Top Lakes in the USA

ByDrew Redmond

The United States is home to some of the best lakes in the world. From crystal clear mountain alpine lakes, to beautiful urban and coastal waters, there’s a lake for everyone.

Whether you’re looking for a spot to enjoy fishing or swimming or just want to take in natural beauty with a hike around the lake’s edge, these top US lakes offer something unique and special.

Take a journey across the country and discover some of the USA’s most beautiful lakes, each offering its own unique charm and character.

Best Lakes in the USA


Below are some of the best lakes in the USA. If you haven’t been to some of these lakes, I highly recommend taking a “lake road trip” across the country! It will be well worth your time!

Lake Powell

Located in the desert of southern Utah, Lake Powell is a reservoir that stretches across two states and reaches Arizona. Surrounded by stunning sandstone canyons and remarkable geological formations, it’s one of the most majestic lakes in the country.

Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, camping, and sightseeing here. Lake Powell is also home to some of the most transparent waters in the West, making it an excellent spot for scuba diving and snorkeling. With its unique beauty, breathtaking views, and numerous recreational opportunities, Lake Powell is worth visiting.

Lake Tahoe

Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Lake Tahoe is one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the country. Dubbed “The Queen of American Lakes,” it has beautiful waters that reflect the majestic peaks surrounding it.

Lake Tahoe is a popular destination for skiing, snowboarding, boating, and fishing enthusiasts. On summer days, visitors enjoy relaxing on boat cruises or exploring the lake’s many beaches. Lake Tahoe is a must-see for any nature lover with its stunning scenery and countless recreational activities.

Lake of the Ozarks

 

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Spanning over 54,000 acres and boasting 1,150 miles of shoreline, Lake of the Ozarks is one of the largest manufactured lakes in the United States. Located in central Missouri, this lake is known for its vast waters and abundant recreational activities.

Its winding shoreline creates many coves that are ideal for swimming and fishing and provides perfect locations for camping and various water sports.

Lake of the Ozarks is an unforgettable experience with its stunning scenery and countless outdoor fun opportunities.

Lake Erie

A major stop on the Great Lakes transportation network, Lake Erie is the fourth largest of the five Great Lakes. It has a diverse landscape and ecosystem, with beaches, islands, and marshes making up its varied shoreline.

The lake is famous for fishing, swimming, sailing, and boating activities in the summer months. With its beautiful sunsets and limestone cliffs, it’s no wonder why Lake Erie is known as one of America’s most picturesque lakes.

Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake is a beautiful lake in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California. Its crystal clear waters provide the perfect setting for outdoor activities like swimming, fishing, and sailing. In addition, the surrounding area offers plenty of opportunities to explore nature trails and forests and enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains and lake.

Big Bear Lake is known for its stunning sunsets and diverse wildlife; visiting this idyllic location is an unforgettable experience.

Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes in North America. It is the second-largest lake fully contained within the United States.

Its deep waters provide an ideal setting for various activities such as swimming, fishing, boating, and paddling. However, despite its beauty, Lake Michigan can be treacherous; high winds and choppy waters make it dangerous for recreational boaters.

Lake Havasu

 

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Lake Havasu is a stunning artificial lake located on the Arizona-California border.

It was created when the Parker Dam was constructed in 1938. This beautiful lake provides excellent opportunities for recreation, including fishing, boating, swimming, picnicking, and camping.

With its crystal-clear waters and amazing views of nature, Lake Havasu has become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

Lake Winnebago

 

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Lake Winnebago is Wisconsin’s largest inland lake, spanning over 137,000 acres and 1,200 miles of shoreline.

This magnificent body of water is rich in history and culture, with a variety of attractions such as kayaking and fishing or simply appreciating the stunning beauty that it has to offer.

In the winter, Lake Winnebago transforms into an ice-skating wonderland, with plenty of spots to take a quick glide across its frozen surface.

Lake Lanier

 

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Lake Lanier is a 38,000-acre reservoir located in north Georgia. It holds roughly 690 billion gallons of water and is the largest lake in the state.

The lake has become a popular tourist destination because of its many amenities, including fishing, boating, swimming, and camping. Lake Lanier also features some of the best sunset views in the region – it’s a great spot to take a romantic stroll while admiring the stunning colors painting the horizon at dusk.

Lake Mead

Lake Mead is an artificial lake created by the construction of the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River in 1936. It is the largest reservoir in the United States and covers 248 square miles of the desert landscape.

Lake Mead is known for its breathtaking views, excellent boating and fishing opportunities, and impressive wildlife, including several species of waterfowl. In addition, the lake offers plenty of opportunities to explore nature, relax, or enjoy a day in the sun.

Moosehead Lake

Moosehead Lake is a magnificent body of water located in Central Maine. It is the largest lake located entirely within the borders of one U.S. state, measuring approximately 40 miles long and 20 miles wide.

Moosehead Lake offers visitors a variety of outdoor recreational activities, including fishing, swimming, boating, and more. The lake’s unique layout creates calm waters for relaxing leisurely and areas of wave-filled adventure perfect for the adrenaline seeker in us all.

Lady Bird Lake

Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas, is a 512-acre reservoir at the city’s heart. It’s a popular destination for recreation and relaxation, with activities like kayaking, fishing, and stand-up paddle boarding available.

Visitors can also enjoy breathtaking skyline views while jogging or biking along the shoreline that circles the lake. Lady Bird Lake truly has something for everyone to enjoy!

Lake Burton

 

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Located in the foothills of Northeast Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Lake Burton is a 2,775-acre reservoir renowned for its serene beauty. It boasts crystal clear waters, gorgeous wooded shorelines, and towering mountain views.

Popular recreational activities on the lake include fishing, boating, and swimming. So whether you are looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled day on the lake, Lake Burton has something to offer everyone.

Summary

The United States is home to some of the most stunning lakes in the world. From gorgeous scenery to a multitude of recreational activities, there’s something for everyone. Popular US lakes include Lake Tahoe, California; Lake Mead, Nevada; and Lake Champlain, New York.

In the south you’ll find beautiful Lake Burton in Georgia and delightful Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas. Whether it’s fishing or swimming you desire, or simply a spot to relax and take in the beauty of nature, choose from these top US lakes for an amazing day on the water.