Texarkana Lakes

Lakes Near Texarkana

It’s summertime so it’s time to start planning your upcoming family vacation. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Texarkana. A lake vacation is wonderful for people who love getting outside too, as they are a great way to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

There are many great motivations to visit a lake in Texarkana this summer – the cool water for swimming, enjoyable summer entertainment like boating, fishing or swimming. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. So what are you waiting for? Pack up the car with your fishing gear and snacks then set out this weekend to find a brand new favorite spot on the water!

Lakes Near Texarkana

Things to Do at the Lake

When you visit a lake near Texarkana there are many 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 or a bed and breakfast on the water to enjoy yourself more fully.

Now we’ll run down a list of some of the best things to do when you visit a Texarkana lake:

Partake in some water sports. If you’re able to get access to a speed boat, why not get out on the water and start flying around the water showing off your water sports talents? Hit the water and go tubing or skiing as the lakes near Texarkana offer you all kinds of options.

Swimming. Finding a swimming lake near Texarkana will provide all kinds of fun for the youngsters, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active 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 nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on before you make the trip! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a magnificent public beach!

Go fishing. For anglers, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re drifting behind a trolling motor or tossing a line in from the dock.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

Every day at the lake will have its own requirements based on which lake you go to, what the weather is going to be, what your goals are for the getaway. While every trip is its own animal, we put together a list with some of our favorite ideas for your lake getaway so there’s nothing to stress over!

The basics

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

  • Beach blanket
  • Insect repellant
  • Garbage bags
  • Bathing suits
  • Something to dry off with
  • Snacks
  • A fully stocked cooler
  • Sweatshirt and sweatpants
  • Portable stereo
  • Bottle opener

More lake gear

Depending on your planned activities when at the water and who will be in your entourage, the items below might also prove useful and adding to your checklist prior to departure.

  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Bait
  • Life jackets
  • Toys for the beach
  • Wine key
  • Tackle box
  • Books
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing

Staying Safe on a Lake

Of course spending a weekend to your favorite body of water can provide tons of fun, safety should remain top of mind at all times. A day on the lake means safety first so here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.

  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong

Some More Tips

Some people may not get a chance to make their way to the amazing lakes around Texarkana and likely have a few questions about how to make the most of their time there. Obviously, any body of water is going to have their own character and trappings, but it’s worth noting a few things to look into when assembling your itinerary which could help start your trip on the right foot.

  1. No boat, no problem. It’s common that lakes will have local marinas where you can rent a boat. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or a day of watersports. Asking a local can usually help you locate a marina that has what you need.
  2. Pay attention to the beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes beaches could be really busy. If you want 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 if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, search out the busiest, most happening sandy party scene!
  3. Make the most of the best local resources. When you have time for a longer trip, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds which give you the ability to stay in a spot that is right on top of the water at an affordable price.