Columbia Lakes

Lakes Close to Columbia

The weather is warm so it’s time to pack up and head out for your upcoming summer adventure. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Columbia. As it turns out, when you come to Columbia there are quite a few great spots when it comes to spending time on the lake.

There are countless great reasons for a getaway to a lake in Columbia this summer – the cool water for swimming, relaxing summer entertainment like wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. Some of the lakes in Columbia have beaches you can enjoy while building sandcastles with the family. The time is now! Load up the car with sunscreen and a picnic basket then hit the road your next day off and discover your own favorite spot on a lake!

Lakes Near Columbia

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

A day trip to the lake, or a more lengthy trip gives you a nearly limitless list of things to do for families or couples.

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

Swimming. Finding a swimming lake near Columbia will offer all kinds of laughs and games for the kids, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between getting that perfect golden tan. Make sure to do your research and verify that 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 on a lake near Columbia!

Picnic time. Columbia’s lakes gives you the chance to visit many excellent picnic areas for you to pack up some tasty treats, or something as simple as crackers and cheese and a cold beverage by the water. Should you be with someone you want to impress, good food and a view should be suitably romantic.

Fishing. For anglers, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re roaming the lake in a killer fishing boat or standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

Every day at the lake will have its own requirements based on the lake you’re heading to, what the weather is going to be, and what your perfect itinerary looks like. For your benefit, we put together a list for some ideas for your next summer trip so everything goes smoothly!

General items

For a day spent on the water you will likely need to bring many of these things so that you’ll be safe, comfortable, and enjoying your time.

  • Sneakers
  • Towels
  • Swimsuits
  • Bug spray
  • Backup clothing
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Sunblock
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Radio or speaker
  • A fully stocked cooler

Additional lake stuff

Take into consideration what you’ll be doing when at the water and what your party looks like, the list of gear might also prove useful and worth a quick spot check prior to leaving.

  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Bait
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Life jackets
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Something to read

Lake Safety Checklist

While your getaway on the lake should be ample amounts of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. When you decide to spend a day at the lake here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.

  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Keep your distance from wildlife

More Columbia Lake Tips

When you make a trip to the fabulous lakes near Columbia, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that will make your weekend gameplan far more successful. Case in point, each individual lake near Columbia has unique environment so it is important to consider what you need to make an unforgettable trip as you plan yours.

  1. Find a marina. If you’re near the water you’ll often find nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or a day of watersports. Doing a quick Google search will usually help you find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  2. Pay attention to the beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes the beaches near Columbia can get extremely crowded. To find some more space to spread out, 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 happening sandy party scene!
  3. Make the most of unique assets in the area. When you have time for a longer getaway, look for local state campgrounds and parks that offer the ability to stay in a spot that is right on top of the water for a reasonable price.