Top 16 Lakes around Burley
Best lakes around Burley offer diverse natural settings for outdoor activities. The area features a mix of ponds, lagoons, and nature reserves, providing varied landscapes for exploration. These bodies of water are central to local recreation, from relaxing on the shoreline to observing wildlife. The region's geography includes heathland, forests, and coastal areas, contributing to the distinct character of its lakes.
Best lakes around Burley
- The most popular lakes is Whitten Pond, an other natural feature that is in the middle of open heathland south of Burley. This spot is popular in summer for relaxing on the shoreline, picnics, and enjoying the scenery, often with ponies grazing nearby.
- Another must-see spot is Round Pond, Lodge Heath, a lake located on a picturesque woodland road. It serves as a base for exploring the New Forest National Park, with access to miles of walking and cycle tracks.
- Visitors also love Eyeworth Pond, a man-made lake created in the late 19th century to power a gunpowder mill. It offers a peaceful place for a picnic and walks through woodlands, with opportunities to see New Forest ponies and cattle.
- Burley is known for its ponds, lagoons, and nature reserves. These include natural watering holes in heathland, man-made lakes with historical significance, and transformed gravel pits now thriving as wildlife havens.
- The lakes around Burley are appreciated by the komoot community. With more than 120 upvotes and 40 photos, these spots are popular among outdoor enthusiasts.
Last updated: May 20, 2026
Whitten Pond
Highlight • Natural
Tip by
Eyeworth Pond
Highlight • Structure
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Mudeford Sandspit Lagoon and Holloway's Dock
Highlight • Natural Monument
Access by foot, bike or land train from Hengistbury Head car park. Access by passenger ferry from Mudeford Quay and Christchurch Quay.
There are 5 public toilet blocks, one with hot showers. Outside cold showers are also provided.
Horses are not permitted on the seashore between the Saturday preceding Easter Monday and the 30th September (both dates inclusive) in any year between 10am and 9pm.
Due to being so close to Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve, BBQs are not allowed at Mudeford Sandbank Beach. Open fires, fire pits and fire bowls are not permitted at any time on the beach, promenade, cliffs, cliff tops or woodland areas. The beach is surrounded by unique cliff habitats which are Sites of Special Scientific Interest and provide a home to many of the UK’s rare species of reptiles, birds and insects. Their dry nature means they are vulnerable and sparks from open fires can cause huge damage.
Tip by
Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve
Highlight • Viewpoint
Summer is a lovely time of year to visit but in winter, the bird hides come into their own as many flighty folk overwinter here from colder countries further north. Lapwings, terns and oyster catchers throw Christmas parties here. There are public toilets at the north of Ivy Lake and several car parks.
Tip by
Round Pond, Lodge Heath
Highlight • Lake
It’s a great base for those wanting to explore the New Forest National Park as it has access to miles of walking and cycle tracks.
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Burley.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Burley
New Forest National Park – A Walk in the Parks
New Forest - The most Beautiful Cycling Routes
New Forest - Walking in the National Park
Heath, coast, woods and wildlife – hikes in the New Forest National Park
Hiking around Burley
Cycling around Burley
Road Cycling Routes around Burley
MTB Trails around Burley
Running Trails around Burley
Gravel biking around Burley
Other adventures around Burley
Tips from the Community
As others have said, the area around this pond is crucially important for endangered birds from April to August and should be avoided during these months to give the wildlife the time and space it needs to safely raise their babies.
0
0
Walked to this pond early April. Ground comparatively dry due to very low rainfall in March. No signage seen for nesting birds.
0
0
A unique and beautiful sand spit which adjoins the ancient headland of Hengistbury Head and forms a natural barrier between Christchurch Harbour and the open sea. The area is designated a Site of Nature Conservation Interest. Access by foot, bike or land train from Hengistbury Head car park. Access by passenger ferry from Mudeford Quay and Christchurch Quay. There are 5 public toilet blocks, one with hot showers. Outside cold showers are also provided. Horses are not permitted on the seashore between the Saturday preceding Easter Monday and the 30th September (both dates inclusive) in any year between 10am and 9pm. Due to being so close to Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve, BBQs are not allowed at Mudeford Sandbank Beach. Open fires, fire pits and fire bowls are not permitted at any time on the beach, promenade, cliffs, cliff tops or woodland areas. The beach is surrounded by unique cliff habitats which are Sites of Special Scientific Interest and provide a home to many of the UK’s rare species of reptiles, birds and insects. Their dry nature means they are vulnerable and sparks from open fires can cause huge damage.
0
0
Roundhill Campsite is situated on the picturesque woodland road crossing Lodge Heath, between Beaulieu and Brockenhurst. It’s a great base for those wanting to explore the New Forest National Park as it has access to miles of walking and cycle tracks.
