Norfolk Lakes

Lakes Near Norfolk

Sometimes you just need to gather your family and friends and make time to be by the water. A stay at a lake 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 arguments for making a trip to a lake in Norfolk during the warmer months – the water is refreshing on hot days, fun summer entertainment such as wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. Some of the lakes in Norfolk have beaches that are ideal for working on your tan. Don’t you deserve an enjoyable getaway? Pack up your vehicle with your fishing gear and a cooler then make the trip on your next vacation and discover a brand new number one spot on a lake!

Nearby Lakes for Norfolk

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

A day trip to the lake, or a longer getaway offers a nearly limitless amount of stuff for people of all stripes.

Here are some of our top picks for activities when you arrive at a lake near Norfolk:

Partake in some delicious delights outside. The lakes near Norfolk offer all sorts of great picnic areas for you to pack up some portable delicacies, or you could just do some cheese and crackers by the water. If you’re with that special someone, a picnic on the beach should be suitably romantic.

Swimming. The swimming lakes near Norfolk provide tons of laughs and games 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! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool just isn’t as much fun as a beautiful public beach!

Fishing. For those that love to fish, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re out on a boat or fishing from shore.

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can honestly be all over the map when you take into consideration the specific lake you’ll be visiting, the season, and the activities on your to-do list. For your convenience we’ve built out a short list of our favorite go-to necessities for you to use as a checklist to make sure you cover your bases.

General items

When the plan is to be outdoors for most of the vacation, the following list of items is a good place to start for essentials that you’ll be happy to have on hand.

  • A fully stocked cooler
  • Beach blanket
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Insect repellant
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Reserve clothing
  • Bottle opener
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • Something to eat

Specialty lake stuff

Consider the itinerary at the lake and your guests, the items below will likely be helpful and worth packing before hitting the road.

  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Swimming goggles
  • Tackle box
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Something to read
  • Bait

Lake Safety Tips

While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near Norfolk, failing to follow some simple safety rules can make things turn tragic in a hurry. These safety measures can make sure that everyone are always safe while around the lake.

  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Always wear sunblock

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Norfolk

Few people get the opportunity to visit the lakes near Norfolk and likely have some questions on ways to maximize their fun. Of course, every lake is going to have their own character and surroundings, but here are a few things to review while assembling your itinerary that might help start your trip on the right foot.

  1. Pay attention to the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally beaches can get exceptionally crowded. If you want some more peace and quiet, research a variety of nearby beaches and lakes to see if you can find one that’s less crowded to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, search out the busiest, most popular sandy party scene!
  2. No boat, no problem. Many lakes have local marinas that offer boat rentals. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or tubing with the kids. Asking a local can usually help you locate options for renting the perfect boat.
  3. Make the most of the best local resources. If you have time for a lengthier trip, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds which give you the ability to camp near or even on the water without breaking the bank.