Best Lakes in America
Discover pristine lakes ideal for swimming, fishing, boating, and peaceful waterfront relaxation.
All Lakes
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5.0(24)Lower Saranac Lake
A scenic 2,285-acre lake connected to a river popular with canoeists, birdwatchers, hikers & bikers.
5.0(20)Stinson Lake
Stinson Lake is a 342-acre water body located in the town of Rumney in Grafton County, New Hampshire, United States. The lake is in the southern part of the White Mountains and is the largest lake in the White Mountain National Forest.
5.0(14)Lake Buel
Vast pond & popular nature getaway for leisure, boating & wildlife watching, with amenities nearby.
4.9(58)Piseco Lake
Piseco Lake is located in Hamilton County, New York, near the hamlet of Piseco in the Adirondack Mountains. The outflow is Piseco Outlet, which flows into the West Branch Sacandaga River.
4.9(27)Avalanche Lake
9-acre lake between 2 peaks, offering serene surrounding trails with plank bridges & large boulders.
4.9(14)Lake Waiau
A popular hiking stopover, this alpine lake sits just below the summit of Mauna Kea volcano.
4.9(27)Lakes of the Clouds
Old-growth forests & wooded hills surround this scenic lake, popular among anglers.
4.9(217)Ashokan Reservoir
Water reservoir featuring a paved waterfront trail, views of the Catskills & fishing by permit.
4.9(190)Keuka Lake
A popular vacation destination, this expansive lake features swimming, boating, fishing & camping.
4.9(65)Lonesome Lake
12-acre mountain lake accessible by hiking trail, with a loop path & year-round hut for overnights.
4.9(76)Green Lake
Tree-lined glacial lake at Green Lakes State Park, with a golf course, swimming & boat rentals.
4.9(71)Lake Lure
Surrounded by mountains, this manmade lake is popular for boating, swimming, fishing & hiking trips.
4.9(44)Sawtooth Lake
Picturesque, high-altitude lake featuring camping, trout fishing & well-maintained hiking trails.
4.9(18)Lake Paradise
Lake Paradise, historically called "Carp Lake", is a lake that feeds the Carp Lake River. It is primarily located within Emmet County in the U.S. state of Michigan, with an eastern bay of the lake extending into Cheboygan County. The lake covers an area of 1,900 acres.
4.9(240)Lake Minnewaska
Leafy hiking trails fringe this large lake, with sheer cliffs & a compact beach area for swimming.
4.9(233)Lake of the Clouds
Valley lake offering swimming & fishing spots, plus campsites, hiking trails & a scenic overlook.
4.9(11)Mirror Lake
This picturesque 333-acre lake features swimming, boating, fishing & other outdoor recreation.
4.9(14)Profile Lake
Small scenic lake with 2 beach launches offering a tranquil setting for kayaking & fly fishing.
4.9(172)Newfound Lake
Home to many fish species, this lake in Wellington State Park offers a boat launch & swimming beach.
Trip packing checklist
Gear for Lakes
Useful gear categories for this kind of water trip. These links open Amazon search results so you can compare current options before you go.
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Useful for calm-water exploring without roof-rack logistics.
Keeps food and drinks together for longer waterfront stays.
A starter combo is often enough for casual lake fishing.
Open shorelines and boats can mean hours of direct sun.
Tips for Visiting Lakes
Check for boat launch facilities and fees
Obtain required fishing licenses before arrival
Be aware of lake-specific regulations and restrictions
Monitor water quality reports before swimming