Cincinnati Lakes

Lakes Near Cincinnati

It’s summertime and that means it’s time to plan your next big getaway. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Cincinnati. A lake vacation can be amazing for people that enjoy the outdoors too, because they offer opportunities to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

There are countless great motivations for a getaway to a lake in Cincinnati while it’s hot outside – the cool water for swimming, enjoyable summer activities such as wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. Scan the data directly beneath this paragraph and have a look the options from swimming lakes to all sports lakes for you and the family to enjoy.

Lakes Near Cincinnati

Things to Do at the Lake

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

Any stay at the lake gives you all the options from partying to restful bliss.

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 fishing from shore.

Partake in some water sports. Should you be able to get access to a fast boat, why not spend the day kicking up a wake showing off your water sports skills? Enjoy a day of wakeboarding or knee boarding as the lakes near Cincinnati give you all kinds of options.

Partake in some delicious delights outside. Cincinnati’s lakes offer all sorts of great picnic areas for you to pack up some portable delicacies, or a quick snack by the water. If you’re with that special someone, this plan should be suitably romantic.

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can be very different depending on which lake you go to, what time of year it is, and what your perfect itinerary looks like. While every trip is its own animal, we put together a list with some of our favorite ideas for your next trip to a lake near Cincinnati so there’s nothing to stress over!

Lake basics

When you’re out on a lake near Cincinnati it makes a lot of sense to take along some of the things in our list below to make sure you’re safe, healthy, and relaxed.

  • A fully stocked cooler
  • Bathing suits
  • UV protection
  • Something to dry off with
  • Something to eat
  • Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)
  • Radio or speaker
  • Sweatshirt and sweatpants
  • Beach blanket
  • Travel dinnerware and cups

More lake gear

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

  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Swimming goggles
  • Corkscrew
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Games for the beach
  • Life jackets
  • Kindle
  • Tackle box

Lake Safety Checklist

While spending a weekend on a lake in Cincinnati should be ample amounts of fun, safety should remain top of mind at all times. If you’re going to be out on the water these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.

  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Always wear sunblock
  • 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
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Cincinnati

Not everyone has had the opportunity to visit the lakes near Cincinnati and might have some questions about how to make the most of their time there. Obviously, each lake near Cincinnati is going to possess their own character and trappings, but you should keep in mind a couple key points to look into while making plans that might help put together a trip your whole family will remember.

  1. No boat, no problem. Many lakes have local marinas that offer boat rentals. 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 will usually allow you to locate options for renting the perfect boat.
  2. Make the most of the best assets in the area. If you have time for a longer stay, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds which give you the ability to camp near or even on the water for a reasonable price.
  3. Research your beaches. Early, mid, or late season, sometimes the beaches near Cincinnati may be packed with tourists. If you want a little more privacy, research a variety of lakes and beaches 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 popular sandy party scene!