Louisville Lakes

Lakes Close to Louisville

It’s summertime so it’s time to start planning your upcoming big getaway. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Louisville. Lucky for you, when you make a trip to Louisville you have quite a few great spots when it comes to spending time on the lake.

Whether you’re seeking to go kayaking, get active with water skiing, swim, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Louisville offer you numerous beautiful locations for aquatic adventures. So what are you waiting for? Pack up your vehicle with your fishing gear and a cooler then hit the road your next day off and discover your own number one spot on a lake!

Lakes Near Louisville

Lake Activities

A day trip to the lake, or a more lengthy getaway provides an almost limitless list of things to do for families, couples, or even those looking for some quiet time.

Let’s look at some of the options available to you when you arrive at a lake near Louisville:

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. If you want a little physical activity, load up your preferred vessel and find yourself a lake that has a boat launch and start paddling around to soak up nature’s beauty on the waterfront.

Have a picnic. The lakes near Louisville gives you the chance to visit all sorts of top-notch picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite culinary delights, or you could just do some cheese and crackers while enjoying the scenery. For a romantic evening, this plan should put a smile on their face.

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 drifting behind a trolling motor or fishing from shore.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

Your plan for a lake getaway can honestly be all over the map depending on which lake you’re going to, 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 some of the most common lake and beach-related necessities that you can use as a checklist for your getaway.

Common lake items

For a day spent on the water it makes a lot of sense to take several of these items to make sure you’re safe, healthy, and relaxed.

  • Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Radio or speaker
  • Beach blanket
  • Bottle opener
  • Something to dry off with
  • Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)
  • UV protection
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Bug spray

More lake gear

The following items can make your life easier for trips to the lake depending on what you’ll be doing. You may want to double check some of these before heading out.

  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Rafts for the kids
  • Legal flotation devices
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Corkscrew

Lake Safety Tips

Yes, being on the water can make for a memorable day, failing to follow some simple safety rules can make things turn tragic in a hurry. These safety tips should make sure that you and your family remains safe while around the lake.

  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Louisville

When you make a trip to the fabulous lakes around Louisville, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that might make your trip plan far more successful. As an example, every individual lake near Louisville is going to have their own qualities which makes it important to take into account what you need to make an enjoyable trip as you plan yours.

  1. Pay attention to the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, sometimes beaches can get exceptionally crowded. To find more space to yourself, do some digging on multiple lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the biggest, most happening sandy party scene!
  2. No boat, no problem. It’s common that lakes will have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or a wild day of wakeboarding. Asking a local will usually allow you to find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  3. Maximize the best local resources. When you have time for a lengthier stay, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the option to stay in a spot that is right on top of the water without breaking the bank.