Cookeville Lakes

Lakes Near Cookeville

It’s summertime and that means it’s time to plan your next family vacation. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Cookeville. Fortunately, when you visit Cookeville there are quite a few options when it comes to getting on, or in the water.

There are many great reasons for making a trip to a lake in Cookeville during the warmer months – the water is refreshing on hot days, fun summer entertainment like paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches you can enjoy while building sandcastles with the family. The time is now! Pack up your vehicle with your fishing gear and snacks then make the trip on your next vacation to find your own number one location on the water!

Nearby Lakes for Cookeville

Lake Activities

A day trip, or a longer trip provides a nearly limitless list of things to do for families, couples, or even those seeking some quality alone time.

Any stay on or in the water gives you everything from fun to relaxation.

Get a little crazy with the water sports. If you’re able to get access to a fast boat, why not get out on the water and start kicking up a wake showing off your water sports expertise? Enjoy a day of tubing or skiing as the local lakes provide you with several choices.

Get in the water. The swimming lakes near Cookeville offer all kinds 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 before you make the trip! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool just isn’t as much fun as a beautiful public beach!

Start paddling. If you want a little physical activity, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and chart your course to a lake near Cookeville with a public boat launch you can use and get out and soak up the scenery in all it’s glory.

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

Every day at the lake will have its own requirements depending on which lake you go to, what the weather is going to be, or if there are any activities planned. While every trip is its own animal, we took the time to make a list for some ideas for your watery excursion so there’s nothing to stress over!

General items

For a day spent on the water you will likely need to take along some of these items to make sure you’re safe, comfortable, and getting the most out of your getaway.

  • A fully stocked cooler
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Sunglasses
  • Portable phone charger
  • Something to dry off with
  • Portable stereo
  • Garbage bags
  • Food
  • Travel dinnerware and cups
  • Bottle opener

More lake gear

Take into consideration the itinerary for the day and your guests, the items below could make your day more enjoyable and worth packing prior to leaving.

  • Masks and snorkels
  • Legal flotation devices
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Worms or other bait
  • Corkscrew
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)

Lake Safety Checklist

Of course a day on the lake can be ample amounts 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.

  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • 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
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside

More Ideas for Lake Fun

If you’re going to visit the beautiful lakes near Cookeville, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that might make your trip plan much more rewarding. For example, each individual lake is going to have their own qualities which makes it important to take into account what will make for a memorable trip as you plan yours.

  1. Maximize unique assets in the area. If there’s time for a lengthier getaway, look for local state parks and recreation areas that offer the ability to camp directly on the water without breaking the bank.
  2. Research your beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes beaches can get exceptionally crowded. To find more space to yourself, research multiple nearby beaches and lakes to see if you can find one that’s less crowded to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, then look for the busiest, most happening beach!
  3. Rent a boat. Many lakes have local marinas where you can rent a boat. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or tubing with the kids. Doing a quick Google search can usually allow you to locate options for renting the perfect boat.