Urbandale Lakes

Lakes Near Urbandale

The weather is warm and that means it’s time to start planning your upcoming big getaway. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Urbandale. A lake getaway can be 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 looking to float in a tube with a book, partake in some watersports, go for a swim, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Urbandale offer you numerous opportunities for aquatic adventures. Browse through the table below to have a look the options from swimming lakes with beaches to all sports lakes for you and the family to enjoy.

Lakes Close to Urbandale

Things to Do at the Lake

A day trip to the lake, or a more lengthy trip gives you an almost limitless list of activities for families, couples, or even those seeking some quiet time.

Now we’ll run down a list of some of the best things to do when you make your way to a Urbandale lake:

Partake in some delicious delights outside. Urbandale’s lakes gives you the chance to visit a wealth of top-notch picnic areas where you can enjoy tasty treats, or something as simple as crackers and cheese and a cold beverage by the water. For a romantic evening, this plan is hard to beat.

Grab a board. If you want a little physical activity, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and chart your course to a lake near Urbandale that has a boat launch and get out and enjoy nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.

Go for a swim. The swimming lakes near Urbandale provide tons of fun for the kids, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between getting that perfect golden tan. Make sure to do your research and verify that your lake has a sandy beach and a designated swimming area 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 Urbandale!

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can be very different depending on the lake you’re heading to, what the weather is going to be, and what your perfect itinerary looks like. For your benefit, we put together a list with some of our favorite ideas for your next summer trip so there’s nothing to stress over!

General items

When the plan is to be outdoors for the vast majority of the vacation, the following list of items should be a good starting point for essentials to have on hand.

  • Backup clothes
  • Beach blanket
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • Bathing suits
  • A receptacle for trash
  • Insect repellant
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Something to eat
  • A fully stocked cooler
  • Tennis shoes

More lake gear

Depending on your planned activities for the day and your guests, the following items might also prove useful and adding to your checklist before hitting the road.

  • Corkscrew
  • Life jackets
  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Rafts for the kids
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Fishing poles
  • Fishing and boating licenses

Lake Safety Checklist

Of course spending a weekend at the lake can be tons of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. If you’re going to be out on the water these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.

  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Don’t swim alone
  • 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

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Urbandale

Few people get a chance to make their way to the amazing lakes around Urbandale and might have a few questions on ways to maximize their fun. Clearly, each lake near Urbandale is going to possess unique qualities and trappings, but you should keep in mind a few things to review when planning which could help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. Maximize the best assets in the area. When you have time for a lengthier stay, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds which give you the option to stay near or even on the water at an affordable price.
  2. No boat, no problem. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas where you can rent a boat. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or tubing with the kids. Asking a local will typically allow you to locate options for renting the perfect boat.
  3. Pay attention to the beaches. Depending on the time of year, occasionally the beaches near Urbandale may be very busy. If you want a little more privacy, do some digging on a variety of lakes in the area to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the biggest, most happening sandy party scene!