Lakes Close to Reno
Sometimes you should spend some time near the water. Lucky for you, when you visit Reno there are lots of options when it comes to spending time on the lake.
It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to go kayaking, buzz around doing water skiing, swim, or work on your tan, the lakes near Reno offer you plentiful beautiful locations for aquatic adventures. Don’t you deserve an enjoyable getaway? Load up the car with your fishing gear and snacks then hit the road on your next vacation and discover your own favorite spot on a lake!
Lakes Near Reno
A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary
A day trip to the lake, or a more lengthy trip gives you a nearly limitless amount of stuff for people of all stripes.
Every getaway at the lake gives you a full range of activities from thrilling to chilling.
Grab a board. If you like to paddle around, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and chart your course to a lake with a public launch and get out and enjoy the scenery on the waterfront.
Catch some fish. For those that love to fish, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re out on a boat or fishing from shore.
Water sports. Should you be able to get access to a fast boat, why not get out on the water and start kicking up a wake showing off your water sports talents? Hit the water and go wakeboarding or knee boarding as the all sports lakes offer you several options.
Checklist for a Day at the Lake
Everyone’s beach getaway will be unique based on the lake you’re heading to, what the weather is going to be, what your goals are for the getaway. For your benefit, we’ve created a list that will give some ideas for your next trip to a lake near Reno so everything goes smoothly!
Common lake items
If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for most of the weekend, the following list of items is an excellent place to start for essentials that you’ll be happy to have on hand.
- Bathing suits
- Towels
- Plates, cups and utensils
- Sunglasses
- Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
- A cooler with water
- Dry shirt
- Food
- Flip flops or water shoes
- Bluetooth speaker
Additional lake gear
The gear in the list below could be helpful for getaways to the lake based on your plans. You may want to double check some of these prior to hitting the road.
- Safety gear like life jackets
- Goggles or masks
- Paper towels and sanitizer
- Fishing poles, nets, etc.
- Fishing and boating licenses
- Games for the beach
- Tackle box and lures
- Rafts for the kids
- Books
- Worms or other bait
Lake Safety Checklist
While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, safety should be top of mind. Following a few standard safety tips that will ensure that your whole group are always safe at your favorite Reno lake.
- Always swim with a buddy
- Keep your distance from wildlife
- Always wear sunblock
- Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
- Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
- Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
- Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
More Reno Lake Tips
Not everyone has had a chance to make their way to the lakes near Reno and likely have a few questions on ways to maximize their fun. Of course, each lake near Reno is going to have their own character and trappings, but you should keep in mind a handful of items to look into while planning which could help put together a trip your whole family will remember.
- Make the most of unique assets in the area. If there’s time for a longer stay, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the ability to stay directly on the water without breaking the bank.
- Research your beaches. Depending on the time of year, occasionally the beaches near Reno might be packed with beachgoers. To find more space to spread out, research multiple nearby beaches and lakes 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 biggest, most popular sandy party scene!
- Rent a boat. Many lakes have nearby marinas where you can rent a boat. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or a wild day of wakeboarding. Doing a quick Google search will usually help you locate a marina that has what you need.