Lakes Near James
When the weather is right you just need to gather your family and friends and make time to be by the water. Lucky for you, when you come to James there are some options when it comes to spending time on the lake.
Whether you’re looking to go kayaking, get active with wakeboarding, go swimming, or work on your tan, the lakes near James offer you numerous options for aquatic activities. Scan the local listings directly beneath this paragraph to have a look the nearby locations from swimming lakes to larger lakes for you to visit.
Nearby Lakes for James
A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary
A quick excursion to a lake, or a longer trip provides a nearly limitless amount of stuff for families or couples.
Here are some of our top picks for activities when you make your way to a lake near James:
Water sports. If you’re able to get access to a ski boat, why not get out on the water and start kicking up a wake showing off your water sports talents? Hit the water and go wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the local lakes provide you with several options.
Get in the water. The swimming lakes near James provide all kinds of laughs and games for the kids, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want 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! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a beautiful public beach on a lake near James!
Have a picnic. The lakes near James provide many excellent picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite portable delicacies, or something as simple as crackers and cheese and a cold beverage while enjoying the scenery. If you’re with that special someone, a picnic on the beach is hard to beat.
How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake
A lake day itinerary can vary quite a bit depending on the specific lake you’ll be visiting, the weather forecast, and your plan of attack. For your convenience we’ve built out a short list of our favorite lake necessities that you can use as a checklist before you hit the road.
General items
When you’re out on a lake near James you will likely need to take several of the things in our list below so that you’ll be feeling good, healthy, and getting the most out of your getaway.
- Something to dry off with
- Eye protection, a hat, or both
- Proper footwear
- A blanket or sheet
- Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)
- Bug spray
- Radio or speaker
- A cooler with water bottles
- UV protection
- Backup clothing
Specialty lake stuff
Depending on your planned activities for the day and what your party looks like, the list of gear could make your day more enjoyable and worth packing before you make the trip.
- Legal flotation devices
- Corkscrew
- Swimming goggles
- Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
- Tackle box and lures
- Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
- Fishing gear
- Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
- Pool noodles, rafts, floats
- Your favorite magazine or book
Staying Safe on a Lake
While spending a weekend on your favorite body of water can be ample amounts of fun, safety should remain top of mind at all times. When you decide to spend a day at the lake here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.
- Don’t swim alone
- Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
- Always wear sunblock
- Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
- Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
- Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
- Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
More Ideas for Lake Fun
When you make a trip to the fabulous lakes around James, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that might make your trip plan substantially more rewarding. Case in point, every individual lake near James has unique environment which makes it important to think about what you need to make an enjoyable adventure as you plan yours.
- Make the most of the best local resources. If you have time for a lengthier trip, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the option to camp in a spot that is right on top of the water without breaking the bank.
- No boat, no problem. Many lakes have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or tubing with the kids. Asking a local can typically allow you to find options for renting the perfect boat.
- Research your beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally the beaches near James may be packed with tourists. If you want some more peace and quiet, research a variety of lakes in the area to see if you can find one that’s less crowded to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the busiest, most happening beach!
