The 10 best lakes in the US (and where to stay)

The glint of sunlight off the water’s surface, anchored sailboats stirred by gentle waves, a loon’s distant call from somewhere among the pines. The most beautiful lakes in the US offer a unique combination of both serenity and adventure, where outdoor enthusiasts can unplug by spending time in the water and on the beach as well as hiking and camping in the wilderness. From a high-altitude escape in the Sierra Nevadas to the depths of America’s deepest lake, the ten best lakes in the US are worth planning a trip around.

Despite its remoteness, over half a million tourists make the pilgrimage to Crater Lake in southern Oregon each year. This unique body of water – the star of Crater Lake National Park – was formed after a volcano collapsed more than 7,700 years ago. The resulting crater now contains the deepest lake in the country.

A visit here is all about the view from the caldera’s rim. From Sinnott Memorial Overlook, you’ll be able to get a panoramic look at the lake’s deep-blue water and encircling cliffs. Swimming and fishing are allowed, as are summer boat excursions to Wizard Island, where hiking trails pass lava formations. There’s also Pinnacles Trail, which passes needle-like rock formations known as fossil fumaroles near the lake’s southeastern corner. Plaikni Falls Trail leads to a waterfall where seasonal wildflowers grow.

Places to stay near Crater Lake National Park

This rustic vacation home, which features a stone fireplace and ping-pong table, is less than two miles from the park’s south entrance.

Drive 40 minutes north of Crater Lake and you’ll arrive at Snow Pine Retreat, a three-bedroom log cabin in the woods with a fire pit and treehouse.

This pet-friendly rental in Chiloquin has a pretty pond and outdoor dining area with a mountain view.

Some of Georgia’s most prized vacation homes are located along the shores of Lake Oconee, which was formed after the Wallace Dam was built in 1979. The lake is a narrow reservoir fed by the Oconee River, whose Georgia pine tree-lined waters are famously clean and clear – meaning excellent swimming, boating, waterskiing, kayaking, and fishing. Camping and picnicking in the many parks are also popular pastimes, as is golfing, with several championship golf courses in the area.

Many visitors carve out time away from the water to visit Greensboro, a nearby town with charming restaurants serving Southern cuisine, food and artisan markets, and a historic downtown. Best of all, it’s just a 90-minute drive from Atlanta.

Places to stay near Lake Oconee

This four-bedroom vacation home features a boat dock, a hot tub, and two wood-burning fireplaces.

The Villa in Greensboro is a luxurious 12,000-square-foot property with 10 bedrooms, four living rooms, a fitness center, a large pool, and a sauna. Lakefront Eastonton House exudes a cabin-like feel with its pinewood ceilings and expansive porch that faces a private dock on the lake.

The only Great Lake surrounded by US soil, Lake Michigan has long been a destination for laid-back vacations. There’s lots here to fill up days of sightseeing, from hiking in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore or hitching a ferry to Mackinac Island to counting the many lighthouses that dot the shoreline.

There are a few towns along Lake Michigan that are also worth a visit. In Saugatuck, you can spend time at the park’s beach or take a paddlewheel boat cruise down the Kalamazoo River. For a more urban experience, head to Milwaukee or Chicago – both heavyweights of food and culture.

Accommodation options near Lake Michigan

At Sturgeon Bay Cabin, you’ll find three bedrooms, a huge stone fireplace, and a light-filled sitting room with views of the lake and sliding doors that lead to a fire pit.

This lakefront cottage in Mears is just a short drive from major attractions, including Silver Lake State Park, Little Sable Point Lighthouse, and some charming local wineries. There are lots of beaches within two miles of this one-bedroom apartment in Benton Harbor, which provides access to a balcony and a shared pool.

One of New England’s prettiest lakes hides in the forests of northeastern Vermont. Despite being landlocked, Lake Willoughby looks like a fjord – its narrow body of water cradled on either side by two steep mountains. The glacial lake is chilly but that doesn’t stop swimmers from taking advantage of the public beaches at its northern and southernmost shores. 

One of the best ways to enjoy this part of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom is by staying in a lakefront cabin or vacation home, using it as a base between days spent hiking up Mounts Hor and Pisgah. You can also go canoeing or paddleboarding and just generally immerse yourself in abundant nature.

Places to stay near Lake Willoughby

This six-bedroom vacation home is less than a 30-minute drive from Lake Willoughby – providing a spacious base for exploring the Vermont wilderness.

This rustic cabin, complete with an outdoor fireplace for cozy stargazing evenings, is just four miles from Lake Willoughby. Jay Peak and Burke Mountain are also within easy driving distance.

A visit to Yellowstone National Park, a vast, UNESCO-listed region and America’s’ first national park, is a bucket-list experience. From plunging waterfalls to ancient canyons, diverse wildlife, and geothermal features, few places in the country contain as many unique natural attractions as Yellowstone.

