Ellicott City Lakes

Lakes Near Ellicott City

Sometimes you just need to spend some time on the water. A stay at a lake is wonderful for people that enjoy wildlife 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 water skiing, go swimming, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Ellicott City offer you lots of options for aquatic activities. So what are you waiting for? Load up the car with your fishing gear and snacks then hit the road on your next vacation and discover your own number one spot on a lake!

Nearby Lakes for Ellicott City

Things to Do at the Lake

On a day trip to a lake near Ellicott City you’ll find all kinds of activities that can be enjoyed by people of all persuasions. 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 enjoy yourself more fully.

Every getaway at the lake offers you all the options from partying to restful bliss.

Get in the water. Finding a swimming lake near Ellicott City will provide tons of fun and excitement for the youngsters, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want in between working on their tan. If you want to spend time swimming and on the beach you’ll want to be sure your lake has a nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on before you make the trip! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a beautiful public beach on a lake near Ellicott City!

Partake in some delicious delights outside. The lakes near Ellicott City provide a wealth of great picnic areas for you to pack up some culinary delights, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy while enjoying the scenery. For a romantic evening, a picnic on the beach should put a smile on their face.

Catch some fish. For anglers, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re out on a boat or tossing a line in from the dock.

Lake Checklist

Your plan for a lake getaway can honestly be all over the map depending on which lake you’re going to, the season, and the activities on your to-do list. For your convenience we’ve built out a short list of some of the most common go-to items that you can use as a checklist to make sure you cover your bases.

General items

When the plan is to be outdoors for most of the vacation, our list of provisions below should be an excellent place to start when it comes to the necessities that you’ll be happy to have on hand.

  • A receptacle for trash
  • A cooler and drinks
  • Insect repellant
  • Sneakers
  • A blanket or sheet
  • Portable stereo
  • Dry shirt
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Sunscreen
  • A sunhat or glasses

More lake stuff

Take into consideration your planned activities at the lake and your guests, the list of gear could make your day more enjoyable and adding to your checklist before hitting the road.

  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Games for the beach
  • Worms or other bait
  • Life jackets
  • Corkscrew
  • Your tackle box
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.

Staying Safe on a Lake

Yes, being on the water can make for a memorable day, safety should be top of mind. Following a few standard safety tips that can make sure that your whole group stays safe while around the lake.

  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Ellicott City

Not everyone has had a chance to visit the lakes near Ellicott City and likely have a few questions about how to make the most of their time there. Certainly, every lake is going to have their own character and trappings, but here are a handful of items to look into when making plans which could help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. Find a marina. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy fishing with family and friends or tubing with the kids. Using a search engine will typically allow you to find options for renting the perfect boat.
  2. Maximize the best local resources. When you have time for a lengthier getaway, look for local state parks and recreation areas that offer the ability to stay near or even on the water without breaking the bank.
  3. Do homework on the beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes the beaches near Ellicott City could be extremely busy. To find a little more privacy, research a variety of nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the biggest, most happening sandy party scene!