Hillsboro Lakes

Lakes Close to Hillsboro

When the weather is right you should spend some time near the water. Lucky for you, when you visit Hillsboro 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 paddleboard, get active with water skiing, go for a swim, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Hillsboro provide you with plentiful options for aquatic activities. The time is now! Pack up your vehicle with sunscreen and a picnic basket then hit the road on your next vacation to find a brand new favorite spot on a lake!

Nearby Lakes for Hillsboro

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

On a day trip to a lake near Hillsboro there are many things to do for groups of all types. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or make it a long weekend at a hotel or AirBnB to enjoy yourself more fully.

Every getaway at the lake gives you everything from fun to relaxation.

Partake in some water sports. If you’ve got access to a ski boat, why not spend the day flying around the water demonstrating your athleticism and water sports skills? Take the family out for some wakeboarding or knee boarding as the all sports lakes offer you all kinds of options.

Pack a picnic basket. The lakes near Hillsboro offer many great picnic areas where you can enjoy portable delicacies, or something as simple as crackers and cheese and a cold beverage while enjoying the scenery. For a romantic evening, this plan is hard to beat.

Grab a board. If you like to paddle around, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and find yourself a lake near Hillsboro that has a public boat launch you can use and get out and enjoy nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.

Lake Checklist

Every day at the lake will have its own requirements depending on which lake you go to, what time of year it is, and what you want to do for entertainment. While every trip is its own animal, we took the time to make a list with some of our favorite ideas for your lake getaway so you have everything you need!

Common lake items

When you’re out on a lake near Hillsboro you’ll probably want to bring several of the things in our list below to make sure you’re safe, comfortable, and getting the most out of your getaway.

  • A receptacle for trash
  • A picnic basket
  • Sweatpants and sweatshirt
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Bathing suits
  • Insect repellant
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Proper footwear
  • Portable stereo

More lake stuff

Take into consideration your planned activities for the day and your guests, the items below will likely be helpful and worth a quick spot check prior to leaving.

  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Worms or other bait
  • Your tackle box
  • Books
  • Toys for the beach
  • Corkscrew
  • Swimming goggles

Lake Safety Tips

Of course your getaway on a lake in Hillsboro can be tons of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. A day on the lake means safety first so here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.

  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat

More Ideas for Lake Fun

When you make a trip to the fabulous lakes around Hillsboro, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that will make your trip plan substantially more rewarding. As an example, every individual lake near Hillsboro has unique qualities which makes it important to think about what you need to make an unforgettable adventure as you plan yours.

  1. Research your beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally beaches can get extremely crowded. If you want a little more privacy, do some digging on a variety of lakes in the area to see if you can find one that’s less crowded if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the busiest, most happening beach!
  2. Make the most of unique local resources. When you have time for a longer getaway, find local state campgrounds and parks which give you the ability to camp near or even on the water for a reasonable price.
  3. Rent a boat. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas that offer boat rentals. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or tubing with the kids. Using a search engine can usually allow you to locate several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.