Catonsville Lakes

Lakes Close to Catonsville

Every once in a while you just need to gather your family and friends and make time to be near the water. A stay at a lake is perfect for people that enjoy getting outside too, because they offer opportunities to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

There are many brilliant reasons for making a trip to a lake in Catonsville this summer – the water is refreshing on hot days, enjoyable summer entertainment such as wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. Browse through the table below to have a look your options from swimming lakes with beaches to all sports lakes for you and the family to enjoy.

Nearby Lakes for Catonsville

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

On a day trip to a lake near Catonsville you’ll find all kinds of activities that can be enjoyed by groups of all types. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or take a longer vacation at a hotel on the beach to make the most of your time unwinding.

A day, weekend, or a week at the lake offers you a full range of activities from thrilling to chilling.

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. If you want a little physical activity, load up your preferred vessel and chart your course to a lake with a boat launch and start paddling around to soak up nature’s beauty on the waterfront.

Picnic time. Catonsville’s lakes provide many great picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite portable delicacies, or you could just do some cheese and crackers while enjoying the scenery. For a romantic evening, this plan should be suitably romantic.

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 drifting behind a trolling motor or standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

A lake day itinerary can be drastically different depending on which lake you’re going to, the weather forecast, and the activities on your to-do list. To make things easier we’ve put together a list of popular lake items that you can use as a checklist to make sure you cover your bases.

The basics

When the plan is to be outdoors for most of the weekend, the following list of items is an excellent place to start when it comes to the necessities that you’ll be happy to have on hand.

  • Portable stereo
  • Sweatpants and sweatshirt
  • UV protection
  • A fully stocked cooler
  • Sunglasses
  • Beach blanket
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
  • Insect repellant
  • Plates, cups and utensils

Additional lake stuff

The gear in the list below could be helpful for trips to the lake depending on what you’ll be doing. You may want to double check some of these so you’re not missing something critical.

  • Tackle box and lures
  • Worms or other bait
  • Legal flotation devices
  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Something to read
  • Toys for the beach
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Goggles or masks
  • Corkscrew
  • Fishing poles

Lake Safety Checklist

While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near Catonsville, everyone’s safety is the most important part of your getaway. Following a few standard safety tips that can ensure that you and your family stays safe while around the lake.

  • Don’t swim alone
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Catonsville

Not everyone has had the opportunity to make their way to the lakes near Catonsville and likely have some questions regarding planning. Certainly, every lake is going to possess unique qualities and surroundings, but it’s worth noting a handful of items to review while assembling your itinerary that might help put together a trip your whole family will remember.

  1. Pay attention to the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally beaches may be extremely busy. To find a little more privacy, research multiple nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, search out the busiest, most happening beach!
  2. No boat, no problem. Many lakes have local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a wild day of wakeboarding. Doing a quick Google search can usually allow you to find options for renting the perfect boat.
  3. Make the most of the best local resources. If you have time for a lengthier trip, look for local state campgrounds and parks which give you the option to camp near or even on the water without breaking the bank.