Winston-Salem Lakes

Lakes Near Winston-Salem

Every once in a while you should pack up and find a spot on the water. Lucky for you, when you make a trip to Winston-Salem there are lots of options for getting on, or in the water.

There are many brilliant reasons for making a trip to a lake in Winston-Salem during the warmer months – the water is refreshing on hot days, relaxing summer activities like boating, fishing or swimming. Some of the lakes in Winston-Salem have beaches that are ideal for working on your tan. So what are you waiting for? Pack up the car with your beach goodies and snacks then set out this weekend and discover a brand new favorite location on the water!

Lakes Close to Winston-Salem

Things to Do at the Lake

A day trip to the lake, or a more lengthy getaway provides an almost boundless amount of stuff for people of all stripes.

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

Get in the water. The swimming lakes near Winston-Salem provide all kinds of laughs and games for the big kids and little ones, 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 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 offer as much to do as a glorious public beach on a lake near Winston-Salem!

Partake in some water sports. Should you be able to get access to a ski boat, why not get out on the water and start zipping around the lake showing off your water sports talents? Enjoy a day of wakeboarding or knee boarding as the local lakes offer you several options.

Start paddling. For those in search of some exercise, pack up your board of choice and chart your course to a lake near Winston-Salem that has a public launch and get out and enjoy the scenery on the waterfront.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

A day at the lake can be very different depending on the lake you’re heading to, what the weather is going to be, or if there are any activities planned. However, we put together a list with some of our favorite ideas for your next trip to a lake near Winston-Salem so there’s nothing to stress over!

Lake basics

When you’re out on a lake near Winston-Salem you’ll probably want to bring along several of these things to make sure you’re feeling good, healthy, and enjoying your time.

  • Swimsuits
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • A blanket or sheet
  • Radio or speaker
  • Dry shirt
  • Bug spray
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • Tennis shoes
  • Portable phone charger
  • Sunglasses

Additional lake items

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

  • Games for the beach
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Rafts and floaties
  • Bait
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Kindle
  • Tackle box
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.

Lake Safety Checklist

Of course spending a weekend on a lake in Winston-Salem can provide tons of fun, everyone’s safety needs to remain top of mind. When you decide to spend a day at the lake here are some important safety tips.

  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions

More Ideas for Lake Fun

Some people may not get the opportunity to visit the lakes near Winston-Salem and might have a lot of questions on ways to maximize their fun. Obviously, every lake will have unique qualities and trappings, but you should keep in mind a few things to review while making plans that might help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. Make the most of unique local resources. When you have time for a longer stay, look for local state campgrounds and parks which give you the option to camp directly on the water at an affordable price.
  2. Do homework on the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, sometimes beaches might be very busy. To find more space to yourself, research a variety of nearby beaches and lakes 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 busiest, most popular beach!
  3. Rent a boat. Many lakes have local marinas that offer boat rentals. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Asking a local can usually help you locate options for renting the perfect boat.