Salem Lakes

Lakes Near Salem

It’s summertime so it’s time to plan your next grand getaway. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Salem. As it turns out, when you visit Salem there are some options for spending time on the lake.

Whether you’re looking to paddleboard, buzz around doing water skiing, go swimming, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Salem offer you lots of opportunities for outdoor fun. The time is now! Pack up the car with sunscreen and a picnic basket then set out your next day off and discover your own number one spot on the water!

Lakes Close to Salem

Lake Activities

On a day trip to a lake near Salem there are many things to do for families and couples. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or take a longer vacation at a hotel on the beach to make for a bigger, better getaway.

Here are some of our top picks for activities when you visit a lake near Salem:

Get a little crazy with the water sports. If you’ve got access to a speed boat, why not spend the day flying around the water showing off your water sports expertise? Take the family out for some wakeboarding or knee boarding as the lakes near Salem offer you a number of options.

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. For those in search of some exercise, pack up your board of choice and find yourself a lake near Salem that has a public launch and start paddling around to soak up the scenery in all it’s glory.

Fishing. 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 standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.

Checklist for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can be very different based on which lake you go to, when you go, and what your perfect itinerary looks like. However, we took the time to make a list with some of our favorite ideas for your next trip to a lake near Salem to ensure nothing gets forgotten!

General items

For a day spent on the water it makes a lot of sense to take along many of the items below to make sure you’re safe, healthy, and enjoying your time.

  • Bug spray
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Reserve clothing
  • USB charger
  • Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
  • Garbage bags
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Portable stereo
  • A picnic basket
  • Plates, cups and utensils

Additional lake items

The gear in the list below could be helpful for trips to the lake based on your plans. It’s also worth checking before heading out.

  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Games for the beach
  • Life jackets
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Something to read
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Worms or other bait
  • Wine key

Staying Safe on a Lake

Of course your getaway at a lake in Salem can provide ample amounts of fun, safety should remain top of mind at all times. A day on the lake means safety first so these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.

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

Some More Tips

Not everyone has had a chance to visit the amazing lakes around Salem and might have a lot of questions regarding planning. Of course, no matter where you go each lake is going to possess unique qualities and trappings, but you should keep in mind a few things to look into while assembling your itinerary that might help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. No boat, no problem. It’s common that lakes will have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a wild day of wakeboarding. Doing a quick Google search can typically help you find options for renting the perfect boat.
  2. Do homework on the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, sometimes beaches could be very busy. If you want some space to yourself, research a variety of 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!
  3. Make the most of the best local resources. When you have time for a lengthier stay, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the ability to stay in a spot that is right on top of the water at an affordable price.