Best Lakes in America
Discover pristine lakes ideal for swimming, fishing, boating, and peaceful waterfront relaxation.
All Lakes
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4.7(60)Ossipee Lake
Vacation homes surround this tranquil destination, with beaches for swimming, fishing & boating.
4.7(71)North–South Lake
Popular recreation area with hiking trails, swimming beaches, small boat rentals & a campground.
4.7(131)Inks Lake
Reservoir with fishing, paddling, a swimming hole & an adjacent state park for camping & golf.
4.7(959)Bear Creek Lake State Park
Set in Cumberland State Forest, this 40-acre lake hosts swimming, boating & fishing, plus cabins.
4.7(113)Lake Pepin
Large, natural lake known for its working lighthouse, abundant fish & the birth of water skiing.
4.7(41)Lake Wisconsin
Large reservoir offering boating, swimming areas & fishing for walleye, bluegill, bass & more.
4.7(207)Lake Red Rock
Expansive recreational area surrounded by parks, with hiking & biking trails, plus campsites.
4.7(436)Whalon Lake
Nature park featuring a quarry lake, prairie & wetlands, plus fishing, boating, trails & a dog park.
4.7(92)Cobbs Hill Reservoir
This concrete reservoir on a hill features a fountain, a granite Greek Revival gatehouse & more.
4.7(9,945)Green Lake Park
Recreation area with trails, beach & boathouse, plus tennis courts, baseball fields & indoor pool.
4.7(41)Conway Lake
A popular fishing hole, this 1,316-acre lake features a boat launch, swimming beach & campground.
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4.7(143)Lake Sammamish
Parkland surrounds this freshwater lake with boating, waterskiing, picnic shelters & hiking trails.
4.7(475)Lake Elizabeth
Recreation area with a bird-filled island, plus a dog park, playgrounds, sports fields & boat ramp.
4.7(188)Coeur d'Alene Lake
Sizable, scenic lake offering adjacent cycling trails, swimming beaches & bald eagle sightings.
4.7(310)Falls Lake
Backed by pine trees, this peaceful 12,000-acre lake offers camping, swimming, hiking & biking.
4.7(331)Lake Marion
The state's largest, this stunning lake offers fishing, camping & boating, plus a range of wildlife.
4.7(61)Dewey Lake
Recreational waters for fishing, swimming & boating, with surrounding forests, trails & campsites.
4.7(78)Crystal Lake
Deep lake connected to Lake Michigan, with a long, sandy beach, plus resorts & rental cottages.
4.7(59)Pushaw Lake
This 4,680-acre glacial lake features several small islands & offers fishing & boating.
4.7(535)Lake Murray
Large man-made lake offering striped bass fishing, public boat ramps & marinas & a bird sanctuary.
4.7(42)Mascoma Lake
Spacious lake with a beach for swimming & recreation, plus sailing, ice fishing & other activities.
4.7(114)Lake Glenville
High-elevation reservoir with mountain & forest views, offering boating, swimming & waterfall hikes.
4.7(75)Foss Reservoir
Foss Reservoir, also known as Foss Lake, is in Custer County, Oklahoma on the Washita River, about 15 miles west of Clinton, Oklahoma. The reservoir was constructed during 1958–1961 by the U. S. Bureau of Reclamation. The project was known originally as the Washita Basin Project.
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