Newport News Lakes

Lakes Close to Newport News

It’s summertime so it’s time to start planning your upcoming summer adventure. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Newport News. As it turns out, when you visit Newport News there are quite a few great spots for spending time on the lake.

Whether you’re looking to paddleboard, partake in some water skiing, go for a swim, or work on your tan, the lakes near Newport News provide you with plentiful opportunities for aquatic adventures. So what are you waiting for? Pack up your vehicle with your beach goodies and a picnic basket then set out your next day off and discover your own favorite spot on the water!

Nearby Lakes for Newport News

Things to Do at the Lake

A day trip, or a longer trip offers an almost limitless list of activities for families or couples.

Let’s look at some of the options available to you when you arrive at a Newport News lake:

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 roaming the lake in a killer fishing boat or fishing from shore.

Partake in some delicious delights outside. Newport News’s lakes gives you the chance to visit many great picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite portable delicacies, or something as simple as crackers and cheese and a cold beverage as you enjoy the view. For a romantic evening, good food and a view should put a smile on their face.

Water sports. Should you be able to get access to a ski boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of zipping around the lake showing off your water sports expertise? Take the family out for some wakeboarding or knee boarding as the all sports lakes provide you with several choices.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

Every day at the lake will have its own requirements depending on which lake you go to, what time of year it is, what your goals are for the getaway. However, we’ve created a list for some ideas for your next summer trip so you have everything you need!

General items

If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for the vast majority of the weekend, the list below should be a good place to start when it comes to the necessities that you’ll be happy to have on hand.

  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
  • Radio or speaker
  • A picnic basket
  • Bug spray
  • Portable phone charger
  • Flip flops or water shoes
  • Dry shirt
  • UV protection
  • Bathing suits

Additional lake gear

The list of items below might prove useful for getaways to the lake considering your itinerary. It’s also worth checking before heading out.

  • Wine key
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Swimming goggles
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Life jackets
  • Worms or other bait
  • Books
  • Fishing gear
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Rafts and floaties

Lake Safety

Yes, being on the water can make for a memorable day, everyone’s safety is the most important part of your getaway. These safety measures should ensure that your whole group stays safe on the water.

  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • 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
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating

Some More Tips

When you make a trip to the one of a kind lakes around Newport News, there are a few things that will make your trip plan far more rewarding. Case in point, each lake is going to have unique features which makes it important to take into account what will make for an unforgettable trip when planning yours.

  1. Research your beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, sometimes the beaches near Newport News might be swarmed with beachgoers. To find more space to spread out, do some digging on multiple lakes in the area to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, then look for the biggest, most happening sandy party scene!
  2. Find a marina. Many lakes have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Doing a quick Google search can usually allow you to find options for renting the perfect boat.
  3. Maximize the best local resources. If you have time for a lengthier trip, look for local state campgrounds and parks which give you the option to camp near or even on the water without breaking the bank.