Richmond Lakes

Lakes Around Richmond

Sometimes you should gather your family and friends and make time to be by the water. A stay at a lake is wonderful for people who love wildlife too, because they offer opportunities to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

Whether you’re looking to float in a tube with a book, get active with wakeboarding, go for a swim, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Richmond provide you with lots of beautiful locations for aquatic fun. Browse through the local listings below and have a look the options from swimming lakes to all sports lakes for you to enjoy.

Lakes Close to Richmond

Things to Do at the Lake

A day trip, or a more lengthy getaway gives you a nearly limitless list of activities for families, couples, or even those seeking some quiet time.

Any stay on or in the water offers you all the options from partying to restful bliss.

Swimming. The swimming lakes near Richmond offer 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 prior to packing the car and the family! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool doesn’t offer as much to do as a magnificent public beach!

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 Richmond with a boat launch and get out and soak up the scenery in all it’s glory.

Water sports. Should you be able to get access to a ski boat, why not get out on the water and start kicking up a wake showing off your water sports talents? Take the family out for some tubing or skiing as the local lakes give you several options.

Checklist for a Day at the Lake

A lake day itinerary can honestly be all over the map when you take into consideration the specific lake you’ll be visiting, when you decide to go, and your plan of attack. For your convenience we’ve put together a list of some of the most common lake items that you can use as a checklist for your getaway.

The basics

If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for the vast majority of the day, the following list of items should be an excellent starting point for essentials that you’ll be happy to have on hand.

  • Garbage bags
  • Beach blanket
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Insect repellant
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Sunscreen
  • A fully stocked cooler
  • Portable phone charger
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Swimsuits

More lake items

The list of items below might prove useful for trips to the lake considering your itinerary. You may want to double check some of these so you’re not missing something critical.

  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Legal flotation devices
  • Your tackle box
  • Something to read
  • Rafts and floaties
  • Games for the beach
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Bait
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Swimming goggles

Lake Safety Checklist

While spending a weekend on your favorite body of water can be tons of fun, safety should remain top of mind at all times. If you’re going to be out on the water here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.

  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Richmond

When you make a trip to the one of a kind lakes around Richmond, there are a few things that might make your trip plan substantially more successful. Case in point, every individual lake near Richmond is going to have unique qualities which makes it important to think about what you need to make a memorable getaway as you plan yours.

  1. Research your beaches. Early, mid, or late season, sometimes the beaches near Richmond may be swarmed with tourists. To find some more space to spread out, 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. To get in on the party, then look for the biggest, most popular beach!
  2. Rent a boat. Many lakes have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Using a search engine can typically help you find a marina that has what you need.
  3. Make the most of the best assets in the area. When there’s time for a lengthier getaway, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds which give you the ability to camp right on the water for a reasonable price.