Best Lakes in America
Discover pristine lakes ideal for swimming, fishing, boating, and peaceful waterfront relaxation.
All Lakes
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4.5(231)Lacamas Lake
Scenic lake edged by dense woods, features hiking trails birding watching areas & a playground.
4.5(73)Lake Taneycomo
Renowned for its trout fishing, this serene reservoir also offers hiking, swimming & boating.
4.5(79)Lake Alvin
Fishing, kayaking, paddle-boarding & other water sports offered in a lush, natural environment.
4.5(93)Guist Creek Lake
This 317-acre reservoir on Guist Creek offers fishing, boating & kayaking, plus a marina.
4.5(153)Lake Lemon
Boasting 24 mi. of shoreline, this large lake offers boating, swimming, fishing & nature trails.
4.5(38)Elmer Thomas Lake
Lake & recreation venue with boat ramps, fishing piers & picnic areas, plus a beach & campgrounds.
4.5(11)Wreck Pond
Watershed preservation site & wildlife habitat with eco-tourism & volunteer activities.
4.5(312)El Dorado Lake
This 8,000-acre reservoir offers boating, a swimming beach & fishing, plus diverse wildlife.
4.5(53)Lake Macatawa
Lake offering water sports like kayaking & jet-skiing, with several parks along its edges.
4.5(27)Peoria Lake
Lake on the Illinois River, home to the city of Peoria, with waterfront parks, fishing & boating.
4.5(194)American Lake
Lake featuring boating, swimming & fishing, plus adjacent parks with tennis & a boat launch.
4.5(92)Crystal Lake
30-acre lake with picnic facilities, walking trails & fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill & pike.
4.5(569)Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach
Lakeside park is a go-to for picnics, rope swings, kayaks, a snackbar & group & event rentals.
4.5(62)Centennial Lake
Scenic manmade lake providing a variety of fish species & a launch for non-motorized boats.
4.5(1,554)Malibu Lagoon State Beach
Hidden beach offering ideal surf conditions, gardens, picnic seating, a fishing pier & guided tours.
4.5(159)Upper Klamath Lake
Tranquil lake over 25 miles long, offering a popular retreat for fly-fishing, swimming & canoeing.
4.5(1,966)Lynn Creek Park at Joe Pool Lake
A 784-acre waterfront park with a white-sand beach & 2 boat ramps plus volleyball & picnic areas.
4.5(136)Belews Lake
Fishing, boating & water-skiing are popular at this sprawling artificial lake with 2 marinas.
4.5(237)Lake Chaubunagungamaug
Natural lake known for its long name offering fishing, marinas, boating & beaches for swimming.
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