Lakes Near Billings
The weather is warm so it’s time to pack up and head out for your upcoming summer adventure. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Billings. A stay at a lake can be perfect for those that enjoy the outdoors too, because they offer opportunities to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.
Whether you’re itching to paddleboard, buzz around doing water skiing, go for a swim, or just lounge at the beach, the lakes near Billings offer you plentiful options for outdoor fun. Has there ever been a better time? Load up your vehicle with your beach goodies and a cooler then hit the road your next day off to find your own number one spot on a lake!
Lakes Close to Billings
Things to Do at the Lake
A day trip, or a more lengthy getaway offers an almost limitless amount of stuff for people of all stripes.
Every getaway on or in the water offers you everything from fun to relaxation.
Fishing. For anglers, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re out on a boat or tossing a line in from the dock.
Swimming. Finding a swimming lake near Billings will provide tons of fun for the youngsters, 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 nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on before you make the trip! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool doesn’t offer as much to do as a glorious public beach!
Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. For those in search of some exercise, pack up your board of choice and find yourself a lake near Billings with a public boat launch you can use and get out and soak up the scenery on the waterfront.
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. While every trip is its own animal, we put together a list with some of our favorite ideas for your next trip to a lake near Billings to ensure nothing gets forgotten!
Common lake items
If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for most of the weekend, the list below is a good place to start when it comes to the necessities to have on hand.
- Towels and dry clothes
- Insect repellant
- Proper footwear
- Radio or speaker
- Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
- A beach blanket and umbrella
- Backup clothing
- A cooler and drinks
- Swimsuits
- Eye protection, a hat, or both
Specialty lake gear
The list of items below can make your life easier for getaways to the lake considering your itinerary. You may want to double check some of these before heading out.
- Swimming goggles
- Pool noodles, rafts, floats
- Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
- Books
- Life jackets
- Baby gear (if necessary)
- Bait
- Fishing and boating licenses
- Wine key
- Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
Lake Safety Checklist
While spending a weekend at your favorite body of water should be ample amounts of fun, safety should remain top of mind at all times. If you’re going to be out on the water here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.
- Keep your distance from wildlife
- Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
- Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
- Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
- Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
- Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
- Don’t swim alone
More Billings Lake Tips
If you’re going to visit the beautiful lakes near Billings, there are a few things that can make your weekend gameplan far more successful. Case in point, every individual lake near Billings is going to have unique qualities which makes it important to think about what you need to make a memorable getaway when planning yours.
- Rent a boat. If you’re near the water you’ll often find nearby marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or tubing with the kids. Using a search engine will typically help you locate options for renting the perfect boat.
- Pay attention to the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, sometimes the beaches near Billings could be very busy. To find more space to spread out, do some digging on a variety of lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, then look for the biggest, most happening sandy party scene!
- Make the most of the best assets in the area. If you have time for a lengthier getaway, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds which give you the ability to stay in a spot that is right on top of the water at an affordable price.
