Bethlehem Lakes

Lakes Around Bethlehem

The weather is warm so it’s time to start planning your upcoming grand getaway. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Bethlehem. Lucky for you, when you come to Bethlehem you have some options for spending time on the lake.

There are many brilliant motivations for making a trip to a lake in Bethlehem during the warmer months – the cool water for swimming, fun summer entertainment like boating, fishing or swimming. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches you can enjoy while building sandcastles with the family. Has there ever been a better time? Load up your vehicle with your fishing gear and a cooler then make the trip this weekend and discover a brand new favorite location on the water!

Lakes Close to Bethlehem

Lake Activities

When you visit a lake near Bethlehem you’ll find all kinds of activities that can be enjoyed by families and couples. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or decide to stay overnight to a hotel on the beach to make the most of your time unwinding.

Now we’ll run down a list of some of the best things to do when you arrive at a Bethlehem lake:

Water sports. If you’ve got access to a speed boat, why not spend the day kicking up a wake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports skills? Take the family out for some tubing or skiing as the all sports lakes provide you with a number of options.

Grab a board. If you like to paddle around, load up your preferred vessel and find yourself a lake near Bethlehem that has a public launch and start paddling around to soak up the scenery on the waterfront.

Go for a swim. Finding a swimming lake near Bethlehem will offer tons of fun and excitement for the kids, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between getting that perfect golden tan. If you want to spend time swimming and on the beach you’ll want to be sure 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 offer as much to do as a magnificent public beach on a lake near Bethlehem!

Checklist for a Day at the Lake

A lake day itinerary can honestly be all over the map depending on which lake you’re going to, the time of year, the weather, and your plan of attack. To make things easier we’ve built out a short list of our favorite go-to items for you to use as a checklist to make sure you cover your bases.

Common lake items

If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for the vast majority of the vacation, the list below is an excellent starting point when it comes to the necessities to have on hand.

  • A cooler and drinks
  • Something to eat
  • Swimsuits
  • Sweatpants and sweatshirt
  • Sneakers
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellant

Specialty lake items

Take into consideration the itinerary for the day and your guests, the items below will likely be helpful and worth packing before you get on the road.

  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Wine key
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Rafts and floaties
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Worms or other bait
  • Books
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Toys for the beach

Staying Safe on a Lake

Of course a day on the lake can provide lots of fun, everyone’s safety needs to remain top of mind. When you decide to spend a day at the lake here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.

  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Bethlehem

If you’re going to visit the beautiful lakes near Bethlehem, there are a few things that will make your itinerary far more successful. For example, each individual lake is going to have unique features so it is important to take into account what will make for an enjoyable getaway when planning yours.

  1. Do homework on the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally beaches can get extremely crowded. If you want more space to spread out, research multiple lakes in the area to see if you can find one that’s less crowded if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, then look for the biggest, most popular beach!
  2. Rent a boat. If you’re near the water you’ll often find nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a wild day of wakeboarding. Asking a local will typically help you locate several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  3. Make the most of unique local resources. When there’s time for a longer stay, find local state parks and recreation areas which give you the option to camp in a spot that is right on top of the water for a reasonable price.