Mattapan Lakes

Lakes Close to Mattapan

Sometimes you just need to pack up and find a spot on the water. Fortunately, when you make a trip to Mattapan you have lots of options when it comes to getting on, or in the water.

There are countless great motivations to visit a lake in Mattapan while it’s hot outside – the water is refreshing on hot days, enjoyable summer entertainment like wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. So what are you waiting for? Load up your vehicle with sunscreen and a cooler then hit the road your next day off and discover your own number one location on a lake!

Nearby Lakes for Mattapan

Things to Do at the Lake

When you visit a lake near Mattapan there are many activities that can be enjoyed by families and couples. You could go for an exciting day trip or decide to stay overnight to a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to make for a bigger, better getaway.

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

Grab a board. For those in search of some exercise, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and find yourself a lake near Mattapan that has a public boat launch you can use and start paddling around to enjoy nature’s beauty on the waterfront.

Get in the water. The swimming lakes near Mattapan provide tons of fun and excitement for the kids, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want in between getting that perfect golden tan. Make sure to do your research and verify that your lake has a nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on prior to packing the car and the family! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t offer as much to do as a glorious public beach on a lake near Mattapan!

Have a picnic. The lakes near Mattapan provide all sorts of top-notch picnic areas where you can enjoy portable delicacies, or you could just do some cheese and crackers while enjoying the scenery. If you’re with that special someone, a picnic on the beach is hard to beat.

Checklist 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, the time of year, the weather, and the activities on your to-do list. To make things easier we’ve built out a short list of our favorite lake and beach-related necessities for you to use as a checklist before you hit the road.

Common lake items

When you’re out on a lake near Mattapan you’ll probably want to bring along several of these things so that you’ll be safe, comfortable, and getting the most out of your getaway.

  • USB charger
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Bug spray
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
  • Sunblock
  • A receptacle for trash
  • Dry shirt
  • Something to eat

Specialty lake items

The following items might prove useful for trips to the lake considering your itinerary. It’s also worth checking so you’re not missing something critical.

  • Life jackets
  • Books
  • Fishing gear
  • Wine key
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Goggles or masks
  • Rafts and floaties
  • Worms or other bait
  • Games for the beach
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)

Staying Safe on a Lake

Of course your getaway at a lake in Mattapan should be tons 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.

  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Always swim with a buddy

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Mattapan

When you make a trip to the beautiful lakes around Mattapan, there are a few things that might make your trip plan substantially more successful. As an example, each individual lake has unique environment which makes it important to take into account what will make for an unforgettable getaway as you plan yours.

  1. Do homework on the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally beaches might be swarmed with tourists. If you want some space to yourself, do some digging on multiple lakes in the area 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 biggest, most popular sandy party scene!
  2. Make the most of the best local resources. If there’s time for a longer stay, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the option to stay in a spot that is right on top of the water for a reasonable price.
  3. Rent a boat. It’s common that lakes will have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or tubing with the kids. Asking a local will usually help you find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.