Lakes Near Pocatello
Every once in a while you just need to pack up and find a spot near the water. Lucky for you, when you visit Pocatello you have quite a few options for spending time on the lake.
Whether you’re itching to go kayaking, buzz around doing watersports, swim, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Pocatello provide you with numerous options for outdoor activities. So what are you waiting for? Pack up your vehicle with your fishing gear and snacks then set out on your next vacation to find a brand new number one spot on the water!
Lakes Close to Pocatello
Things to Do at the Lake
When you visit a lake near Pocatello there are many activities that can be enjoyed by families and couples. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or take a longer vacation at a hotel on the beach to make the most of your time unwinding.
Here are some of our top picks for activities when you arrive at a Pocatello lake:
Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. If you like to paddle around, pack up your board of choice and find yourself a lake that has a public boat launch you can use and start paddling around to soak up nature’s beauty on the waterfront.
Have a picnic. The lakes near Pocatello offer all sorts of great picnic areas where you can enjoy culinary delights, or a quick snack while enjoying the scenery. Should you be with someone you want to impress, this plan is hard to beat.
Go for a swim. The swimming lakes near Pocatello offer tons of fun and excitement for the kids, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between getting that perfect golden 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 prior to packing the car and the family! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool just isn’t as much fun as a glorious public beach!
How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake
Your plan for a lake getaway can be drastically different when you take into consideration which lake you choose, the time of year, the weather, and the activities on your to-do list. For your convenience we’ve assembled a rundown of popular go-to necessities for you to use as a checklist for your getaway.
Common lake items
When the plan is to be outdoors for the majority of the vacation, our list of provisions below should be a good place to start when it comes to the necessities to have on hand.
- Swimsuits
- Flip flops or water shoes
- Sunglasses
- Sweatshirt and sweatpants
- A beach blanket and umbrella
- Bug spray
- Portable phone charger
- Towels
- Plates, cups and utensils
- Sunblock
More lake gear
Depending on the itinerary at the lake and who will be joining you, the list of gear might also prove useful and adding to your checklist prior to leaving.
- Wine key
- Goggles or masks
- Your favorite magazine or book
- Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
- Diapers and baby gear
- Worms or other bait
- Tackle box and lures
- Inflatable pool toys
- Toys for the beach
- Fishing poles
Staying Safe on a Lake
While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, safety should be top of mind. Here are some general tips that can ensure that you and your family remains safe at your favorite Pocatello lake.
- Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
- Always swim with a buddy
- Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
- Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
- Keep your distance from wildlife
- Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
- Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
Some More Tips
Some people may not get the opportunity to make their way to the amazing lakes around Pocatello and might have some questions regarding planning. Obviously, every lake is going to have unique qualities and surroundings, but it’s worth noting a couple key points to review while assembling your itinerary which could help you end up with a winning itinerary.
- Make the most of the best assets in the area. If there’s time for a lengthier stay, find local state parks and recreation areas which give you the ability to camp directly on the water without breaking the bank.
- Rent a boat. If you’re near the water you’ll often find nearby marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or tubing with the kids. Doing a quick Google search can typically help you locate options for renting the perfect boat.
- Research your beaches. Depending on the time of year, occasionally the beaches near Pocatello might be swarmed with beachgoers. If you want a little more privacy, research multiple nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, search out the busiest, most happening beach!
