The 10 Best Lakes in the U.S.

Visiting the beach doesn’t have to mean heading to the East or West Coast. You don’t have to go to the Gulf either. Instead, explore the best lakes in the U.S. Lakes provide you with a wide range of activity types, from high-adventure cliff jumping and jet skiing to relaxing, slow-day fishing. The hard part is knowing where to go. With over 102,500 lakes in the U.S., you may have trouble knowing which to visit first.

Below, we share details on the 10 best lakes in the U.S., to help you plan the best lake trip that you can.

There are no words to describe just how stunning Crater Lake is. It is the only lake to have an entire national park dedicated to it, and there’s a good reason for that. As the deepest lake in the country and one of the most pristine lakes in the world, it is easily on the list of the best lakes in the U.S. When you visit Crater Lake National Park, you’ll learn that the lake was formed 7,700 years ago when an eruption triggered the collapse of a mountain peak. Since then, the lake has been continuously fed by rain and snow, keeping it pure and clean.

There’s much to do when you visit. Start with backcountry camping and hiking the Cleetwood Cove Trail. Once you’re ready to explore the water, you can take one of the guided tours to do so. You cannot bring your own vessel to Crater Lake as it remains protected. However, there are electric boat tours available, depending on the construction. Take a trolley ride to see some of the best experiences or the scenic Rim Drive, which provides you with 33 miles of beauty around every turn.

For those craving boating experiences on a lake, head to Lake Tahoe. The scenic landmark sits on the border between Nevada and California, providing some of the best freshwater experiences possible. It is also the largest alpine lake on the continent, providing crisp, cleaner water than others. With mountain views on every side, this is a lake that’s quite beautiful just to marvel at, especially with fir and pine trees on all sides.

To really enjoy the experience, you have to get in the water at Lake Tahoe, which has been named one of AAA's best lakes in California. With sailboat races, jet skiing, fishing and parasailing to offer, you’ll find plenty of adventure. Explore Eagle Falls, go paddleboarding or kayak around the lake. There are several beaches to sunbathe on, including Baldwin Beach, Zephyr Cove and Pope Beach, some of the most family-friendly options. Planning a Lake Tahoe vacation allows you to explore the surrounding area’s restaurants, shops, attractions and amenities as well.

Situated on the Colorado River in both Utah and Arizona, Lake Powell is stunning visually. You can explore the 2,000 miles of shoreline, but it may be the 96 canyons, some of which reach as long as 20 miles, that really make you want to visit this area. The lake is a human-made reservoir, but the towering rock walls and burnt red landscape make it look more like a painting.

Padre Bay is the largest bay on the lake and the ideal place to see the peaks of Tower Butte, Dominguez Butte and Cookie Jar Butte. You’ll also find this is the perfect spot for waterskiing and wakeboarding. Many come to kayak through the slower-moving canyons, though paddleboarding has become popular as well. Plan a vacation to Lake Powell in Utah to have direct access to some of the best amenities, restaurants and attractions.

Lake of the Ozarks is the ideal Midwest lake vacation. As one of the best U.S. lakes, it offers a resort-style experience with something for most people. Many come to this area for the fun of it, from the shopping, golfing and beaching, to the floating for endless hours on the water. To explore the outdoors, you can launch your boat at one of the free campground sites or get a rental. Boat tours are also available at both of the marinas here.

Swim, kayak, lounge on the beach and go fishing while visiting. Many people visiting the Lake of the Ozarks make it a week-long camping trip with numerous RV, cabin and basic campsites available. While on land, explore the caves, the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day. You can also go horseback riding or bike through the state park. Watch out for the deer and foxes, but it’s the bald eagles that are the most impressive here. As one of the top lakes in the U.S. for a quiet vacation, the Lake of the Ozarks is hard to beat.

Lake Michigan, one of the five Great Lakes, needs a place on a list of the best lakes in the U.S. Spending a week here could mean everything from fishing and boating to doing some ice fishing, depending on the time of the year. As such a large lake, with several large cities nearby, you can choose the type of experience you desire. One of the best options is to plan a visit to Chicago to get an urban-like lakefront experience. Alternatively, you could visit Milwaukee for the same type of modern city feel. For more of a natural tour of Lake Michigan, head to Door County in Wisconsin.

