Lakes Near Nampa
The weather is warm and that means it’s time to pack up and head out for your upcoming summer adventure. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Nampa. A stay at a lake can be wonderful for people who love the outdoors too, as they are a great way to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.
Whether you’re seeking to paddleboard, buzz around doing water skiing, go for a swim, or work on your tan, the lakes near Nampa offer you plentiful options for outdoor activities. Has there ever been a better time? Pack up your vehicle with your beach goodies and snacks then make the trip your next day off to find a brand new favorite spot on the water!
Lakes Close to Nampa
Lake Activities
A day trip to the lake, or a longer getaway gives you an almost limitless list of activities for families, couples, or even those looking for some quality alone time.
Now we’ll run down a list of some of the best things to do when you arrive at a lake near Nampa:
Get in the water. Finding a swimming lake near Nampa will offer tons of laughs and games 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 sandy beach and a designated swimming area prior to packing the car and the family! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a glorious public beach!
Get a little crazy with the water sports. Should you be able to get access to a fast boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of kicking up a wake showing off your water sports expertise? Hit the water and go wakeboarding or knee boarding as the all sports lakes offer you all kinds of options.
Start paddling. For those in search of some exercise, pack up your board of choice and chart your course to a lake with a public launch and start paddling around to soak up the scenery on the waterfront.
How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake
A day at the lake can honestly be all over the map depending on which lake you’re going to, the time of year, the weather, and your plan of attack. For your convenience we’ve assembled a rundown of some of the most common lake items for you to use as a checklist prior to locking up the house and heading out.
Lake basics
When the plan is to be outdoors for the majority of the vacation, our list of provisions below should be a good starting point for essentials that you’ll be happy to have on hand.
- Eye protection, a hat, or both
- Portable phone charger
- A blanket or sheet
- Food
- Sunscreen
- Bathing suits
- Towels and dry clothes
- Portable stereo
- Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
- Flip flops or water shoes
More lake gear
Depending on the itinerary at the lake and who will be joining you, the items below will likely be helpful and adding to your checklist before you get on the road.
- Masks and snorkels
- Books
- Fishing and boating licenses
- Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
- Rafts for the kids
- Your tackle box
- Baby gear (if necessary)
- Fishing gear
- Bait
- Wine key
Lake Safety Tips
Of course spending a weekend to the lake can be ample amounts of fun, everyone’s safety needs to remain top of mind. When you decide to spend a day at the lake here are some important safety tips.
- Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
- Don’t swim alone
- Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
- Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
- Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
- Keep your distance from wildlife
- Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Nampa
If you’re going to visit the one of a kind lakes around Nampa, there are a few things that can make your weekend gameplan far more successful. For example, each lake is going to have unique features which makes it important to consider what will make for an enjoyable adventure when planning yours.
- No boat, no problem. It’s common that lakes will have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or a day of watersports. Asking a local can typically help you find a marina that has what you need.
- Pay attention to the beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes the beaches near Nampa can get very crowded. To find a little more privacy, do some digging on multiple nearby beaches and lakes to see if you can find one that’s less crowded to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the biggest, most popular beach!
- Make the most of the best local resources. If you have time for a lengthier getaway, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the ability to stay directly on the water without breaking the bank.
