Harrisburg Lakes

Lakes Near Harrisburg

It’s summertime and that means it’s time to pack up and head out for your upcoming summer adventure. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Harrisburg. Lucky for you, when you make a trip to Harrisburg there are some great spots when it comes to getting on, or in the water.

There are numerous great reasons for making a trip to a lake in Harrisburg this summer – the water is refreshing on hot days, fun summer entertainment such as paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches you can enjoy while building sandcastles with the family. So what are you waiting for? Load up your vehicle with your beach goodies and a picnic basket then set out your next day off and discover a brand new favorite location on the water!

Nearby Lakes for Harrisburg

Lake Activities

A quick excursion to a lake, or a longer getaway gives you a nearly limitless list of activities for families, couples, or even those seeking some quality alone time.

A day, weekend, or a week on or in the water offers you a full range of activities from thrilling to chilling.

Go for a swim. Finding a swimming lake near Harrisburg will provide tons of fun for the kids, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want 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 nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on before you make the trip! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool just isn’t as much fun as a magnificent public beach on a lake near Harrisburg!

Picnic time. Harrisburg’s lakes provide a wealth of great picnic areas for you to pack up some portable delicacies, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy as you enjoy the view. Should you be with someone you want to impress, good food and a view is hard to beat.

Start paddling. If paddling is your thing, load up your preferred vessel and find yourself a lake that has a public boat launch you can use and get out and soak up the scenery in all it’s glory.

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can be very different depending on which lake you go to, what the weather is going to be, and what you want to do for entertainment. However, we took the time to make a list for some ideas for your next trip to a lake near Harrisburg so there’s nothing to stress over!

The basics

If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for most of the weekend, the following list of items is a good place to start for essentials you are likely to need.

  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • USB charger
  • Something to dry off with
  • Radio or speaker
  • Bug spray
  • Snacks
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Swimsuits
  • Sneakers

Specialty lake gear

The list of items below can make your life easier for excursions to the lake depending on what your plans are. You may want to double check some of these before heading out.

  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Tackle box
  • Toys for the beach
  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Legal flotation devices
  • Corkscrew
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Bait
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)

Staying Safe on a Lake

While spending a weekend to a lake in Harrisburg 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 important safety tips.

  • Don’t swim alone
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • 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 Harrisburg

Not everyone has had a chance to visit the lakes near Harrisburg and might have a lot of questions on ways to maximize their fun. Obviously, every lake will possess their own character and trappings, but here are a few things to review while assembling your itinerary that might help start your trip on the right foot.

  1. Make the most of unique local resources. If there’s time for a lengthier stay, find local state parks and recreation areas that offer the ability to stay in a spot that is right on top of the water at an affordable price.
  2. Rent a boat. Many lakes have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or a day of watersports. Using a search engine will usually help you locate options for renting the perfect boat.
  3. Research your beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally the beaches near Harrisburg can get extremely crowded. To find some more peace and quiet, 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 busiest, most happening sandy party scene!