10 Amazing US Lakes for Summer Vacation
If you are looking for a fun and affordable vacation spot, there are many amazing lakes in the US for summer vacation. These lakes are not just mere spectacular stretches of water. They offer a great range of fun activities off, in, and away from the water, wonderful places to stay and camp, and fantastic places to eat. Take a look at the list of 10 most amazing US lakes for summer vacation and choose the one you like best.
1 Wallowa Lake, Oregon
Wallowa Lake is located about one mile south of Joseph, Oregon. Even in summer the lake is surrounded by snow tipped mountains. There is Wallowa Lake State Park on the south side of the lake, along with the small houses and several small businesses. You can stay at the historic Wallowa Lake Lodge, the campground or find lodging in one of many cabins on the river and among the trees. Consider riding the gondola lift to the summit of Mount Howard (8,000 feet) or enjoy interesting activities such as horseback riding, hiking, boating, swimming and fishing. You may also want to visit Old Chief Joseph gravesite at the Nez Perce National Historic Park. Wallowa Lake, Oregon is a gateway to the Hell’s Canyon and incredible Eagle Cap wilderness.
2 Lake Lanier, Georgia
The largest lake in Georgia, Lake Lanier is one of the best lakes for summer vacation. From a half hour to one hour from Atlanta, Lake Lanier is filled with beautiful islands formed when the Buford Dam was built. It’s home to a top flight hotel, houseboats and campgrounds, as well as about 700 miles of spectacular shoreline. You can rent anything from a small boat to a yacht or pontoon here. Enjoy the equestrian center, waterpark, golf courses, swimming, hiking and fishing. Lake Lanier has something to offer for everyone!
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3 Lake Chelan, Washington
The longest natural lake in Washington and the 3rd deepest lake in the US, Lake Chelan was formed when a glacier-carved valley flooded, and it’s 1,500 feet deep and 55 miles long. Summer sun, blue skies and clear waters have made Lake Chelan of the best summer-vacation destinations to visit. On the southeast end of the lake, there’s the remote town of Stehekin, which you can reach only by plane or boat. There is plenty to see and do in Stehekin, so consider visiting this town too.
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4 Lake Placid, New York
Known as the site of the 1932 and the 1980 Winter Olympics, Lake Placid is a perfect place for both summer and winter vacation. The beauty of the lake and the surrounding Adirondack mountains is breathtaking and there are hundreds of activities to try, including hiking on marked hiking trails, biking, golf, kayaking, boating and fishing. The town of Lake Placid, located 2-1/2 miles from the lake, offers luxurious and rustic accommodations and great restaurants.
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5 Redfish Lake, Idaho
Redfish Lake is located in the heart of the magnificent Sawtooth Mountain Range, Idaho. The lake offers excellent canoeing, boating, kayaking, water skiing, and fishing. Moreover, Redfish Lake offers crystal clear water and fantastic sandy beaches. The surrounding hills provide some of the nation’s most impressive granite cliffs for every mountain climber.
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6 Caddo Lake, Louisiana and Texas
Located on the border of Louisiana and Texas, Caddo Lake is a lake of more than 25,000 acres and part of Caddo Lake State Park. Enjoy a little bass fishing or drift in a canoe among the world’s largest cypress tree forest. Caddo Lake has something to offer for each nature lover, from hiking, biking to horseback riding. If you are an animal lover, you will enjoy seeing alligators, river otters, eagles, owls, mink and storks. Consider visiting the Starr Family State Historic site and Karnack, the childhood home of Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson.
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7 Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
Nestled amid the rolling hills of central Missouri, the serpentine Lake of the Ozarks is one of the most amazing lakes for summer vacation. It’s one of the largest man-made lakes in the US, which was created by the Bagnell Dam in 1931. Being one of the best destinations for golf and fishing, it hosts a few prestigious golf tournaments and world-class boating. Lake of the Ozarks boasts more than 1,150 miles of shoreline, and is surrounded by a great number of wonderful accommodations, including camping and rustic cabins. You can enjoy exploring underground caves, fishing, boating, parasailing, swimming and even shopping.
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8 Lake Tahoe, Nevada and California
Lake Tahoe has an endless list of things to do and to see so you could spend a month there and still have a lot of things to experience. Enjoy clear blue waters, magnificent mountains and vibrant nightlife. Take a paddlewheel cruise, visit the old Tea House on Fannette Island, or take a ride up the Heavenly Gondola and enjoy miles of beautiful scenery. Visit world-famous Vikingsholm Castle, a replica of a Scandinavian castle or go gambling at the casino. Go hiking, horseback riding, biking, swimming or fishing. You can stay in a luxury resort or a historic rustic cottage.
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9 Lake Havasu State Park, Arizona
Lake Havasu offers 450 miles of stunning shoreline that attracts thousands of visitors every year. The blue-green waters of Lake Havasu sit below the breathtaking Chemehuevi Mountains and are a haven for both overnighters and day trippers. Lake Havasu State Park offers camping with electrical hookups, water, showers, bathrooms, picnic tables and a fire ring. There are three boat ramps. If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, you will enjoy different birds, bobcat, coyotes, kangaroo rats, rabbits, ground squirrels and lizards. Some other activities include swimming, fishing, jet skiing and hiking. Hike Mohave Sunset Trail, or head to Lake Havasu City to see the original London Bridge.
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10 Trophy Lakes, South Carolina
Trophy Lakes are a dream of every watersports lover. Created specifically for wakeboarders, tubers and water-skiers, the lakes’ small size and 10-foot depth make them perfect for mastering a new craft. Sure, a team of professionals will be with you to make sure things go as smoothly as possible. It’s definitely one of the best US lakes for summer vacation.
There are many awesome lakes for your summer vacation. If you are on a tight budget this year, look for a lake close to home. What’s your favorite lake for summer vacation? Please share your thoughts in the comments section.
