Poughkeepsie Lakes

Lakes Around Poughkeepsie

It’s summertime and that means it’s time to pack up and head out for your upcoming family vacation. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Poughkeepsie. As it turns out, when you visit Poughkeepsie you have lots of options when it comes to getting on, or in the water.

Whether you’re looking to float in a tube with a book, get active with wakeboarding, go swimming, or work on your tan, the lakes near Poughkeepsie offer you numerous options for outdoor fun. So what are you waiting for? Pack up your vehicle with your beach goodies and snacks then hit the road your next day off and discover your own favorite location on the water!

Lakes Close to Poughkeepsie

Things to Do at the Lake

When you visit a lake near Poughkeepsie there are many activities that can be enjoyed by groups of all types. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or take a longer vacation to a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to enjoy yourself more fully.

Let’s look at some of the options available to you when you make your way to a lake near Poughkeepsie:

Go for a swim. Finding a swimming lake near Poughkeepsie will provide tons of fun for the youngsters, 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 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 offer as much to do as a glorious public beach!

Get a little crazy with the water sports. If you’re able to get access to a fast boat, why not spend the day flying around the water demonstrating your athleticism and water sports talents? Hit the water and go wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the local lakes provide you with a number of choices.

Go 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 drifting behind a trolling motor or fishing from shore.

Checklist for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can be drastically different when you take into consideration the specific lake you’ll be visiting, the season, and the activities on your to-do list. To make things easier we’ve put together a list of some of the most common lake necessities that you can use as a checklist prior to locking up the house and heading out.

General items

When you’re out on a lake near Poughkeepsie you will likely need to take along some of the items below so that you’ll be feeling good, healthy, and enjoying your time.

  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
  • USB charger
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Portable stereo
  • Bathing suits
  • Towels
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • Bug spray
  • Bottle opener

Additional lake gear

Consider what you’ll be doing when at the water and what your party looks like, the following items could make your day more enjoyable and worth a quick spot check before hitting the road.

  • Fishing poles
  • Goggles or masks
  • Wine key
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Worms or other bait
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Kindle
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes

Lake Safety

Of course spending a weekend on the lake can provide tons of fun, safety should remain top of mind at all times. A day on the lake means safety first so here are some important safety tips.

  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Keep your distance from wildlife

Some More Tips

Some people may not get a chance to make their way to the lakes near Poughkeepsie and likely have some questions regarding planning. Clearly, every lake is going to possess their own character and surroundings, but here are a couple key points to look into while assembling your itinerary which could help start your trip on the right foot.

  1. No boat, no problem. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or a day of watersports. Doing a quick Google search can typically allow you to locate several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  2. Do homework on the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally the beaches near Poughkeepsie might be packed with beachgoers. To find more space to spread out, do some digging on multiple nearby beaches and lakes to see if you can find one that’s less crowded if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the busiest, most popular sandy party scene!
  3. Make the most of unique local resources. When there’s time for a lengthier trip, find local state campgrounds and parks that offer the ability to stay near or even on the water for a reasonable price.