Thousands of lakes dot the United States’ 50 states, including 12,000 in Minnesota alone, ensuring that there are lake vacations to suit all types of travelers. From the world’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Superior, to North America’s largest alpine lake, magnificent Lake Tahoe on the California-Nevada border. And, to the cleanest lake, Crater Lake in Oregon, the US is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking lakes. There are 117 million lakes in the United States, and many of them are popular recreational spots. However, some stand out from the crowd, such as the Great Lakes’ seemingly unending waters. Or, the Cascades’ mountains rising up from the edges of the lakes. However, not all lakes are made equal, and some stand out above the rest. So, in this article, I will list the best boating lakes in the US. Follow me!

Best Lakes in the West and Southwest

Lake Tahoe, Nevada and California

Lake Tahoe, located on the state boundary between California and Nevada and encircled by the Sierra Nevada Mountains’ snowcapped peaks, is easily one of the most beautiful lakes in the United States. At 1,645 feet, it is the second deepest lake in the United States and the largest alpine lake in North America. It’s also crystal clear, with visibility exceeding 70 feet in some parts and a beautiful fusion of blue colors that shift with the weather and the lake’s location. Lake Tahoe attracts sunbathers in the summer, despite the fact that the water is frigid all year. Skiing in the mountains is available in the winter, with panoramic lake views from the runs. Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, on the Nevada side of the lake, including hiking paths and Sand Harbor Beach.

>>Also Read: Best Boating Destinations in California

Big Bear Lake, California

In Southern California, there’s a lake with a plethora of leisure opportunities. This is the Big Bear Lake. Big Bear Lake has multiple days of sunshine each year, so you can take your boat and sail in the spring, summer, or fall. At Big Bear Lake, jet skiing, kayaking, and paddleboarding are all popular recreational water sports. Take a fishing excursion to the deep seas or go on your own fishing adventure to catch trout, bass, and catfish. When you’re ready to return to dry land, visit The Village for dining, shopping, and entertainment. Seasonal community events are held in this quaint town center, which also features fantastic spots for dining and listening to local music.

Great Salt Lake, Utah

The Great Salt Lake is the western United States’ largest natural lake. Note that the lake is about 75 miles long and 35 miles wide at its level. Because it has no outlet, the Great Salt Lake is salty. Small amounts of salt dissolved in the freshwater flow of tributary rivers are continually brought in. Much of the water evaporates when it reaches the Great Salt Lake. Like this, the salt is left behind.

Lake Bonneville, a vast ice age lake that rose drastically from a little saline lake 30,000 years ago, is now known as the Great Salt Lake. People visit Salt Lake for a variety of recreational opportunities and to take in “one of the great sights on the American continent,” as John Muir put it. Bridger Bay Beach on Antelope Island’s north end is possibly the most beautiful beach in the entire lake. The beach is a two-mile-long stretch of white oolitic sand with a hundred-yard width.

Lake Powell, Utah

Lake Powell, on the border of Arizona and Utah, is a man-made reservoir surrounded by stunning crimson sandstone cliffs and turquoise and emerald-colored water! It is a terrific place for a summer houseboat trip because it has over 90 side canyons to explore. Wakeboarding, water skiing, fishing, and even boat trips are just a few of the waterfront activities available. The Kaiparowits plateau, which is 1,600 square miles in size and surrounds Lake Powell, features a magnificent red rock landscape worth seeing. There, you should certainly take your boat and visit the Rainbow Bridge National Monument, one of the world’s largest natural bridges.

Grand Lake, Colorado

Grand Lake, Colorado’s largest natural body of water, is a deep blue beauty situated at an elevation of 8,369 feet. The view in the adjacent mountains is similarly stunning. The village of Grand Lake, which serves as the western entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, is located near the lake. In the summer, Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved road in the United States, connects it to Estes Park on the other side. During the winter, it is closed.
Grand Lake has something for everyone, including a historic boardwalk that dates back to the late 1800s. If you want to explore the lake by boat, go to the Grand Lake Marina. You can rent a variety of watercraft as well as stand-up paddleboards there. Water sports such as waterskiing and wakeboarding are also available. Despite the fact that the water is cold even in the summer, many people brave the cold for a swim, and there is a swimming beach with picnic tables.

Lake Havasu, Arizona

One of the best spots to go to the beach and have a nice time in Lake Havasu. This lake, which is within the municipal borders of Lake Havasu, features some of the best beaches in the state. There are soft sand stretches all over the 400-mile beachfront. The lake’s water becomes extremely heated. With a temperature of 87 degrees in August and 83 degrees in July, the water is virtually bathtub warm. The temperature in September is a nice 79 degrees.

