Lakes Near Columbia
Sometimes you just need to pack up and find a spot by the water. Lucky for you, when you come to Columbia you have some great spots when it comes to getting on, or in the water.
It doesn’t matter if you’re seeking to float in a tube with a book, buzz around doing wakeboarding, swim, or just lounge at the beach, the lakes near Columbia offer you plentiful opportunities for aquatic adventures. The time is now! Load up your vehicle with sunscreen and a picnic basket then make the trip on your next vacation and discover your own number one spot on a lake!
Lakes Near Columbia
Things to Do at the Lake
A day trip to the lake, or a longer trip gives you a nearly endless list of activities for couples or families.
Every getaway on or in the water gives you a full range of activities from thrilling to chilling.
Pack a picnic basket. Columbia’s lakes gives you the chance to visit a wealth of excellent picnic areas for you to pack up some culinary delights, or you could just do some cheese and crackers by the water. Should you be with someone you want to impress, a picnic on the beach is hard to beat.
Start paddling. If you want a little physical activity, pack up your board of choice and chart your course to a lake that has a boat launch and start paddling around to 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 have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re out on a boat or standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.
Checklist for a Day at the Lake
Every day at the lake will have its own requirements based on the lake you’re heading to, what time of year it is, or if there are any activities planned. For your benefit, we put together a list for some ideas for your lake getaway so everything goes smoothly!
Common lake items
For a day spent on the water you’ll probably want to bring along several of these items to make sure you’re feeling good, healthy, and relaxed.
- A beach blanket and umbrella
- Flip flops or water shoes
- A picnic basket
- Bathing suits
- Travel dinnerware and cups
- Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
- A sunhat or glasses
- Towels and dry clothes
- Bug spray
- Cords and a charger for portable devices
More lake stuff
The following items might prove useful for excursions to the lake depending on what your plans are. You may want to double check some of these prior to hitting the road.
- Baby gear (if necessary)
- Corkscrew
- Rafts for the kids
- Books
- Safety gear like life jackets
- Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
- Fishing and boating licenses
- Bait
- Paper towels and sanitizer
- Fishing poles, nets, etc.
Lake Safety Checklist
While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near Columbia, failing to follow some simple safety rules can make things turn tragic in a hurry. These safety tips should ensure that everyone remains safe while around the lake.
- Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
- Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
- Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
- Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
- Don’t swim alone
- Always wear sunblock
- Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
Some More Tips
Not everyone has had a chance to make their way to the lakes near Columbia and likely have some questions regarding planning. Clearly, every lake is going to have unique qualities and trappings, but here are a couple key points to look into while assembling your itinerary that might help start your trip on the right foot.
- Maximize the best assets in the area. When you have time for a lengthier stay, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the option to camp near or even on the water for a reasonable price.
- Pay attention to the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, sometimes beaches may be very busy. To find some more space to spread out, 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, then look for the biggest, most happening sandy party scene!
- No boat, no problem. It’s common that lakes will have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or a wild day of wakeboarding. Using a search engine will usually allow you to locate options for renting the perfect boat.
