Best Lakes in America
Discover pristine lakes ideal for swimming, fishing, boating, and peaceful waterfront relaxation.
All Lakes
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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(24)Lower Saranac Lake
A scenic 2,285-acre lake connected to a river popular with canoeists, birdwatchers, hikers & bikers.
5.0(14)Lake Buel
Vast pond & popular nature getaway for leisure, boating & wildlife watching, with amenities nearby.
4.9(14)Lake Waiau
A popular hiking stopover, this alpine lake sits just below the summit of Mauna Kea volcano.
4.9(76)Green Lake
Tree-lined glacial lake at Green Lakes State Park, with a golf course, swimming & boat rentals.
4.9(172)Newfound Lake
Home to many fish species, this lake in Wellington State Park offers a boat launch & swimming beach.
4.9(65)Lonesome Lake
12-acre mountain lake accessible by hiking trail, with a loop path & year-round hut for overnights.
4.9(11)Mirror Lake
This picturesque 333-acre lake features swimming, boating, fishing & other outdoor recreation.
4.9(27)Avalanche Lake
9-acre lake between 2 peaks, offering serene surrounding trails with plank bridges & large boulders.
4.9(14)Profile Lake
Small scenic lake with 2 beach launches offering a tranquil setting for kayaking & fly fishing.
4.9(71)Lake Lure
Surrounded by mountains, this manmade lake is popular for boating, swimming, fishing & hiking trips.
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(44)Sawtooth Lake
Picturesque, high-altitude lake featuring camping, trout fishing & well-maintained hiking trails.
4.9(233)Lake of the Clouds
Valley lake offering swimming & fishing spots, plus campsites, hiking trails & a scenic overlook.
4.9(217)Ashokan Reservoir
Water reservoir featuring a paved waterfront trail, views of the Catskills & fishing by permit.
4.9(240)Lake Minnewaska
Leafy hiking trails fringe this large lake, with sheer cliffs & a compact beach area for swimming.
4.9(27)Lakes of the Clouds
Old-growth forests & wooded hills surround this scenic lake, popular among anglers.
4.9(190)Keuka Lake
A popular vacation destination, this expansive lake features swimming, boating, fishing & camping.
4.9(58)Payette Lake
Glacial lake framed by wild forest & mountains, offering sandy beaches, boat rentals & fishing.
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