Urbandale Lakes

Lakes Close to Urbandale

It’s summertime so it’s time to pack up and head out for your upcoming grand getaway. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Urbandale. As it turns out, when you make a trip to Urbandale you have some options for getting on, or in the water.

There are numerous brilliant motivations for making a trip to a lake in Urbandale during the warmer months – the cool water for swimming, enjoyable summer activities like paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming. Some of the lakes in Urbandale have beaches that are ideal for working on your tan. So what are you waiting for? Load up your vehicle with your beach goodies and snacks then make the trip this weekend and discover a brand new favorite location on a lake!

Lakes Near Urbandale

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

A day trip, or a longer getaway gives you a nearly boundless list of things to do for people of all stripes.

A day, weekend, or a week at the lake offers you everything from fun to relaxation.

Start paddling. For those in search of some exercise, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and find yourself a lake that has a public launch and start paddling around to soak up nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.

Catch some fish. For anglers, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re drifting behind a trolling motor or fishing from shore.

Pack a picnic basket. The lakes near Urbandale gives you the chance to visit many great picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite tasty treats, or a quick snack as you enjoy the view. For a romantic evening, this plan should put a smile on their face.

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

Your plan for a lake getaway can vary quite a bit depending on which lake you choose, when you decide to go, and your plan of attack. However, we’ve built out a short list of popular lake items that you can use as a checklist before you hit the road.

Lake basics

If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for most of the day, our list of provisions below is an excellent starting point when it comes to the necessities you are likely to need.

  • Swimsuits
  • Sunblock
  • Dry shirt
  • Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)
  • Something to dry off with
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Beach blanket
  • A cooler and drinks

Additional lake gear

The gear in the list below might prove useful for trips to the lake depending on what you’ll be doing. You may want to double check for some of these so you’re not missing something critical.

  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Wine key
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Kindle
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Bait
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Toys for the beach

Staying Safe on a Lake

Of course your getaway at a lake in Urbandale can provide lots of fun, everyone’s safety needs to remain top of mind. A day on the lake means safety first so here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.

  • 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
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Urbandale

Few people get a chance to make their way to the amazing lakes around Urbandale and might have some questions regarding planning. Clearly, each lake near Urbandale will have unique qualities and surroundings, but it’s worth noting a few things to look into while planning that might help put together a trip your whole family will remember.

  1. Maximize unique local resources. If you have time for a lengthier stay, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the ability to camp near or even on the water at an affordable price.
  2. Do homework on the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally the beaches near Urbandale might be really busy. If you want some space to yourself, research multiple nearby beaches and lakes to see if you can find one that’s less crowded if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the biggest, most popular sandy party scene!
  3. Rent a boat. It’s common that lakes will have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or a day of watersports. Using a search engine can typically help you find a marina that has what you need.