Lakes Around Decatur
Every once in a while you should gather your family and friends and make time to be by the water. As it turns out, when you come to Decatur you have lots of great spots for getting on, or in the water.
Whether you’re itching to go kayaking, buzz around doing wakeboarding, go for a swim, or work on your tan, the lakes near Decatur offer you plentiful opportunities for outdoor adventures. Has there ever been a better time? Pack up the car with your beach goodies and a cooler then hit the road on your next vacation to find a brand new favorite spot on the water!
Lakes Close to Decatur
A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary
A quick excursion to a lake, or a more lengthy getaway gives you a nearly boundless list of things to do for people of all stripes.
A day, weekend, or a week on or in the water gives you a full range of activities from thrilling to chilling.
Water sports. If you’ve got access to a fast boat, why not spend the day kicking up a wake showing off your water sports talents? Enjoy a day of wakeboarding or knee boarding as the lakes near Decatur offer you several choices.
Pack a picnic basket. The lakes near Decatur provide a wealth of great picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite tasty treats, or you could just do some cheese and crackers by the water. If you’re with that special someone, good food and a view is hard to beat.
Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. For those in search of some exercise, load up your preferred vessel and chart your course to a lake near Decatur that has a public launch and start paddling around to enjoy the scenery on the waterfront.
How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake
A day at the lake can be very different based on the lake you’re heading to, what the weather is going to be, or if there are any activities planned. While every trip is its own animal, we’ve created a list that will give some ideas for your lake getaway 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, the list below is a good starting point for essentials you are likely to need.
- Travel dinnerware and cups
- Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
- USB charger
- Bug spray
- Portable stereo
- Garbage bags
- Sweatshirt and sweatpants
- Sunblock
- Food
- Bathing suits
Specialty lake stuff
Take into consideration the itinerary for the day and who will be joining you, the list of gear could make your day more enjoyable and worth a quick spot check prior to departure.
- Something to read
- Wine key
- Fishing poles, nets, etc.
- Inflatable pool toys
- Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
- Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
- Swimming goggles
- Bait
- Toys for the beach
- Fishing and boating licenses
Lake Safety Tips
While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near Decatur, failing to follow some simple safety rules can make things turn tragic in a hurry. Here are some general tips that will make sure that you and your family remains safe at your favorite Decatur lake.
- Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
- Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
- Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
- Don’t swim alone
- Always wear sunblock
- Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
- Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
Some More Tips
When you make a trip to the beautiful lakes around Decatur, there are a few things that might make your weekend gameplan much more rewarding. For example, each lake has their own features so it is important to think about what will make for an enjoyable adventure when planning yours.
- No boat, no problem. Many lakes have local marinas where you can rent a boat. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or tubing with the kids. Asking a local can usually help you find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
- Pay attention to the beaches. Depending on the time of year, occasionally the beaches near Decatur may be packed with beachgoers. If you want more space to yourself, do some digging on a variety of lakes and beaches to see if you can find one that’s less crowded to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, search out the biggest, most popular beach!
- Make the most of the best local resources. When there’s time for a lengthier stay, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the ability to stay in a spot that is right on top of the water at an affordable price.