Wake Forest Lakes

Lakes Around Wake Forest

Every once in a while you just need to pack up and find a spot near the water. Lucky for you, when you visit Wake Forest you have lots of options when it comes to spending time on the lake.

There are countless great reasons for making a trip to a lake in Wake Forest while it’s hot outside – the water is refreshing on hot days, relaxing summer entertainment like boating, fishing or swimming. Some of the lakes in Wake Forest have beaches that are ideal for working on your tan. So what are you waiting for? Pack up the car with your fishing gear and a cooler then set out on your next vacation and discover a brand new number one spot on a lake!

Lakes Near Wake Forest

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

A day trip, or a more lengthy getaway provides an almost limitless list of activities for families or couples.

Every getaway at the lake gives you everything from fun to relaxation.

Grab a board. If you want a little physical activity, load up your preferred vessel and chart your course to a lake with a public launch and start paddling around to enjoy the scenery in all it’s glory.

Partake in some delicious delights outside. Wake Forest’s lakes offer all sorts of great picnic areas where you can enjoy culinary delights, or you could just do some cheese and crackers as you enjoy the view. For a romantic evening, good food and a view should be suitably romantic.

Fishing. For those that love to fish, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re out on a boat or tossing a line in from the dock.

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

Every day at the lake will have its own requirements based on the lake you’re heading to, what time of year it is, and what you want to do for entertainment. While every trip is its own animal, we took the time to make a list for some ideas for your lake getaway so you have everything you need!

The basics

When you’re out on a lake near Wake Forest it makes a lot of sense to take along many of the items below so that you’ll be safe, comfortable, and relaxed.

  • Swimsuits
  • Towels
  • Flip flops or water shoes
  • Backup clothing
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • A cooler and drinks
  • UV protection
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Bug spray
  • Garbage bags

Specialty lake items

The following items could be helpful for trips to the lake depending on what you’ll be doing. It’s also worth checking prior to hitting the road.

  • Tackle box and lures
  • Games for the beach
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Bait
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Fishing poles
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Corkscrew
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)

Lake Safety

While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near Wake Forest, it’s important that you remember to keep safety top of mind. The following safety protocols should make sure that your whole group remains safe on the water.

  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Keep your distance from wildlife

More Wake Forest Lake Tips

If you’re going to visit the one of a kind lakes around Wake Forest, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that might make your weekend gameplan much more rewarding. Case in point, every lake near Wake Forest has unique qualities so it is important to take into account what will make for an unforgettable getaway when planning yours.

  1. Maximize the best assets in the area. If there’s time for a longer stay, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds which give you the option to stay directly on the water for a reasonable price.
  2. No boat, no problem. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas that offer boat rentals. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a day of watersports. Doing a quick Google search can usually allow you to find options for renting the perfect boat.
  3. Do homework on the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally beaches might be really busy. To find some more peace and quiet, do some digging on multiple nearby beaches and lakes to see if you can find one that’s less crowded if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, then look for the busiest, most happening sandy party scene!