A good lake is one that is easily accessible and in a good location. It is vital that a good lake also has a high level of water quality making it safe for water activity. Lakes are one of the best locations for water sports therefore a good lake will accommodate a variety of water activities.
Our family loves a good lake weekend and we think we have managed to define the points that make a lake a good lake over the years. For us, it comes down to five areas: location, water quality, amenities, accessibility and activities.
Location
The location of a lake is one of the features that rank high on the list of what makes a good lake. To be a good lake it needs to be in the right location and the right location for the purpose.
Depending on what your objective is at the lake you may want to find quiet solitude away from the crowds. On the other hand, you may be looking for a busy holiday lake full of electric summer excitement.
The definition of what is a good lake location comes down to what you want out of the experience. For our family, we tend to like something in the middle.
The location also applies to how far away from your house or accommodation it is. If you are heading out for a day trip you don’t want to be driving more than a couple of hours to reach the lake. A weekend or vacation at the lake is also an incredible way to relax. Take a road trip and make it a true adventure.
For a quiet day at the lake, a good lake will be away from tourist towns. However, it can still be a good lake and meet the quiet requirements if you opt for a midweek trip instead.
A good lake for those who love all the excitement and activity that can come with a lake day head to well-known lakes often found in state and national parks.
Water Quality
A good lake has high water quality. If a lakes water quality is poor it is not going to be ideal for any lake activities including fishing and swimming. Good water quality indicates a healthy ecosystem which is what makes the water safe for water activities.
One of the dangers of lake water is the presence of certain types of bacteria. A common harmful bacteria often found is lakes is called Cyanobacteria. This often appears as blue-green algae.
You might or might not be able to see cyanobacteria blooms. They sometimes stay below the water’s surface, they sometimes float to the surface. Some cyanobacteria blooms can look like foam, scum, or mats, particularly when the wind blows them toward a shoreline. The blooms can be blue, bright green, brown, or red. Blooms sometimes look like paint floating on the water’s surface. As cyanobacteria in a bloom die, the water may smell bad, similar to rotting plants.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
It is important not to swim in lakes with this type of algae as it can cause serious health issues for both humans and animals if the water enters the body.
A good lake will have clear water that does not have any unpleasant smells. A lake that has some movement to it is also a good indication of good water quality as stagnant water tends to harbour more problems.
Ammenities Available
A good lake will have extra amenities for visitors to use. Common amenities that can be found at good lakes are bathroom and change room facilities, communal barbecues and boat ramps.
Amenities are not necessarily essential at a good lake but they definitely make it a lot easier for visitors. It is a blessing to be able to take children to the bathroom instead of having to hide behind a tree!
Having a few extra amenities makes the lake a lot more user friendly for a much wider range of people too. The more people that are able to get out and enjoy nature and the lake the better.
One other amenity that is becoming increasingly popular is the option of being able to hire water sports equipment. This can include things like boats, paddleboards, kayaks and snorkel sets. It is usually after hiring one of these pieces of equipment that people become hooked and end up buying one for themselves! It is a great way to try an activity without a big investment.
Accessibility
Assessing the accessibility of a lake can help you determine if it is a good lake or not. A good lake will be easily accessibly for any vehicle. Lakes that can only be accessed by 4WD vehicles limit access to a significant number of people.
Another aspect of accessibility of a lake that you may want to consider is if car parking is offered. There are many amazing lakes that have very limited car parking space and you can often wait in very long lines for a space to open up. This will factor into how good a lake is. No one wants to sit in the car for hours waiting for a car park.
Accessibility also includes boat ramps for those who want to take their boats or other water vehicles out on the water. Multiple boat ramps are essential on popular lakes.
Camping at the lake is another idea that might improve accessibility. Many well-known lakes regularly have camp sites or areas where you are able to camp near the water.
Activities Available
A good lake includes the option to participate in a multitude of different water activities. Activities such as fishing, waterskiing, and paddleboarding are just a few of the many activities that can be enjoyed on the lake.
The lake is one of the ideal places for water sports. You don’t just have to be limited to swimming or fishing. There are a whole host of exciting adventures to embark on.
One of the more recent activities to become popular in the last few years is stand up paddleboarding. The lake is great for beginner paddle borders due to its calmer waters. You can read this post if you want to know how to get started paddleboarding with kids
Fishing is a pastime that goes back generations and is enjoyed by both the young and old alike. Lake fishing can be a relaxing way to spend a weekend with your family. Many lakes now offer boat rental and even line rentals too.