New York City Lakes

Lakes Around New York City

It’s summertime so it’s time to start planning your upcoming family vacation. There aren’t many better options than a lake near New York City. Lucky for you, when you visit New York City there are some options for getting on, or in the water.

It doesn’t matter if you’re seeking to paddleboard, get active with water skiing, go swimming, or work on your tan, the lakes near New York City offer you numerous beautiful locations for outdoor adventures. Browse through the data below and see your nearby locations from small lakes with beaches to larger lakes for you to visit.

Nearby Lakes for New York City

Lake Activities

When you visit a lake near New York City there are many things to do for people of all persuasions. You could go for an exciting day trip or make it a long weekend at a hotel or AirBnB to make the most of your time unwinding.

A day, weekend, or a week at the lake offers you everything from fun to relaxation.

Get in the water. Finding a swimming lake near New York City will provide tons of laughs and games for the youngsters, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between getting that perfect golden tan. Make sure to do your research and verify that 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!

Fishing. For those that love to fish, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re out on a boat or standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.

Grab a board. If you want a little physical activity, load up your preferred vessel and find yourself a lake that has a boat launch and get out and soak up the scenery on the waterfront.

Lake Checklist

Every day at the lake will have its own requirements depending on the lake you’re heading to, what the weather is going to be, what your goals are for the getaway. For your benefit, we put together a list with some of our favorite ideas for your next summer trip so everything goes smoothly!

Common lake items

When you’re out on a lake near New York City you’ll probably want to take along some of the items below so that you’ll be feeling good, healthy, and getting the most out of your getaway.

  • Beach blanket
  • Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • Bug spray
  • Portable stereo
  • Sunscreen
  • Flip flops or water shoes
  • Towels
  • Dry shirt
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices

Additional lake gear

Depending on what you’ll be doing when at the water and who will be joining you, the following items might also prove useful and worth packing before you make the trip.

  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Wine key
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Games for the beach
  • Kindle
  • Worms or other bait

Lake Safety Tips

Of course your getaway to your favorite body of water should be ample amounts of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. If you’re going to be out on the water these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.

  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Don’t swim alone

Some More Tips

Some people may not get a chance to visit the lakes near New York City and likely have a lot of questions regarding planning. Clearly, every lake is going to possess their own character and surroundings, but you should keep in mind a handful of items to look into when planning which could help start your trip on the right foot.

  1. Do homework on the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally beaches may be swarmed with beachgoers. If you want a little more privacy, research 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!
  2. Find a marina. It’s common that lakes will have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or a wild day of wakeboarding. Using a search engine can typically help you locate a marina that has what you need.
  3. Make the most of the best assets in the area. When you have time for a lengthier stay, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds which give you the option to stay right on the water at an affordable price.