State College Lakes

Lakes Around State College

Sometimes you should pack up and find a spot on the water. A lake getaway can be perfect for people who love wildlife too, as they are a great way to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to float in a tube with a book, partake in some watersports, swim, or nap in the sand, the lakes near State College provide you with lots of options for outdoor activities. Take a look at the table below and see your options from swimming lakes to all sports lakes for you and the family to visit.

Lakes Close to State College

Things to Do at the Lake

On a day trip to a lake near State College you’ll find all kinds of things to do for 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 AirBnB to enjoy yourself more fully.

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

Catch some fish. For those that love to fish, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re roaming the lake in a killer fishing boat or fishing from shore.

Go for a swim. Finding a swimming lake near State College will offer tons of laughs and games for the big kids and little ones, 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 prior to packing the car and the family! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a magnificent public beach on a lake near State College!

Have a picnic. State College’s lakes gives you the chance to visit a wealth of excellent picnic areas for you to pack up some culinary delights, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy while enjoying the scenery. For a romantic evening, this plan should put a smile on their face.

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can be very different depending on the lake you’re heading to, when you go, what your goals are for the getaway. For your benefit, we took the time to make a list for some ideas for your lake getaway to ensure nothing gets forgotten!

Lake basics

For a day spent on the water you’ll probably want to take along some of the items below to make sure you’re feeling good, healthy, and getting the most out of your getaway.

  • Sneakers
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Dry shirt
  • Something to dry off with
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • USB charger
  • Sunscreen
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Bug spray
  • Snacks

More lake gear

Consider the itinerary when at the water and who will be joining you, the items below will likely be helpful and worth packing before you make the trip.

  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Kindle
  • Your tackle box
  • Wine key
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Worms or other bait

Staying Safe on a Lake

Of course your getaway at your favorite body of water can be 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.

  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water

More State College Lake Tips

When you make a trip to the fabulous lakes around State College, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that can make your weekend gameplan far more rewarding. For example, every lake is going to have unique qualities and surroundings so it is important to take into account what you need to make a memorable adventure as you plan yours.

  1. Research your beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally the beaches near State College may be really busy. To find a little more privacy, do some digging on a variety of nearby beaches and lakes 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!
  2. Make the most of the best local resources. If you have time for a lengthier trip, look for local state campgrounds and parks which give you the ability to stay near or even on the water at an affordable price.
  3. Find a marina. If you’re near the water you’ll often find nearby 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 tubing with the kids. Using a search engine will usually help you find options for renting the perfect boat.