Columbia Lakes

Lakes Near Columbia

It’s summertime so it’s time to plan your next grand getaway. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Columbia. Fortunately, when you come to Columbia you have lots of great spots when it comes to getting on, or in the water.

There are many great arguments for making a trip to a lake in Columbia during the warmer months – the water is refreshing on hot days, enjoyable summer activities such as boating, fishing or swimming. Some of the lakes in Columbia have beaches you can enjoy while building sandcastles with the family. Don’t you deserve an enjoyable getaway? Load up the car with your beach goodies and a cooler then hit the road this weekend to find your own favorite spot on the water!

Lakes Near Columbia

Things to Do at the Lake

A day trip to the lake, or a longer trip gives you a nearly endless amount of stuff for families or couples.

Now we’ll run down a list of some of the best things to do when you make your way to a lake near Columbia:

Get in the water. The swimming lakes near Columbia offer tons of fun for the big kids and little ones, 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! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool doesn’t offer as much to do as a magnificent public beach on a lake near Columbia!

Water sports. If you’re able to get access to a speed boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of zipping around the lake showing off your water sports skills? Take the family out for some wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the all sports lakes give you a number of choices.

Have a picnic. The lakes near Columbia provide all sorts of great picnic areas for you to pack up some culinary delights, or something as simple as crackers and cheese and a cold beverage by the water. For a romantic evening, this plan is hard to beat.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

A lake day itinerary can vary quite a bit depending on the specific lake you’ll be visiting, the weather forecast, and your plan of attack. For your convenience we’ve assembled a rundown of our favorite go-to items for you to use as a checklist to make sure you cover your bases.

General items

If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for the vast majority of the day, the list below should be an excellent starting point when it comes to the necessities you are likely to need.

  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug spray
  • A receptacle for trash
  • A picnic basket
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • A cooler and drinks
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Something to dry off with

More lake gear

The list of items below might prove useful for excursions to the lake depending on what your plans are. You may want to double check for some of these before heading out.

  • Worms or other bait
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Kindle
  • Games for the beach
  • Swimming goggles
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Legal flotation devices
  • Wine key
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing

Staying Safe on a Lake

Of course spending a weekend to the lake can provide tons 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.

  • 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
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • 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
  • Make sure no one swims alone

Some More Tips

Few people get the opportunity to visit the amazing lakes around Columbia and likely have a few questions on ways to maximize their fun. Obviously, each lake near Columbia is going to possess unique qualities and surroundings, but it’s worth noting a handful of items to look into when planning that might help put together a trip your whole family will remember.

  1. Pay attention to the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally the beaches near Columbia may be really busy. To find some more peace and quiet, research a variety of lakes in the area to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, then look for the biggest, most happening beach!
  2. Find a marina. Many lakes have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or tubing with the kids. Using a search engine can usually help you find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  3. Maximize the best assets in the area. If there’s time for a longer getaway, look for local state parks and recreation areas that offer the ability to stay in a spot that is right on top of the water at an affordable price.