Suffolk Lakes

Lakes Near Suffolk

When the weather is right you should gather your family and friends and make time to be by the water. A stay at a lake can be perfect for people who love wildlife too, as they are a great way to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

There are numerous great motivations for making a trip to a lake in Suffolk during the warmer months – the water is refreshing on hot days, fun summer entertainment such as wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. Some of the lakes in Suffolk have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. Has there ever been a better time? Pack up the car with your fishing gear and a cooler then make the trip this weekend and discover your own number one spot on the water!

Lakes Near Suffolk

Lake Activities

On a day trip to a lake near Suffolk you’ll find all kinds of things to do for groups of all types. You could go for an exciting day trip or decide to stay overnight to a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to enjoy yourself more fully.

Any stay on or in the water gives you everything from fun to relaxation.

Get a little crazy with the water sports. If you’re able to get access to a fast boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of flying around the water demonstrating your athleticism and water sports talents? Enjoy a day of wakeboarding or knee boarding as the all sports lakes offer you several options.

Swimming. The swimming lakes near Suffolk offer all kinds of laughs and games for the youngsters, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between working on their 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 before you make the trip! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a glorious public beach on a lake near Suffolk!

Catch some fish. For anglers, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re roaming the lake in a killer fishing boat or fishing from shore.

Lake Checklist

Your plan for a lake getaway can vary quite a bit depending on which lake you choose, the time of year, the weather, and the activities on your to-do list. For your convenience we’ve put together a list of our favorite go-to necessities that you can use as a checklist for your getaway.

The basics

For a day spent on the water you will likely need to take some of these things so that you’ll be safe, healthy, and enjoying your time.

  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Backup clothes
  • Snacks
  • Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • USB charger
  • Insect repellant
  • Sunscreen
  • Portable stereo
  • Proper footwear

More lake gear

Depending on what you’ll be doing at the lake and who will be joining you, the following items might also prove useful and worth packing prior to departure.

  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Wine key
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Tackle box
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Fishing gear
  • Games for the beach
  • Goggles or masks

Staying Safe on a Lake

While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, safety should be top of mind. These safety tips should ensure that your whole group are always safe on the water.

  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • 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

Some More Tips

If you’re going to visit the fabulous lakes near Suffolk, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that can make your itinerary much more successful. Case in point, each individual lake has unique qualities and surroundings which makes it important to take into account what you need to make an enjoyable adventure as you plan yours.

  1. Research your beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally beaches can get exceptionally crowded. If you want a little more privacy, research a variety of nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the biggest, most popular beach!
  2. No boat, no problem. Many lakes have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or a wild day of wakeboarding. Doing a quick Google search will typically help you find a marina that has what you need.
  3. Maximize the best local resources. If there’s time for a longer stay, look for local state parks and recreation areas which give you the option to camp directly on the water for a reasonable price.