Waterford Lakes

Lakes Near Waterford

Every once in a while you should gather your family and friends and make time to be by the water. As it turns out, when you visit Waterford you have lots of great spots when it comes to spending time on the lake.

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to float in a tube with a book, buzz around doing water skiing, go for a swim, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Waterford provide you with lots of options for aquatic adventures. So what are you waiting for? Pack up the car with sunscreen and a picnic basket then hit the road this weekend and discover your own number one spot on a lake!

Lakes Close to Waterford

Things to Do at the Lake

A day trip, or a more lengthy trip provides a nearly endless amount of stuff for couples or families.

Let’s look at some of the options available to you when you make your way to a Waterford lake:

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. If paddling is your thing, load up your preferred vessel and chart your course to a lake with a public boat launch you can use and get out and soak up nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.

Fishing. For anglers, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you reel in a day of fun 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.

Get a little crazy with the water sports. If you’ve got access to a fast boat, why not get out on the water and start zipping around the lake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports expertise? Hit the water and go wakeboarding or knee boarding as the all sports lakes provide you with several options.

Checklist for a Day at the Lake

Everyone’s beach getaway will be unique depending on which lake you go to, what time of year it is, and what your perfect itinerary looks like. For your benefit, we’ve created a list with some of our favorite ideas for your lake getaway so there’s nothing to stress over!

General items

If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for the vast majority of the day, the following list of items is an excellent place to start for essentials to have on hand.

  • Radio or speaker
  • Something to dry off with
  • Bathing suits
  • A cooler with water
  • Proper footwear
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • UV protection
  • Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
  • Reserve clothes
  • A picnic basket

More lake gear

Take into consideration your planned activities at the lake and what your party looks like, the list of gear could make your day more enjoyable and worth a quick spot check prior to leaving.

  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Something to read
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Wine key
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Fishing gear
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Masks and snorkels

Staying Safe on a Lake

Of course your getaway on the lake can be 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 important safety tips.

  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Don’t swim alone

More Ideas for Lake Fun

When you make a trip to the one of a kind lakes around Waterford, there are a few things that can make your weekend gameplan much more rewarding. For example, every lake near Waterford is going to have their own features so it’s important to consider what you need to make an unforgettable trip when planning yours.

  1. Pay attention to the beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes beaches might be swarmed with beachgoers. To find some more peace and quiet, do some digging on multiple lakes in the area 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 sandy party scene!
  2. Maximize unique local resources. When there’s time for a longer getaway, find local state campgrounds and parks that offer the ability to camp directly on the water without breaking the bank.
  3. Find a marina. It’s common that lakes will have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy fishing with family and friends or a day of watersports. Asking a local can usually help you find a marina that has what you need.