McKinney Lakes

Lakes Around McKinney

It’s summertime and that means it’s time to pack up and head out for your upcoming summer adventure. There aren’t many better options than a lake near McKinney. A stay at a lake can be wonderful for those that enjoy wildlife too, because they offer opportunities to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

Whether you’re seeking to float in a tube with a book, buzz around doing water skiing, go for a swim, or just lounge at the beach, the lakes near McKinney provide you with plentiful options for outdoor activities. The time is now! Pack up the car with your fishing gear and snacks then make the trip on your next vacation to find a brand new number one spot on the water!

Lakes Close to McKinney

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

On a day trip to a lake near McKinney you’ll find all kinds of things to do for people of all persuasions. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or decide to stay overnight to a hotel on the beach to make for a bigger, better getaway.

Here are some of our top picks for activities when you make your way to a lake near McKinney:

Go fishing. 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.

Swimming. The swimming lakes near McKinney offer all kinds of fun for the kids, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want in between getting that perfect golden tan. If you want to spend time swimming and on the beach you’ll want to be sure your lake has a sandy beach and a designated swimming area prior to packing the car and the family! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool doesn’t offer as much to do as a glorious public beach on a lake near McKinney!

Start paddling. If you want a little physical activity, pack up your board of choice and find yourself a lake that has a public boat launch you can use and get out and soak up nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can be very different depending on which lake you go to, what time of year it is, what your goals are for the getaway. However, we put together a list with some of our favorite ideas for your next trip to a lake near McKinney so you have everything you need!

Common lake items

When the plan is to be outdoors for most of the day, the list below should be a good starting point when it comes to the necessities you are likely to need.

  • Something to dry off with
  • Dry shirt
  • Bug spray
  • Portable stereo
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • Sunblock
  • Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
  • Bathing suits
  • Sneakers

More lake items

Depending on the itinerary when at the water and what your party looks like, the list of gear could make your day more enjoyable and worth packing prior to departure.

  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Wine key
  • Worms or other bait
  • Goggles or masks
  • Toys for the beach
  • Fishing gear
  • Safety gear like life jackets

Lake Safety Checklist

While a day on a lake in McKinney can provide tons 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.

  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Make sure no one swims alone

More Ideas for Lake Fun

Some people may not get a chance to visit the lakes near McKinney and might have a lot of questions regarding planning. Certainly, no matter where you go each lake is going to possess unique qualities and surroundings, but it’s worth noting a couple key points to review when assembling your itinerary that might help put together a trip your whole family will remember.

  1. Find a marina. It’s common that lakes will have local marinas that offer boat rentals. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a day of watersports. Asking a local will typically help you find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  2. Make the most of the best assets in the area. If you have time for a lengthier getaway, look for local state campgrounds and parks that offer the ability to camp directly on the water without breaking the bank.
  3. Do homework on the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, sometimes beaches might be packed with tourists. If you want more space to spread out, do some digging on multiple lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, then look for the busiest, most popular beach!