Ridgewood Lakes

Lakes Near Ridgewood

The weather is warm and that means 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 Ridgewood. A stay at a lake can be wonderful for people who love getting outside too, as they are a great way to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

Whether you’re looking to go kayaking, partake in some water skiing, go for a swim, or just lounge at the beach, the lakes near Ridgewood offer you lots of options for aquatic fun. So what are you waiting for? Load up the car with your fishing gear and snacks then set out your next day off and discover your own number one spot on the water!

Lakes Close to Ridgewood

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

A day trip to the lake, or a more lengthy trip provides an almost limitless list of activities for families or couples.

Any stay at the lake gives you a full range of activities from thrilling to chilling.

Swimming. Finding a swimming lake near Ridgewood will offer tons of laughs and games for the kids, 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 nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on before you make the trip! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a beautiful public beach on a lake near Ridgewood!

Partake in some water sports. Should you be able to get access to a speed boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of flying around the water demonstrating your athleticism and water sports talents? Hit the water and go wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the all sports lakes provide you with all kinds of options.

Start paddling. If you like to paddle around, pack up your board of choice and find yourself a lake near Ridgewood that has a public launch and get out and enjoy the scenery in all it’s glory.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

A day at the lake can be very different based on the lake you’re heading to, what time of year it is, what your goals are for the getaway. For your benefit, we’ve created a list that will give some ideas for your watery excursion so everything goes smoothly!

Common lake items

For a day spent on the water you’ll probably want to bring along some of the items below to make sure you’re safe, comfortable, and having fun.

  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Swimsuits
  • A fully stocked cooler
  • Food
  • Bug spray
  • Towels
  • Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)
  • Backup clothes
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • UV protection

More lake items

Consider your planned activities when at the water and who will be in your entourage, the list of gear might also prove useful and worth a quick spot check before you get on the road.

  • Worms or other bait
  • Swimming goggles
  • Something to read
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Life jackets
  • Fishing poles
  • Wine key
  • Rafts and floaties
  • Paper towels and sanitizer

Lake Safety Tips

While a day on the lake should be tons of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. A day on the lake means safety first so here are some important safety tips.

  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning

Some More Tips

If you’re going to visit the one of a kind lakes near Ridgewood, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that might make your itinerary far more successful. For example, each lake near Ridgewood has unique qualities which makes it important to take into account what you need to make a memorable adventure as you plan yours.

  1. Maximize unique local resources. When there’s time for a lengthier trip, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds which give you the option to stay directly on the water for a reasonable price.
  2. Find a marina. 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 a day fishing on the lake or tubing with the kids. Doing a quick Google search can typically allow you to find options for renting the perfect boat.
  3. Research your beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally beaches might be extremely busy. To find some more peace and quiet, do some digging on a variety of lakes and beaches to see if you can find one that’s less crowded to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, then look for the busiest, most popular beach!