The Bronx Lakes

Lakes Close to The Bronx

The weather is warm so it’s time to plan your next summer adventure. There aren’t many better options than a lake near The Bronx. A lake vacation can be amazing for people that enjoy getting outside too, as they are a great way to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

There are numerous brilliant reasons for making a trip to a lake in The Bronx this summer – the water is refreshing on hot days, fun summer entertainment like boating, fishing or swimming. Some of the lakes in The Bronx have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. So what are you waiting for? Load up your vehicle with sunscreen and a picnic basket then set out your next day off to find a brand new favorite spot on a lake!

Lakes Close to The Bronx

Lake Activities

A day trip to the lake, or a more lengthy getaway offers a nearly limitless list of activities for families or couples.

Here are some of our top picks for activities when you arrive at a lake near The Bronx:

Picnic time. The lakes near The Bronx offer many excellent picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite portable delicacies, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy as you enjoy the view. For a romantic evening, good food and a view is hard to beat.

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.

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. For those in search of some exercise, pack up your board of choice and chart your course to a lake near The Bronx with a public boat launch you can use and start paddling around to enjoy the scenery on the waterfront.

Checklist for a Day at the Lake

Your plan for a lake getaway can be drastically different depending on the specific lake you’ll be visiting, the season, and the activities on your to-do list. To make things easier we’ve built out a short list of popular lake items for you to use as a checklist for your getaway.

Lake basics

For a day spent on the water you will likely need to take several of these things to make sure you’re feeling good, healthy, and relaxed.

  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Bottle opener
  • Sweatshirt and sweatpants
  • UV protection
  • Beach blanket
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • A cooler with water
  • Garbage bags
  • Radio or speaker

More lake items

The following items might prove useful for excursions to the lake considering your itinerary. You may want to double check for some of these before heading out.

  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Fishing poles
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Toys for the beach
  • Worms or other bait
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Wine key

Staying Safe on a Lake

Of course a day on the lake can be lots of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. When you decide to spend a day at the lake here are some important safety tips.

  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Make sure no one swims alone

Some More Tips

Few people get the opportunity to make their way to the amazing lakes around The Bronx and might have some questions about how to make the most of their time there. Clearly, no matter where you go each lake will possess their own character and trappings, but you should keep in mind a handful of items to review while assembling your itinerary that might help start your trip on the right foot.

  1. Find a marina. Many lakes have local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a day of watersports. Doing a quick Google search can usually help you find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  2. Make the most of the best assets in the area. If you have time for a longer stay, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the option to camp directly on the water for a reasonable price.
  3. Do homework on the beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes beaches might be very busy. To find a little more privacy, do some digging on multiple lakes in the area to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the biggest, most happening beach!