Lawrence Lakes

Lakes Near Lawrence

Every once in a while you just need to gather your family and friends and make time to be on the water. Lucky for you, when you make a trip to Lawrence you have quite a few options when it comes to spending time on the lake.

Whether you’re looking to paddleboard, get active with watersports, swim, or just lounge at the beach, the lakes near Lawrence provide you with numerous options for outdoor activities. Take a look at the table directly beneath this paragraph to see the nearby locations including small lakes with beaches to all sports lakes for you and the family to enjoy.

Lakes Near Lawrence

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

On a day trip to a lake near Lawrence you’ll find all kinds of things to do for families, couples, or with a group of friends. You could go for an exciting day trip or take a longer vacation to a hotel or AirBnB to enjoy yourself more fully.

Here are some of our top picks for activities when you make your way to a lake near Lawrence:

Start paddling. If paddling is your thing, load up your preferred vessel and chart your course to a lake near Lawrence with a public launch and start paddling around to enjoy nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.

Go for a swim. Finding a swimming lake near Lawrence will offer tons of laughs and games for the kids, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want in between getting that perfect golden tan. Make sure to do your research and verify that your lake has a sandy beach and a designated swimming area before you make the trip! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a glorious public beach!

Partake in some delicious delights outside. The lakes near Lawrence provide all sorts of top-notch picnic areas where you can enjoy culinary delights, or something as simple as crackers and cheese and a cold beverage while enjoying the scenery. If you’re with that special someone, good food and a view should put a smile on their face.

Lake Getaway Prep

Your plan for a lake getaway can honestly be all over the map when you take into consideration which lake you choose, the weather forecast, and your plan of attack. To make things easier we’ve assembled a rundown of popular lake and beach-related items that you can use as a checklist before you hit the road.

Lake basics

When you’re out on a lake near Lawrence you will likely need to take several of these things to make sure you’re safe, healthy, and having fun.

  • Sunscreen
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Snacks
  • A fully stocked cooler
  • Beach blanket
  • Dry shirt
  • Towels
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Flip flops or water shoes

Specialty lake gear

Consider the itinerary when at the water and who will be joining you, the following items will likely be helpful and adding to your checklist before you get on the road.

  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Goggles or masks
  • Fishing gear
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Something to read
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Rafts and floaties
  • Toys for the beach
  • Safety gear like life jackets

Staying Safe on a Lake

While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, safety should be top of mind. Following a few standard safety tips that will ensure that your whole group stays safe on the water.

  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves

Some More Tips

Some people may not get the opportunity to visit the amazing lakes around Lawrence and might have a lot of questions regarding planning. Of course, every lake will have their own character and surroundings, but it’s worth noting a few things to look into when making plans that might help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. Maximize unique local resources. If there’s time for a lengthier getaway, find local state parks and recreation areas which give you the option to camp directly on the water without breaking the bank.
  2. Pay attention to the beaches. Depending on the time of year, occasionally beaches might be packed with tourists. If you want some more peace and quiet, research multiple nearby beaches and lakes 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 sandy party scene!
  3. Rent a boat. It’s common that lakes will have local marinas that offer boat rentals. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or tubing with the kids. Asking a local will usually allow you to locate a marina that has what you need.