York Lakes

Lakes Around York

The weather is warm and that means it’s time to plan your next big getaway. There aren’t many better options than a lake near York. As it turns out, when you make a trip to York there are some great spots when it comes to getting on, or in the water.

Whether you’re itching to float in a tube with a book, get active with water skiing, swim, or work on your tan, the lakes near York provide you with lots of options for aquatic activities. The time is now! Pack up the car with sunscreen and a picnic basket then make the trip your next day off and discover your own number one spot on the water!

Lakes Close to York

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

On a day trip to a lake near York there are many activities that can be enjoyed by families and couples. You could go for an exciting day trip or make it a long weekend to a hotel or AirBnB to make for a bigger, better getaway.

Now we’ll run down a list of some of the best things to do when you arrive at a lake near York:

Go for a swim. The swimming lakes near York offer all kinds of fun for the youngsters, 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 prior to packing the car and the family! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool just isn’t as much fun as a beautiful public beach!

Picnic time. York’s lakes gives you the chance to visit many top-notch picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite portable delicacies, or you could just do some cheese and crackers as you enjoy the view. For a romantic evening, good food and a view should put a smile on their face.

Go fishing. For anglers, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re drifting behind a trolling motor or tossing a line in from the dock.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

A lake day itinerary can be drastically different depending on which lake you’re going to, the weather forecast, and the activities on your to-do list. However, we’ve assembled a rundown of our favorite lake items that you can use as a checklist for your getaway.

Lake basics

For a day spent on the water you’ll probably want to bring some of these things so that you’ll be safe, healthy, and enjoying your time.

  • Dry shirt
  • Something to dry off with
  • Sunblock
  • Insect repellant
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
  • A fully stocked cooler
  • Proper footwear
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • A blanket or sheet

Specialty lake gear

The gear in the list below might prove useful for excursions to the lake considering your itinerary. It’s also worth checking prior to hitting the road.

  • Fishing gear
  • Wine key
  • Toys for the beach
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Bait
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes

Lake Safety Tips

Of course spending a weekend to the lake should be lots of fun, safety should remain top of mind at all times. When you decide to spend a day at the lake these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.

  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat

Some More Tips

Some people may not get the opportunity to make their way to the amazing lakes around York and might have a lot of questions about how to make the most of their time there. Obviously, any body of water will possess their own character and surroundings, but you should keep in mind a handful of items to review when assembling your itinerary which could help start your trip on the right foot.

  1. Do homework on the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, sometimes beaches might be packed with tourists. If you want some space to yourself, research multiple lakes and beaches to see if you can find one that’s less crowded to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, search out the busiest, most happening beach!
  2. Make the most of unique local resources. When you have time for a lengthier stay, look for local state parks and recreation areas which give you the ability to stay directly on the water at an affordable price.
  3. Find a marina. Many lakes have local marinas that offer boat rentals. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Doing a quick Google search can typically help you find a marina that has what you need.