Carmel Lakes

Lakes Near Carmel

The weather is warm so it’s time to pack up and head out for your upcoming grand getaway. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Carmel. Lucky for you, when you come to Carmel you have some options for spending time on the lake.

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to float in a tube with a book, buzz around doing water skiing, swim, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Carmel offer you plentiful opportunities for outdoor adventures. Has there ever been a better time? Pack up your vehicle with your beach goodies and a picnic basket then hit the road on your next vacation to find a brand new number one location on a lake!

Nearby Lakes for Carmel

Things to Do at the Lake

When you visit a lake near Carmel there are many activities that can be enjoyed by families, couples, or with a group of friends. You could go for an exciting day trip or take a longer vacation to a hotel or AirBnB to make the most of your time unwinding.

A day, weekend, or a week on or in the water gives you everything from fun to relaxation.

Partake in some delicious delights outside. The lakes near Carmel offer all sorts of excellent picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite tasty treats, or you could just do some cheese and crackers as you enjoy the view. Should you be with someone you want to impress, this plan is hard to beat.

Go for a swim. The swimming lakes near Carmel provide all kinds of laughs and games for the big kids and little ones, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between getting that perfect golden 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 just isn’t as much fun as a beautiful public beach on a lake near Carmel!

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 out on a boat or fishing from shore.

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can vary quite a bit when you take into consideration which lake you choose, the time of year, the weather, and the activities on your to-do list. To make things easier we’ve assembled a rundown of our favorite lake and beach-related necessities that you can use as a checklist prior to locking up the house and heading out.

The basics

For a day spent on the water you’ll probably want to take along several of the things in our list below so that you’ll be safe, healthy, and relaxed.

  • Bottle opener
  • UV protection
  • Bug spray
  • Sweatshirt and sweatpants
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Beach blanket
  • Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
  • A cooler and drinks
  • Portable stereo
  • Towels and dry clothes

Specialty lake items

Consider what you’ll be doing for the day and what your party looks like, the following items could make your day more enjoyable and worth packing prior to departure.

  • Fishing gear
  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Games for the beach
  • Corkscrew
  • Bait
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Your tackle box
  • Rafts and floaties

Lake Safety Checklist

Of course your getaway at the lake should be tons of fun, everyone’s safety needs to remain top of mind. When you decide to spend a day at the lake these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.

  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming

More Carmel Lake Tips

If you’re going to visit the beautiful lakes near Carmel, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that can make your itinerary substantially more rewarding. As an example, every individual lake is going to have unique features which makes it important to take into account what you need to make a memorable adventure as you plan yours.

  1. Maximize the best local resources. If you have time for a longer trip, look for local state parks and recreation areas that offer the option to stay near or even on the water without breaking the bank.
  2. Do homework on the beaches. Depending on the time of year, occasionally the beaches near Carmel might be swarmed with tourists. To find some space to yourself, do some digging on multiple nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, then look for the busiest, most happening sandy party scene!
  3. Rent a boat. It’s common that lakes will have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or a day of watersports. Asking a local can usually allow you to find options for renting the perfect boat.