Bethesda Lakes

Lakes Around Bethesda

When the weather is right you should pack up and find a spot on the water. A lake getaway can be perfect for people who love wildlife too, because they offer opportunities to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

Whether you’re seeking to go kayaking, buzz around doing water skiing, go for a swim, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Bethesda provide you with lots of beautiful locations for outdoor fun. The time is now! Pack up your vehicle with your fishing gear and a picnic basket then set out your next day off to find a brand new number one spot on a lake!

Lakes Near Bethesda

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

On a day trip to a lake near Bethesda you’ll find all kinds of activities that can be enjoyed by families and couples. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or decide to stay overnight to a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to make the most of your time unwinding.

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

Partake in some water sports. Should you be able to get access to a speed boat, why not get out on the water and start zipping around the lake showing off your water sports talents? Hit the water and go wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the all sports lakes offer you a number of options.

Go fishing. For anglers, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re out on a boat or fishing from shore.

Get in the water. Finding a swimming lake near Bethesda will offer tons of fun and excitement for the kids, 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 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 glorious public beach!

Checklist for a Day at the Lake

Everyone’s beach getaway will be unique depending on which lake you go to, what the weather is going to be, 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 watery excursion to ensure nothing gets forgotten!

General items

When the plan is to be outdoors for the vast majority of the vacation, our list of provisions below is an excellent place to start for essentials that you’ll be happy to have on hand.

  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • A fully stocked cooler
  • Radio or speaker
  • Insect repellant
  • Sunscreen
  • Proper footwear
  • Beach blanket
  • Snacks
  • Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)

Specialty lake stuff

Depending on your planned activities for the day and what your party looks like, the items below could make your day more enjoyable and worth packing prior to leaving.

  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Rafts and floaties
  • Your tackle box
  • Fishing gear
  • Worms or other bait
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Books
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes

Lake Safety Tips

While spending a weekend at the lake should be ample amounts of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. A day on the lake means safety first so here are some important safety tips.

  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft

More Bethesda Lake Tips

Not everyone has had the opportunity to visit the lakes near Bethesda and likely have a few questions on ways to maximize their fun. Obviously, no matter where you go each lake will have their own character and surroundings, but you should keep in mind a handful of items to review while making plans which could help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. Make the most of the best assets in the area. If you have time for a longer trip, find local state parks and recreation areas that offer the ability to camp directly on the water without breaking the bank.
  2. Pay attention to the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally beaches can get very crowded. To find a little more privacy, research multiple lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, search out the biggest, most popular sandy party scene!
  3. Rent a boat. It’s common that lakes will have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or a wild day of wakeboarding. Doing a quick Google search will typically allow you to find a marina that has what you need.