Dallas Lakes

Lakes Near Dallas

When the weather is right you just need to spend some time by the water. A stay at a lake is wonderful for people who love the outdoors too, as they are a great way to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

There are many brilliant motivations for making a trip to a lake in Dallas this summer – the water is refreshing on hot days, enjoyable summer activities such as paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming. Some of the lakes in Dallas have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. Take a look at the local listings below and have a look the options from small lakes to larger lakes for you to enjoy.

Lakes Near Dallas

Lake Activities

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

Let’s look at some of the options available to you when you arrive at a Dallas lake:

Catch some fish. For anglers, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you reel in a day of fun 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.

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. If you like to paddle around, pack up your board of choice and chart your course to a lake that has a public launch and start paddling around to enjoy nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.

Water sports. If you’re able to get access to a fast boat, why not spend the day zipping around the lake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports skills? Take the family out for some wakeboarding or knee boarding as the local lakes offer you all kinds of options.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

Everyone’s beach getaway will be unique depending on the lake you’re heading to, what time of year it is, or if there are any activities planned. However, we took the time to make a list with some of our favorite ideas for your watery excursion so there’s nothing to stress over!

General items

For a day spent on the water you’ll probably want to bring some of these things so that you’ll be feeling good, healthy, and relaxed.

  • Sunglasses
  • Insect repellant
  • Tennis shoes
  • USB charger
  • Food
  • Travel dinnerware and cups
  • Bathing suits
  • Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • Backup clothes

Additional lake stuff

Depending on what you’ll be doing at the lake and who will be in your entourage, the following items will likely be helpful and adding to your checklist prior to departure.

  • Worms or other bait
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Wine key
  • Something to read
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Toys for the beach
  • Tackle box

Lake Safety Tips

While spending a weekend at a lake in Dallas should be lots 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.

  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • 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
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat

More Ideas for Lake Fun

Few people get a chance to visit the amazing lakes around Dallas and might have some questions about how to make the most of their time there. Clearly, each lake near Dallas is going to possess their own character and surroundings, but you should keep in mind a few things to look into while making plans that might help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. Maximize unique local resources. When you have time for a lengthier getaway, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds which give you the option to camp directly on the water without breaking the bank.
  2. Do homework on the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally the beaches near Dallas may be extremely busy. If you want a little more privacy, do some digging on multiple lakes in the area to see if you can find one that’s less crowded if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the biggest, most happening beach!
  3. No boat, no problem. Many lakes have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Using a search engine will typically help you locate several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.