Lakes Close to Long Island
Sometimes you just need to spend some time on the water. As it turns out, when you come to Long Island there are quite a few great spots when it comes to getting on, or in the water.
It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to float in a tube with a book, partake in some wakeboarding, go for a swim, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Long Island provide you with plentiful opportunities for outdoor adventures. Take a look at the local listings below to see the options from small lakes to larger lakes for you and the family to enjoy.
Lakes Close to Long Island
Lake Activities
When you visit a lake near Long Island you’ll find all kinds of things to do for families, couples, or with a group of friends. You could go for an exciting day trip or decide to stay overnight to a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to make for a bigger, better getaway.
A day, weekend, or a week on or in the water gives you all the options from partying to restful bliss.
Partake in some water sports. If you’re able to get access to a fast boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of flying around the water showing off your water sports talents? Hit the water and go tubing or skiing as the lakes near Long Island give you all kinds of choices.
Pack a picnic basket. The lakes near Long Island provide a wealth of great picnic areas where you can enjoy foods, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy as you enjoy the view. Should you be with someone you want to impress, this plan should be suitably romantic.
Grab a board. If you want a little physical activity, pack up your board of choice and find yourself a lake with a public launch and get out and soak up the scenery on the waterfront.
Preparing for a Day on the Lake
Every day at the lake will have its own requirements based on which lake you go to, what time of year it is, and what you want to do for entertainment. While every trip is its own animal, we took the time to make a list that will give some ideas for your watery excursion so you have everything you need!
The basics
If the plan is to be in the sun for the majority of the weekend, the following list of items should be an excellent place to start when it comes to the necessities to have on hand.
- Insect repellant
- Portable phone charger
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- A beach blanket and umbrella
- Dry shirt
- A fully stocked cooler
- Towels
- Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
- A picnic basket
Additional lake items
Depending on your planned activities at the lake and who will be joining you, the following items will likely be helpful and worth packing before you get on the road.
- Your favorite magazine or book
- Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
- Wine key
- Fishing poles, nets, etc.
- Rafts for the kids
- Life jackets
- Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
- Tackle box and lures
- Fishing and boating licenses
- Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
Lake Safety Tips
While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, failing to follow some simple safety rules can make things turn tragic in a hurry. Here are some general tips that will make sure that your whole group are always safe on the water.
- Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
- Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
- Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
- Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
- Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
- Make sure no one swims alone
- Keep your distance from wildlife
Some More Tips
Not everyone has had the opportunity to visit the lakes near Long Island and likely have some questions on ways to maximize their fun. Certainly, each lake near Long Island will have their own character and trappings, but here are a few things to look into while making plans that might help start your trip on the right foot.
- 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 day of watersports. Doing a quick Google search will typically help you locate options for renting the perfect boat.
- Make the most of the best assets in the area. When you have time for a longer trip, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds which give you the option to stay near or even on the water without breaking the bank.
- Research your beaches. Early, mid, or late season, sometimes beaches might be really busy. To find more space to yourself, do some digging on multiple lakes in the area to see if you can find one that’s less crowded to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the biggest, most happening sandy party scene!
