Scranton Lakes

Lakes Around Scranton

When the weather is right you just need to pack up and find a spot on the water. A lake getaway can be perfect for people that enjoy getting outside too, because they offer opportunities to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

It doesn’t matter if you’re seeking to go kayaking, get active with water skiing, go swimming, or work on your tan, the lakes near Scranton offer you plentiful opportunities for aquatic adventures. So what are you waiting for? Load up the car with your beach goodies and a cooler then set out your next day off to find a brand new number one spot on a lake!

Lakes Near Scranton

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

On a day trip to a lake near Scranton there are many 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 at a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to make for a bigger, better getaway.

Let’s look at some of the options available to you when you arrive at a Scranton lake:

Get a little crazy with the water sports. If you’ve got access to a ski boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of zipping around the lake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports talents? Hit the water and go wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the all sports lakes give you a number of choices.

Start paddling. If you want a little physical activity, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and chart your course to a lake with a boat launch and start paddling around to soak up nature’s beauty on the waterfront.

Swimming. The swimming lakes near Scranton provide tons of fun 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 just isn’t as much fun as a glorious public beach on a lake near Scranton!

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

Everyone’s beach getaway will be unique depending on the lake you’re heading to, what time of year it is, or if there are any activities planned. While every trip is its own animal, we’ve created a list for some ideas for your next summer trip so everything goes smoothly!

Common lake items

When you’re out on a lake near Scranton it makes a lot of sense to bring along some of the items below to make sure you’re safe, healthy, and getting the most out of your getaway.

  • A cooler and drinks
  • Portable phone charger
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Backup clothing
  • Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)
  • Food and snacks
  • Something to dry off with
  • Swimsuits
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Insect repellant

More lake stuff

The following items could be helpful for getaways to the lake based on your plans. You may want to double check some of these prior to hitting the road.

  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Bait
  • Wine key
  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Books
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Games for the beach
  • Tackle box
  • Swimming goggles

Lake Safety Tips

While your getaway on the lake should be lots of fun, safety should remain top of mind at all times. A day on the lake means safety first so here are some important safety tips.

  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land

More Ideas for Lake Fun

If you’re going to visit the fabulous lakes near Scranton, there are a few things that might make your trip plan substantially more successful. For example, each individual lake has their own qualities and surroundings which makes it important to think about what will make for an enjoyable getaway as you plan yours.

  1. Make the most of unique assets in the area. If you have time for a lengthier trip, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds which give you the ability to camp in a spot that is right on top of the water at an affordable price.
  2. No boat, no problem. Many lakes have local marinas where you can rent a boat. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or a wild day of wakeboarding. Using a search engine will usually help you locate several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  3. Research your beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally the beaches near Scranton can get extremely crowded. To find a little more privacy, do some digging on a variety of lakes in the area to see if you can find one that’s less crowded if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the biggest, most happening beach!