Lafayette Lakes

Lakes Around Lafayette

The weather is warm and that means it’s time to plan your next summer adventure. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Lafayette. Fortunately, when you make a trip to Lafayette you have quite a few great spots for spending time on the lake.

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to paddleboard, get active with wakeboarding, swim, or work on your tan, the lakes near Lafayette provide you with plentiful opportunities for aquatic adventures. Has there ever been a better time? Pack up your vehicle with your beach goodies and snacks then set out on your next vacation and discover your own number one location on the water!

Lakes Near Lafayette

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

On a day trip to a lake near Lafayette there are many activities that can be enjoyed by people of all persuasions. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or make it a long weekend at a hotel or AirBnB to make the most of your time unwinding.

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

Have a picnic. The lakes near Lafayette offer many top-notch picnic areas for you to pack up some foods, or a quick snack while enjoying the scenery. If you’re with that special someone, a picnic on the beach should put a smile on their face.

Get in the water. The swimming lakes near Lafayette offer tons of laughs and games for the big kids and little ones, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between working on their 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 before you make the trip! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t offer as much to do as a glorious public beach!

Start paddling. If you like to paddle around, pack up your board of choice and chart your course to a lake with a public boat launch you can use and start paddling around to enjoy the scenery on the waterfront.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

A day at the lake can be very different based on which lake you go to, what time of year it is, what your goals are for the getaway. While every trip is its own animal, we put together a list for some ideas for your next summer trip so everything goes smoothly!

General items

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

  • Towels
  • Reserve clothes
  • Portable phone charger
  • Bottle opener
  • Swimsuits
  • Sunglasses
  • Snacks
  • Insect repellant
  • A fully stocked cooler
  • A receptacle for trash

Specialty lake stuff

The list of items below could be helpful for excursions to the lake depending on what your plans are. You may want to double check for some of these so you’re not missing something critical.

  • Games for the beach
  • Swimming goggles
  • Bait
  • Life jackets
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Your tackle box

Lake Safety Tips

While a day at a lake in Lafayette can be tons of fun, safety should remain top of mind at all times. When you decide to spend a day at the lake here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.

  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong

More Ideas for Lake Fun

When you make a trip to the beautiful lakes near Lafayette, there are a few things that will make your weekend gameplan far more successful. Case in point, each individual lake is going to have their own qualities so it is important to take into account what you need to make an unforgettable trip when planning yours.

  1. Do homework on the beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes the beaches near Lafayette can get exceptionally crowded. If you want a little more privacy, research a variety of nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the biggest, most happening sandy party scene!
  2. Rent a boat. If you’re near the water you’ll often find nearby marinas where you can rent a boat. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or a day of watersports. Using a search engine can usually allow you to find a marina that has what you need.
  3. Maximize unique assets in the area. If there’s time for a longer trip, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds which give you the option to camp right on the water at an affordable price.