Lakes Close to New Orleans
When the weather is right you should spend some time near the water. As it turns out, when you come to New Orleans there are quite a few great spots when it comes to getting on, or in the water.
Whether you’re seeking to float in a tube with a book, get active with wakeboarding, swim, or just lounge at the beach, the lakes near New Orleans offer you plentiful opportunities for outdoor adventures. Browse through the data below and have a look the options from swimming lakes with beaches to all sports lakes for you to enjoy.
Lakes Close to New Orleans
Lake Activities
On a day trip to a lake near New Orleans there are many things to do for 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 enjoy yourself more fully.
Now we’ll run down a list of some of the best things to do when you visit a New Orleans lake:
Get in the water. Finding a swimming lake near New Orleans will offer all kinds of fun for the big kids and little ones, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want in between getting that perfect golden tan. If you want to spend time swimming and on the beach you’ll want to be sure 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 just isn’t as much fun as a beautiful public beach on a lake near New Orleans!
Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. For those in search of some exercise, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and find yourself a lake that has a public launch and start paddling around to soak up nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.
Catch some fish. For those that love to fish, 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 roaming the lake in a killer fishing boat or tossing a line in from the dock.
Checklist for a Day at the Lake
Everyone’s beach getaway will be unique depending on which lake you go to, when you go, and what you want to do for entertainment. While every trip is its own animal, we took the time to make a list that will give some ideas for your lake getaway so there’s nothing to stress over!
Common lake items
When you’re out on a lake near New Orleans it makes a lot of sense to take along some of these items so that you’ll be feeling good, healthy, and relaxed.
- Bluetooth speaker
- A sunhat or glasses
- Towels and dry clothes
- Portable phone charger
- Snacks
- Insect repellant
- A fully stocked cooler
- Travel dinnerware and cups
- UV protection
- Swimsuits
Additional lake stuff
The gear in the list below might prove useful for trips to the lake depending on what you’ll be doing. You may want to double check some of these prior to hitting the road.
- Toys for the beach
- Baby gear (if necessary)
- Fishing gear
- Bait
- Legal flotation devices
- Wine key
- Masks and snorkels
- Paper towels and sanitizer
- Your favorite magazine or book
- Pool noodles, rafts, floats
Lake Safety Tips
Of course your getaway to a lake in New Orleans can provide ample amounts of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. A day on the lake means safety first so here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.
- Always swim with a buddy
- Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
- Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
- Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
- Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
- Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
- Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
More Ideas for Lake Fun
If you’re going to visit the beautiful lakes around New Orleans, there are a few things that can make your trip plan much more successful. Case in point, each individual lake near New Orleans has unique qualities and surroundings so it is important to think about what you need to make a memorable trip as you plan yours.
- Research your beaches. Early, mid, or late season, sometimes beaches may be extremely busy. To find a little more privacy, do some digging on 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, search out the busiest, most popular sandy party scene!
- Find a marina. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas where you can rent a boat. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a day of watersports. Using a search engine will usually allow you to find options for renting the perfect boat.
- Maximize the best local resources. When you have time for a lengthier stay, look for local state parks and recreation areas that offer the ability to camp right on the water at an affordable price.