South Boston Lakes

Lakes Close to South Boston

The weather is warm so it’s time to pack up and head out for your upcoming big getaway. There aren’t many better options than a lake near South Boston. Lucky for you, when you visit South Boston you have some great spots for getting on, or in the water.

There are many brilliant reasons for a getaway to a lake in South Boston this summer – the water is refreshing on hot days, enjoyable summer activities such as paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches you can enjoy while building sandcastles with the family. So what are you waiting for? Pack up your vehicle with your fishing gear and a cooler then make the trip on your next vacation and discover your own number one location on a lake!

Lakes Close to South Boston

Lake Activities

A day trip to the lake, or a longer trip gives you a nearly boundless list of activities for families or couples.

Here are some of our top picks for activities when you visit a South Boston lake:

Get in the water. The swimming lakes near South Boston offer tons of fun for the kids, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between getting that perfect golden 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 beautiful public beach!

Partake in some water sports. Should you be able to get access to a speed boat, why not get out on the water and start kicking up a wake showing off your water sports expertise? Take the family out for some wakeboarding or knee boarding as the lakes near South Boston offer you several choices.

Picnic time. South Boston’s lakes provide a wealth of excellent picnic areas where you can enjoy portable delicacies, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy by the water. For a romantic evening, this plan should put a smile on their face.

Lake Getaway Prep

Your plan for a lake getaway can vary quite a bit depending on which lake you choose, the weather forecast, and the activities on your to-do list. For your convenience we’ve built out a short list of popular lake necessities for you to use as a checklist for your getaway.

Common lake items

For a day spent on the water you will likely need to bring some of the things in our list below so that you’ll be safe, healthy, and enjoying your time.

  • Bug spray
  • USB charger
  • Sunblock
  • Sneakers
  • Towels
  • A cooler with water bottles
  • Dry shirt
  • Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Bluetooth speaker

Additional lake gear

Take into consideration the itinerary at the lake and what your party looks like, the list of gear could make your day more enjoyable and worth packing before you get on the road.

  • Corkscrew
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Worms or other bait
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Swimming goggles
  • Fishing and boating licenses

Lake Safety

While spending a weekend to the lake 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 no one swims alone
  • Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong

More Ideas for Lake Fun

If you’re going to visit the beautiful lakes around South Boston, there are a few things that will make your itinerary far more successful. As an example, every individual lake has their own environment so it is important to think about what you need to make an enjoyable trip when planning yours.

  1. Do homework on the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, sometimes beaches can get very crowded. To find a little more privacy, do some digging on a variety of nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, then look for the biggest, most happening beach!
  2. Maximize the best local resources. If you have time for a lengthier trip, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds which give you the option to camp near or even on the water at an affordable price.
  3. No boat, no problem. Many lakes have nearby marinas where you can rent a boat. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or a wild day of wakeboarding. Doing a quick Google search will usually allow you to locate several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.