Penn Hills Lakes

Lakes Near Penn Hills

The weather is warm and that means it’s time to plan your next family vacation. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Penn Hills. Lucky for you, when you visit Penn Hills you have quite a few great spots for spending time on the lake.

There are many brilliant reasons to visit a lake in Penn Hills this summer – the cool water for swimming, relaxing summer activities like wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. Some of the lakes in Penn Hills have beaches that are ideal for working on your tan. Browse through the table directly beneath this paragraph to have a look your options from swimming lakes to all sports lakes for you to visit.

Lakes Close to Penn Hills

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

On a day trip to a lake near Penn Hills you’ll find all kinds of activities that can be enjoyed by families, couples, or with a group of friends. You could go for an exciting day trip or take a longer vacation to a hotel or AirBnB to make for a bigger, better getaway.

A day, weekend, or a week at the lake offers you everything from fun to relaxation.

Go fishing. For those that love to fish, 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 standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.

Grab a board. If you want a little physical activity, pack up your board of choice and chart your course to a lake with a boat launch and get out and enjoy nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.

Get in the water. The swimming lakes near Penn Hills provide tons of fun for the kids, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want in between working on their 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 prior to packing the car and the family! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a glorious public beach!

Checklist for a Day at the Lake

Every day at the lake will have its own requirements depending on the lake you’re heading to, what the weather is going to be, what your goals are for the getaway. For your benefit, we took the time to make a list with some of our favorite ideas for your next summer trip so everything goes smoothly!

Common lake items

For a day spent on the water it makes a lot of sense to take many of the items below so that you’ll be safe, comfortable, and getting the most out of your getaway.

  • Towels and dry clothes
  • Travel dinnerware and cups
  • Bug spray
  • A cooler and drinks
  • A blanket or sheet
  • Sweatshirt and sweatpants
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • A picnic basket
  • USB charger
  • UV protection

More lake items

Take into consideration what you’ll be doing for the day and who will be joining you, the following items could make your day more enjoyable and worth a quick spot check before hitting the road.

  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Wine key
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Goggles or masks
  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Toys for the beach
  • Your favorite magazine or book

Lake Safety

Of course spending a weekend on a lake in Penn Hills can provide ample amounts 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.

  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning

More Ideas for Lake Fun

Few people get a chance to visit the lakes near Penn Hills and might have some questions regarding planning. Clearly, every lake will have unique qualities and trappings, but here are a few things to review when making plans which could help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. Research your beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, sometimes beaches can get exceptionally crowded. To find a little more privacy, do some digging on a variety of lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, then look for the biggest, most popular beach!
  2. Find a marina. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Asking a local can typically allow you to find options for renting the perfect boat.
  3. Make the most of the best assets in the area. When you have time for a lengthier getaway, look for local state campgrounds and parks that offer the option to stay near or even on the water for a reasonable price.