Lancaster Lakes

Lakes Near Lancaster

Every once in a while you should spend some time on the water. Fortunately, when you visit Lancaster you have quite a few options when it comes to getting on, or in the water.

It doesn’t matter if you’re itching to go kayaking, buzz around doing wakeboarding, go for a swim, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Lancaster offer you numerous opportunities for aquatic adventures. The time is now! Load up the car with your fishing gear and snacks then set out this weekend to find a brand new number one location on the water!

Nearby Lakes for Lancaster

Things to Do at the Lake

A quick excursion to a lake, or a longer trip gives you a nearly endless list of activities for couples or families.

Let’s look at some of the options available to you when you visit a Lancaster lake:

Swimming. Finding a swimming lake near Lancaster will provide all kinds of fun for the youngsters, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active 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! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a beautiful public beach on a lake near Lancaster!

Grab a board. If you want a little physical activity, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and chart your course to a lake that has a public boat launch you can use and get out and enjoy nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.

Pack a picnic basket. Lancaster’s lakes provide all sorts of great picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite culinary delights, or a quick snack as you enjoy the view. For a romantic evening, a picnic on the beach should be suitably romantic.

Lake Checklist

A day at the lake can be very different depending on the lake you’re heading to, what time of year it is, what your goals are for the getaway. While every trip is its own animal, we’ve created a list that will give some ideas for your lake getaway to ensure nothing gets forgotten!

Common lake items

If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for the vast majority of the vacation, the following list of items is a good place to start for essentials to have on hand.

  • Travel dinnerware and cups
  • UV protection
  • Radio or speaker
  • Bathing suits
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Food and snacks
  • Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
  • Sneakers
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Sweatpants and sweatshirt

Additional lake gear

Depending on what you’ll be doing for the day and what your party looks like, the following items could make your day more enjoyable and worth packing before you make the trip.

  • Swimming goggles
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Fishing gear
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Bait
  • Life jackets
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Tackle box
  • Books

Lake Safety

While your getaway at your favorite body of water can provide ample amounts of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. If you’re going to be out on the water these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.

  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Always swim with a buddy

Some More Tips

Not everyone has had a chance to make their way to the lakes near Lancaster and might have a few questions on ways to maximize their fun. Obviously, each lake near Lancaster will have unique qualities and trappings, but you should keep in mind a couple key points to look into while planning that might help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. Research your beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally beaches might be extremely busy. To find more space to yourself, do some digging on multiple nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, search out the biggest, most popular beach!
  2. No boat, no problem. It’s common that lakes will have local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or a day of watersports. Doing a quick Google search can usually help you find a marina that has what you need.
  3. Maximize the best local resources. When you have time for a longer stay, find local state parks and recreation areas which give you the ability to camp in a spot that is right on top of the water for a reasonable price.