Stays in nearby cabins will put you within striking distance of Yellowstone Lake, which is among the park’s most-visited areas. Here, underwater hot springs bubble beneath the surface and active geysers erupt along its banks. Meanwhile, its freshwater lures some of the park’s most famous residents, including bison, elk, and many species of birds. Numerous hiking routes lead to the lake’s shore, including the Storm Point and Pelican Creek nature trails. You can also rent a boat, kayak, or fish for cutthroat trout (with the proper permits).

Places to stay near Yellowstone National Park

Five miles from Yellowstone’s North Entrance, this one-bedroom home in Gardiner offers mountain views and a scenic location near the Yellowstone River.

Moose Tracks in West Yellowstone is a cabin-like stay with cathedral ceilings, a wood-burning fireplace, and a grill. A fire pit, wraparound patio, and hot tub are three standout features of this five-bedroom cabin, 30 miles from Yellowstone’s West Entrance.

Straddling the border between Canada and the US, Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes and the biggest freshwater lake in the world. Quaint towns, historic landmarks, pristine wilderness, and diverse vacation rental options provide reason enough to visit this relatively remote corner of Michigan.

Among Lake Superior’s unmissable attractions is Isle Royale National Park, home to old copper mining sites, untouched landscapes, and a healthy population of wolves and moose. The Apostle Islands are equally impressive, with ample opportunities for hiking and kayaking to see local lighthouses and sea caves.

Places to stay near Lake Superior

In Two Harbors, this waterfront cabin has picture windows facing the lake on both floors. It also has a patio, fire pit, and trail leading to a private beach.

This spacious two-bedroom apartment features a large living and dining area, direct lake access, and ski equipment storage.

At Heart of Superior Lake Cabin, you’ll find a sauna, a library stocked with books and movies, and a porch running the length of the property that overlooks the lake and grounds.

Lake Tahoe may not be the biggest freshwater lake in the States, but it’s one of the most famous. Tahoe’s shores are sprinkled with beaches, and the water is so clear that you can see up to 70 feet below the surface. Look up, and you’ll be gazing at the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountain range, where resorts like Palisades and Heavenly contain some of the country’s top skiing and hiking trails.

Consider booking a beach rental to stay close to the action. Sand Harbor, on the Nevada side, is a popular launchpad for boating and swimming. In the summer, it hosts the annual Shakespeare Festival. Hiking trails around Emerald Bay pass views of the lake’s only island and other local landmarks, including Lower Eagle Falls and Vikingsholm – a historic Scandinavian-style mansion.

Places to stay near Lake Tahoe

On Lake Tahoe’s northern shore, Rim Drive Lookout puts a modern spin on cabin living with an interior and exterior balcony, home library, and streaming services.

This Tahoe City studio features a mountain-view patio and is walkable from restaurants and beaches. Three ski resorts are also less than a 15-minute drive away.

Lake Tahoe Shoreside Retreat in Elk Point offers plenty of room to roam, with two living areas and a furnished deck facing the lake. There’s also access to a hiking trail and a private beach.

In central New Hampshire, Echo Lake is small – just shy of 16 acres, it’s the smallest on this list – which might explain why it flies off many tourists’ radars. Those in the know head to the lake’s solitary sandy beach to swim, kayak, and go pedal boating in the shadow of Cannon Mountain. For a bird’s-eye view, ride the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway to the 4,080-foot summit, where you can see all the way to Canada on clear days. 

Echo Lake is part of the wider Franconia Notch State Park, a nature reserve that protects multiple lakes and attractions. Don’t miss Flume Gorge – a narrow chasm dating to the Jurassic Period that you can explore via a series of staircases and boardwalks.

Places to stay near Echo Lake

White Mountain Retreat in North Conway is less than three miles from Echo Lake and offers three bedrooms, a fireplace, a pool table, and a backyard with a fire pit.

You can enjoy views of the White Mountains and Saco River from the patio and hot tub at this four-bedroom vacation home. There’s also a home theater and ping-pong table.

7 Merrimeeting Chalet, a two-bedroom vacation home in Conway, is less than a 20-minute walk from the Cathedral Ledge viewpoint.

While not officially counted among America’s five Great Lakes, Lake Champlain could be considered one. This massive body of water stretches for over 120 miles down the border between New York and Vermont, and its size spells endless opportunities for exploration – from hikes in Mount Philo State Park and sunset cruises to visits to historic Fort Ticonderoga. Beyond the usual lake pursuits – swimming, birding, paddleboarding, fishing, and camping – scuba divers can even venture below the lake’s surface to spot shipwrecks that rest on the lakebed.

To get a taste of local culture, spend some time in Burlington. At the Ethan Allen Homestead, you can learn about Revolutionary War history and enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment along Church Street Marketplace.