Throughout the summer, the lake draws visitors from all over the world, and many snow aficionados in the winter. Boating is by far popular there, with anything from pontoon boats to sailboats and wakeboard boats. In the hot Arizona sun, boats and Jet Skis whiz around all day, hauling water skiers, tubers, and wakeboarders. Many individuals prefer to avoid crowds. So, they find their own private cove or beach in the Topock Gorge region.

Lake Travis, Texas

Lake Travis, the Crown Jewel of the Central Texas Highland Lakes, is brimming with entertaining activities. This long and slender reservoir stretches for almost 63 miles, with 270 miles of shoreline. Boating, diving, fishing, and jet skiing are all popular water sports on Lake Travis. The shore of Lake Travis is lined with marinas, boat rentals, and tour shops, as well as several public access spots. A half-hour journey from Austin will take you to parts of Lake Travis. Windy Point Park is nearby the city and offers camping and some of the state’s greatest diving and swimming. Lake Travis is also surrounded by a number of land-based activities, including tours, music concerts, etc.

>>Also Read: Best Sailing Lakes in Texas

Best Lakes in the North and Northwest

Bantam Lake, Connecticut

It is the state’s largest natural lake, with a surface size of 383 hectares. The lake is situated between the towns of Morris and Litchfield in Connecticut’s western part. The north end of the lake is a protected area with a diverse range of bird species. Bird lovers go from all over the world to observe these species of birds. Along its shoreline lies the oldest water ski club in the United States. The Litchfield Hills Rowing Club and two public beaches are also located there.

Candlewood Lake, Connecticut

This man-made wonder is 16 miles long and 8.4 square miles in area, making it the state’s largest lake. It is split between the counties of Fairfield and Litchfield. Danbury Lake, technically a reservoir, was built by Connecticut Light & Power in the late 1920s. The Rocky River Dam was erected to improve the amount of energy they could create by pumping water from the Housatonic River into Candlewood Lake. The lake offers lots of places for camping and boating opportunities. This is because it features 86 miles of usable shoreline, 10 marinas, and various boat launches.

Lake Michigan, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana

The St. Lawrence River connects Lake Michigan to the Atlantic Ocean, making it the third-largest of the Great Lakes. Because this top U.S. lake is close to major cities like Chicago and Milwaukee, you’ll have much to do while on your lake vacation. Diving, kayaking, boating, and lake surfing are all popular activities on Lake Michigan. The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Nordhouse Dunes, and Warren Dunes State Park are just a few of the spectacular dune regions along the shoreline. There, you will enjoy scenic vistas while hanging gliding or hiking. Note that there are 59 lighthouses that exist on the coasts of Lake Michigan as a symbol of the centuries-old shipping industry.

>>Also Read: Best Sailing Lakes in Michigan

Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire

Visit the Lakes Regions of New Hampshire, located on the outskirts of the White Mountains, to see the United States’ largest lake. Lake Winnipesaukee is approximately 21 miles long and ranges in breadth from one to nine miles depending on where you are on the shoreline. On Lake Winnipesaukee, there are several beaches where swimming is popular during the summer. A long, sandy swimming area with change rooms may be found at Ellacoya State Park. An 80-mile circular road can also be used to drive around the entire lake. Alternatively, you can just take your boat and sail around the lake for the weekend.

Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

The Lake of the Ozarks, located in the heart of Missouri, is a man-made lake known as “The Magic Dragon” because of its writhing shape. There is a lot to do at this massive constructed reservoir. You can either try water skiing, boating, or wakeboarding. You can also take a sightseeing excursion or go standup paddleboarding. After you’ve had your fill of water sports, head to Lake of the Ozarks State Park for some hiking, biking, or bird viewing. Ha Ha Tonka State Park, which boasts Missouri’s 12th largest spring, has sinkholes and caves to explore.

Lake Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Lake Coeur d’Alene is a 30,000-acre lake in Idaho that is located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. A glacier formed the lake, which is now a recreational paradise. Hiking, swimming, camping, and golfing are all available around the lake, and fishing aficionados can join other eager anglers each morning in their search for chinook and kokanee salmon.

Devils Lake, North Dakota

Devils Lake, the state’s largest natural body of water, is located in northeastern North Dakota. It is at an elevation of 443.24 meters above sea level. The lake is notable for its wide range of water levels, which can range from shallow to 18 meters deep during periods of heavy rain. Grahams Island State Park and Sullys Hill National Preserve are there. Also, the Spirit Lake Reservation is located on the lake’s southern shoreline. Anglers will find boat ramps here, but other leisure activities such as camping and boating are also available.