College Park Lakes

Lakes Close to College Park

Sometimes you should spend some time near the water. Fortunately, when you come to College Park you have lots of great spots when it comes to spending time on the lake.

There are countless brilliant motivations for a getaway to a lake in College Park while it’s hot outside – the water is refreshing on hot days, relaxing summer activities like wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches you can enjoy while building sandcastles with the family. So what are you waiting for? Load up your vehicle with your fishing gear and snacks then hit the road this weekend and discover your own number one location on the water!

Lakes Near College Park

Lake Activities

A day trip, or a longer getaway provides an almost endless list of activities for people of all stripes.

A day, weekend, or a week on or in the water gives you a full range of activities from thrilling to chilling.

Start paddling. If you like to paddle around, load up your preferred vessel and chart your course to a lake near College Park that has a public launch and start paddling around to soak up the scenery in all it’s glory.

Partake in some water sports. If you’re able to get access to a speed boat, why not spend the day flying around the water showing off your water sports expertise? Enjoy a day of tubing or skiing as the local lakes offer you all kinds of choices.

Go for a swim. Finding a swimming lake near College Park will offer all kinds of fun and excitement for the youngsters, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between working on their tan. Make sure to do your research and verify that your lake has a sandy beach and a designated swimming area prior to packing the car and the family! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a beautiful public beach!

Lake Getaway Prep

Your plan for a lake getaway can vary quite a bit when you take into consideration the specific lake you’ll be visiting, the season, and the activities on your to-do list. However, we’ve built out a short list of some of the most common lake and beach-related items for you to use as a checklist for your getaway.

General items

When you’re out on a lake near College Park it makes a lot of sense to bring many of these items so that you’ll be feeling good, healthy, and relaxed.

  • Portable stereo
  • A fully stocked cooler
  • UV protection
  • A blanket or sheet
  • Bathing suits
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Bug spray
  • Reserve clothing
  • Something to dry off with
  • A receptacle for trash

More lake gear

Take into consideration your planned activities for the day and who will be in your entourage, the items below could make your day more enjoyable and worth packing before hitting the road.

  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Legal flotation devices
  • Fishing poles
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Something to read
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Toys for the beach
  • Tackle box and lures

Lake Safety Checklist

Of course spending a weekend at your favorite body of water should be lots of fun, safety should remain top of mind at all times. 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
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • 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 Ideas for Lake Fun

When you make a trip to the fabulous lakes around College Park, there are a few things that will make your itinerary far more rewarding. For example, every lake has unique qualities so it’s important to take into account what you need to make an unforgettable getaway when planning yours.

  1. Research your beaches. Early, mid, or late season, sometimes the beaches near College Park might be packed with tourists. To find 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 popular beach!
  2. Make the most of the best assets in the area. If there’s time for a lengthier getaway, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the option to stay right on the water at an affordable price.
  3. Rent a boat. It’s common that lakes will have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a day of watersports. Asking a local can usually allow you to locate a marina that has what you need.