Baltimore Lakes

Lakes Around Baltimore

When the weather is right you just need to gather your family and friends and make time to be by the water. A lake vacation is perfect for those that enjoy the outdoors too, because they offer opportunities to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to float in a tube with a book, partake in some wakeboarding, swim, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Baltimore provide you with plentiful options for aquatic fun. Has there ever been a better time? Pack up the car with sunscreen and a cooler then hit the road your next day off and discover your own favorite spot on the water!

Lakes Close to Baltimore

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

A quick excursion to a lake, or a longer getaway offers an almost boundless list of things to do for people of all stripes.

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

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. If you like to paddle around, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and find yourself a lake near Baltimore that has a public boat launch you can use and get out and enjoy nature’s beauty on the waterfront.

Partake in some delicious delights outside. The lakes near Baltimore offer many excellent picnic areas where you can enjoy portable delicacies, or a quick snack as you enjoy the view. Should you be with someone you want to impress, a picnic on the beach should put a smile on their face.

Go fishing. For those that love to fish, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re roaming the lake in a killer fishing boat or fishing from shore.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

Every day at the lake will have its own requirements based on which lake you go to, when you go, or if there are any activities planned. While every trip is its own animal, we’ve created a list with some of our favorite ideas for your lake getaway so there’s nothing to stress over!

The basics

For a day spent on the water you will likely need to take along several of the things in our list below to make sure you’re safe, comfortable, and relaxed.

  • Bathing suits
  • Bug spray
  • Towels
  • Something to eat
  • USB charger
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Sweatpants and sweatshirt

Additional lake stuff

Take into consideration what you’ll be doing at the lake and what your party looks like, the following items might also prove useful and worth a quick spot check prior to departure.

  • Games for the beach
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Kindle
  • Corkscrew
  • Tackle box
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Worms or other bait
  • Fishing poles
  • Goggles or masks
  • Diapers and baby gear

Lake Safety Tips

While your getaway on the lake can be lots 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.

  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Make sure no one swims alone

More Ideas for Lake Fun

When you make a trip to the fabulous lakes near Baltimore, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that will make your itinerary far more rewarding. Case in point, each individual lake has their own features which makes it important to think about what you need to make an enjoyable adventure as you plan yours.

  1. Research your beaches. Depending on the time of year, occasionally the beaches near Baltimore can get very crowded. If you want some more peace and quiet, do some digging on multiple nearby beaches and lakes to see if you can find one that’s less crowded if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, then look for the biggest, most happening sandy party scene!
  2. Rent a boat. It’s common that lakes will have 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 wild day of wakeboarding. Asking a local can usually allow you to locate several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  3. Maximize the best local resources. If you have time for a lengthier getaway, look for local state campgrounds and parks that offer the option to stay in a spot that is right on top of the water at an affordable price.