Annapolis Lakes

Lakes Close to Annapolis

The weather is warm so it’s time to plan your next family vacation. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Annapolis. Lucky for you, when you visit Annapolis you have lots of options for getting on, or in the water.

There are many brilliant motivations for a getaway to a lake in Annapolis while it’s hot outside – the water is refreshing on hot days, fun summer activities like paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches you can enjoy while building sandcastles with the family. Has there ever been a better time? Load up the car with your beach goodies and snacks then make the trip this weekend and discover a brand new favorite location on a lake!

Lakes Near Annapolis

Lake Activities

On a day trip to a lake near Annapolis you’ll find all kinds of things to do for families and couples. You could go for an exciting 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.

Let’s look at some of the options available to you when you visit a lake near Annapolis:

Grab a board. If paddling is your thing, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and chart your course to a lake with a public boat launch you can use and get out and enjoy nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.

Partake in some water sports. If you’re able to get access to a speed boat, why not get out on the water and start zipping around the lake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports skills? Enjoy a day of wakeboarding or knee boarding as the lakes near Annapolis offer you all kinds of choices.

Partake in some delicious delights outside. Annapolis’s lakes offer all sorts of excellent picnic areas for you to pack up some foods, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy by the water. Should you be with someone you want to impress, good food and a view should put a smile on their face.

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

A lake day itinerary can honestly be all over the map depending on which lake you’re going to, the weather forecast, and what you want to do while you’re there. However, we’ve put together a list of some of the most common go-to items that you can use as a checklist for your getaway.

Common lake items

For a day spent on the water you will likely need to bring several of the things in our list below to make sure you’re feeling good, healthy, and having fun.

  • Bug spray
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • A fully stocked cooler
  • Portable stereo
  • A picnic basket
  • Sunglasses
  • Bottle opener
  • Garbage bags
  • A blanket or sheet
  • Sweatshirt and sweatpants

Specialty lake gear

The following items can make your life easier for trips to the lake considering your itinerary. You may want to double check for some of these before heading out.

  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Bait
  • Toys for the beach
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Rafts and floaties
  • Wine key

Lake Safety Tips

Of course spending a weekend at the lake should be lots of fun, safety should remain top of mind at all times. A day on the lake means safety first so these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.

  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat

More Ideas for Lake Fun

If you’re going to visit the beautiful lakes near Annapolis, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that might make your itinerary far more successful. For example, every lake is going to have their own environment so it is important to consider what you need to make an enjoyable trip when planning yours.

  1. Maximize the best local resources. If there’s time for a lengthier trip, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds which give you the option to stay in a spot that is right on top of the water at an affordable price.
  2. Rent a boat. It’s common that lakes will have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or a wild day of wakeboarding. Using a search engine will typically help you find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  3. Do homework on the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally beaches may be very busy. If you want some space to yourself, research multiple lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the biggest, most happening sandy party scene!