South Riding Lakes

Lakes Around South Riding

The weather is warm and that means it’s time to pack up and head out for your upcoming family vacation. There aren’t many better options than a lake near South Riding. A lake getaway can be perfect for those who love the outdoors too, as they are a great way to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

There are numerous brilliant arguments for a getaway to a lake in South Riding while it’s hot outside – the cool water for swimming, relaxing summer activities such as wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. The time is now! Pack up your vehicle with your beach goodies and snacks then set out this weekend to find your own number one spot on the water!

Lakes Close to South Riding

Things to Do at the Lake

On a day trip to a lake near South Riding there are many activities that can be enjoyed by groups of all types. You could go for an exciting day trip or make it a long weekend at a hotel or AirBnB to make for a bigger, better getaway.

Now we’ll run down a list of some of the best things to do when you make your way to a South Riding lake:

Partake in some water sports. If you’re able to get access to a ski boat, why not spend the day kicking up a wake showing off your water sports expertise? Enjoy a day of wakeboarding or knee boarding as the all sports lakes provide you with several choices.

Catch some fish. For anglers, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re drifting behind a trolling motor or fishing from shore.

Go for a swim. The swimming lakes near South Riding 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. Make sure to do your research and verify that 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!

Lake Getaway Prep

Everyone’s beach getaway will be unique depending on which lake you go to, what time of year it is, and what your perfect itinerary looks like. However, we’ve created a list with some of our favorite ideas for your watery excursion so everything goes smoothly!

The basics

If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for the majority of the weekend, our list of provisions below should be an excellent place to start when it comes to the necessities to have on hand.

  • Dry shirt
  • Bug spray
  • A cooler with water
  • Beach blanket
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Food
  • A receptacle for trash
  • Radio or speaker
  • Bottle opener
  • Travel dinnerware and cups

Additional lake stuff

The gear in the list below might prove useful for excursions to the lake considering your itinerary. You may want to double check some of these before heading out.

  • Something to read
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Rafts for the kids
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Bait
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Wine key
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Fishing gear

Lake Safety Tips

While spending a weekend to the lake can be lots of fun, safety should remain top of mind at all times. When you decide to spend a day at the lake here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.

  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding

More Ideas for Lake Fun

When you make a trip to the fabulous lakes around South Riding, there are a few things that can make your itinerary substantially more rewarding. Case in point, each individual lake near South Riding has their own features so it is important to consider what you need to make an unforgettable trip when planning yours.

  1. Pay attention to the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally beaches can get exceptionally crowded. If you want a little more privacy, do some digging on multiple lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the busiest, most popular beach!
  2. Maximize unique assets in the area. If you have time for a longer stay, find local state campgrounds and parks which give you the ability to stay in a spot that is right on top of the water for a reasonable price.
  3. No boat, no problem. Many lakes have local marinas where you can rent a boat. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or tubing with the kids. Asking a local can typically allow you to find options for renting the perfect boat.