El Paso Lakes

Lakes Close to El Paso

Sometimes you should gather your family and friends and make time to be by the water. A stay at a lake is amazing for people that enjoy getting outside too, as they are a great way to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

It doesn’t matter if you’re seeking to paddleboard, get active with wakeboarding, swim, or nap in the sand, the lakes near El Paso provide you with plentiful opportunities for outdoor adventures. Scan the local listings below and see the nearby locations including small lakes with beaches to larger lakes for you and the family to enjoy.

Lakes Near El Paso

Lake Activities

A quick excursion to a lake, or a longer trip provides a nearly boundless list of activities for people of all stripes.

A day, weekend, or a week on or in the water gives you a full range of activities from thrilling to chilling.

Start paddling. If paddling is your thing, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and chart your course to a lake with a public launch and get out and soak up the scenery on the waterfront.

Water sports. If you’ve got access to a ski boat, why not spend the day flying around the water demonstrating your athleticism and water sports skills? Take the family out for some wakeboarding or knee boarding as the local lakes offer you several choices.

Get in the water. Finding a swimming lake near El Paso will provide tons of fun and excitement for the kids, 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 nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on 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!

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

Everyone’s beach getaway will be unique based on the lake you’re heading to, what the weather is going to be, what your goals are for the getaway. However, we’ve created a list that will give some ideas for your next summer trip to ensure nothing gets forgotten!

The basics

If the plan is to be in the sun for the majority of the weekend, the following list of items should be an excellent starting point when it comes to the necessities that you’ll be happy to have on hand.

  • Insect repellant
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • UV protection
  • Reserve clothing
  • Radio or speaker
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Beach blanket
  • Swimsuits
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • A cooler and drinks

Additional lake gear

The following items might prove useful for excursions to the lake based on your plans. You may want to double check for some of these so you’re not missing something critical.

  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Worms or other bait
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Wine key
  • Books
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Toys for the beach

Lake Safety Tips

While a day to the lake should be ample amounts of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. If you’re going to be out on the water these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.

  • Always wear sunblock
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • 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
  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in El Paso

When you make a trip to the beautiful lakes near El Paso, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that might make your itinerary much more rewarding. For example, every lake has their own qualities so it is important to take into account what will make for an unforgettable trip when planning yours.

  1. Find a marina. 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 day of watersports. Using a search engine will usually allow you to find options for renting the perfect boat.
  2. Maximize unique local resources. If there’s time for a lengthier getaway, look for local state parks and recreation areas that offer the ability to stay right on the water at an affordable price.
  3. Research your beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes beaches can get very crowded. If you want more space to spread out, do some digging on multiple nearby beaches and lakes 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!