Places to stay near Lake Champlain

This four-bedroom lakeview home has an outdoor hot tub, sauna, and wraparound deck where you can enjoy sunsets over the lake and distant Adirondack Mountains. 

Tucked away in North Hero, Lake Champlain Cottage feels worlds away with its fire pit, cozy living room, and furnished deck near the water’s edge. Stay close to the action at this historic home in Plattsburg, which is within walking distance of Lake Champlain and features complimentary bikes for exploring the downtown area.

Lake Austin, a reservoir in central Texas fed by the Colorado River, is a year-round destination but it is especially alluring come summer when the Texan heat hits. All manner of watersports enthusiasts come to swim, kayak, paddleboard, sail, and fish in the lake’s calm waters. Renting a pontoon boat is a great way to take a leisurely float while trying your luck at catching largemouth bass and catfish.

Verdant hills hugging the lakeshore are dotted with luxury resorts and vacation homes, some of which have private docks. Waterfront restaurants also provide stellar views of Pennybacker Bridge. While you may feel far from civilization, the lake is less than a 30-minute drive from its namesake city, Austin, and its live music and culinary scenes.

Places to stay near Lake Austin

Waterfront Wonder is a two-bedroom stay with Lake Austin views from its patio, living area, outdoor dining area, and backyard.

Splurge on this contemporary Lake Austin estate for access to a private pool, hot tub, dressing room, and lake views from the front deck.

This palatial vacation home is conveniently located near Emma Long Metropolitan Park, where you can hike along the Turkey Creek Trail.

Choose the best time to visit. 

Seasonal weather and climate affect both the activities you can do and the crowds you encounter on a lake vacation. Summer is typically the best time to enjoy water sports such as boating, fishing, and swimming, but it also tends to be the most popular and expensive. Off-peak travel occurs in the spring and fall when destinations experience cooler temperatures and lower rates. Winter is ideal for cold-weather fun like skiing and ice skating, but inclement weather often leads to road and attraction closures.

Consider whether you’d like your trip to coincide with local or seasonal events, such as food, wine, and music festivals. If local wildlife is important to you, be sure to research the best times to fish or view certain species.

Pick the right accommodation.

The right lakeside accommodation for your trip depends on your needs and wants. A family of three will benefit from different amenities than a group of 12 close friends. Depending on the number of beds and common areas you require, you may wish to spring for a multi-bedroom vacation home rather than a small apartment or cabin.

On Booking.com, you can filter your search by specific amenities, such as whether the place you’re staying includes a hot tub or laundry facilities or provides family-friendly perks such as a pool or game room. You can also see a rental’s proximity to local attractions, such as beaches and chair lifts. 

Location is also important: do you prefer direct lake access, a lake view, or proximity to town? All are vital details to consider before securing a reservation.

Pack the essentials. 

When deciding on what to bring on a lake vacation, it’s best to tailor your packing list to the destination you’ll be visiting. Lake Tahoe, for example, is much closer to shops that sell gear and food than, say, a more remote location like Crater Lake. That being said, the following essentials will come in handy no matter the lake:

• Lake essentials: swimsuits, cover-ups, towels, waterproof bag(s)

• Clothing: lightweight shirts and shorts/pants, sweaters or jackets, comfortable shoes (sandals, sneakers, water shoes, and hiking boots), raincoat

• Accessories: hats, sunglasses, camera, umbrella

• Outdoor gear: fishing/boating/kayaking equipment, beach chairs, coolers

• Safety gear: sunscreen, bug spray, First-Aid kit, flashlight/lantern, life jackets

• Miscellaneous: books, magazines, snacks, games

What activities can you do at a lakeside retreat? 

Water-based activities are an obvious draw for any lake resort town in the US. Depending on the area and local facilities available, many lakes offer the opportunity to go swimming, boating, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, jet skiing, water skiing, and tubing.

The most beautiful lakes in the US are also surrounded by nature. Nearby trails allow you to enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Parks and forests are perfect places to camp or picnic. Wildlife spotting is also a favorite pastime: lakes and their surroundings are often home to deer, otters, and diverse bird species.

Which is the best lake town in the US?

The ‘best’ of anything always depends on your personal preferences. Lake towns in the US each provide a unique blend of nature, culture, and recreation. Lake Tahoe is renowned for its alpine scenery, dining scene, and year-round activities. Yellowstone Lake is best known for its location inside Yellowstone National Park. Echo Lake’s biggest draws are its lack of crowds and nearby attractions like Flume Gorge. 

Which are the best lakeside resort towns for families?

Lake Tahoe and Lake Oconee are among the best lake vacations for families in the US due to their blend of outdoor fun suitable for all ages and range of accommodation options. Families also prefer Lake Champlain and Lake Michigan for their proximity to cultural attractions and a range of nature activities. While Crater Lake and Yellowstone Lake are beautiful, they require longer driving distances to reach and do not offer as many amenities.