Cardiff Lakes

Lakes Close to Cardiff

The weather is warm so it’s time to pack up and head out for your upcoming grand getaway. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Cardiff. Fortunately, when you make a trip to Cardiff there are lots of options when it comes to getting on, or in the water.

There are countless great arguments for a getaway to a lake in Cardiff while it’s hot outside – the cool water for swimming, enjoyable summer entertainment such as wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. So what are you waiting for? Load up your vehicle with sunscreen and a cooler then hit the road this weekend to find your own number one spot on a lake!

Lakes Near Cardiff

Things to Do at the Lake

A quick excursion to a lake, or a longer trip provides an almost endless amount of stuff for people of all stripes.

A day, weekend, or a week on or in the water gives you a full range of activities from thrilling to chilling.

Water sports. If you’ve got access to a ski boat, why not spend the day zipping around the lake showing off your water sports talents? Hit the water and go tubing or skiing as the local lakes provide you with several choices.

Grab a board. If paddling is your thing, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and chart your course to a lake near Cardiff that has a boat launch and start paddling around to soak up the scenery in all it’s glory.

Go for a swim. Finding a swimming lake near Cardiff will provide tons of fun for the kids, 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! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t offer as much to do as a glorious public beach on a lake near Cardiff!

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

A lake day itinerary can honestly be all over the map when you take into consideration which lake you’re going to, when you decide to go, and the activities on your to-do list. To make things easier we’ve put together a list of some of the most common lake and beach-related items that you can use as a checklist to make sure you cover your bases.

The basics

If the plan is to be in the sun for the majority of the vacation, the following list of items is an excellent place to start for essentials you are likely to need.

  • Swimsuits
  • Sunglasses
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • UV protection
  • Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)
  • Towels
  • A picnic basket
  • A cooler with water bottles
  • Flip flops or water shoes
  • A blanket or sheet

More lake items

Consider what you’ll be doing at the lake and what your party looks like, the list of gear will likely be helpful and worth packing before you get on the road.

  • Worms or other bait
  • Your tackle box
  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Fishing gear
  • Legal flotation devices
  • Corkscrew
  • Swimming goggles

Lake Safety Tips

While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, it’s important that you remember to keep safety top of mind. These safety tips can make sure that you and your family remains safe while around the lake.

  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land

More Ideas for Lake Fun

When you make a trip to the one of a kind lakes near Cardiff, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that might make your weekend gameplan substantially more successful. Case in point, every lake is going to have unique qualities and surroundings which makes it important to think about what will make for an enjoyable trip when planning yours.

  1. Rent a boat. If you’re near the water you’ll often find nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Doing a quick Google search can usually allow you to find options for renting the perfect boat.
  2. Research your beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally the beaches near Cardiff may be swarmed with beachgoers. To find a little more privacy, do some digging on multiple nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the biggest, most happening beach!
  3. Make the most of unique local resources. When there’s time for a longer stay, look for local state campgrounds and parks which give you the option to camp directly on the water for a reasonable price.