Bend Lakes

Lakes Near Bend

Sometimes you just need to pack up and find a spot on the water. As it turns out, when you come to Bend there are quite a few great spots for spending time on the lake.

There are numerous brilliant motivations for a getaway to a lake in Bend during the warmer months – the cool water for swimming, fun summer entertainment such as paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. The time is now! Load up the car with your fishing gear and a picnic basket then hit the road on your next vacation and discover your own favorite location on the water!

Nearby Lakes for Bend

Lake Activities

A day trip, or a longer getaway provides an almost endless amount of stuff for people of all stripes.

Now we’ll run down a list of some of the best things to do when you visit a lake near Bend:

Catch some fish. For those that love to fish, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re out on a boat or tossing a line in from the dock.

Partake in some water sports. If you’ve got access to a speed boat, why not spend the day zipping around the lake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports expertise? Enjoy a day of tubing or skiing as the all sports lakes offer you a number of options.

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. If paddling is your thing, load up your preferred vessel and find yourself a lake near Bend with a boat launch and get out and enjoy nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.

Lake Getaway Prep

Every day at the lake will have its own requirements based on the lake you’re heading to, what the weather is going to be, or if there are any activities planned. While every trip is its own animal, we’ve created a list for some ideas for your lake getaway so you have everything you need!

General items

When you’re out on a lake near Bend you will likely need to bring along some of the things in our list below so that you’ll be feeling good, healthy, and enjoying your time.

  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Bathing suits
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • A fully stocked cooler
  • Bug spray
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Dry shirt
  • Sneakers
  • Sunblock

More lake stuff

Consider what you’ll be doing at the lake and what your party looks like, the following items will likely be helpful and worth packing before hitting the road.

  • Corkscrew
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Bait
  • Fishing gear
  • Kindle
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Goggles or masks
  • Legal flotation devices
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Fishing and boating licenses

Lake Safety

While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, it’s important that you remember to keep safety top of mind. These safety measures should ensure that your whole group are always safe while around the lake.

  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Always wear sunblock

Some More Tips

Not everyone has had a chance to visit the lakes near Bend and might have a lot of questions regarding planning. Of course, each lake near Bend will possess their own character and surroundings, but you should keep in mind a couple key points to review when making plans that might help start your trip on the right foot.

  1. Find a marina. Many lakes have 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 tubing with the kids. Doing a quick Google search will usually help you locate options for renting the perfect boat.
  2. Pay attention to the beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes beaches could be very busy. To find some more peace and quiet, research multiple 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 biggest, most happening sandy party scene!
  3. Make the most of the best assets in the area. When there’s time for a lengthier trip, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the ability to stay directly on the water for a reasonable price.