Fort Bragg Lakes

Lakes Close to Fort Bragg

The weather is warm so it’s time to plan your next summer adventure. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Fort Bragg. Fortunately, when you come to Fort Bragg you have quite a few options for spending time on the lake.

There are numerous brilliant motivations to visit a lake in Fort Bragg during the warmer months – the water is refreshing on hot days, enjoyable summer activities such as wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. Some of the lakes in Fort Bragg have beaches that are ideal for working on your tan. The time is now! Load up your vehicle with your fishing gear and snacks then set out on your next vacation to find a brand new number one location on the water!

Nearby Lakes for Fort Bragg

Lake Activities

When you visit a lake near Fort Bragg there are many things to do for families and couples. You could go for an exciting day trip or decide to stay overnight at a hotel on the beach to make for a bigger, better getaway.

Any stay 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 have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re drifting behind a trolling motor or fishing from shore.

Partake in some water sports. Should you be able to get access to a fast boat, why not spend the day zipping around the lake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports expertise? Enjoy a day of wakeboarding or knee boarding as the lakes near Fort Bragg offer you several options.

Get in the water. Finding a swimming lake near Fort Bragg will offer all kinds of fun and excitement for the big kids and little ones, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want in between working on their tan. Make sure to do your research and verify that 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 beautiful public beach on a lake near Fort Bragg!

Lake Checklist

Your plan for a lake getaway can be drastically different depending on which lake you’re going to, the season, and what you want to do while you’re there. To make things easier we’ve assembled a rundown of popular go-to items for you to use as a checklist prior to locking up the house and heading out.

General items

When the plan is to be outdoors for the vast majority of the weekend, the list below is an excellent starting point for essentials to have on hand.

  • A sunhat or glasses
  • A receptacle for trash
  • Travel dinnerware and cups
  • Snacks
  • Beach blanket
  • Sweatpants and sweatshirt
  • Swimsuits
  • Insect repellant
  • Bottle opener
  • Portable stereo

Additional lake gear

The gear in the list below can make your life easier for getaways to the lake depending on what you’ll be doing. It’s also worth checking before heading out.

  • Your tackle box
  • Legal flotation devices
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Worms or other bait
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Corkscrew
  • Goggles or masks
  • Rafts and floaties
  • Books
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.

Lake Safety Checklist

Yes, being on the water can make for a memorable day, failing to follow some simple safety rules can make things turn tragic in a hurry. These safety tips will ensure that you and your family stays safe on the water.

  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat

More Ideas for Lake Fun

If you’re going to visit the fabulous lakes near Fort Bragg, there are a few things that can make your trip plan far more successful. For example, every lake is going to have unique features which makes it important to take into account what you need to make an unforgettable getaway when planning yours.

  1. Research your beaches. Early, mid, or late season, sometimes beaches might be swarmed with tourists. If you want some more peace and quiet, research a variety of nearby beaches and lakes to see if you can find one that’s less crowded to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, search out the busiest, most happening beach!
  2. Maximize the best assets in the area. When you have time for a lengthier trip, find local state campgrounds and parks which give you the ability to stay near or even on the water without breaking the bank.
  3. No boat, no problem. Many lakes have local marinas that offer boat rentals. 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 will typically allow you to locate a marina that has what you need.