Portsmouth Lakes

Lakes Close to Portsmouth

The weather is warm and that means it’s time to start planning your upcoming summer adventure. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Portsmouth. A stay at a lake is 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.

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to paddleboard, buzz around doing water skiing, go for a swim, or work on your tan, the lakes near Portsmouth offer you lots of options for outdoor fun. Browse through the data below and have a look your options including swimming lakes with beaches to all sports lakes for you to enjoy.

Nearby Lakes for Portsmouth

Things to Do at the Lake

A day trip to the lake, or a longer trip offers a nearly boundless amount of stuff for families, couples, or even those looking for some quiet time.

Let’s look at some of the options available to you when you make your way to a Portsmouth lake:

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 out on a boat or tossing a line in from the dock.

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. If you like to paddle around, pack up your board of choice and find yourself a lake with a boat launch and get out and enjoy the scenery on the waterfront.

Partake in some water sports. If you’re able to get access to a fast boat, why not spend the day kicking up a wake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports talents? Enjoy a day of tubing or skiing as the local lakes give you several choices.

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

Your plan for a lake getaway can honestly be all over the map depending on which lake you choose, the weather forecast, and the activities on your to-do list. For your convenience we’ve assembled a rundown of our favorite lake necessities that you can use as a checklist to make sure you cover your bases.

General items

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

  • Portable stereo
  • UV protection
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Sunglasses
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • A cooler with water bottles
  • Swimsuits
  • Beach blanket
  • Towels
  • Sweatpants and sweatshirt

Additional lake items

The gear in the list below could be helpful for trips to the lake depending on what you’ll be doing. You may want to double check for some of these before heading out.

  • Wine key
  • Life jackets
  • Games for the beach
  • Swimming goggles
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Fishing poles

Lake Safety Tips

While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near Portsmouth, it’s important that you remember to keep safety top of mind. These safety protocols will make sure that your whole group stays safe at your favorite Portsmouth lake.

  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong

Some More Tips

If you’re going to visit the beautiful lakes near Portsmouth, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that can make your weekend gameplan much more rewarding. For example, every individual lake near Portsmouth has unique qualities and surroundings so it is important to think about what will make for a memorable getaway as you plan yours.

  1. Pay attention to the beaches. Depending on the time of year, occasionally beaches may be swarmed with beachgoers. If you want a little more privacy, do some digging on a variety of lakes in the area 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 busiest, most popular beach!
  2. No boat, no problem. 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. Doing a quick Google search can typically allow you to locate a marina that has what you need.
  3. Maximize the best local resources. When there’s time for a lengthier stay, look for local state parks and recreation areas that offer the ability to stay right on the water without breaking the bank.