Dayton Lakes

Lakes Near Dayton

It’s summertime and that means it’s time to plan your next family vacation. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Dayton. As it turns out, when you come to Dayton there are quite a few options for getting on, or in the water.

It doesn’t matter if you’re seeking to float in a tube with a book, partake in some watersports, go for a swim, or just lounge at the beach, the lakes near Dayton offer you numerous opportunities for outdoor fun. So what are you waiting for? Load up your vehicle with your fishing gear and snacks then make the trip on your next vacation and discover your own number one spot on a lake!

Lakes Near Dayton

Things to Do at the Lake

When you visit a lake near Dayton you’ll find all kinds of activities that can be enjoyed by groups of all types. You could go for an exciting day trip or take a longer vacation at a hotel on the beach to make for a bigger, better getaway.

A day, weekend, or a week on or in the water gives you all the options from partying to restful bliss.

Have a picnic. The lakes near Dayton provide a wealth of great picnic areas for you to pack up some portable delicacies, or a quick snack while enjoying the scenery. For a romantic evening, good food and a view should put a smile on their face.

Catch some fish. For anglers, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re out on a boat or tossing a line in from the dock.

Water sports. Should you be able to get access to a fast boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of flying around the water demonstrating your athleticism and water sports expertise? Hit the water and go tubing or skiing as the lakes near Dayton provide you with a number of choices.

Checklist for a Day at the Lake

Every day at the lake will have its own requirements depending on which lake you go to, what the weather is going to be, what your goals are for the getaway. For your benefit, we took the time to make a list that will give some ideas for your watery excursion so everything goes smoothly!

Common lake items

If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for the vast majority of the day, our list of provisions below is an excellent starting point for essentials that you’ll be happy to have on hand.

  • Bug spray
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • A blanket or sheet
  • Swimsuits
  • Bottle opener
  • A cooler with water
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices

Specialty lake items

Consider your planned activities for the day and who will be in your entourage, the list of gear might also prove useful and worth packing before you make the trip.

  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Worms or other bait
  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Wine key
  • Rafts and floaties
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing

Lake Safety Checklist

Of course a day at your favorite body of water should 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.

  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
  • Make sure no one swims alone

More Dayton Lake Tips

Few people get the opportunity to make their way to the lakes near Dayton and likely have a lot of questions regarding planning. Clearly, every lake will have their own character and surroundings, but you should keep in mind a couple key points to look into when planning that might help start your trip on the right foot.

  1. Make the most of unique local resources. When you have time for a longer stay, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the ability to camp near or even on the water for a reasonable price.
  2. Rent a boat. It’s common that lakes will have local marinas that offer boat rentals. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or a wild day of wakeboarding. Doing a quick Google search will usually allow you to find a marina that has what you need.
  3. Do homework on the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, sometimes beaches can get very crowded. To find a little more privacy, research multiple nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, search out the busiest, most popular sandy party scene!