Barnstable Lakes

Lakes Close to Barnstable

Every once in a while you just need to spend some time near the water. A lake getaway is wonderful for those who love 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, get active with watersports, go swimming, or work on your tan, the lakes near Barnstable provide you with lots of beautiful locations for aquatic fun. Browse through the data below and have a look the nearby locations from swimming lakes with beaches to larger lakes for you and the family to visit.

Lakes Close to Barnstable

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

When you visit a lake near Barnstable there are many things to do for families, couples, or with a group of friends. You could go for an exciting day trip or decide to stay overnight at a hotel on the beach to make the most of your time unwinding.

Any stay at the lake offers you all the options from partying to restful bliss.

Start paddling. If paddling is your thing, pack up your board of choice and find yourself a lake with a boat launch and get out and enjoy nature’s beauty on the waterfront.

Swimming. The swimming lakes near Barnstable offer all kinds of laughs and games for the big kids and little ones, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active 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 sandy beach and a designated swimming area before you make the trip! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t offer as much to do as a glorious public beach!

Pack a picnic basket. The lakes near Barnstable provide all sorts of excellent picnic areas for you to pack up some tasty treats, or you could just do some cheese and crackers as you enjoy the view. Should you be with someone you want to impress, good food and a view is hard to beat.

Checklist for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can honestly be all over the map when you take into consideration the specific lake you’ll be visiting, when you decide to go, and what you want to do while you’re there. However, we’ve put together a list of our favorite go-to necessities that you can use as a checklist before you hit the road.

General items

When you’re out on a lake near Barnstable it makes a lot of sense to take along some of these things so that you’ll be safe, comfortable, and getting the most out of your getaway.

  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Flip flops or water shoes
  • USB charger
  • Sweatshirt and sweatpants
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • A cooler and drinks
  • Bathing suits
  • Insect repellant
  • Garbage bags
  • Sunscreen

More lake stuff

The gear in the list below can make your life easier for excursions to the lake depending on what your plans are. You may want to double check for some of these before heading out.

  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Swimming goggles
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Games for the beach
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Rafts and floaties
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Something to read
  • Your tackle box
  • Wine key

Staying Safe on a Lake

Of course spending a weekend on your favorite body of water should be ample amounts of fun, safety should remain top of mind at all times. When you decide to spend a day at the lake these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.

  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Keep your distance from wildlife

More Barnstable Lake Tips

Few people get the opportunity to visit the lakes near Barnstable and might have some questions about how to make the most of their time there. Of course, any body of water is going to possess their own character and trappings, but here are a couple key points to look into while making plans that might help start your trip on the right foot.

  1. Maximize the best local resources. When you have time for a longer getaway, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the option to camp directly on the water at an affordable price.
  2. Rent a boat. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or tubing with the kids. Doing a quick Google search will usually allow you to locate several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  3. Pay attention to the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, sometimes beaches may be extremely busy. To find a little more privacy, do some digging on multiple 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 popular sandy party scene!