Clay Lakes

Lakes Close to Clay

It’s summertime and that means it’s time to start planning your upcoming family vacation. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Clay. Lucky for you, when you make a trip to Clay you have some great spots for getting on, or in the water.

Whether you’re looking to go kayaking, partake in some wakeboarding, go for a swim, or just lounge at the beach, the lakes near Clay offer you plentiful beautiful locations for outdoor activities. Browse through the local listings below to see the options from swimming lakes with beaches to larger lakes for you and the family to visit.

Lakes Near Clay

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

When you visit a lake near Clay 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 take a longer vacation at a hotel on the beach to make the most of your time unwinding.

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

Catch some fish. 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 roaming the lake in a killer fishing boat or standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.

Pack a picnic basket. The lakes near Clay gives you the chance to visit all sorts of top-notch picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite foods, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy by the water. Should you be with someone you want to impress, this plan should be suitably romantic.

Swimming. The swimming lakes near Clay provide tons of fun and excitement for the big kids and little ones, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active 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 doesn’t hold a candle to a magnificent public beach on a lake near Clay!

Checklist for a Day at the Lake

Your plan for a lake getaway can honestly be all over the map when you take into consideration which lake you choose, when you decide to go, and your plan of attack. For your convenience we’ve built out a short list of popular lake necessities for you to use as a checklist prior to locking up the house and heading out.

The basics

When you’re out on a lake near Clay you will likely need to take many of the items below so that you’ll be safe, comfortable, and relaxed.

  • Sunblock
  • Food
  • Sweatshirt and sweatpants
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • Something to dry off with
  • Beach blanket
  • Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
  • Sneakers
  • Portable phone charger
  • Insect repellant

Additional lake items

Consider what you’ll be doing for the day and who will be joining you, the items below will likely be helpful and worth packing before hitting the road.

  • Tackle box
  • Kindle
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Fishing gear
  • Wine key
  • Rafts and floaties
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Safety gear like life jackets

Lake Safety Tips

While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near Clay, it’s important that you remember to keep safety top of mind. Following a few standard safety tips that can make sure that everyone are always safe on the water.

  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Don’t swim alone
  • 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
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over

More Clay Lake Tips

Few people get the opportunity to make their way to the lakes near Clay and might have a few questions on ways to maximize their fun. Of course, every lake is going to have their own character and surroundings, but it’s worth noting a handful of items to review while making plans that might help put together a trip your whole family will remember.

  1. Maximize unique assets in the area. When there’s time for a lengthier trip, find local state parks and recreation areas that offer the option to stay near or even on the water for a reasonable price.
  2. Do homework on the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally beaches might be extremely busy. To find some more peace and quiet, research a variety of lakes in the area to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. 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 where you can rent a boat. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy fishing with family and friends or tubing with the kids. Asking a local can typically allow you to locate several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.