Orange Lakes

Lakes Near Orange

Every once in a while you should pack up and find a spot near the water. A lake getaway is amazing for people that enjoy getting outside too, as they are a great way to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

Whether you’re looking to float in a tube with a book, buzz around doing watersports, go swimming, or work on your tan, the lakes near Orange provide you with plentiful opportunities for outdoor fun. Take a look at the data below and see your nearby locations from swimming lakes with beaches to larger lakes for you and the family to enjoy.

Lakes Near Orange

Things to Do at the Lake

A day trip, or a more lengthy getaway offers an almost limitless list of activities for people of all stripes.

A day, weekend, or a week on or in the water offers you all the options from partying to restful bliss.

Go fishing. For anglers, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re out on a boat or tossing a line in from the dock.

Start paddling. If you like to paddle around, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and find yourself a lake near Orange that has a public launch and start paddling around to soak up the scenery on the waterfront.

Swimming. The swimming lakes near Orange offer all kinds of fun and excitement for the big kids and little ones, 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 before you make the trip! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool doesn’t offer as much to do as a beautiful public beach!

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

A lake day itinerary can vary quite a bit depending on which lake you’re going to, the season, and the activities on your to-do list. For your convenience we’ve assembled a rundown of some of the most common lake necessities that you can use as a checklist before you hit the road.

The basics

When you’re out on a lake near Orange you’ll probably want to bring some of these things to make sure you’re safe, comfortable, and having fun.

  • A blanket or sheet
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
  • Food and snacks
  • Backup clothing
  • Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Sunscreen
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both

Additional lake gear

Consider what you’ll be doing for the day and who will be in your entourage, the following items might also prove useful and worth a quick spot check before you get on the road.

  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Worms or other bait
  • Life jackets
  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Corkscrew
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Goggles or masks
  • Your tackle box

Lake Safety

While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near Orange, safety should be top of mind. Following a few standard safety tips that will make sure that everyone remains safe on the water.

  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong

Some More Tips

Not everyone has had the opportunity to make their way to the lakes near Orange and might have a lot of questions about how to make the most of their time there. Clearly, every lake will have unique qualities and trappings, but here are a few things to review while assembling your itinerary that might help start your trip on the right foot.

  1. Maximize the best assets in the area. When you have time for a longer trip, look for local state parks and recreation areas which give you the option to camp directly on the water at an affordable price.
  2. Do homework on the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally beaches may be packed with beachgoers. To find some more space to spread out, research multiple lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, search out the biggest, most popular beach!
  3. Rent a boat. If you’re near the water you’ll often find nearby marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Asking a local can typically allow you to locate several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.