Lakes Around Idaho Falls
It’s summertime and that means it’s time to plan your next family vacation. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Idaho Falls. A lake vacation can be wonderful for those who love getting outside too, as they are a great way to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.
There are many great reasons to visit a lake in Idaho Falls during the warmer months – the cool water for swimming, enjoyable 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 sunscreen and snacks then set out on your next vacation and discover a brand new favorite location on a lake!
Lakes Near Idaho Falls
A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary
On a day trip to a lake near Idaho Falls there are many activities that can be enjoyed by families, couples, or with a group of friends. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or take a longer vacation at a hotel or AirBnB to make the most of your time unwinding.
Now we’ll run down a list of some of the best things to do when you visit a Idaho Falls lake:
Picnic time. Idaho Falls’s lakes gives you the chance to visit a wealth of great picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite foods, or a quick snack as you enjoy the view. For a romantic evening, good food and a view should be suitably romantic.
Catch some fish. For anglers, 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 fishing from shore.
Water sports. If you’ve got access to a fast boat, why not spend the day kicking up a wake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports expertise? Take the family out for some wakeboarding or knee boarding as the local lakes offer you a number of choices.
Lake Checklist
A day at the lake can honestly be all over the map when you take into consideration which lake you’re going to, the season, and the activities on your to-do list. To make things easier we’ve put together a list of popular go-to necessities for you to use as a checklist before you hit the road.
Lake basics
For a day spent on the water you will likely need to bring along many of the things in our list below to make sure you’re safe, healthy, and having fun.
- Sunscreen
- Bottle opener
- Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
- Beach blanket
- Something to dry off with
- Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
- USB charger
- Swimsuits
- Radio or speaker
- Something to eat
Additional lake stuff
The gear in the list below might prove useful for trips to the lake considering your itinerary. You may want to double check some of these prior to hitting the road.
- Inflatable pool toys
- Fishing gear
- Bait
- Swimming goggles
- Something to read
- Safety gear like life jackets
- Fishing and boating licenses
- Tackle box and lures
- Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
- Baby gear (if necessary)
Staying Safe on a Lake
Of course spending a weekend on the lake should be tons of fun, safety should remain top of mind at all times. When you decide to spend a day at the lake these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.
- Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
- Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
- Always wear sunblock
- Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
- Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
- Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
- Don’t swim alone
More Ideas for Lake Fun
Few people get a chance to visit the lakes near Idaho Falls and likely have a few questions on ways to maximize their fun. Clearly, no matter where you go each lake will have their own character and surroundings, but here are a handful of items to review while making plans that might help start your trip on the right foot.
- 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 taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Doing a quick Google search can typically allow you to locate a marina that has what you need.
- Maximize unique local resources. When there’s time for a longer stay, look for local state parks and recreation areas which give you the option to stay directly on the water at an affordable price.
- Research your beaches. Early, mid, or late season, sometimes beaches may be extremely busy. If you want more space to spread out, research a variety of nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the biggest, most happening sandy party scene!
