Myrtle Beach Lakes

Lakes Close to Myrtle Beach

The weather is warm and that means it’s time to pack up and head out for your upcoming big getaway. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Myrtle Beach. A lake getaway is amazing for people that enjoy the outdoors too, as they are a great way to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

There are countless great motivations for a getaway to a lake in Myrtle Beach while it’s hot outside – the cool water for swimming, fun summer activities such as paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches that are ideal for working on your tan. Take a look at the data below to have a look your nearby locations including small lakes to larger lakes for you to enjoy.

Lakes Near Myrtle Beach

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

On a day trip to a lake near Myrtle Beach there are many things to do for families and couples. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or decide to stay overnight to a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to make for a bigger, better getaway.

Any stay on or in the water offers you a full range of activities from thrilling to chilling.

Get a little crazy with the water sports. Should you be able to get access to a fast boat, why not spend the day zipping around the lake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports talents? Take the family out for some wakeboarding or knee boarding as the lakes near Myrtle Beach give you all kinds of choices.

Get in the water. The swimming lakes near Myrtle Beach offer tons of fun for the big kids and little ones, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between working on their 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! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a magnificent public beach!

Catch some fish. 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 drifting behind a trolling motor or tossing a line in from the dock.

Lake Getaway Prep

A lake day itinerary can honestly be all over the map when you take into consideration which lake you’re going to, the weather forecast, and what you want to do while you’re there. To make things easier we’ve built out a short list of popular go-to necessities that you can use as a checklist prior to locking up the house and heading out.

Lake basics

When the plan is to be outdoors for the majority of the weekend, the following list of items is a good starting point when it comes to the necessities to have on hand.

  • Sunglasses
  • Portable phone charger
  • Reserve clothing
  • Insect repellant
  • Flip flops or water shoes
  • Sunblock
  • Portable stereo
  • Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)

More lake stuff

The list of items below could be helpful for trips to the lake based on your plans. It’s also worth checking so you’re not missing something critical.

  • Tackle box and lures
  • Rafts for the kids
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Fishing gear
  • Worms or other bait
  • Corkscrew

Staying Safe on a Lake

While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near Myrtle Beach, failing to follow some simple safety rules can make things turn tragic in a hurry. Here are some general tips that will ensure that you and your family are always safe at your favorite Myrtle Beach lake.

  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Myrtle Beach

Some people may not get the opportunity to make their way to the lakes near Myrtle Beach and likely have a few questions about how to make the most of their time there. Obviously, any body of water will possess their own character and surroundings, but here are a few things to review when making plans which could help start your trip on the right foot.

  1. Research your beaches. Early, mid, or late season, sometimes beaches may be really busy. To find some more peace and quiet, do some digging on multiple lakes in the area 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 beach!
  2. Make the most of unique assets in the area. When there’s time for a lengthier stay, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the ability to stay right on the water at an affordable price.
  3. Rent a boat. Many lakes have local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a wild day of wakeboarding. Using a search engine can typically help you locate a marina that has what you need.