Schenectady Lakes

Lakes Around Schenectady

Sometimes you just need to spend some time by the water. A stay at a lake can be perfect for those that enjoy getting outside too, as they are a great way to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

There are numerous brilliant arguments for a getaway to a lake in Schenectady this summer – the cool water for swimming, enjoyable summer entertainment like boating, fishing or swimming. Some of the lakes in Schenectady have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. The time is now! Load up the car with your fishing gear and a picnic basket then hit the road this weekend to find a brand new number one location on a lake!

Nearby Lakes for Schenectady

Things to Do at the Lake

A quick excursion to a lake, or a more lengthy getaway offers a nearly endless list of activities for families, couples, or even those seeking some quality alone time.

A day, weekend, or a week at the lake offers you a full range of activities from thrilling to chilling.

Catch some fish. For those that love to fish, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re drifting behind a trolling motor or tossing a line in from the dock.

Partake in some water sports. If you’re able to get access to a ski 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 give you several options.

Partake in some delicious delights outside. The lakes near Schenectady provide many top-notch picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite tasty treats, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy as you enjoy the view. For a romantic evening, this plan is hard to beat.

Lake Getaway Prep

Every day at the lake will have its own requirements based on which lake you go to, what time of year it is, what your goals are for the getaway. However, we took the time to make a list with some of our favorite ideas for your lake getaway so there’s nothing to stress over!

Common lake items

When you’re out on a lake near Schenectady you will likely need to bring along some of these things to make sure you’re safe, comfortable, and getting the most out of your getaway.

  • Swimsuits
  • Food and snacks
  • Portable phone charger
  • Sweatshirt and sweatpants
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Portable stereo
  • Bottle opener
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Something to dry off with

More lake stuff

The gear in the list below could be helpful for excursions to the lake considering your itinerary. You may want to double check for some of these prior to hitting the road.

  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Games for the beach
  • Fishing poles
  • Goggles or masks
  • Bait
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Tackle box

Lake Safety Tips

Of course a day on your favorite body of water can be tons of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. When you decide to spend a day at the lake these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.

  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water

More Ideas for Lake Fun

If you’re going to visit the fabulous lakes around Schenectady, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that might make your itinerary substantially more rewarding. As an example, each lake is going to have their own environment which makes it important to consider what you need to make an unforgettable trip when planning yours.

  1. Maximize unique assets in the area. When you have time for a longer getaway, find local state parks and recreation areas that offer the option to camp near or even on the water at an affordable price.
  2. Research your beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally the beaches near Schenectady may be extremely busy. If you want a little more privacy, 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 busiest, most popular beach!
  3. Find a marina. If you’re near the water you’ll often find nearby 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 wild day of wakeboarding. Using a search engine will usually help you locate a marina that has what you need.