Columbus Lakes

Lakes Near Columbus

When the weather is right you should pack up and find a spot by the water. As it turns out, when you visit Columbus there are some great spots for getting on, or in the water.

There are many brilliant arguments to visit a lake in Columbus during the warmer months – the cool water for swimming, fun summer entertainment like paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches you can enjoy while building sandcastles with the family. Don’t you deserve an enjoyable getaway? Load up the car with sunscreen and snacks then make the trip this weekend to find a brand new number one location on a lake!

Lakes Close to Columbus

Things to Do at the Lake

A quick excursion to a lake, or a more lengthy trip provides a nearly endless list of activities for people of all stripes.

Every getaway on or in the water gives you all the options from partying to restful bliss.

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. For those in search of some exercise, load up your preferred vessel and find yourself a lake near Columbus that has a public launch and start paddling around to soak up the scenery in all it’s glory.

Picnic time. The lakes near Columbus provide all sorts of great picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite foods, or a quick snack while enjoying the scenery. If you’re with that special someone, good food and a view should be suitably romantic.

Swimming. The swimming lakes near Columbus provide tons of laughs and games for the big kids and little ones, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want in between getting that perfect golden tan. Make sure to do your research and verify that your lake has a sandy beach and a designated swimming area before you make the trip! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a beautiful public beach on a lake near Columbus!

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can vary quite a bit when you take into consideration which lake you choose, the time of year, the weather, and the activities on your to-do list. However, we’ve assembled a rundown of some of the most common go-to items for you to use as a checklist for your getaway.

General items

When you’re out on a lake near Columbus you will likely need to take many of the things in our list below to make sure you’re safe, healthy, and enjoying your time.

  • Sweatpants and sweatshirt
  • A blanket or sheet
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Something to eat
  • Something to dry off with
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • Garbage bags
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Radio or speaker
  • Flip flops or water shoes

Additional lake stuff

Depending on your planned activities for the day and who will be joining you, the list of gear might also prove useful and worth packing before hitting the road.

  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Toys for the beach
  • Worms or other bait
  • Your tackle box
  • Goggles or masks
  • Books
  • Life jackets
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Inflatable pool toys

Lake Safety Checklist

While a day at your favorite body of water can be lots of fun, safety should remain top of mind at all times. When you decide to spend a day at the lake here are some important safety tips.

  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • 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
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Always wear sunblock

Some More Tips

If you’re going to visit the one of a kind lakes around Columbus, there are a few things that might make your itinerary much more rewarding. Case in point, each individual lake near Columbus is going to have unique features which makes it important to take into account what will make for a memorable trip when planning yours.

  1. Rent a boat. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas where you can rent a boat. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or a day of watersports. Doing a quick Google search will typically help you locate several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  2. Pay attention to the beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes beaches can get exceptionally crowded. If you want some more space to spread out, do some digging on a variety of 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, search out the busiest, most happening beach!
  3. Make the most of the best assets in the area. If you have time for a longer getaway, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the option to camp near or even on the water without breaking the bank.