Lakes Close to Lafayette
Every once in a while you just need to pack up and find a spot by the water. A stay at a lake is wonderful for people who love wildlife too, because they offer opportunities to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.
There are countless great arguments for making a trip to a lake in Lafayette while it’s hot outside – the cool water for swimming, relaxing summer entertainment such as wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. Don’t you deserve an enjoyable getaway? Load up your vehicle with your fishing gear and a picnic basket then set out your next day off and discover a brand new number one location on a lake!
Lakes Near Lafayette
Lake Activities
A quick excursion to a lake, or a longer getaway gives you an almost endless list of things to do for families, couples, or even those seeking some quality alone time.
Let’s look at some of the options available to you when you make your way to a Lafayette lake:
Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. If you like to paddle around, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and chart your course to a lake that has a public launch and start paddling around to enjoy the scenery on the waterfront.
Catch some fish. For anglers, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re roaming the lake in a killer fishing boat or fishing from shore.
Go for a swim. Finding a swimming lake near Lafayette will provide all kinds of laughs and games for the youngsters, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between getting that perfect golden tan. If you want to spend time swimming and on the beach you’ll want to be sure your lake has a nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on prior to packing the car and the family! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a magnificent public beach!
Lake Getaway Prep
A day at the lake can be very different depending on which lake you go to, what the weather is going to be, and what you want to do for entertainment. For your benefit, we took the time to make a list with some of our favorite ideas for your watery excursion so you have everything you need!
Lake basics
For a day spent on the water you’ll probably want to take along some of these things so that you’ll be safe, comfortable, and having fun.
- Bug spray
- A picnic basket
- Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)
- Eye protection, a hat, or both
- Plates, cups and utensils
- Swimsuits
- Cords and a charger for portable devices
- A cooler and drinks
- Something to dry off with
- Flip flops or water shoes
Additional lake stuff
Consider your planned activities when at the water and your guests, the items below will likely be helpful and worth packing before you get on the road.
- Your favorite magazine or book
- Rafts and floaties
- Worms or other bait
- Life jackets
- Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
- Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
- Wine key
- Fishing gear
- Swimming goggles
- Your tackle box
Staying Safe on a Lake
While spending a weekend on the lake can provide ample amounts of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. If you’re going to be out on the water these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.
- Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
- Always wear sunblock
- Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
- Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
- Don’t swim alone
- Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
- Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
Some More Tips
Few people get a chance to visit the lakes near Lafayette and might have a few questions about how to make the most of their time there. Certainly, each lake near Lafayette will have unique qualities and surroundings, but you should keep in mind a couple key points to review when assembling your itinerary which could help you end up with a winning itinerary.
- Research your beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally the beaches near Lafayette might be extremely busy. If you want more space to yourself, 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, then look for the busiest, most happening beach!
- Maximize unique local resources. If you have time for a longer getaway, look for local state parks and recreation areas which give you the ability to camp right on the water without breaking the bank.
- No boat, no problem. It’s common that lakes will have nearby marinas where you can rent a boat. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or tubing with the kids. Using a search engine will usually help you locate options for renting the perfect boat.