0
0
A wonderful place to have a picnic or read a book in the summer. Please keep in mind that curious horses may come and take a look
0
0
Visit Fritham and Eyeworth Pond, take a moment to wander through history Walk around the man-made gunpowder mill pond or take a walk through the woodland. Keep an eye out for the old black post box near the entrance to Fritham car park, there for the workers of the mill. Wander through the woodlands full of Roman remains. Fritham is a small village with the village green at it's heart. Visit the pub, named after the ancient oak opposite (over 1000 years old), or join the cycle trail network and ride over to Ogdens. You are likely to see the New Forest's ponies and cattle. Please treat these animals with care, don’t feed or pet the livestock – keep your distance.
1
0
Its very, very beautiful especially on a crisp cold day. The ground and small streams around it are very waterlogged after bad weather in winter though - it can become impassable to walk the whole way around the pond so can interrupt your hike if your loop passes through here.
1
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular lakes and water bodies near Burley, Idaho?
The most popular water bodies near Burley, Idaho, include Lake Walcott, Oakley Reservoir, Lake Cleveland, and the Snake River itself. Each offers unique recreational opportunities and scenic beauty.
What activities can I do at Lake Walcott?
Lake Walcott is excellent for diverse activities such as water skiing, power boating, windsurfing, sailing, bird watching, and fishing for species like walleye, yellow perch, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, and channel catfish. It also features an 18-hole disc golf course. You can find more information about the state park at visitsouthidaho.com.
Is Lake Walcott suitable for camping?
Yes, Lake Walcott State Park offers a range of camping facilities, including cabins, full hookup, and primitive campsites, as well as picnic shelters and group campsites. It's a popular spot for day trips or longer getaways. For lodging details, visit visitsouthidaho.com.
What kind of fishing can I expect at Oakley Reservoir?
Oakley Reservoir is a prime destination for anglers, known for excellent trout fishing in spring and early summer, and good walleye and yellow perch catches later in the year. The Idaho Fish and Game department regularly stocks the reservoir, which is also home to rainbow trout, bluegill, bullheads, and largemouth bass. It's particularly noted for state-record walleye catches. More details can be found at visitsouthidaho.com.
Are there amenities at Oakley Reservoir?
Oakley Reservoir provides vault toilets and a peaceful atmosphere. While it lacks showers or electric hookups, motorized and paddle boats are permitted. Its proximity to City of Rocks National Reserve and Castle Rocks State Park also makes it a good base for exploring these attractions.
What makes Lake Cleveland unique?
Nestled in the Sawtooth National Forest at an elevation of 8,300 feet, Lake Cleveland is characterized by its crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain and lake views. It's located in an alpine lake basin below Mount Harrison, offering a serene environment perfect for unwinding and escaping the valley heat.
What activities are available at Lake Cleveland?
Visitors to Lake Cleveland can enjoy fishing, swimming, kayaking, and hiking in the area. Non-motorized boating is allowed. Nearby, you can find Mount Harrison's fire lookout tower and the Pomerelle ski area, which offer additional hiking and mountain biking trails.
When is the best time to visit Lake Cleveland?
Access to Lake Cleveland can be challenging until early to mid-July due to late-season snowdrifts. Therefore, the best time to visit for full access and activities like hiking, camping, and fishing is typically from mid-July through the warmer months.
What water sports can I do on the Snake River near Burley?
The Snake River through Burley is a hub for water sports, including water skiing, wakeboarding, wake surfing, and general boating. It's also an excellent location for bass fishing, with sturgeon and trout also present. Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular, with rentals often available at Heyburn Riverside Park. Learn more about this stretch of the river at visitsouthidaho.com.
Are there events held on the Snake River in Burley?
Yes, the Snake River in Burley hosts annual events such as the Idaho Regatta, a boat race, and 'Wake in the Snake,' a wakeboarding competition, highlighting its popularity for water sports.
Are there family-friendly options among the lakes near Burley?
Yes, all the major water bodies offer family-friendly activities. Lake Walcott State Park has camping and picnic areas, the Snake River provides calm waters for various water sports, and Lake Cleveland is great for swimming and non-motorized boating in a scenic setting. Oakley Reservoir is also suitable for family fishing trips.
What are the best options for bird watching near Burley's lakes?
Lake Walcott is particularly noted for bird watching, as the Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge borders Lake Walcott State Park, making it a haven for migratory birds, including hundreds of Great American White Pelicans.
Where can I access the Snake River in Burley?
Riverfront Park and North Freedom Park in Burley provide boat ramps for easy access to the Snake River. This section of the river is approximately 16 feet deep and offers 20 miles of smooth, lake-like water.
Most popular routes around Burley
Most popular attractions around Burley
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found your perfect lake around Burley? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
