Richmond Lakes

Lakes Close to Richmond

Sometimes you just need to spend some time by the water. Lucky for you, when you visit Richmond you have quite a few options when it comes to getting on, or in the water.

Whether you’re itching to paddleboard, partake in some water skiing, swim, or work on your tan, the lakes near Richmond provide you with plentiful options for aquatic activities. So what are you waiting for? Pack up the car with your beach goodies and snacks then hit the road this weekend and discover your own number one spot on the water!

Nearby Lakes for Richmond

Lake Activities

When you visit a lake near Richmond there are many things to do for families, couples, or with a group of friends. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or make it a long weekend to a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to enjoy yourself more fully.

Let’s look at some of the options available to you when you make your way to a Richmond lake:

Water sports. Should you be able to get access to a speed boat, why not spend the day zipping around the lake showing off your water sports expertise? Take the family out for some wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the local lakes provide you with a number of choices.

Start paddling. 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 with a boat launch and get out and enjoy nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.

Have a picnic. The lakes near Richmond provide many excellent picnic areas for you to pack up some foods, or a quick snack as you enjoy the view. For a romantic evening, this plan should be suitably romantic.

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can vary quite a bit depending on the specific lake you’ll be visiting, the time of year, the weather, and the activities on your to-do list. To make things easier we’ve built out a short list of some of the most common go-to necessities for you to use as a checklist to make sure you cover your bases.

The basics

For a day spent on the water you’ll probably want to bring some of the things in our list below to make sure you’re feeling good, healthy, and enjoying your time.

  • Sunscreen
  • Bug spray
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • A picnic basket
  • A cooler with water
  • Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
  • Sweatpants and sweatshirt
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices

Specialty lake stuff

The list of items below might prove useful for getaways to the lake depending on what your plans are. You may want to double check for some of these before heading out.

  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Your tackle box
  • Swimming goggles
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Rafts and floaties
  • Bait
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Fishing poles
  • Wine key

Lake Safety Tips

Of course a day to a lake in Richmond can be lots of fun, everyone’s safety needs to remain top of mind. When you decide to spend a day at the lake these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.

  • Don’t swim alone
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water

More Richmond Lake Tips

When you make a trip to the beautiful lakes around Richmond, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that might make your weekend gameplan much more rewarding. Case in point, every lake is going to have unique environment which makes it important to think about what you need to make an unforgettable trip when planning yours.

  1. Maximize unique local resources. If there’s time for a longer trip, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the ability to camp directly on the water for a reasonable price.
  2. No boat, no problem. If you’re near the water you’ll often find 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. Doing a quick Google search will usually help you locate a marina that has what you need.
  3. Research your beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally beaches might be swarmed with beachgoers. To find more space to spread out, research multiple lakes in the area to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, then look for the biggest, most happening sandy party scene!