St. Louis Lakes

Lakes Near St. Louis

When the weather is right you just need to pack up and find a spot by the water. Fortunately, when you make a trip to St. Louis there are quite a few options when it comes to getting on, or in the water.

Whether you’re itching to float in a tube with a book, partake in some watersports, go swimming, or just lounge at the beach, the lakes near St. Louis offer you plentiful options for outdoor fun. Scan the local listings directly beneath this paragraph to have a look your nearby locations including swimming lakes to larger lakes for you and the family to visit.

Lakes Near St. Louis

Lake Activities

A quick excursion to a lake, or a more lengthy trip provides a nearly endless list of things to do for families, couples, or even those looking for some quality alone time.

Any stay on or in the water gives you all the options from partying to restful bliss.

Water sports. Should you be able to get access to a speed boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of flying around the water demonstrating your athleticism and water sports talents? Hit the water and go tubing or skiing as the all sports lakes give you a number of options.

Go for a swim. The swimming lakes near St. Louis provide all kinds of laughs and games for the youngsters, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want in between working on their tan. If you want to spend time swimming and on the beach you’ll want to be sure 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 just isn’t as much fun as a magnificent public beach on a lake near St. Louis!

Pack a picnic basket. The lakes near St. Louis provide all sorts of top-notch picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite foods, or you could just do some cheese and crackers while enjoying the scenery. Should you be with someone you want to impress, a picnic on the beach should be suitably romantic.

Checklist for a Day at the Lake

A lake day itinerary can honestly be all over the map depending on which lake you choose, the time of year, the weather, and your plan of attack. However, we’ve assembled a rundown of some of the most common lake and beach-related items that you can use as a checklist to make sure you cover your bases.

The basics

When you’re out on a lake near St. Louis it makes a lot of sense to bring many of these items to make sure you’re feeling good, healthy, and enjoying your time.

  • Bottle opener
  • Towels
  • Dry shirt
  • Portable stereo
  • A blanket or sheet
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Bathing suits
  • A cooler with water bottles
  • Something to eat

More lake gear

The gear in the list below can make your life easier for trips to the lake considering your itinerary. You may want to double check for some of these before heading out.

  • Bait
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Fishing poles
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Corkscrew

Staying Safe on a Lake

While your getaway to your favorite body of water should be tons of fun, everyone’s safety needs to remain top of mind. A day on the lake means safety first so here are some important safety tips.

  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat

More Ideas for Lake Fun

Not everyone has had the opportunity to visit the lakes near St. Louis and likely have a lot of questions about how to make the most of their time there. Of course, any body of water will possess their own character and surroundings, but it’s worth noting a handful of items to look into when planning which could help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. 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. Asking a local will typically allow you to find a marina that has what you need.
  2. Research your beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes the beaches near St. Louis might be swarmed with tourists. To find some more space to spread out, do some digging on multiple lakes in the area to see if you can find one that’s less crowded if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, search out the busiest, most popular sandy party scene!
  3. Maximize unique assets in the area. If there’s time for a longer stay, look for local state campgrounds and parks which give you the option to stay near or even on the water without breaking the bank.