Jackson Lakes

Lakes Close to Jackson

Every once in a while you should pack up and find a spot on the water. A lake vacation is amazing for people who love wildlife too, as they are a great way to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

Whether you’re seeking to float in a tube with a book, get active with water skiing, swim, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Jackson provide you with lots of beautiful locations for aquatic activities. Browse through the data below and see your options from small lakes with beaches to larger lakes for you and the family to enjoy.

Lakes Close to Jackson

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

A quick excursion to a lake, or a longer getaway gives you an almost limitless list of things to do for families, couples, or even those looking for some quiet time.

A day, weekend, or a week at the lake gives you everything from fun to relaxation.

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. If you like to paddle around, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and chart your course to a lake near Jackson that has a public boat launch you can use and get out and soak up nature’s beauty on the waterfront.

Go fishing. For those that love to fish, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re drifting behind a trolling motor or tossing a line in from the dock.

Water sports. If you’re able to get access to a speed boat, why not spend the day kicking up a wake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports expertise? Take the family out for some wakeboarding or knee boarding as the all sports lakes offer you all kinds of choices.

Lake Getaway Prep

A lake day itinerary can vary quite a bit when you take into consideration the specific lake you’ll be visiting, the time of year, the weather, and the activities on your to-do list. However, we’ve built out a short list of popular go-to necessities that you can use as a checklist before you hit the road.

General items

For a day spent on the water you’ll probably want to take many of these items to make sure you’re safe, healthy, and getting the most out of your getaway.

  • Backup clothes
  • USB charger
  • Sunscreen
  • A receptacle for trash
  • Bug spray
  • Travel dinnerware and cups
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Sneakers
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Towels

More lake gear

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 prior to hitting the road.

  • Corkscrew
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Kindle
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Worms or other bait
  • Fishing gear
  • Goggles or masks
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Safety gear like life jackets

Lake Safety Checklist

While your getaway to the lake can provide tons of fun, everyone’s safety needs to remain top of mind. A day on the lake means safety first so these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.

  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Make sure no one swims alone

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Jackson

Some people may not get a chance to make their way to the amazing lakes around Jackson and might have a few questions regarding planning. Of course, any body of water will have unique qualities and trappings, but it’s worth noting a couple key points to look into when assembling your itinerary that might help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. Make the most of the best local resources. When there’s time for a longer stay, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds which give you the option to stay right on the water for a reasonable price.
  2. Research your beaches. Early, mid, or late season, sometimes beaches may be extremely busy. To find more space to yourself, research a variety of nearby beaches and lakes 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 busiest, most popular beach!
  3. Rent a boat. If you’re near the water you’ll often find nearby marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or tubing with the kids. Using a search engine will typically allow you to find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.