Houston Lakes

Lakes Close to Houston

It’s summertime so it’s time to plan your next grand getaway. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Houston. A lake vacation is wonderful 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 looking to float in a tube with a book, get active with watersports, swim, or work on your tan, the lakes near Houston offer you lots of options for outdoor activities. The time is now! 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!

Nearby Lakes for Houston

Things to Do at the Lake

A day trip to the lake, or a more lengthy trip offers an almost limitless list of things to do for families, couples, or even those seeking some quality alone time.

A day, weekend, or a week at the lake gives you a full range of activities from thrilling to chilling.

Get a little crazy with the water sports. Should you be able to get access to a ski boat, why not spend the day zipping around the lake showing off your water sports talents? Take the family out for some wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the all sports lakes give you several options.

Catch some fish. For those that love to fish, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re out on a boat or standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.

Grab a board. If you like to paddle around, load up your preferred vessel and chart your course to a lake near Houston that has a public launch and get out and enjoy the scenery in all it’s glory.

Lake Checklist

A day at the lake can be very different based on the lake you’re heading to, when you go, and what your perfect itinerary looks like. While every trip is its own animal, we put together a list for some ideas for your lake getaway so everything goes smoothly!

Lake basics

If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for the vast majority of the vacation, our list of provisions below is an excellent starting point when it comes to the necessities to have on hand.

  • UV protection
  • Bug spray
  • Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • A blanket or sheet
  • Backup clothing
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Something to dry off with
  • Sneakers

Specialty lake gear

The list of items below can make your life easier for getaways to the lake based on your plans. It’s also worth checking so you’re not missing something critical.

  • Worms or other bait
  • Life jackets
  • Your tackle box
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Swimming goggles
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Fishing poles
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Something to read

Lake Safety Tips

While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, failing to follow some simple safety rules can make things turn tragic in a hurry. These safety tips can make sure that you and your family remains safe at your favorite Houston lake.

  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions

More Houston Lake Tips

When you make a trip to the beautiful lakes around Houston, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that might make your itinerary substantially more successful. For example, each individual lake near Houston is going to have unique qualities and surroundings which makes it important to take into account what will make for an unforgettable getaway when planning yours.

  1. Find a marina. Many lakes have local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy fishing with family and friends or a wild day of wakeboarding. Doing a quick Google search will usually help you locate options for renting the perfect boat.
  2. Do homework on the beaches. Depending on the time of year, occasionally beaches might be swarmed with tourists. If you want more space to yourself, 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, search out the biggest, most popular sandy party scene!
  3. Maximize unique local resources. When you have time for a longer getaway, look for local state parks and recreation areas which give you the option to stay right on the water for a reasonable price.