New Bedford Lakes

Lakes Close to New Bedford

Sometimes you should pack up and find a spot by the water. A lake vacation can be wonderful for people who love getting outside too, as they are a great way to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

Whether you’re looking to float in a tube with a book, buzz around doing wakeboarding, swim, or nap in the sand, the lakes near New Bedford offer you plentiful options for aquatic activities. Don’t you deserve an enjoyable getaway? Pack up your vehicle with your fishing gear and a cooler then hit the road on your next vacation and discover a brand new number one spot on the water!

Lakes Close to New Bedford

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

When you visit a lake near New Bedford there are many 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 AirBnB to make the most of your time unwinding.

A day, weekend, or a week on or in the water gives you everything from fun to relaxation.

Catch some fish. For anglers, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re drifting behind a trolling motor or tossing a line in from the dock.

Water sports. Should you be able to get access to a fast boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of zipping around the lake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports skills? Hit the water and go wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the lakes near New Bedford offer you all kinds of options.

Go for a swim. The swimming lakes near New Bedford offer tons of laughs and games 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 nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on before you make the trip! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a beautiful public beach!

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can vary quite a bit when you take into consideration which lake you’re going to, the weather forecast, and what you want to do while you’re there. To make things easier we’ve put together a list of popular lake necessities that you can use as a checklist for your getaway.

Common lake items

For a day spent on the water you will likely need to bring along many of the things in our list below so that you’ll be feeling good, healthy, and relaxed.

  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Bug spray
  • UV protection
  • Sweatpants and sweatshirt
  • Food
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • Tennis shoes
  • Bathing suits
  • Sunglasses
  • Portable stereo

Additional lake gear

The following items might prove useful for excursions to the lake considering your itinerary. It’s also worth checking prior to hitting the road.

  • Bait
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Goggles or masks
  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Wine key
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Fishing gear
  • Safety gear like life jackets

Lake Safety Tips

Of course spending a weekend at the lake can provide tons of fun, everyone’s safety needs to remain top of mind. If you’re going to be out on the water here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.

  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in New Bedford

Some people may not get a chance to make their way to the amazing lakes around New Bedford and likely have a lot of questions regarding planning. Certainly, each lake near New Bedford will have their own character and surroundings, but you should keep in mind a couple key points to look into while planning that might help start your trip on the right foot.

  1. Make the most of the best assets in the area. When you have time for a longer stay, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the ability to stay directly on the water at an affordable price.
  2. Research your beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, sometimes the beaches near New Bedford might be very busy. To find more space to spread out, research multiple nearby beaches and lakes to see if you can find one that’s less crowded to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, then look for the biggest, most happening beach!
  3. Rent a boat. It’s common that lakes will have nearby marinas where you can rent a boat. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or tubing with the kids. Using a search engine can typically help you find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.