Reston Lakes

Lakes Around Reston

When the weather is right you just need to gather your family and friends and make time to be by the water. A lake getaway is wonderful for those who love getting outside too, as they are a great way to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

There are many great arguments to visit a lake in Reston this summer – the cool water for swimming, enjoyable summer entertainment like paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming. Some of the lakes in Reston have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. The time is now! Load up the car with your beach goodies and snacks then make the trip your next day off and discover a brand new number one spot on a lake!

Lakes Close to Reston

Lake Activities

On a day trip to a lake near Reston you’ll find all kinds of things to do for people of all persuasions. You could go for an exciting day trip or take a longer vacation at a hotel or AirBnB to enjoy yourself more fully.

Any stay at the lake offers you everything from fun to relaxation.

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. If you want a little physical activity, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and chart your course to a lake near Reston with a public boat launch you can use and start paddling around to enjoy nature’s beauty on the waterfront.

Partake in some delicious delights outside. Reston’s lakes offer all sorts of excellent picnic areas for you to pack up some tasty treats, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy by the water. Should you be with someone you want to impress, good food and a view is hard to beat.

Get a little crazy with the water sports. If you’ve got access to a ski boat, why not get out on the water and start kicking up a wake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports expertise? Enjoy a day of wakeboarding or knee boarding as the lakes near Reston provide you with several options.

Lake Checklist

Everyone’s beach getaway will be unique based on which lake you go to, what time of year it is, or if there are any activities planned. However, we took the time to make a list that will give some ideas for your lake getaway to ensure nothing gets forgotten!

General items

For a day spent on the water it makes a lot of sense to bring along several of these things so that you’ll be safe, comfortable, and relaxed.

  • Sunscreen
  • Swimsuits
  • Food
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Proper footwear
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices

More lake items

The following items can make your life easier for getaways to the lake depending on what your plans are. You may want to double check for some of these before heading out.

  • Games for the beach
  • Kindle
  • Rafts and floaties
  • Wine key
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Fishing gear
  • Goggles or masks
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Worms or other bait
  • Baby gear (if necessary)

Lake Safety

While your getaway on a lake in Reston should be ample amounts of fun, everyone’s safety needs to remain top of mind. When you decide to spend a day at the lake these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.

  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat

More Reston Lake Tips

When you make a trip to the fabulous lakes near Reston, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that can make your itinerary far more rewarding. For example, every individual lake near Reston has their own features which makes it important to take into account what you need to make an enjoyable getaway when planning yours.

  1. Find a marina. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas where you can rent a boat. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Asking a local can usually allow you to locate a marina that has what you need.
  2. Maximize the best assets in the area. If there’s time for a lengthier getaway, find local state parks and recreation areas that offer the option to camp in a spot that is right on top of the water for a reasonable price.
  3. Research your beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, sometimes the beaches near Reston might be swarmed with beachgoers. If you want a little more privacy, do some digging on a variety of 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 beach!