Lakes Close to St. Tammany
It’s summertime and that means it’s time to plan your next family vacation. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near St. Tammany. Lucky for you, when you visit St. Tammany you have some options for spending time on the lake.
It doesn’t matter if you’re seeking to float in a tube with a book, buzz around doing wakeboarding, go swimming, or work on your tan, the lakes near St. Tammany offer you lots of options for outdoor adventures. The time is now! Load up your vehicle with your beach goodies and a cooler then make the trip on your next vacation to find a brand new number one location on a lake!
Nearby Lakes for St. Tammany
Lake Activities
A day trip, or a longer getaway offers an almost boundless amount of stuff for families, couples, or even those seeking some quiet time.
A day, weekend, or a week at the lake offers you a full range of activities from thrilling to chilling.
Get in the water. Finding a swimming lake near St. Tammany will offer all kinds of fun for the big kids and little ones, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between getting that perfect golden tan. Make sure to do your research and verify that your lake has a sandy beach and a designated swimming area 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 St. Tammany!
Grab a board. If paddling is your thing, pack up your board of choice and chart your course to a lake near St. Tammany that has a public boat launch you can use and get out and soak up nature’s beauty on the waterfront.
Go fishing. For anglers, 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 standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.
Lake Getaway Prep
Your plan for a lake getaway can be drastically different depending on which lake you choose, the season, and the activities on your to-do list. For your convenience we’ve built out a short list of our favorite lake items that you can use as a checklist for your getaway.
Lake basics
For a day spent on the water it makes a lot of sense to take along many of these things so that you’ll be safe, comfortable, and getting the most out of your getaway.
- Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
- Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
- A receptacle for trash
- Dry shirt
- Swimsuits
- Eye protection, a hat, or both
- Cords and a charger for portable devices
- Insect repellant
- A beach blanket and umbrella
- Sunscreen
More lake stuff
Consider what you’ll be doing when at the water and what your party looks like, the list of gear will likely be helpful and adding to your checklist before hitting the road.
- Pool noodles, rafts, floats
- Corkscrew
- Tackle box and lures
- Swimming goggles
- Paper towels and sanitizer
- Toys for the beach
- Fishing poles, nets, etc.
- Your favorite magazine or book
- Bait
- Life jackets
Lake Safety Checklist
While a day to your favorite body of water can provide lots of fun, everyone’s safety needs to remain top of mind. If you’re going to be out on the water these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.
- 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
- Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
- Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
- Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
- Keep your distance from wildlife
- Don’t swim alone
More St. Tammany Lake Tips
Some people may not get the opportunity to visit the amazing lakes around St. Tammany and might have a lot of questions on ways to maximize their fun. Certainly, any body of water will have their own character and surroundings, but here are a couple key points to look into when planning which could help put together a trip your whole family will remember.
- Do homework on the beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes the beaches near St. Tammany might be packed with beachgoers. To find some more peace and quiet, research a variety of lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, search out the busiest, most popular sandy party scene!
- Maximize unique assets in the area. When you have time for a longer 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 for a reasonable price.
- No boat, no problem. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas where you can rent a boat. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or tubing with the kids. Using a search engine will usually allow you to find a marina that has what you need.