Lakes Close to Missoula
It’s summertime and that means it’s time to start planning your upcoming family vacation. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Missoula. A stay at a lake is perfect for those who love the outdoors too, as they are a great way to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.
There are many brilliant motivations to visit a lake in Missoula while it’s hot outside – the cool water for swimming, fun summer entertainment such as boating, fishing or swimming. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches you can enjoy while building sandcastles with the family. So what are you waiting for? Load up the car with your fishing gear and a cooler then make the trip on your next vacation to find a brand new favorite spot on the water!
Nearby Lakes for Missoula
A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary
A quick excursion to a lake, or a more lengthy trip offers a nearly boundless list of things to do for families, couples, or even those looking for some quality alone time.
Here are some of our top picks for activities when you visit a lake near Missoula:
Swimming. Finding a swimming lake near Missoula will provide tons of laughs and games for the kids, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between getting that perfect golden 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 before you make the trip! 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 Missoula!
Pack a picnic basket. The lakes near Missoula gives you the chance to visit all sorts of excellent picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite foods, or you could just do some cheese and crackers by the water. For a romantic evening, good food and a view should be suitably romantic.
Get a little crazy with the water sports. Should you be able to get access to a speed boat, why not get out on the water and start zipping around the lake showing off your water sports expertise? Hit the water and go wakeboarding or knee boarding as the local lakes provide you with all kinds of choices.
Checklist for a Day at the Lake
A day at the lake can be drastically different depending on which lake you’re going to, when you decide to go, and your plan of attack. For your convenience we’ve built out a short list of some of the most common lake necessities for you to use as a checklist before you hit the road.
General items
When you’re out on a lake near Missoula it makes a lot of sense to take many of the items below to make sure you’re safe, healthy, and relaxed.
- Travel dinnerware and cups
- Portable stereo
- Swimsuits
- Backup clothes
- Bottle opener
- Portable phone charger
- Eye protection, a hat, or both
- A blanket or sheet
- A fully stocked cooler
- Towels and dry clothes
Additional lake stuff
Depending on your planned activities at the lake and your guests, the following items could make your day more enjoyable and worth packing before you get on the road.
- Bait
- Swimming goggles
- Toys for the beach
- Rafts and floaties
- Legal flotation devices
- Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
- Tackle box
- Kindle
- Fishing gear
- Diapers and baby gear
Lake Safety Tips
While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near Missoula, safety should be top of mind. Following a few standard safety tips that can ensure that everyone are always safe at your favorite Missoula lake.
- Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
- Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
- Always wear sunblock
- Don’t swim alone
- Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
- Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
- Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
Some More Tips
Some people may not get a chance to make their way to the lakes near Missoula and likely have a few questions regarding planning. Certainly, any body of water will have their own character and surroundings, but you should keep in mind a couple key points to review when making plans which could help put together a trip your whole family will remember.
- Research your beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally beaches may be very busy. If you want some more space to spread out, research a variety of nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, search out the busiest, most happening sandy party scene!
- Make the most of unique local resources. When you have time for a lengthier stay, find local state parks and recreation areas which give you the ability to camp right on the water at an affordable price.
- Rent a boat. Many lakes have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or a day of watersports. Asking a local will usually help you find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
