Cleveland Lakes

Lakes Close to Cleveland

It’s summertime so it’s time to plan your next grand getaway. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Cleveland. Lucky for you, when you visit Cleveland you have some great spots when it comes to spending time on the lake.

It doesn’t matter if you’re itching to float in a tube with a book, buzz around doing watersports, go swimming, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Cleveland provide you with lots of beautiful locations for aquatic fun. Scan the data below and have a look your nearby locations including small lakes with beaches to larger lakes for you to visit.

Nearby Lakes for Cleveland

Lake Activities

On a day trip to a lake near Cleveland you’ll find all kinds of things to do for families and couples. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or make it a long weekend to a hotel or AirBnB to make the most of your time unwinding.

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

Swimming. Finding a swimming lake near Cleveland will offer tons of laughs and games for the youngsters, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want 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 before you make the trip! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t offer as much to do as a beautiful public beach!

Pack a picnic basket. Cleveland’s lakes gives you the chance to visit all sorts of great picnic areas where you can enjoy tasty treats, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy while enjoying the scenery. For a romantic evening, a picnic on the beach should put a smile on their face.

Fishing. For anglers, 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 roaming the lake in a killer fishing boat or tossing a line in from the dock.

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can be drastically different depending on which lake you choose, the time of year, the weather, and what you want to do while you’re there. For your convenience we’ve built out a short list of our favorite lake and beach-related items for you to use as a checklist for your getaway.

Lake basics

If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for the vast majority of the weekend, the following list of items should be an excellent starting point for essentials you are likely to need.

  • Something to dry off with
  • USB charger
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • A picnic basket
  • A cooler with water
  • Bathing suits
  • Flip flops or water shoes
  • UV protection
  • Bug spray
  • Beach blanket

Additional lake items

The following items could be helpful for excursions to the lake considering your itinerary. You may want to double check for some of these before heading out.

  • Wine key
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Rafts and floaties
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Something to read
  • Tackle box
  • Worms or other bait

Lake Safety

While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near Cleveland, failing to follow some simple safety rules can make things turn tragic in a hurry. These safety measures can ensure that everyone are always safe while around the lake.

  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding

More Cleveland Lake Tips

When you make a trip to the fabulous lakes near Cleveland, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that can make your trip plan far more successful. Case in point, each individual lake has their own environment so it’s important to think about what will make for an enjoyable getaway when planning yours.

  1. No boat, no problem. If you’re near the water you’ll often find nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a wild day of wakeboarding. Asking a local will usually help you locate a marina that has what you need.
  2. Maximize unique assets in the area. When there’s time for a lengthier trip, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds which give you the ability to camp near or even on the water at an affordable price.
  3. Research your beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally the beaches near Cleveland can get very crowded. If you want a little more privacy, do some digging on a variety of lakes and beaches to see if you can find one that’s less crowded to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the biggest, most popular beach!