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Best Lakes in North Carolina

11 top-rated lakes in North Carolina. Discover pristine lakes ideal for swimming, fishing, boating, and peaceful waterfront relaxation.

SwimmingFishingKayakingBoatingCamping

Top Lakes in North Carolina

Top 10 on the map

Locations approximate to pin

14.5(2,032)

Lake Lure Beach and Water Park

Temp Closed

Swimming lake · Lake Lure, North Carolina

Mountain lake featuring both a traditional beach & a kids' park with a waterslide & water games.

24.6(673)

Jordan Lake

Lake · North Carolina

14,000-acre reservoir featuring boating ramps & over 1,000 campsites, plus seven swimming beaches.

34.6(648)

Lake Norman

Lake · North Carolina

State's largest man-made lake & home to a diverse fish population, with a visitor center & marina.

44.8(358)

Lake Gaston

Lake · North Carolina

20,000-acre manmade lake with fishing, boating, a swimming beach, a picnic area & camping.

54.7(310)

Falls Lake

Lake · North Carolina

Camping nearby

Backed by pine trees, this peaceful 12,000-acre lake offers camping, swimming, hiking & biking.

64.8(173)

Lake Tillery

Lake · North Carolina

Boating, fishing, hunting, camping & other recreation draw visitors to this 5,000-acre, scenic lake.

74.5(136)

Belews Lake

Lake · North Carolina

Fishing, boating & water-skiing are popular at this sprawling artificial lake with 2 marinas.

84.8(128)

Lake Crabtree

Lake · North Carolina

Next to a woodsy area with trails, this serene 520-acre reservoir lake offers boat rentals.

94.7(114)

Lake Glenville

Lake · North Carolina

High-elevation reservoir with mountain & forest views, offering boating, swimming & waterfall hikes.

104.8(79)

Nantahala Lake

Lake · North Carolina

Camping nearby

Quiet lake ringed by forested hills, with kayak & pontoon boat rentals, plus trout & bass fishing.

4.9(71)

Lake Lure

Lake · Lake Lure, North Carolina

Camping nearby

Surrounded by mountains, this manmade lake is popular for boating, swimming, fishing & hiking trips.

Trip packing checklist

Gear for Lakes in North Carolina

Useful gear categories for this kind of water trip. These links open Amazon search results so you can compare current options before you go.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Inflatable Paddleboard

Useful for calm-water exploring without roof-rack logistics.

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Day Cooler

Keeps food and drinks together for longer waterfront stays.

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Fishing Rod Combo

A starter combo is often enough for casual lake fishing.

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UPF Sun Hat

Open shorelines and boats can mean hours of direct sun.

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Tips for Lakes in North Carolina

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Check for boat launch facilities and fees

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Obtain required fishing licenses before arrival

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Be aware of lake-specific regulations and restrictions

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Monitor water quality reports before swimming

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