.
- No boat, no problem. Many lakes have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or tubing with the kids. Asking a local will usually allow you to locate several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
- Make the most of unique assets in the area. If you have time for a lengthier stay, find local state campgrounds and parks which give you the option to camp in a spot that is right on top of the water at an affordable price.
- Pay attention to the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, sometimes beaches may be swarmed with beachgoers. To find more space to spread out, do some digging on multiple lakes in the area 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 biggest, most popular sandy party scene!