Cary Lakes

Lakes Near Cary

The weather is warm and that means it’s time to pack up and head out for your upcoming grand getaway. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Cary. As it turns out, when you visit Cary you have some options for getting on, or in the water.

Whether you’re itching to go kayaking, get active with wakeboarding, go swimming, or just lounge at the beach, the lakes near Cary provide you with numerous opportunities for outdoor fun. Browse through the table below and see your nearby locations from small lakes to larger lakes for you to enjoy.

Nearby Lakes for Cary

Lake Activities

On a day trip to a lake near Cary you’ll find all kinds of things to do for families, couples, or with a group of friends. You could go for an exciting day trip or make it a long weekend at a hotel on the beach to make the most of your time unwinding.

Any stay on or in the water offers you everything from fun to relaxation.

Go for a swim. The swimming lakes near Cary provide all kinds of fun for the youngsters, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between working on their tan. Make sure to do your research and verify that 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 hold a candle to a glorious public beach!

Partake in some delicious delights outside. Cary’s lakes offer many top-notch picnic areas where you can enjoy portable delicacies, or something as simple as crackers and cheese and a cold beverage while enjoying the scenery. Should you be with someone you want to impress, a picnic on the beach should be suitably romantic.

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 Cary with a public launch and start paddling around to soak up the scenery in all it’s glory.

Lake Getaway Prep

A day at the lake can vary quite a bit depending on the specific lake you’ll be visiting, the weather forecast, and what you want to do while you’re there. To make things easier we’ve put together a list of popular lake and beach-related items for you to use as a checklist for your getaway.

The basics

For a day spent on the water it makes a lot of sense to bring several of these things so that you’ll be feeling good, healthy, and getting the most out of your getaway.

  • Portable phone charger
  • A picnic basket
  • Insect repellant
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Portable stereo
  • A blanket or sheet
  • A fully stocked cooler
  • Dry shirt
  • UV protection
  • Garbage bags

More lake gear

The following items can make your life easier for getaways to the lake depending on what your plans are. You may want to double check some of these so you’re not missing something critical.

  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Rafts for the kids
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Books
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Wine key
  • Fishing gear
  • Goggles or masks
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)

Lake Safety Tips

While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near Cary, everyone’s safety is the most important part of your getaway. Here are some general tips that can ensure that your whole group are always safe while around the lake.

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

More Ideas for Lake Fun

Few people get a chance to visit the amazing lakes around Cary and likely have a lot of questions regarding planning. Of course, any body of water will have unique qualities and surroundings, but you should keep in mind a few things to review when making plans which could help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. Pay attention to the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, sometimes the beaches near Cary can get very crowded. If you want a little more privacy, do some digging on multiple lakes and beaches 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 biggest, most popular sandy party scene!
  2. Find a marina. Many lakes have local marinas where you can rent a boat. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or tubing with the kids. Doing a quick Google search will typically help you find options for renting the perfect boat.
  3. Maximize unique local resources. When there’s time for a longer stay, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the ability to stay near or even on the water at an affordable price.