West Fargo Lakes

Lakes Close to West Fargo

Sometimes you just need to spend some time on the water. A lake vacation can be amazing for people who love the outdoors too, as they are a great way to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

It doesn’t matter if you’re seeking to go kayaking, get active with wakeboarding, swim, or nap in the sand, the lakes near West Fargo offer you lots of opportunities for aquatic activities. So what are you waiting for? Pack up your vehicle with your beach goodies and snacks then make the trip your next day off to find your own favorite spot on the water!

Nearby Lakes for West Fargo

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

On a day trip to a lake near West Fargo you’ll find all kinds of things to do for groups of all types. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or decide to stay overnight at a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to enjoy yourself more fully.

Every getaway at the lake offers you all the options from partying to restful bliss.

Partake in some water sports. If you’ve got access to a ski boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of flying around the water showing off your water sports skills? Enjoy a day of wakeboarding or knee boarding as the local lakes give you several choices.

Go fishing. For anglers, 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 standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.

Swimming. Finding a swimming lake near West Fargo will provide tons of laughs and games for the kids, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between working on their tan. If you want to spend time swimming and on the beach you’ll want to be sure your lake has a nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on prior to packing the car and the family! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool just isn’t as much fun as a magnificent public beach!

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

Every day at the lake will have its own requirements depending on the lake you’re heading to, when you go, what your goals are for the getaway. For your benefit, we’ve created a list that will give some ideas for your watery excursion so there’s nothing to stress over!

General items

When you’re out on a lake near West Fargo it makes a lot of sense to take along some of these items to make sure you’re safe, healthy, and relaxed.

  • Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • Bug spray
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Reserve clothing
  • UV protection
  • Portable stereo
  • Flip flops or water shoes
  • Snacks
  • A beach blanket and umbrella

Specialty lake gear

The list of items below might prove useful for excursions to the lake depending on what your plans are. It’s also worth checking so you’re not missing something critical.

  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Corkscrew
  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Fishing gear
  • Goggles or masks
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Safety gear like life jackets

Lake Safety Checklist

While spending a weekend on your favorite body of water can be tons of fun, safety should remain top of mind at all times. A day on the lake means safety first so here are some important safety tips.

  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in West Fargo

When you make a trip to the beautiful lakes around West Fargo, there are a few things that might make your trip plan substantially more rewarding. As an example, every individual lake near West Fargo is going to have unique qualities and surroundings so it’s important to think about what will make for an enjoyable trip as you plan yours.

  1. Find a marina. Many lakes have local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Doing a quick Google search will typically help you find options for renting the perfect boat.
  2. Maximize the best local resources. If you have time for a longer trip, look for local state campgrounds and parks that offer the ability to camp in a spot that is right on top of the water for a reasonable price.
  3. Pay attention to the beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes beaches may be swarmed with tourists. If you want some more peace and quiet, research a variety of nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the biggest, most popular sandy party scene!