Aiken Lakes

Lakes Around Aiken

When the weather is right you just need to gather your family and friends and make time to be by the water. Lucky for you, when you come to Aiken there are lots of options for getting on, or in the water.

Whether you’re itching to paddleboard, buzz around doing watersports, go for a swim, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Aiken provide you with lots of options for aquatic fun. Browse through the data below to have a look your nearby locations from swimming lakes to larger lakes for you to enjoy.

Lakes Close to Aiken

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

When you visit a lake near Aiken there are many things to do for families and couples. You could go for an exciting day trip or decide to stay overnight at a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to enjoy yourself more fully.

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

Fishing. For those that love to fish, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re out on a boat or standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. If you like to paddle around, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and find yourself a lake with a boat launch and start paddling around to enjoy nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.

Picnic time. The lakes near Aiken provide many great picnic areas where you can enjoy portable delicacies, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy as you enjoy the view. If you’re with that special someone, good food and a view should be suitably romantic.

Lake Getaway Prep

Every day at the lake will have its own requirements depending on which lake you go to, when you go, and what your perfect itinerary looks like. For your benefit, we put together a list that will give some ideas for your watery excursion so you have everything you need!

Lake basics

When the plan is to be outdoors for the majority of the day, our list of provisions below should be an excellent starting point for essentials you are likely to need.

  • A fully stocked cooler
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Bathing suits
  • Bug spray
  • Sunglasses
  • Travel dinnerware and cups
  • Radio or speaker
  • UV protection
  • Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
  • Food and snacks

Specialty lake stuff

Consider what you’ll be doing when at the water and who will be in your entourage, the items below will likely be helpful and adding to your checklist before you make the trip.

  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Games for the beach
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Rafts for the kids
  • Your tackle box
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Wine key
  • Bait
  • Safety gear like life jackets

Lake Safety Tips

While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, it’s important that you remember to keep safety top of mind. The following safety protocols should make sure that you and your family stays safe while around the lake.

  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • 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

Some More Tips

Not everyone has had a chance to make their way to the lakes near Aiken and might have some questions on ways to maximize their fun. Clearly, each lake near Aiken will have their own character and trappings, but you should keep in mind a handful of items to review when planning which could help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. Find a marina. Many lakes have local marinas that offer boat rentals. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy fishing with family and friends or tubing with the kids. Asking a local can usually allow you to locate options for renting the perfect boat.
  2. Make the most of the best local resources. When you have time for a longer getaway, look for local state campgrounds and parks that offer the ability to camp in a spot that is right on top of the water without breaking the bank.
  3. Research your beaches. Early, mid, or late season, sometimes the beaches near Aiken might be extremely busy. If you want a little more privacy, do some digging on a variety of nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, search out the biggest, most popular sandy party scene!