Best Lakes in America
Discover pristine lakes ideal for swimming, fishing, boating, and peaceful waterfront relaxation.
All Lakes
Page 2 of 18
4.9(14)Profile Lake
Small scenic lake with 2 beach launches offering a tranquil setting for kayaking & fly fishing.
4.9(14)Lake Waiau
A popular hiking stopover, this alpine lake sits just below the summit of Mauna Kea volcano.
4.9(515)Jenny Lake
Motorboats are permitted on this glacial mountain lake & hiking spot at Grant Teton National Park.
4.9(190)Keuka Lake
A popular vacation destination, this expansive lake features swimming, boating, fishing & camping.
4.9(27)Lakes of the Clouds
Old-growth forests & wooded hills surround this scenic lake, popular among anglers.
4.8(140)Crescent Lake
Hiking & biking on former logging railway routes around a lake with translucent water & campgrounds.
4.8(50)Omak Lake
Omak Lake is a saline endorheic lake in the U.S. state of Washington, within the Greater Omak Area. The lake covers 3,244 acres at an elevation of 950 feet and is fed by three small creeks. With a volume of 705,000 acre-feet and depth of 325 feet, Omak is the largest saline lake in Washington.
4.8(12)Pleasant Lake
Small, quiet lake with fishing, swimming beaches & an upscale waterfront inn with a restaurant.
4.8(64)Lake Galena
Reservoir with an 8-mi. perimeter, edged by park & hiking, biking & equestrian trails.
4.8(631)Summersville Lake
Scenic lake created by a dam, with 60 mi. of shoreline offering boating, fishing & camping.
4.8(38)Indian Lake
This popular, 99-acre lake features 3 beaches with seasonal lifeguards, boating, fishing & swimming.
4.8(133)Lake of the Isles
Celebrated urban lake featuring an ice-skating rink, fishing pier, paved jogging paths & dog park.
4.8(93)Kensico Reservoir
Lake with fishing & boating, plus a historic dam featuring a park with a playground & trails.
4.8(22)First Connecticut Lake
Well-known, peaceful lake surrounded by mountains & hills drawing anglers for year-round fishing.
4.8(428)Pomme de Terre Lake
Artificial lake popular for fishing, water sports & beach swims, with many surrounding campsites.
4.8(51)Merrymeeting Lake
Lush hills & vacation homes surround this water body offering fishing, boating, swimming & more.
4.8(41)Mystic Lakes
Lakes & adjacent state park for fishing, swimming, sailing & rowing in a scenic, natural setting.
4.8(54)Cedar Lake
Large reservoir lake for water activities like fishing, kayaking, canoeing & swimming.
4.8(23)Muskegon Lake
Freshwater coastal plain estuary covering 4,232 acres, popular for hiking, fishing & boating.
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.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
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