Wichita Lakes

Lakes Near Wichita

When the weather is right you should pack up and find a spot near the water. A lake vacation is amazing for those who love wildlife too, as they are a great way to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

Whether you’re looking to float in a tube with a book, buzz around doing watersports, go swimming, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Wichita offer you lots of beautiful locations for outdoor activities. The time is now! Pack up the car with your beach goodies and a picnic basket then make the trip this weekend and discover a brand new number one spot on the water!

Nearby Lakes for Wichita

Things to Do at the Lake

When you visit a lake near Wichita there are many things to do for groups of all types. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or make it a long weekend to a hotel on the beach to enjoy yourself more fully.

Any stay at the lake gives you a full range of activities from thrilling to chilling.

Go fishing. 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 standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.

Picnic time. The lakes near Wichita gives you the chance to visit all sorts of top-notch picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite portable delicacies, or a quick snack by the water. For a romantic evening, good food and a view should be suitably romantic.

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. For those in search of some exercise, pack up your board of choice and chart your course to a lake that has a public boat launch you can use and get out and enjoy the scenery in all it’s glory.

Lake Getaway Prep

A day at the lake can vary quite a bit when you take into consideration which lake you choose, the time of year, the weather, and what you want to do while you’re there. To make things easier we’ve assembled a rundown of popular go-to necessities for you to use as a checklist before you hit the road.

Lake basics

For a day spent on the water you’ll probably want to take many of these things so that you’ll be feeling good, healthy, and getting the most out of your getaway.

  • Insect repellant
  • Tennis shoes
  • Sweatshirt and sweatpants
  • A cooler and drinks
  • Bathing suits
  • Sunscreen
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Travel dinnerware and cups
  • A picnic basket
  • Towels and dry clothes

Additional lake stuff

The list of items below can make your life easier for excursions to the lake considering your itinerary. It’s also worth checking prior to hitting the road.

  • Life jackets
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Swimming goggles
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Rafts for the kids
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Wine key
  • Kindle
  • Worms or other bait

Lake Safety

While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, failing to follow some simple safety rules can make things turn tragic in a hurry. These safety measures can make sure that you and your family remains safe at your favorite Wichita lake.

  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Wichita

Some people may not get the opportunity to make their way to the lakes near Wichita and likely have a few questions regarding planning. Obviously, each lake near Wichita will possess unique qualities and trappings, but you should keep in mind a handful of items to review when making plans that might help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. Find a marina. Many lakes have nearby 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. Doing a quick Google search can typically allow you to locate a marina that has what you need.
  2. Do homework on the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, sometimes the beaches near Wichita can get very crowded. To find some more peace and quiet, research a variety of 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 popular beach!
  3. Maximize unique assets in the area. If there’s time for a longer getaway, look for local state parks and recreation areas which give you the option to stay in a spot that is right on top of the water without breaking the bank.