Gaithersburg Lakes

Lakes Close to Gaithersburg

Every once in a while you just need to pack up and find a spot near the water. As it turns out, when you come to Gaithersburg there are quite a few great spots when it comes to spending time on the lake.

There are countless brilliant motivations for a getaway to a lake in Gaithersburg while it’s hot outside – the water is refreshing on hot days, enjoyable summer activities like boating, fishing or swimming. Some of the lakes in Gaithersburg have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. So what are you waiting for? Pack up your vehicle with your fishing gear and a picnic basket then make the trip this weekend to find a brand new favorite location on a lake!

Nearby Lakes for Gaithersburg

Things to Do at the Lake

A quick excursion to a lake, or a more lengthy getaway provides an almost limitless amount of stuff for families or couples.

Every getaway on or in the water gives you a full range of activities from thrilling to chilling.

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. If you want a little physical activity, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and chart your course to a lake near Gaithersburg that has a boat launch and get out and soak up nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.

Go for a swim. The swimming lakes near Gaithersburg provide all kinds of fun for the big kids and little ones, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between getting that perfect golden 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! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a magnificent public beach!

Fishing. For anglers, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re drifting behind a trolling motor or fishing from shore.

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can vary quite a bit depending on the specific lake you’ll be visiting, when you decide to go, and your plan of attack. However, we’ve built out a short list of some of the most common lake necessities for you to use as a checklist to make sure you cover your bases.

Lake basics

For a day spent on the water you will likely need to bring along several of the things in our list below to make sure you’re safe, healthy, and enjoying your time.

  • Travel dinnerware and cups
  • Sunscreen
  • Sweatshirt and sweatpants
  • A blanket or sheet
  • Proper footwear
  • Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)
  • A cooler with water
  • Towels
  • Bathing suits
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices

More lake stuff

Consider the itinerary for the day and your guests, the list of gear could make your day more enjoyable and worth a quick spot check prior to departure.

  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Toys for the beach
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Fishing poles
  • Corkscrew
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Fishing and boating licenses

Lake Safety

While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near Gaithersburg, it’s important that you remember to keep safety top of mind. Following a few standard safety tips that will ensure that you and your family are always safe while around the lake.

  • Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Don’t swim alone
  • 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 Gaithersburg

If you’re going to visit the one of a kind lakes near Gaithersburg, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that can make your weekend gameplan far more rewarding. Case in point, every individual lake near Gaithersburg is going to have unique features so it is important to consider what you need to make an unforgettable adventure as you plan yours.

  1. Make the most of unique assets in the area. If there’s time for a lengthier trip, find local state campgrounds and parks that offer the option to camp near or even on the water at an affordable price.
  2. No boat, no problem. Many lakes have local marinas where you can rent a boat. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or tubing with the kids. Doing a quick Google search can usually help you locate options for renting the perfect boat.
  3. Research your beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally beaches can get extremely crowded. To find some more peace and quiet, research a variety of nearby beaches and lakes to see if you can find one that’s less crowded to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the busiest, most happening beach!