Lakes Near Las Vegas
The weather is warm so it’s time to plan your next family vacation. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Las Vegas. Fortunately, when you visit Las Vegas there are lots of great spots when it comes to spending time on the lake.
It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to float in a tube with a book, get active with wakeboarding, go swimming, or work on your tan, the lakes near Las Vegas provide you with plentiful options for outdoor adventures. The time is now! Load up the car with sunscreen and a picnic basket then hit the road your next day off to find a brand new favorite spot on a lake!
Lakes Close to Las Vegas
Things to Do at the Lake
A quick excursion to a lake, or a longer trip offers a nearly boundless list of things to do for people of all stripes.
Any stay at the lake gives you everything from fun to relaxation.
Grab a board. For those in search of some exercise, load up your preferred vessel and find yourself a lake that has a public boat launch you can use and get out and soak up nature’s beauty on the waterfront.
Go for a swim. The swimming lakes near Las Vegas offer tons of fun and excitement 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 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 Las Vegas!
Partake in some water sports. If you’re able to get access to a speed boat, why not spend the day flying around the water demonstrating your athleticism and water sports expertise? Enjoy a day of wakeboarding or knee boarding as the local lakes give you a number of choices.
Checklist for a Day at the Lake
Everyone’s beach getaway will be unique depending on the lake you’re heading to, when you go, what your goals are for the getaway. While every trip is its own animal, we took the time to make a list with some of our favorite ideas for your lake getaway to ensure nothing gets forgotten!
The basics
When the plan is to be outdoors for the majority of the weekend, the list below is an excellent starting point for essentials to have on hand.
- Sunscreen
- Sweatshirt and sweatpants
- USB charger
- Something to dry off with
- A sunhat or glasses
- Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
- Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
- Flip flops or water shoes
- A blanket or sheet
- Radio or speaker
Additional lake stuff
Depending on the itinerary for the day and who will be in your entourage, the list of gear could make your day more enjoyable and adding to your checklist before hitting the road.
- Wine key
- Baby gear (if necessary)
- Masks and snorkels
- Your favorite magazine or book
- Tackle box and lures
- Fishing gear
- Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
- Rafts for the kids
- Worms or other bait
- Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
Lake Safety
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 should make sure that your whole group remains safe at your favorite Las Vegas lake.
- Make sure no one swims alone
- Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
- Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
- Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
- Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
- Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
- Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
Some More Tips
If you’re going to visit the beautiful lakes near Las Vegas, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that might make your weekend gameplan substantially more successful. As an example, every individual lake has their own features so it’s important to consider what you need to make an enjoyable trip when planning yours.
- Research your beaches. Early, mid, or late season, sometimes beaches can get extremely crowded. To find more space to spread out, research a variety of lakes in the area to see if you can find one that’s less crowded to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, search out the busiest, most popular sandy party scene!
- Maximize unique assets in the area. If you have time for a lengthier getaway, find local state campgrounds and parks which give you the ability to stay directly on the water for a reasonable price.
- No boat, no problem. Many lakes have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy fishing with family and friends or tubing with the kids. Using a search engine can typically help you find options for renting the perfect boat.