Lakes Near Erie
The weather is warm and that means it’s time to plan your next summer adventure. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Erie. Lucky for you, when you come to Erie there are some options when it comes to getting on, or in the water.
There are numerous brilliant reasons to visit a lake in Erie this summer – the cool water for swimming, enjoyable summer activities such as boating, fishing or swimming. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. Scan the table directly beneath this paragraph to have a look your nearby locations including small lakes with beaches to larger lakes for you to enjoy.
Lakes Near Erie
Things to Do at the Lake
A day trip to the lake, or a more lengthy getaway provides an almost endless list of activities for couples or families.
A day, weekend, or a week on or in the water gives you a full range of activities from thrilling to chilling.
Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. For those in search of some exercise, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and find yourself a lake with a boat launch and get out and enjoy the scenery on the waterfront.
Go fishing. For anglers, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re out on a boat or tossing a line in from the dock.
Pack a picnic basket. Erie’s lakes provide many top-notch picnic areas where you can enjoy culinary delights, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy as you enjoy the view. For a romantic evening, a picnic on the beach is hard to beat.
How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake
A day at the lake can vary quite a bit when you take into consideration which lake you’re going to, when you decide to go, and what you want to do while you’re there. To make things easier we’ve built out a short list of popular lake items for you to use as a checklist before you hit the road.
Common lake items
If the plan is to be in the sun for most of the day, our list of provisions below should be an excellent place to start for essentials you are likely to need.
- USB charger
- Insect repellant
- A blanket or sheet
- Plates, cups and utensils
- Swimsuits
- Flip flops or water shoes
- Something to dry off with
- Eye protection, a hat, or both
- UV protection
- Sweatpants and sweatshirt
More lake stuff
Take into consideration the itinerary when at the water and your guests, the following items will likely be helpful and worth packing prior to leaving.
- Goggles or masks
- Something to read
- Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
- Paper towels and sanitizer
- Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
- Tackle box and lures
- Corkscrew
- Worms or other bait
- Rafts and floaties
- Life jackets
Lake Safety Checklist
Of course a day to a lake in Erie can be 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 important safety tips.
- Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
- Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
- Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
- Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
- Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
- Make sure no one swims alone
- Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
More Ideas for Lake Fun
Few people get the opportunity to visit the lakes near Erie and might have some questions about how to make the most of their time there. Clearly, every lake will possess unique qualities and trappings, but you should keep in mind a few things to look into when assembling your itinerary which could help you end up with a winning itinerary.
- Rent a boat. It’s common that lakes will have local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a day of watersports. Doing a quick Google search can typically allow you to find a marina that has what you need.
- Maximize unique assets in the area. If you have time for a lengthier trip, find local state campgrounds and parks that offer the ability to stay directly on the water for a reasonable price.
- Do homework on the beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes beaches can get very crowded. If you want more space to yourself, research multiple lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the biggest, most popular sandy party scene!
