Lakes Around Bozeman
Every once in a while you should spend some time by the water. A stay at a lake can be wonderful for people that enjoy wildlife too, because they offer opportunities to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.
There are countless great arguments for a getaway to a lake in Bozeman this summer – the water is refreshing on hot days, enjoyable summer entertainment like boating, fishing or swimming. Some of the lakes in Bozeman have beaches you can enjoy while building sandcastles with the family. Has there ever been a better time? Pack up the car with your beach goodies and snacks then make the trip on your next vacation and discover a brand new favorite spot on the water!
Lakes Close to Bozeman
Lake Activities
A quick excursion to a lake, or a more lengthy getaway gives you an almost limitless list of things to do for people of all stripes.
Now we’ll run down a list of some of the best things to do when you make your way to a Bozeman lake:
Swimming. Finding a swimming lake near Bozeman will provide tons of fun and excitement for the big kids and little ones, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between working on their 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 just isn’t as much fun as a magnificent public beach on a lake near Bozeman!
Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. If you want a little physical activity, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and chart your course to a lake that has a public launch and get out and enjoy the scenery in all it’s glory.
Have a picnic. The lakes near Bozeman offer all sorts of top-notch picnic areas where you can enjoy portable delicacies, or you could just do some cheese and crackers as you enjoy the view. For a romantic evening, good food and a view is hard to beat.
Preparing for a Day on the Lake
Your plan for a lake getaway can vary quite a bit when you take into consideration which lake you’re going to, the weather forecast, and the activities on your to-do list. To make things easier we’ve built out a short list of some of the most common go-to necessities that you can use as a checklist for your getaway.
Lake basics
If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for the majority of the vacation, the list below should be an excellent place to start for essentials you are likely to need.
- A beach blanket and umbrella
- Cords and a charger for portable devices
- Swimsuits
- A cooler with water
- Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
- Towels
- Sweatpants and sweatshirt
- Insect repellant
- Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
- Radio or speaker
Specialty lake gear
Take into consideration your planned activities for the day and who will be in your entourage, the items below will likely be helpful and worth packing prior to leaving.
- Diapers and baby gear
- Books
- Tackle box
- Rafts and floaties
- Corkscrew
- Masks and snorkels
- Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
- Fishing poles
- Worms or other bait
- Fishing and boating licenses
Lake Safety Checklist
Yes, being on the water can make for a memorable day, everyone’s safety is the most important part of your getaway. These safety tips can ensure that you and your family are always safe at your favorite Bozeman lake.
- Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
- Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
- Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
- Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
- Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
- Always swim with a buddy
- Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
Some More Tips
Few people get the opportunity to make their way to the lakes near Bozeman and likely have some questions regarding planning. Obviously, each lake near Bozeman is going to possess unique qualities and trappings, but here are a few things to review while making plans which could help put together a trip your whole family will remember.
- Do homework on the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally beaches could be really busy. If you want a little more privacy, do some digging on a variety of lakes and beaches to see if you can find one that’s less crowded to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, then look for the busiest, most popular beach!
- Rent a boat. Many lakes have local marinas where you can rent a boat. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Using a search engine will typically allow you to locate a marina that has what you need.
- Maximize unique local resources. When there’s time for a longer getaway, find local state campgrounds and parks that offer the option to stay directly on the water at an affordable price.