Paterson Lakes

Lakes Near Paterson

The weather is warm so it’s time to plan your next big getaway. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Paterson. A lake getaway can be wonderful for people who love getting outside too, because they offer opportunities to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

Whether you’re looking to go kayaking, buzz around doing water skiing, go swimming, or just lounge at the beach, the lakes near Paterson provide you with lots of options for aquatic activities. Has there ever been a better time? Pack up the car with your fishing gear and snacks then set out your next day off and discover your own favorite location on the water!

Nearby Lakes for Paterson

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

A day trip to the lake, or a more lengthy getaway gives you a nearly endless list of things to do for families, couples, or even those seeking some quiet time.

Now we’ll run down a list of some of the best things to do when you visit a Paterson lake:

Get in the water. Finding a swimming lake near Paterson will offer all kinds of laughs and games for the youngsters, 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 nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on before you make the trip! 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 Paterson!

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. If paddling is your thing, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and chart your course to a lake that has a public boat launch you can use and get out and enjoy nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.

Catch some fish. For anglers, 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 tossing a line in from the dock.

Lake Checklist

Every day at the lake will have its own requirements based on which lake you go to, when you go, what your goals are for the getaway. However, we’ve created a list for some ideas for your watery excursion to ensure nothing gets forgotten!

General items

When you’re out on a lake near Paterson you’ll probably want to bring many of these items to make sure you’re feeling good, healthy, and enjoying your time.

  • UV protection
  • A receptacle for trash
  • A blanket or sheet
  • Something to dry off with
  • Travel dinnerware and cups
  • Backup clothing
  • Bathing suits
  • USB charger
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Food

More lake gear

Depending on what you’ll be doing for the day and who will be in your entourage, the list of gear might also prove useful and worth packing prior to leaving.

  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Legal flotation devices
  • Your tackle box
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Bait
  • Fishing poles
  • Toys for the beach
  • Corkscrew

Lake Safety Checklist

While a day on your favorite body of water should be tons of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. If you’re going to be out on the water these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.

  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside

More Paterson Lake Tips

If you’re going to visit the fabulous lakes around Paterson, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that will make your weekend gameplan substantially more successful. Case in point, each lake near Paterson is going to have their own features which makes it important to think about what will make for a memorable trip when planning yours.

  1. No boat, no problem. If you’re near the water you’ll often find nearby marinas where you can rent a boat. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or a wild day of wakeboarding. Using a search engine will typically help you locate several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  2. Research your beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, sometimes the beaches near Paterson may be packed with tourists. To find a little more privacy, 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, then look for the biggest, most popular sandy party scene!
  3. Maximize the best local resources. When there’s time for a lengthier getaway, look for local state parks and recreation areas that offer the option to camp directly on the water without breaking the bank.