Albany Lakes

Lakes Close to Albany

It’s summertime so it’s time to start planning your upcoming family vacation. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Albany. Fortunately, when you make a trip to Albany there are quite a few options when it comes to getting on, or in the water.

There are numerous great arguments to visit a lake in Albany while it’s hot outside – the water is refreshing on hot days, fun summer entertainment such as wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches that are ideal for working on your tan. Has there ever been a better time? Load up your vehicle with your beach goodies and snacks then hit the road this weekend to find your own number one spot on a lake!

Lakes Near Albany

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

A day trip, or a more lengthy trip gives you an almost endless list of activities for couples or families.

Every getaway on or in the water offers you everything from fun to relaxation.

Start paddling. If you like to paddle around, pack up your board of choice and find yourself a lake with a public launch and start paddling around to enjoy nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.

Get in the water. The swimming lakes near Albany provide tons of fun and excitement for the kids, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between working on their tan. Make sure to do your research and verify that your lake has a nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on prior to packing the car and the family! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool just isn’t as much fun as a beautiful public beach on a lake near Albany!

Partake in some delicious delights outside. The lakes near Albany provide all sorts of top-notch picnic areas for you to pack up some tasty treats, or a quick snack while enjoying the scenery. If you’re with that special someone, a picnic on the beach is hard to beat.

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

Your plan for a lake getaway can vary quite a bit when you take into consideration which lake you choose, the season, and the activities on your to-do list. However, we’ve assembled a rundown of popular lake and beach-related necessities for you to use as a checklist before you hit the road.

Common lake items

For a day spent on the water you’ll probably want to bring along several of the things in our list below to make sure you’re feeling good, healthy, and having fun.

  • Sunglasses
  • Towels
  • Sunscreen
  • Portable phone charger
  • Travel dinnerware and cups
  • Backup clothes
  • A cooler and drinks
  • Beach blanket
  • Bathing suits
  • Bottle opener

More lake stuff

The following items can make your life easier for excursions to the lake depending on what your plans are. You may want to double check some of these prior to hitting the road.

  • Books
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Goggles or masks
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Wine key
  • Fishing gear
  • Toys for the beach
  • Bait
  • Inflatable pool toys

Staying Safe on a Lake

While your getaway at the lake can be tons of fun, everyone’s safety needs to remain top of mind. If you’re going to be out on the water these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.

  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Albany

Not everyone has had a chance to visit the lakes near Albany and likely have a lot of questions regarding planning. Clearly, each lake near Albany will have unique qualities and surroundings, but it’s worth noting a handful of items to review while assembling your itinerary that might help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. Make the most of the best local resources. When there’s time for a longer trip, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the ability to camp directly on the water for a reasonable price.
  2. Research your beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally the beaches near Albany can get extremely crowded. To find a little more privacy, research multiple lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the biggest, most happening beach!
  3. Find a marina. It’s common that lakes will have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or a day of watersports. Using a search engine can usually help you locate several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.