Lakes Around Richmond
It’s summertime so it’s time to plan your next grand getaway. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Richmond. Fortunately, when you come to Richmond there are quite a few great spots when it comes to getting on, or in the water.
There are many brilliant arguments for making a trip to a lake in Richmond while it’s hot outside – the cool water for swimming, fun summer entertainment like boating, fishing or swimming. Some of the lakes in Richmond have beaches that are ideal for working on your tan. The time is now! Pack up the car with your beach goodies and snacks then set out your next day off and discover your own number one location on the water!
Nearby Lakes for Richmond
A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary
When you visit a lake near Richmond there are many activities that can be enjoyed by families and couples. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or make it a long weekend at a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to make for a bigger, better getaway.
Any stay at the lake offers you everything from fun to relaxation.
Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. If you like to paddle around, load up your preferred vessel and chart your course to a lake that has a public boat launch you can use and get out and enjoy the scenery on the waterfront.
Partake in some water sports. If you’ve got access to a speed boat, why not get out on the water and start flying around the water showing off your water sports skills? Hit the water and go wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the local lakes offer you all kinds of options.
Fishing. For anglers, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re out on a boat or standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.
Lake Checklist
A day at the lake can be drastically different 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 our favorite go-to items that you can use as a checklist prior to locking up the house and heading out.
Common lake items
If the plan is to be in the sun for the majority of the vacation, the list below should be a good place to start when it comes to the necessities that you’ll be happy to have on hand.
- A fully stocked cooler
- Sunblock
- Something to eat
- Portable phone charger
- Portable stereo
- Bug spray
- Something to dry off with
- Swimsuits
- A blanket or sheet
- Tennis shoes
Additional lake items
The following items could be helpful for excursions to the lake based on your plans. You may want to double check some of these before heading out.
- Diapers and baby gear
- Pool noodles, rafts, floats
- Corkscrew
- Fishing gear
- Tackle box
- Fishing and boating licenses
- Life jackets
- Goggles or masks
- Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
- Worms or other bait
Staying Safe on a Lake
While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, everyone’s safety is the most important part of your getaway. The following safety measures will ensure that your whole group remains safe while around the lake.
- Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
- Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
- Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
- Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
- Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
- Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
- Always swim with a buddy
More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Richmond
When you make a trip to the one of a kind lakes around Richmond, there are a few things that might make your weekend gameplan far more successful. Case in point, each individual lake has unique qualities and surroundings so it is important to take into account what will make for a memorable getaway when planning yours.
- Do homework on the beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes beaches might be packed with beachgoers. If you want some more space to spread out, do some digging on 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, then look for the busiest, most popular sandy party scene!
- No boat, no problem. If you’re near the water you’ll often find nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Asking a local can typically help you find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
- Maximize the best local resources. If there’s time for a longer getaway, look for local state campgrounds and parks which give you the option to camp directly on the water for a reasonable price.
