Harrisonburg Lakes

Lakes Near Harrisonburg

It’s summertime and that means it’s time to plan your next grand getaway. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Harrisonburg. Fortunately, when you make a trip to Harrisonburg there are quite a few options when it comes to getting on, or in the water.

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to go kayaking, get active with water skiing, swim, or work on your tan, the lakes near Harrisonburg offer you plentiful opportunities for outdoor adventures. Browse through the table below to see your nearby locations from swimming lakes with beaches to larger lakes for you and the family to visit.

Nearby Lakes for Harrisonburg

Things to Do at the Lake

When you visit a lake near Harrisonburg there are many activities that can be enjoyed by groups of all types. 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.

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

Partake in some water sports. If you’ve got access to a speed boat, why not get out on the water and start zipping around the lake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports talents? Hit the water and go wakeboarding or knee boarding as the all sports lakes give you several options.

Go fishing. For those that love to fish, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re roaming the lake in a killer fishing boat or tossing a line in from the dock.

Get in the water. Finding a swimming lake near Harrisonburg will offer tons of fun for the youngsters, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between working on their 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 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 beautiful public beach on a lake near Harrisonburg!

Lake Checklist

A day at the lake can honestly be all over the map depending on which lake you choose, the weather forecast, and what you want to do while you’re there. For your convenience we’ve assembled a rundown of some of the most common lake and beach-related necessities for you to use as a checklist prior to locking up the house and heading out.

General items

If the plan is to be in the sun for the vast majority of the day, our list of provisions below is an excellent place to start when it comes to the necessities to have on hand.

  • A blanket or sheet
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Food and snacks
  • Tennis shoes
  • Insect repellant
  • Bathing suits
  • Sweatpants and sweatshirt
  • A fully stocked cooler
  • Portable stereo

Additional lake stuff

Take into consideration the itinerary when at the water and who will be in your entourage, the following items could make your day more enjoyable and worth packing before hitting the road.

  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Your tackle box
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Worms or other bait
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Corkscrew
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Rafts for the kids
  • Diapers and baby gear

Lake Safety

While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near Harrisonburg, everyone’s safety is the most important part of your getaway. These safety measures should ensure that your whole group remains safe while around the lake.

  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • 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
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Harrisonburg

Few people get a chance to make their way to the lakes near Harrisonburg and might have a lot of questions regarding planning. Clearly, no matter where you go each lake is going to possess unique qualities and surroundings, but it’s worth noting a handful of items to look into when making plans that might help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. Maximize the best assets in the area. When there’s time for a longer trip, look for local state campgrounds and parks that offer the option to camp near or even on the water without breaking the bank.
  2. Rent a boat. Many lakes have local marinas where you can rent a boat. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy fishing with family and friends or a wild day of wakeboarding. Using a search engine can usually help you find options for renting the perfect boat.
  3. Pay attention to the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, sometimes beaches can get very crowded. If you want some more peace and quiet, research multiple nearby beaches and lakes to see if you can find one that’s less crowded if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the biggest, most popular sandy party scene!