Huntsville Lakes

Lakes Near Huntsville

It’s summertime so it’s time to pack up and head out for your upcoming summer adventure. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Huntsville. Lucky for you, when you visit Huntsville you have quite a few great spots when it comes to getting on, or in the water.

There are numerous brilliant motivations for making a trip to a lake in Huntsville this summer – the cool water for swimming, enjoyable summer activities like boating, fishing or swimming. Some of the lakes in Huntsville have beaches that are ideal for working on your tan. The time is now! Pack up the car with your fishing gear and a cooler then set out on your next vacation to find your own number one location on the water!

Lakes Close to Huntsville

Things to Do at the Lake

A quick excursion to a lake, or a longer trip offers an almost limitless list of activities for people of all stripes.

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

Start paddling. For those in search of some exercise, pack up your board of choice and find yourself a lake near Huntsville with a public boat launch you can use and start paddling around to soak up the scenery on the waterfront.

Have a picnic. Huntsville’s lakes provide all sorts of top-notch picnic areas for you to pack up some portable delicacies, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy by the water. For a romantic evening, this plan is hard to beat.

Get in the water. The swimming lakes near Huntsville provide all kinds of fun and excitement for the youngsters, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between working on their 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 hold a candle to a beautiful public beach on a lake near Huntsville!

Lake Checklist

Your plan for a lake getaway can be drastically different when you take into consideration the specific lake you’ll be visiting, the weather forecast, and your plan of attack. To make things easier we’ve put together a list of some of the most common go-to necessities for you to use as a checklist before you hit the road.

Common lake items

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

  • Swimsuits
  • Something to dry off with
  • Insect repellant
  • Dry shirt
  • Proper footwear
  • Food and snacks
  • Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
  • A receptacle for trash
  • UV protection
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups

Specialty lake stuff

The list of items below could be helpful for getaways to the lake based on your plans. You may want to double check for some of these so you’re not missing something critical.

  • Rafts and floaties
  • Life jackets
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Bait
  • Swimming goggles
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Corkscrew
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Diapers and baby gear

Lake Safety

While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near Huntsville, safety should be top of mind. Following a few standard safety tips that can ensure that everyone remains safe at your favorite Huntsville lake.

  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside

Some More Tips

Not everyone has had the opportunity to make their way to the amazing lakes around Huntsville and might have a lot of questions on ways to maximize their fun. Obviously, each lake near Huntsville will possess unique qualities and surroundings, but here are a handful of items to look into when planning which could help start your trip on the right foot.

  1. Maximize the best local resources. If you have time for a lengthier getaway, find local state campgrounds and parks which give you the ability to camp right on the water without breaking the bank.
  2. Research your beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, sometimes the beaches near Huntsville might be packed with beachgoers. To find more space to yourself, research multiple lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the biggest, most happening sandy party scene!
  3. No boat, no problem. Many lakes have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Asking a local can typically allow you to locate a marina that has what you need.