Albany Lakes

Lakes Close to Albany

The weather is warm and that means it’s time to start planning your upcoming summer adventure. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Albany. Fortunately, when you make a trip to Albany there are lots of great spots for getting on, or in the water.

Whether you’re seeking to paddleboard, get active with wakeboarding, go for a swim, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Albany provide you with plentiful options for aquatic fun. Don’t you deserve an enjoyable getaway? Pack up the car with sunscreen and a picnic basket then set out this weekend to find your own favorite location on the water!

Lakes Close to Albany

Things to Do at the Lake

A quick excursion to a lake, or a more lengthy getaway gives you an almost limitless list of activities for families, couples, or even those seeking some quality alone time.

Any stay on or in the water offers you all the options from partying to restful bliss.

Partake in some delicious delights outside. The lakes near Albany provide many great picnic areas for you to pack up some tasty treats, or something as simple as crackers and cheese and a cold beverage by the water. For a romantic evening, good food and a view should be suitably romantic.

Grab a board. If you like to paddle around, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and find yourself a lake near Albany that has a public launch and get out and enjoy the scenery in all it’s glory.

Get a little crazy with the water sports. If you’ve got access to a speed boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of kicking up a wake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports skills? Enjoy a day of wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the local lakes offer you a number of choices.

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

A lake day itinerary can vary quite a bit depending on the specific lake you’ll be visiting, the weather forecast, and the activities on your to-do list. However, we’ve put together a list of some of the most common lake necessities for you to use as a checklist to make sure you cover your bases.

General items

If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for the vast majority of the day, the following list of items is an excellent starting point when it comes to the necessities that you’ll be happy to have on hand.

  • Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
  • Sunblock
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Dry shirt
  • Bottle opener
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • Swimsuits
  • A cooler with water bottles
  • Something to eat

Additional lake gear

Take into consideration what you’ll be doing at the lake and who will be joining you, the list of gear could make your day more enjoyable and worth packing before you make the trip.

  • Bait
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Your tackle box
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Kindle
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Goggles or masks
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Paper towels and sanitizer

Lake Safety

While your getaway on the lake can provide tons of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. If you’re going to be out on the water here are some important safety tips.

  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Always swim with a buddy

More Albany Lake Tips

Not everyone has had a chance to make their way to the lakes near Albany and might have some questions on ways to maximize their fun. Certainly, each lake near Albany is going to possess their own character and surroundings, but you should keep in mind a handful of items to look into while assembling your itinerary which could help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. Rent a boat. Many lakes have local marinas that offer boat rentals. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or a wild day of wakeboarding. Doing a quick Google search will usually help you find options for renting the perfect boat.
  2. Research your beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes beaches can get exceptionally crowded. To find more space to spread out, research a variety of lakes in the area to see if you can find one that’s less crowded if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the busiest, most popular beach!
  3. Maximize unique local resources. If there’s time for a longer trip, find local state parks and recreation areas that offer the option to camp in a spot that is right on top of the water without breaking the bank.