Sterling Lakes

Lakes Around Sterling

It’s summertime and that means it’s time to pack up and head out for your upcoming family vacation. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Sterling. Lucky for you, when you make a trip to Sterling you have some options for getting on, or in the water.

Whether you’re seeking to go kayaking, get active with wakeboarding, go for a swim, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Sterling provide you with lots of beautiful locations for outdoor activities. Browse through the local listings below and see the nearby locations from small lakes with beaches to larger lakes for you to enjoy.

Lakes Close to Sterling

Things to Do at the Lake

On a day trip to a lake near Sterling there are many 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 a bed and breakfast on the water to make the most of your time unwinding.

Every getaway at the lake gives you all the options from partying to restful bliss.

Start paddling. If you want a little physical activity, load up your preferred vessel and find yourself a lake with a public boat launch you can use 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 zipping around the lake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports skills? Take the family out for some wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the lakes near Sterling offer you a number of choices.

Go fishing. For those that love to fish, 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 roaming the lake in a killer fishing boat or standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

Your plan for a lake getaway can vary quite a bit when you take into consideration the specific lake you’ll be visiting, the season, and what you want to do while you’re there. For your convenience we’ve put together a list of some of the most common lake necessities that you can use as a checklist to make sure you cover your bases.

Lake basics

When the plan is to be outdoors for most of the weekend, the following list of items is a good starting point for essentials you are likely to need.

  • Garbage bags
  • Dry shirt
  • Towels
  • A cooler with water
  • Travel dinnerware and cups
  • Portable stereo
  • Sunblock
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Swimsuits

Additional lake gear

Depending on the itinerary when at the water and what your party looks like, the list of gear could make your day more enjoyable and worth a quick spot check before you get on the road.

  • Life jackets
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Fishing poles
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Rafts for the kids
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Your tackle box
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Worms or other bait
  • Wine key

Lake Safety

Of course your getaway to your favorite body of water should be ample amounts of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. If you’re going to be out on the water here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.

  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water

More Sterling Lake Tips

Few people get the opportunity to make their way to the amazing lakes around Sterling and might have a lot of questions regarding planning. Obviously, any body of water is going to possess their own character and surroundings, but it’s worth noting a few things to look into when making plans which could help put together a trip your whole family will remember.

  1. Make the most of unique local resources. When you have time for a lengthier trip, look for local state parks and recreation areas which give you the ability to camp right on the water without breaking the bank.
  2. Do homework on the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, sometimes the beaches near Sterling can get very crowded. To find some more space to spread out, research multiple lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, search out the busiest, most happening beach!
  3. Rent a boat. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or tubing with the kids. Asking a local can typically allow you to find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.