No matter where you choose to visit, Lake Michigan offers something for everyone. For anglers, you can bring your own boat and fishing gear or take a shorter trip. Sport fishing has become popular on the waterfront. You’ll find brown trout, coho salmon and steelhead are plentiful. Washington Park Beach and Hagar Park Beach are two of the best swimming locations. Local parks, wineries and locations like Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore are also must-do experiences.

Located in the Adirondack Mountains, Lake George is surrounded by old-growth trees and mountains. Every experience is a bit different and here you can make it anything you want it to be. Boat and jet ski rentals are a popular way to explore the lake itself. However, this area is known for its whitewater rafting, which happens in numerous rivers and streams surrounding the lake. If you’re not ready for that experience yet, a boat tour of the surrounding area could be a good starting point. Any type of Adirondack trip can be fascinating.

When the weather gets cold, the area becomes a ski destination with snowshoeing, ice fishing and sledding, the perfect ways to see the area. Golf, tubing and ballooning are also popular activities to enjoy in the Lake George area. For those planning a Lake George fishing excursion, you’ll find both trout and salmon fisheries on the lake, though numerous species of bass are also found. Keep in mind that there are seasonal limits on the types of fish you can catch.

Charming, full of history and stunningly beautiful, Lake Champlain offers visitors some exciting opportunities for exploration. Several small towns dot the hills here, including Lewis, Elizabethtown and Port Henry. While you’re exploring the history in this New York region, which dates back hundreds of years, you’re sure to hear about Champ, the sea monster who some say lives in the lake. Maybe you won't find Champ, but you will find an excellent bass, bluegill sunfish and rock bass population to catch.

Boating on Lake Champlain offers several experience types. There are expansive waterways that allow you to kick up the power on your boat. However, there are several secluded, sheltered bays with sandy shores that allow you to lower anchor and enjoy the quiet experience. Off the water, you’ll find several area attractions to enjoy, including the Shelburne Museum and Farm (a historic, working farm), the Church Street Marketplace and the Burlington Bike Path. There’s something special about hiking through the nearby Vermont Green Mountains while you visit the area.

Out in the Rocky Mountain National Park, you’ll find Grand Lake, one of the best lakes in Colorado and perhaps one of the most picturesque of all U.S. lakes. Many come to beat the city lights and noise, knowing that, once the sun sets, the area becomes incredibly peaceful. Watching the stars is something you should plan to do since they are so vivid on a clear night. For outdoor recreation, take in the scenic trails for biking or hiking, explore the trout fishing opportunities that draw in wildlife to the area or do some kayaking along the water’s edge. This area also becomes an excellent destination for wintertime adventures, including snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.

There are small beaches to find pebbles on and horseback riding experiences here. The East Shore Trail, which is a 5.4-mile out-and-back route along Shadow Mountain Lake, could be an excellent experience for those who want a bit of a challenge. You can also check out Cascade Falls or head over to Monarch Lake nearby.

Located in Utah, Bear Lake is often referred to as the Caribbean of the Rockies, thanks to its beautiful, turquoise-blue waters. There’s nearly no limit to how you can explore this lake. Many come to go sailing in the calm waters, but jet skis, swimming and kayaking are all potential options. In the winter, ice fishing and snow skiing are both readily available (you can rent snowmobiles in some areas as well). The park is well-maintained, but be sure to check for availability for camping during the colder months.

The Bear Lake Valley Golf Courses in Garden City feature lake views on some of the holes, giving you a reason to get out on the green. Or, head underground to explore one of the numerous caves in the area. One of the most impressive is Minnetonka Cave, a 9-room cave filled with stalactites, stalagmites and banded stalactites. This is a quiet area, perfect for camping and hiking, but you’ll also find nearby shops and restaurants to enjoy.

If you’re on the East Coast, make it a point to visit one of the top lakes in the U.S. — Lake Winnipesaukee. It has a long history, including being seen in movies over the years. However, the lake itself has long been an East Coast destination for those looking to socialize, splash in the water and sail. When the crowds are not in the area, though, you’ll find it is a natural wonder.

This spring-fed lake has a wooded shoreline along the foothills of the White Mountains. When visiting the lake, you’ll be able to rent a boat, dig into the sandy beaches and take a long Saturday fishing for perch, landlocked salmon and largemouth bass. You can bring your own boat and use the public launches or book a tour or rental to take in the over 250 islands that dot the Winnipesaukee skyline.

Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your trip to any of the best lakes in the U.S. today. Plan the perfect trip around the country to see all of the top U.S. lakes with our Trip Canvas research tool and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets.