Lakes Near Bristol
It’s summertime and that means it’s time to plan your next grand getaway. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Bristol. Fortunately, when you visit Bristol you have some options for spending time on the lake.
There are many great motivations to visit a lake in Bristol during the warmer months – the water is refreshing on hot days, fun summer entertainment such as boating, fishing or swimming. Some of the lakes in Bristol have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. So what are you waiting for? Pack up your vehicle with sunscreen and snacks then set out your next day off and discover your own number one location on the water!
Lakes Near Bristol
Lake Activities
When you visit a lake near Bristol you’ll find all kinds of activities that can be enjoyed by families, couples, or with a group of friends. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or make it a long weekend to a hotel or AirBnB to make the most of your time unwinding.
Let’s look at some of the options available to you when you arrive at a lake near Bristol:
Swimming. The swimming lakes near Bristol provide tons of laughs and games for the youngsters, 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 nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on prior to packing the car and the family! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool just isn’t as much fun as a magnificent public beach on a lake near Bristol!
Pack a picnic basket. Bristol’s lakes 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. Should you be with someone you want to impress, this plan is hard to beat.
Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. If you want a little physical activity, load up your preferred vessel and find yourself a lake near Bristol with a public boat launch you can use and start paddling around to soak up nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.
Checklist for a Day at the Lake
A day at the lake can be very different depending on which lake you go to, what the weather is going to be, and what you want to do for entertainment. For your benefit, we put together a list for some ideas for your lake getaway so you have everything you need!
General items
If the plan is to be in the sun for the vast majority of the weekend, the list below should be an excellent place to start when it comes to the necessities to have on hand.
- A picnic basket
- USB charger
- Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
- A beach blanket and umbrella
- A sunhat or glasses
- A fully stocked cooler
- Bug spray
- Sunblock
- Radio or speaker
- Plates, cups and utensils
Additional lake stuff
Take into consideration your planned activities at the lake and who will be joining you, the following items will likely be helpful and worth a quick spot check before hitting the road.
- Fishing gear
- Life jackets
- Corkscrew
- Diapers and baby gear
- Something to read
- Goggles or masks
- Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
- Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
- Fishing and boating licenses
- Tackle box
Staying Safe on a Lake
Of course spending a weekend to a lake in Bristol should be ample amounts of fun, everyone’s safety needs to remain top of mind. If you’re going to be out on the water here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.
- Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
- Make sure no one swims alone
- Always wear sunblock
- Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
- Keep your distance from wildlife
- Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
- Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
More Bristol Lake Tips
Some people may not get the opportunity to make their way to the lakes near Bristol and likely have some questions regarding planning. Of course, any body of water will have unique qualities and trappings, but you should keep in mind a few things to look into when planning that might help put together a trip your whole family will remember.
- Make the most of the best assets in the area. When you have time for a longer trip, look for local state parks and recreation areas that offer the ability to stay directly on the water without breaking the bank.
- Find a marina. Many lakes have local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a day of watersports. Asking a local can typically help you locate options for renting the perfect boat.
- Research your beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally beaches can get exceptionally crowded. If you want more space to spread out, research a variety of lakes and beaches 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 busiest, most happening beach!
