Manalapan Lakes

Lakes Near Manalapan

When the weather is right you just need to gather your family and friends and make time to be by the water. A lake getaway is wonderful for those who love wildlife too, as they are a great way to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

There are numerous brilliant motivations to visit a lake in Manalapan during the warmer months – the water is refreshing on hot days, fun summer activities like boating, fishing or swimming. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches you can enjoy while building sandcastles with the family. Has there ever been a better time? Load up the car with your fishing gear and snacks then set out your next day off and discover your own number one location on a lake!

Lakes Near Manalapan

Lake Activities

On a day trip to a lake near Manalapan you’ll find all kinds of activities that can be enjoyed by families, couples, or with a group of friends. You could go for an exciting day trip or make it a long weekend to a hotel on the beach to make for a bigger, better getaway.

Here are some of our top picks for activities when you arrive at a Manalapan lake:

Go fishing. For those that love to fish, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re roaming the lake in a killer fishing boat or tossing a line in from the dock.

Get in the water. Finding a swimming lake near Manalapan will provide all kinds of fun and excitement for the kids, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want in between working on their 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 prior to packing the car and the family! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool just isn’t as much fun as a glorious public beach on a lake near Manalapan!

Pack a picnic basket. The lakes near Manalapan offer a wealth of top-notch picnic areas for you to pack up some tasty treats, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy as you enjoy the view. Should you be with someone you want to impress, good food and a view should be suitably romantic.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

Every day at the lake will have its own requirements depending on which lake you go to, what time of year it is, and what you want to do for entertainment. However, we put together a list with some of our favorite ideas for your watery excursion so you have everything you need!

Lake basics

When the plan is to be outdoors for most of the weekend, the list below is a good starting point for essentials that you’ll be happy to have on hand.

  • Beach blanket
  • Sneakers
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • Swimsuits
  • Sunscreen
  • Garbage bags
  • Portable stereo
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • Food
  • Sunglasses

Specialty lake gear

The list of items below might prove useful for trips to the lake depending on what your plans are. You may want to double check for some of these prior to hitting the road.

  • Wine key
  • Goggles or masks
  • Something to read
  • Legal flotation devices
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Tackle box
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)

Lake Safety Checklist

Yes, being on the water can make for a memorable day, everyone’s safety is the most important part of your getaway. The following safety protocols should make sure that your whole group stays safe while around the lake.

  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • 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

More Manalapan Lake Tips

Few people get a chance to make their way to the lakes near Manalapan and might have a lot of questions regarding planning. Obviously, every lake will possess their own character and trappings, but here are a handful of items to look into when assembling your itinerary that might help start your trip on the right foot.

  1. Make the most of unique assets in the area. If you have time for a lengthier getaway, find local state parks and recreation areas which give you the ability to stay right on the water without breaking the bank.
  2. Pay attention to the beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes the beaches near Manalapan might be packed with beachgoers. If you want a little more privacy, research a variety of lakes and beaches 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 busiest, most happening beach!
  3. Find a marina. It’s common that lakes will have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or tubing with the kids. Using a search engine will usually help you locate several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.