Roanoke Lakes

Lakes Around Roanoke

Every once in a while you just need to spend some time by the water. Fortunately, when you come to Roanoke there are some options for getting on, or in the water.

Whether you’re itching to paddleboard, partake in some watersports, go for a swim, or just lounge at the beach, the lakes near Roanoke provide you with numerous opportunities for aquatic activities. So what are you waiting for? Pack up the car with sunscreen and a picnic basket then hit the road on your next vacation to find a brand new number one spot on a lake!

Nearby Lakes for Roanoke

Things to Do at the Lake

On a day trip to a lake near Roanoke you’ll find all kinds of activities that can be enjoyed by families and couples. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or take a longer vacation to a hotel or AirBnB to enjoy yourself more fully.

Let’s look at some of the options available to you when you visit a lake near Roanoke:

Catch some fish. 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 roaming the lake in a killer fishing boat or tossing a line in from the dock.

Have a picnic. The lakes near Roanoke offer all sorts of top-notch picnic areas where you can enjoy tasty treats, or something as simple as crackers and cheese and a cold beverage as you enjoy the view. For a romantic evening, this plan is hard to beat.

Get in the water. The swimming lakes near Roanoke provide tons of fun for the big kids and little ones, 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 hold a candle to a magnificent public beach on a lake near Roanoke!

Lake Getaway Prep

Every day at the lake will have its own requirements depending on the lake you’re heading to, when you go, or if there are any activities planned. However, we took the time to make a list for some ideas for your watery excursion so you have everything you need!

General items

When the plan is to be outdoors for the majority of the day, the list below should be a good starting point when it comes to the necessities that you’ll be happy to have on hand.

  • Sweatpants and sweatshirt
  • Garbage bags
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Beach blanket
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Bug spray
  • Bathing suits
  • Bottle opener
  • A fully stocked cooler
  • Plates, cups and utensils

Additional lake items

The following items can make your life easier for trips to the lake considering your itinerary. You may want to double check some of these so you’re not missing something critical.

  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Toys for the beach
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Wine key
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Bait
  • Your tackle box
  • Goggles or masks
  • Life jackets

Lake Safety Checklist

While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, safety should be top of mind. Here are some general tips that can make sure that your whole group stays safe while around the lake.

  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat

More Roanoke Lake Tips

Some people may not get a chance to visit the lakes near Roanoke and likely have some questions about how to make the most of their time there. Of course, any body of water will possess unique qualities and trappings, but it’s worth noting a handful of items to look into while assembling your itinerary that might help start your trip on the right foot.

  1. Do homework on the beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes beaches could be extremely busy. If you want some space to yourself, research multiple lakes in the area 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 busiest, most popular beach!
  2. Make the most of the best local resources. If there’s time for a longer trip, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds which give you the ability to camp directly on the water without breaking the bank.
  3. Find a marina. It’s common that lakes will have local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or tubing with the kids. Using a search engine can usually allow you to find a marina that has what you need.