Best Lakes in America
Discover pristine lakes ideal for swimming, fishing, boating, and peaceful waterfront relaxation.
All Lakes
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4.4(279)Jordanelle Reservoir
Recreational reservoir at Jordanelle State Park, popular for fishing, boating & shoreline camping.
4.4(141)Moses Lake
Sinuous reservoir offering fishing, boating & water sports, plus shores with sand dunes & camping.
4.4(54)Lake Decatur
Expansive manmade lake, a popular destination for boating & fishing, with several boat ramps.
4.3(66)Lake Casa Blanca
This 1,680-acre reservoir on Chacon Creek offers swimming, boating, fishing & more.
4.3(123)Lake Meridian
Scenic lake offering a beach with a designated swimming area, plus trout fishing & a boat launch.
4.3(189)Bardwell Lake
Serene, scenic lake for boating & fishing featuring grassy shores for camping & picnics.
4.3(19)East Branch Clarion River Lake
Dammed 1,160-acre lake known for its year-round fishing, boating, swimming, camping & hiking.
4.3(23)O C Fisher Lake
Popular for swimming, boating & fishing, this large lake features a reddish hue caused by bacteria.
4.3(157)Vancouver Lake
Shallow lake for swimming, kayaking & fishing, with a small beach & adjacent park for picnics.
4.3(42)Steilacoom Lake
This shallow freshwater lake with a small boat launch offers swimming, kayaking & fishing.
4.2(193)Medina Lake
This 6,060-acre reservoir on the Medina River offers bass, catfish & carp fishing, plus boating.
4.2(97)Dutch Springs
Lively lake with big inflatables, watercraft rentals & scuba attractions, plus an aerial park.
4.2(23)Silver Lake
Urban lake offering paddle boating, canoe rentals, a skate park, playground & outdoor swimming pool.
4.2(26)Lake Helena
Picturesque lake for waterfront scenery, including bird watching & mountain views.
4.1(220)Lake Thunderbird
This large reservoir in Lake Thunderbird State Park features fishing, boating & 2 marinas.
4.1(98)Emigrant Lake
Artificial lake nestled in wooded hills, popular for camping, trout fishing & family hiking trails.
4.1(100)Fern Ridge Lake
This 9,360-acre reservoir features boating, sailing, fishing & a variety of water birds.
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