Salem Lakes

Lakes Around Salem

The weather is warm so it’s time to plan your next grand getaway. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Salem. A lake vacation is perfect for those that enjoy the outdoors too, as they are a great way to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

Whether you’re itching to go kayaking, get active with water skiing, swim, or just lounge at the beach, the lakes near Salem provide you with plentiful options for aquatic adventures. The time is now! Pack up the car with sunscreen and snacks then make the trip your next day off and discover your own number one location on the water!

Lakes Close to Salem

Things to Do at the Lake

On a day trip to a lake near Salem you’ll find all kinds of things to do for families and couples. You could go for an exciting day trip or decide to stay overnight at a hotel or AirBnB to enjoy yourself more fully.

Now we’ll run down a list of some of the best things to do when you visit a lake near Salem:

Catch some fish. For those that love to fish, 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 roaming the lake in a killer fishing boat or standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.

Have a picnic. The lakes near Salem provide all sorts of top-notch picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite tasty treats, or you could just do some cheese and crackers by the water. If you’re with that special someone, good food and a view should be suitably romantic.

Start paddling. For those in search of some exercise, pack up your board of choice and find yourself a lake with a public launch and get out and soak up nature’s beauty on the waterfront.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

Your plan for a lake getaway can honestly be all over the map depending on which lake you’re going to, the weather forecast, and the activities on your to-do list. For your convenience we’ve built out a short list of popular lake and beach-related items that you can use as a checklist for your getaway.

General items

When you’re out on a lake near Salem you’ll probably want to take along several of the things in our list below so that you’ll be safe, healthy, and enjoying your time.

  • Food
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Something to dry off with
  • Dry shirt
  • Proper footwear
  • Beach blanket
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • UV protection
  • A receptacle for trash
  • Swimsuits

Additional lake items

Consider your planned activities for the day and what your party looks like, the list of gear could make your day more enjoyable and worth a quick spot check before you get on the road.

  • Toys for the beach
  • Your tackle box
  • Something to read
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Bait
  • Fishing poles
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Life jackets

Staying Safe on a Lake

Of course your getaway on your favorite body of water should be lots of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. When you decide to spend a day at the lake here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.

  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • 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
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Make sure no one swims alone

Some More Tips

If you’re going to visit the fabulous lakes around Salem, there are a few things that might make your trip plan far more rewarding. For example, every lake is going to have unique environment so it’s important to consider what will make for an enjoyable adventure when planning yours.

  1. Make the most of unique local resources. When there’s time for a lengthier stay, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds which give you the option to camp near or even on the water for a reasonable price.
  2. No boat, no problem. It’s common that lakes will have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a wild day of wakeboarding. Asking a local will usually help you locate several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  3. Research your beaches. Depending on the time of year, occasionally the beaches near Salem might be packed with tourists. If you want more space to spread out, do some digging on multiple lakes and beaches to see if you can find one that’s less crowded if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, then look for the biggest, most happening sandy party scene!