Harlem Lakes

Lakes Close to Harlem

The weather is warm so it’s time to pack up and head out for your upcoming family vacation. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Harlem. Fortunately, when you come to Harlem there are quite a few great spots when it comes to getting on, or in the water.

It doesn’t matter if you’re seeking to paddleboard, buzz around doing watersports, go for a swim, or just lounge at the beach, the lakes near Harlem offer you numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. Take a look at the local listings below to see the options including swimming lakes to larger lakes for you and the family to enjoy.

Lakes Near Harlem

Things to Do at the Lake

On a day trip to a lake near Harlem you’ll find all kinds of activities that can be enjoyed by families and couples. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or make it a long weekend at a hotel or AirBnB to enjoy yourself more fully.

Here are some of our top picks for activities when you make your way to a lake near Harlem:

Picnic time. The lakes near Harlem offer many top-notch picnic areas for you to pack up some tasty treats, or a quick snack by the water. If you’re with that special someone, this plan should be suitably romantic.

Start paddling. If paddling is your thing, load up your preferred vessel and find yourself a lake with a public boat launch you can use and get out and enjoy the scenery in all it’s glory.

Swimming. Finding a swimming lake near Harlem will provide all kinds of fun for the kids, 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! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t offer as much to do as a glorious public beach on a lake near Harlem!

Lake Checklist

A day at the lake can be drastically different when you take into consideration the specific lake you’ll be visiting, when you decide to go, and the activities on your to-do list. For your convenience we’ve assembled a rundown of our favorite lake items that you can use as a checklist before you hit the road.

General items

When the plan is to be outdoors for most of the vacation, the list below should be a good starting point when it comes to the necessities you are likely to need.

  • A cooler and drinks
  • Insect repellant
  • Tennis shoes
  • Bathing suits
  • USB charger
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Sunscreen
  • Dry shirt
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • A receptacle for trash

Specialty lake items

The list of items below might prove useful for getaways to the lake depending on what you’ll be doing. You may want to double check for some of these before heading out.

  • Goggles or masks
  • Fishing gear
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Something to read
  • Worms or other bait
  • Your tackle box
  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)

Lake Safety

While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near Harlem, safety should be top of mind. Here are some general tips that can ensure that your whole group remains safe at your favorite Harlem lake.

  • 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
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Harlem

If you’re going to visit the fabulous lakes near Harlem, there are a few things that will make your itinerary far more successful. As an example, every individual lake near Harlem has unique environment so it’s important to take into account what will make for a memorable getaway when planning yours.

  1. Make the most of the best assets in the area. If you have time for a longer trip, look for local state campgrounds and parks that offer the ability to stay in a spot that is right on top of the water for a reasonable price.
  2. Rent a boat. Many lakes have local marinas that offer boat rentals. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a day of watersports. Using a search engine can usually allow you to find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  3. Research your beaches. Depending on the time of year, occasionally the beaches near Harlem can get exceptionally crowded. If you want some more peace and quiet, do some digging on 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 happening beach!