Lakes Around Wilmington
Every once in a while you just need to pack up and find a spot near the water. A lake vacation is wonderful for people who love wildlife too, because they offer opportunities to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.
There are numerous great arguments for a getaway to a lake in Wilmington while it’s hot outside – the cool water for swimming, fun summer entertainment like wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches you can enjoy while building sandcastles with the family. So what are you waiting for? Pack up your vehicle with sunscreen and a picnic basket then set out on your next vacation and discover your own number one location on the water!
Lakes Near Wilmington
Things to Do at the Lake
A day trip to the lake, or a longer getaway provides a nearly endless amount of stuff for people of all stripes.
Here are some of our top picks for activities when you visit a lake near Wilmington:
Go fishing. For those that love to fish, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re drifting behind a trolling motor or tossing a line in from the dock.
Get a little crazy with the water sports. If you’ve got access to a ski boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of zipping around the lake showing off your water sports expertise? Hit the water and go wakeboarding or knee boarding as the local lakes give you several choices.
Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. If you like to paddle around, pack up your board of choice and chart your course to a lake that has a public launch and start paddling around to enjoy nature’s beauty on the waterfront.
Lake Checklist
Every day at the lake will have its own requirements depending on which lake you go to, what the weather is going to be, or if there are any activities planned. For your benefit, we took the time to make a list for some ideas for your next summer trip so you have everything you need!
General items
When the plan is to be outdoors for most of the vacation, the following list of items is a good place to start when it comes to the necessities to have on hand.
- Dry shirt
- A sunhat or glasses
- Insect repellant
- Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
- A blanket or sheet
- Bathing suits
- Travel dinnerware and cups
- Towels and dry clothes
- Portable stereo
- Snacks
Additional lake stuff
Consider what you’ll be doing at the lake and who will be joining you, the list of gear could make your day more enjoyable and worth a quick spot check before hitting the road.
- Goggles or masks
- Toys for the beach
- Fishing poles, nets, etc.
- Worms or other bait
- Tackle box and lures
- Legal flotation devices
- Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
- Baby gear (if necessary)
- Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
- Wine key
Staying Safe on a Lake
Yes, being on the water can make for a memorable day, safety should be top of mind. Here are some general tips that will make sure that your whole group remains safe on the water.
- Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
- Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
- Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
- Always swim with a buddy
- Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
- Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
- Always wear sunblock
More Wilmington Lake Tips
When you make a trip to the fabulous lakes around Wilmington, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that can make your weekend gameplan much more rewarding. Case in point, each individual lake has unique environment which makes it important to consider what will make for an unforgettable adventure when planning yours.
- Make the most of unique assets in the area. If you have time for a longer getaway, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds which give you the option to camp in a spot that is right on top of the water for a reasonable price.
- Rent a boat. It’s common that lakes will have local marinas where you can rent a boat. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy fishing with family and friends or a day of watersports. Using a search engine can typically help you locate a marina that has what you need.
- Do homework on the beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes the beaches near Wilmington may be swarmed with tourists. To find a little more privacy, do some digging on multiple 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, then look for the busiest, most happening sandy party scene!
