Nacogdoches Lakes

Lakes Close to Nacogdoches

The weather is warm and that means it’s time to pack up and head out for your upcoming family vacation. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Nacogdoches. A lake getaway can be wonderful for people that enjoy getting outside too, as they are a great way to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

There are countless brilliant reasons to visit a lake in Nacogdoches while it’s hot outside – the water is refreshing on hot days, relaxing summer activities such as wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches you can enjoy while building sandcastles with the family. Browse through the local listings below to see the options from small lakes to all sports lakes for you and the family to enjoy.

Nearby Lakes for Nacogdoches

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

On a day trip to a lake near Nacogdoches there are many things to do for groups of all types. You could go for an exciting day trip or make it a long weekend at a hotel or AirBnB to make the most of your time unwinding.

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

Partake in some water sports. If you’re able to get access to a ski boat, why not spend the day zipping around the lake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports skills? Enjoy a day of wakeboarding or knee boarding as the local lakes provide you with a number of choices.

Fishing. For those that love to fish, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re drifting behind a trolling motor or fishing from shore.

Swimming. Finding a swimming lake near Nacogdoches will offer all kinds of laughs and games for the big kids and little ones, 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! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool just isn’t as much fun as a magnificent public beach on a lake near Nacogdoches!

Lake Getaway Prep

A lake day itinerary can be drastically different when you take into consideration the specific lake you’ll be visiting, when you decide to go, and your plan of attack. To make things easier we’ve assembled a rundown of some of the most common lake and beach-related items that you can use as a checklist to make sure you cover your bases.

The basics

When you’re out on a lake near Nacogdoches you’ll probably want to bring some of these things to make sure you’re safe, healthy, and having fun.

  • UV protection
  • Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
  • Proper footwear
  • Insect repellant
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Something to dry off with
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • Garbage bags
  • Backup clothing

Specialty lake gear

The gear in the list below could be helpful for excursions to the lake depending on what your plans are. It’s also worth checking before heading out.

  • Rafts for the kids
  • Corkscrew
  • Life jackets
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Bait
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Fishing poles
  • Games for the beach
  • Diapers and baby gear

Lake Safety Checklist

While a day to your favorite body of water should be ample amounts of fun, everyone’s safety needs to remain top of mind. If you’re going to be out on the water here are some important safety tips.

  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Don’t swim alone

More Ideas for Lake Fun

If you’re going to visit the one of a kind lakes near Nacogdoches, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that can make your weekend gameplan much more rewarding. As an example, every individual lake is going to have unique qualities and surroundings which makes it important to think about what will make for a memorable adventure when planning yours.

  1. Research your beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally beaches may be swarmed with beachgoers. To find a little more privacy, do some digging on a variety of lakes and beaches to see if you can find one that’s less crowded to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the biggest, most happening sandy party scene!
  2. Maximize unique assets in the area. When there’s time for a lengthier getaway, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the option to stay right on the water at an affordable price.
  3. Rent a boat. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas that offer boat rentals. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or a wild day of wakeboarding. Using a search engine will typically allow you to find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.