Best Lakes in America
Discover pristine lakes ideal for swimming, fishing, boating, and peaceful waterfront relaxation.
All Lakes
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4.7(34)Otis Reservoir
This 1,085-acre reservoir offers recreational activities, including water-skiing & fishing.
4.7(125)Mirror Lake
Tranquil lake, popular for swimming & boating, plus dog sledding & ice skating in winter.
4.7(74)Otsego Lake
Swimming, boating & fishing are popular recreational activities at this scenic lake with many bays.
4.7(198)Massabesic Lake
Sizable lake & public water supply in a scenic setting with walking trails, fishing & boating.
4.7(4,446)Bde Maka Ska
Swimming, water sports & watercraft rentals, plus separate 3-mile loop paths for walkers & bikers.
4.7(205)Chautauqua Lake
Large lake with shoreline parks, popular for recreational boating, fishing & dinner cruises.
4.7(622)Lake Hefner
This reservoir lake with a lighthouse is popular for sailing, fishing & birdwatching.
4.7(116)Elk Lake
A scenic byway hugs this lake fringed by peaks & campsites, popular for swimming & boating.
4.7(78)Crystal Lake
Deep lake connected to Lake Michigan, with a long, sandy beach, plus resorts & rental cottages.
4.7(519)Raystown Lake
Completed in 1973, the state's largest lake offers swimming, fishing, boat launches & hiking trails.
4.7(166)Kanopolis Lake
Kanopolis Lake is a reservoir in Ellsworth County in the Smoky Hills of central Kansas, about 31 miles southwest of Salina and a few miles southeast of the town of Kanopolis. The lake is formed by Kanopolis Dam.
4.7(1,383)White Rock Lake
Large reservoir lake with hiking, boating, picnicking, bird-watching, a museum & a dog park.
4.7(109)Radnor Lake
Tranquil lake within a woodsy, 1,368-acre park with hiking trails, bird-watching & more.
4.7(18)Lake Rescue
This 180-acre lake offers swimming, fishing, waterskiing, ice skating & other activities.
4.7(304)Green River Lake
Forest-lined lake sheltering migratory songbirds, with bass fishing, boat launches & campgrounds.
4.7(16)Lake Braddock
A 19-acre lake in a residential area featuring a paved walking trail with water views.
4.7(61)Dewey Lake
Recreational waters for fishing, swimming & boating, with surrounding forests, trails & campsites.
4.7(51)Green Lake
Freshwater lake offers swimming beaches, fishing sites, boat ramps & a recreational path.
4.7(95)Round Lake
This glacial lake, a popular fishing spot, is surrounded by a forested park with hiking trails.
4.7(272)Caddo Lake
Canoeing & fishing site amid cypress trees, Spanish moss, bayous, ponds & alligators plus cabins.
4.7(50)Buckeye Lake
A 3,100-care state park lake formed in 1826 with boat ramps & popular water sport & picnic area.
4.7(331)Lake Marion
The state's largest, this stunning lake offers fishing, camping & boating, plus a range of wildlife.
4.7(310)Falls Lake
Backed by pine trees, this peaceful 12,000-acre lake offers camping, swimming, hiking & biking.
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