Hampton Lakes

Lakes Near Hampton

It’s summertime and that means it’s time to plan your next big getaway. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Hampton. A lake vacation is perfect for people who love the outdoors too, because they offer opportunities to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

Whether you’re itching to float in a tube with a book, buzz around doing wakeboarding, go for a swim, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Hampton offer you numerous beautiful locations for aquatic fun. So what are you waiting for? Load up your vehicle with your beach goodies and a picnic basket then set out your next day off and discover a brand new favorite location on a lake!

Lakes Close to Hampton

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

On a day trip to a lake near Hampton you’ll find all kinds of activities that can be enjoyed by groups of all types. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or make it a long weekend at a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to enjoy yourself more fully.

Every getaway at the lake gives you all the options from partying to restful bliss.

Catch some fish. For anglers, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re out on a boat or fishing from shore.

Picnic time. Hampton’s lakes gives you the chance to visit a wealth of great picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite tasty treats, or something as simple as crackers and cheese and a cold beverage by the water. Should you be with someone you want to impress, good food and a view should be suitably romantic.

Start paddling. If paddling is your thing, pack up your board of choice and find yourself a lake near Hampton with a boat launch and start paddling around to enjoy the scenery on the waterfront.

Lake Checklist

A day at the lake can vary quite a bit depending on which lake you choose, the weather forecast, and the activities on your to-do list. To make things easier we’ve built out a short list of popular lake and beach-related necessities for you to use as a checklist before you hit the road.

Lake basics

If the plan is to be in the sun for the majority of the vacation, the following list of items is an excellent starting point when it comes to the necessities that you’ll be happy to have on hand.

  • A fully stocked cooler
  • Radio or speaker
  • Backup clothes
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
  • Towels
  • USB charger
  • Bug spray
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • A sunhat or glasses

More lake items

Depending on your planned activities when at the water and who will be joining you, the list of gear will likely be helpful and worth packing prior to departure.

  • Games for the beach
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Corkscrew
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Tackle box
  • Kindle
  • Rafts and floaties
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Goggles or masks

Staying Safe on a Lake

Of course a day at your favorite body of water should be lots of fun, everyone’s safety needs to remain top of mind. A day on the lake means safety first so these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.

  • 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
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • 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
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Hampton

Not everyone has had the opportunity to visit the lakes near Hampton and might have a few questions regarding planning. Obviously, each lake near Hampton is going to possess unique qualities and trappings, but here are a handful of items to look into while assembling your itinerary that might help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. Maximize unique assets in the area. If there’s time for a lengthier stay, find local state parks and recreation areas that offer the ability to camp directly on the water without breaking the bank.
  2. Research your beaches. Depending on the time of year, occasionally beaches can get extremely crowded. To find more space to spread out, research a variety of nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the busiest, most happening beach!
  3. Rent a boat. It’s common that lakes will have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Using a search engine will typically help you locate several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.