Utica Lakes

Lakes Close to Utica

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 Utica. A lake getaway can be perfect for those who love the outdoors too, as they are a great way to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

There are countless great reasons for making a trip to a lake in Utica during the warmer months – the cool water for swimming, relaxing summer activities like boating, fishing or swimming. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches you can enjoy while building sandcastles with the family. Take a look at the data below and have a look your nearby locations including small lakes to all sports lakes for you and the family to enjoy.

Nearby Lakes for Utica

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

When you visit a lake near Utica you’ll find all kinds of things to do for families and couples. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or decide to stay overnight at a hotel or AirBnB to make for a bigger, better getaway.

Every getaway on or in the water gives you all the options from partying to restful bliss.

Go for a swim. The swimming lakes near Utica provide tons of laughs and games for the kids, 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 nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on prior to packing the car and the family! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a magnificent public beach!

Start paddling. If you want a little physical activity, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and find yourself a lake near Utica with a public boat launch you can use and get out and soak up nature’s beauty on the waterfront.

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 kicking up a wake showing off your water sports expertise? Enjoy a day of tubing or skiing as the lakes near Utica offer you a number of options.

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can vary quite a bit depending on which lake you choose, the time of year, the weather, and the activities on your to-do list. However, we’ve built out a short list of some of the most common lake and beach-related necessities for you to use as a checklist prior to locking up the house and heading out.

Lake basics

When you’re out on a lake near Utica it makes a lot of sense to take many of these things to make sure you’re safe, comfortable, and relaxed.

  • Portable stereo
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Bathing suits
  • Sunglasses
  • Snacks
  • Insect repellant
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • Beach blanket
  • Garbage bags
  • Towels

More lake gear

The following items can make your life easier for trips to the lake depending on what your plans are. It’s also worth checking prior to hitting the road.

  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Games for the beach
  • Legal flotation devices
  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Fishing poles
  • Corkscrew
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Worms or other bait
  • Tackle box

Lake Safety

Of course your getaway at your favorite body of water can provide ample amounts of fun, safety should remain top of mind at all times. When you decide to spend a day at the lake here are some important safety tips.

  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Utica

If you’re going to visit the beautiful lakes near Utica, there are a few things that might make your itinerary substantially more successful. Case in point, each individual lake has their own qualities and surroundings which makes it important to consider what you need to make an unforgettable getaway when planning yours.

  1. No boat, no problem. Many lakes have local marinas where you can rent a boat. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a wild day of wakeboarding. Asking a local will usually help you find options for renting the perfect boat.
  2. Make the most of the best local resources. If there’s time for a longer stay, look for local state parks and recreation areas that offer the ability to stay in a spot that is right on top of the water at an affordable price.
  3. Do homework on the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally beaches could be extremely busy. To find a little more privacy, do some digging on a variety of nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, search out the busiest, most happening sandy party scene!