Hillsborough Lakes

Lakes Near Hillsborough

The weather is warm so it’s time to pack up and head out for your upcoming summer adventure. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Hillsborough. As it turns out, when you make a trip to Hillsborough there are lots of great spots for getting on, or in the water.

Whether you’re looking to float in a tube with a book, buzz around doing water skiing, go for a swim, or work on your tan, the lakes near Hillsborough offer you lots of beautiful locations for outdoor fun. Has there ever been a better time? Load up your vehicle with your fishing gear and snacks then hit the road this weekend to find a brand new favorite spot on the water!

Lakes Near Hillsborough

Lake Activities

A quick excursion to a lake, or a longer getaway offers a nearly limitless list of activities for families, couples, or even those looking for some quality alone time.

A day, weekend, or a week at the lake gives you everything from fun to relaxation.

Partake in some water sports. If you’re able to get access to a ski boat, why not spend the day flying around the water showing off your water sports skills? Take the family out for some wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the all sports lakes offer you a number of options.

Have a picnic. The lakes near Hillsborough provide many great picnic areas where you can enjoy foods, or you could just do some cheese and crackers by the water. Should you be with someone you want to impress, this plan is hard to beat.

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. For those in search of some exercise, pack up your board of choice and chart your course to a lake near Hillsborough with a boat launch and get out and soak up nature’s beauty on the waterfront.

Lake Getaway Prep

A day at the lake can be very different based on which lake you go to, when you go, and what your perfect itinerary looks like. While every trip is its own animal, we took the time to make a list with some of our favorite ideas for your next trip to a lake near Hillsborough so there’s nothing to stress over!

Lake basics

When the plan is to be outdoors for the majority of the day, our list of provisions below should be a good starting point for essentials to have on hand.

  • A receptacle for trash
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • A blanket or sheet
  • Bottle opener
  • Swimsuits
  • Bug spray
  • Towels
  • Reserve clothing
  • Radio or speaker
  • Sunglasses

More lake gear

The list of items below could be helpful for excursions to the lake depending on what you’ll be doing. You may want to double check some of these prior to hitting the road.

  • Legal flotation devices
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Toys for the beach
  • Swimming goggles
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Corkscrew
  • Kindle
  • Worms or other bait

Lake Safety

While a day on the lake can be lots of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. When you decide to spend a day at the lake here are some important safety tips.

  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong

Some More Tips

Few people get a chance to visit the amazing lakes around Hillsborough and likely have a few questions on ways to maximize their fun. Of course, every lake will have unique qualities and trappings, but you should keep in mind a handful of items to review while assembling your itinerary which could help start your trip on the right foot.

  1. Maximize the best assets in the area. When you have time for a lengthier trip, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds which give you the ability to camp near or even on the water without breaking the bank.
  2. Do homework on the beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes the beaches near Hillsborough may be packed with beachgoers. If you want a little more privacy, do some digging on multiple lakes in the area to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, search out the busiest, most popular sandy party scene!
  3. Rent a boat. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local 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 a day of watersports. Using a search engine can typically help you find a marina that has what you need.