Austin Lakes

Lakes Around Austin

It’s summertime and that means it’s time to start planning your upcoming summer adventure. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Austin. A lake vacation is perfect for those who love getting outside too, because they offer opportunities to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

Whether you’re itching to paddleboard, buzz around doing wakeboarding, go swimming, or work on your tan, the lakes near Austin provide you with numerous opportunities for aquatic activities. Don’t you deserve an enjoyable getaway? Pack up the car with sunscreen and a cooler then make the trip on your next vacation and discover a brand new number one spot on the water!

Nearby Lakes for Austin

Things to Do at the Lake

When you visit a lake near Austin you’ll find all kinds of things to do for families, couples, or with a group of friends. 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 make the most of your time unwinding.

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

Water sports. If you’ve got access to a fast boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of kicking up a wake showing off your water sports talents? Enjoy a day of wakeboarding or knee boarding as the lakes near Austin offer you all kinds of options.

Get in the water. Finding a swimming lake near Austin will offer all kinds of fun for the youngsters, 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 nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on prior to packing the car and the family! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t offer as much to do as a glorious public beach!

Start paddling. For those in search of some exercise, load up your preferred vessel and find yourself a lake that has a public boat launch you can use and start paddling around to soak up nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.

Lake Getaway Prep

Your plan for a lake getaway can be drastically different depending on which lake you’re going to, when you decide to go, and your plan of attack. To make things easier we’ve assembled a rundown of popular lake items for you to use as a checklist to make sure you cover your bases.

General items

For a day spent on the water it makes a lot of sense to take many of the items below to make sure you’re feeling good, healthy, and getting the most out of your getaway.

  • A cooler with water bottles
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • A blanket or sheet
  • Food and snacks
  • Bathing suits
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • Insect repellant
  • Bottle opener
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices

Specialty lake stuff

Depending on the itinerary for the day and who will be joining you, the following items could make your day more enjoyable and adding to your checklist before you get on the road.

  • Life jackets
  • Bait
  • Fishing gear
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Toys for the beach
  • Kindle
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Swimming goggles

Staying Safe on a Lake

While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near Austin, safety should be top of mind. The following safety measures will ensure that everyone remains safe on the water.

  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices

More Ideas for Lake Fun

Some people may not get the opportunity to make their way to the lakes near Austin and might have a lot of questions about how to make the most of their time there. Obviously, every lake will possess unique qualities and trappings, but you should keep in mind a couple key points to review when planning that might help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. Research your beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally beaches can get exceptionally crowded. If you want some more peace and quiet, research multiple lakes and beaches to see if you can find one that’s less crowded to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, search out the busiest, most happening sandy party scene!
  2. Rent a boat. Many lakes have local marinas where you can rent a boat. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or tubing with the kids. Using a search engine will typically allow you to find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  3. Maximize the best assets in the area. If you have time for a longer stay, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds which give you the option to camp right on the water at an affordable price.