Lakes Close to Rochester
It’s summertime so it’s time to plan your next family vacation. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Rochester. Lucky for you, when you make a trip to Rochester there are some great spots for getting on, or in the water.
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 Rochester provide you with plentiful options for outdoor adventures. Has there ever been a better time? Pack up the car with your fishing gear and a picnic basket then make the trip this weekend to find a brand new favorite location on a lake!
Lakes Near Rochester
Things to Do at the Lake
On a day trip to a lake near Rochester you’ll find all kinds of activities that can be enjoyed by families and couples. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or take a longer vacation at a hotel or AirBnB to enjoy yourself more fully.
A day, weekend, or a week on or in the water gives you all the options from partying to restful bliss.
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 out on a boat or standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.
Partake in some delicious delights outside. Rochester’s lakes offer all sorts of excellent 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, a picnic on the beach is hard to beat.
Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. If you want a little physical activity, pack up your board of choice and find yourself a lake with a boat launch and get out and enjoy nature’s beauty on the waterfront.
Lake Getaway Prep
A day at the lake can be very different depending on which lake you go to, when you go, or if there are any activities planned. However, we took the time to make a list that will give some ideas for your watery excursion to ensure nothing gets forgotten!
The basics
For a day spent on the water it makes a lot of sense to take several of the things in our list below to make sure you’re safe, comfortable, and enjoying your time.
- Sunblock
- Dry shirt
- Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
- Cords and a charger for portable devices
- Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
- A cooler and drinks
- Proper footwear
- Something to dry off with
- Sunglasses
- Insect repellant
Additional lake stuff
The list of items below could be helpful for excursions to the lake depending on what your plans are. You may want to double check some of these so you’re not missing something critical.
- Fishing gear
- Diapers and baby gear
- Swimming goggles
- Toys for the beach
- Wine key
- Kindle
- Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
- Pool noodles, rafts, floats
- Tackle box and lures
- Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
Lake Safety
Yes, being on the water can make for a memorable day, failing to follow some simple safety rules can make things turn tragic in a hurry. Following a few standard safety tips that will make sure that your whole group are always safe at your favorite Rochester lake.
- Make sure no one swims alone
- Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
- Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
- Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
- Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
- Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
- Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Rochester
If you’re going to visit the one of a kind lakes around Rochester, there are a few things that can make your itinerary much more rewarding. Case in point, each lake near Rochester has their own features which makes it important to think about what will make for an unforgettable getaway as you plan yours.
- Make the most of unique local resources. When there’s time for a longer trip, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the ability to camp in a spot that is right on top of the water at an affordable price.
- Rent a boat. It’s common that lakes will have local marinas that offer boat rentals. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a day of watersports. Asking a local can typically help you locate options for renting the perfect boat.
- Do homework on the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, sometimes the beaches near Rochester might be extremely busy. If you want some space to yourself, research multiple lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the busiest, most happening beach!
