10 Amazing Recreational Lakes near Great Falls, MT
The Missouri River dominates water recreation in Great Falls. But the area also has lakes and reservoirs suitable for cold and warm water fishing, as well as boating, paddling, and camping.
11 Fantastic Recreational Lakes near Cheyenne, WY
The Cheyenne area has a diverse selection of lakes, including state park reservoirs and the Laramie Plains Lakes, known for incredible fishing. Swimming, paddling, and camping are common activities at these lakes.
12 Top-Rated Recreational Lakes near Kalispell, MT
Kalispell is surrounded by glacier-carved lakes that have hardly any recreational restrictions. Swimming, power boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, as well as camping and hiking are all possible here.
12 Highly-Rated Recreational Lakes near Telluride, CO
Telluride offers an excellent choice of lakes and reservoirs. Visitors will find mountain lakes surrounded by thick fir forest, large reservoirs known for water skiing and windsurfing, as well as breathtaking hike-in lakes that Colorado is famous for.
14 Incredible Recreational Lakes near Rapid City, SD
Rapid City is the perfect getaway to Black Hills National Forest, which is home to a dozen of gorgeous lakes and reservoirs offering swimming, paddling, camping, and fishing.
15 Gorgeous Lakes for Recreation near Missoula, MT
Surrounded by ragged and breathtaking mountains, the area around Missoula is also home to some of the finest lakes in Montana. Swimming, fishing, kayaking, and boating, are popular activities here.
11 Fantastic Lakes for Recreation near Spartanburg, SC
Spartanburg is surrounded by lakes, but many of them are drinking water reservoirs with recreational restrictions. Many of the lakes in the area prohibit swimming and fast boating but are excellent for fishing and paddling.
12 Superb Lakes for Recreation near Harrisburg, PA
In Harrisburg, water activities are dominated by the Susquehanna River, but the surrounding area also has plenty of lakes and reservoirs with opportunities for kayaking, swimming, fishing, boating, and winter sports.
15 Incredible Lakes for Recreation near Boulder, CO
Just like Denver, Boulder has dozens of recreational lakes and reservoirs, many of which operate year-round and welcome swimmers, boaters, anglers, and campers.
11 Fantastic Lakes for Recreation near Cleveland, OH
Lake Erie is the number one water destination for Cleveland residents and guests, but there are many more lakes in the area. Swimming, fishing, paddling, camping, and water skiing are all possible at these lakes.
15 Most Gorgeous and Accessible Lakes near Mt Rainier
The choice of lakes around Mt Rainier is incredible. Small lakes at the base of this volcano provide jaw-dropping views, while large lakes in the area offer campgrounds, fishing, and paddling opportunities.
12 Incredible Lakes for Recreation near St George, UT
Most know St George for Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Grand Canyon National Parks. But the area also has a selection of lakes teeming with fish and offering a chance to cool off in summer or camp.
15 Best Recreational Lakes near Minneapolis, MN
The Minneapolis area is dotted with lakes and reservoirs of various sizes offering swimming, fishing, boating, and paddling in summer. Come wintertime, ice fishing, ice boating, and cross-country skiing become possible.
10 Fantastic Recreational Lakes near New Orleans, LA
The lakes surrounding New Orleans offer some of the most productive fishing in the country. Having a boat is necessary to enjoy some of these lakes, as few have modern amenities or tourist-friendly grounds.
11 Stunning Recreational Lakes near Johnson City, TN
Johnson City and the wider Tri-City area have an excellent selection of lakes. Visitors have a choice of large versatile reservoirs, quiet national forest lakes, and busy city parks.
11 Incredible Recreational Lakes near Steamboat Springs, CO
Winter sports dominate the scene in Steamboat Springs, but in summer, many of the surrounding lakes thaw, offering a plethora of water-based activities like swimming, kayaking, and boating.
11 Breathtaking Recreational Lakes near Bozeman, MT
Bozeman is a charming town with plenty of lodging and amazing outdoors. It’s a getaway to a selection of fantastic lakes known for fly fishing, camping, and kayaking.
12 Top-Rated Recreational Lakes near Springfield, MO
For those willing to drive for a little over an hour from downtown Springfield, lake opportunities are incredible. Some of the best and largest reservoirs in Missouri surround this city.
14 Incredible Lakes for Recreation near Dayton, OH
The area around Dayton offers a wide choice of lakes and reservoirs with parks designed for recreation. Swimming and boating are popular summertime activities.
11 Fantastic Recreational Lakes near Wichita, KS
Wichita has an excellent selection of lakes and reservoirs that offer a wide variety of water activities. Many lakes are homes to state and county parks that preserve unique Kansas woodlands, prairies, and grasslands.
15 Best Recreational Lakes Under an Hour from Detroit, MI
The Great Lakes shaped Detroit’s history and geography, but there are many more recreational lakes and reservoirs in the area. These lakes offer swimming, fishing, boating, camping, and a variety of winter sports.
12 Gorgeous Recreational Lakes near Madison, WI
Madison is the most lake-friendly city in the country. It is not only surrounded by a wide variety of them, but its downtown is wedged between two lakes, offering visitors and locals lake panoramas at every step.
11 Incredible Recreational Lakes near Grand Rapids, MI
Like many places in Michigan, the lakes around Grand Rapids offer a wide selection of recreational activities, from swimming and fishing to waterskiing and camping. Come wintertime, these lakes become hubs for winter sports, too.
11 Best Recreational Lakes near Milwaukee, WI
The Milwaukee area has plenty of alternatives to Lake Michigan. Many lakes here have beaches, parks, and boat launches, offering camping, boating, and fishing. In winter, most of the lakes allow ice fishing, ice sailing, and cross-country skiing.
14 Amazing Recreational Lakes and Reservoirs near Omaha, NE
The Omaha area has a wide selection of lakes and reservoirs suitable for fishing and kayaking. Some lakes also allow camping and waterskiing, and most have hiking and biking trails.
15 Gorgeous Recreational Lakes near Lake Tahoe
The Lake Tahoe area boasts many lakes and reservoirs suitable for camping, swimming, kayaking, and fishing. Those looking for an alternative to Lake Tahoe can find quiet and picturesque lakes and avoid crowds.
11 Fantastic Recreational Lakes near Memphis, TN
The selection of lakes around Memphis is diverse. The area has city lakes, wildlife refuges, and large COE reservoirs with no limits on recreation. The lakes south of the city hold multiple state fish records.
11 Most Popular Recreational Lakes near Des Moines, IA
When it comes to lakes and water activities, Des Moines doesn’t disappoint. It has gorgeous city lakes with parks and beaches, as well as large recreational reservoirs perfect for waterskiing, wakeboarding, and tubing.
15 BEST Recreational Lakes near New York City
Both New Jersey and New York State offer NYC residents and guests plenty of lakeside recreation. Fishing, swimming, waterskiing, as well as ice fishing and ice-skating, are popular activities at these lakes.
12 Incredible Recreational Lakes near Birmingham, AL
Birmingham has an excellent selection of lakes and reservoirs, most of which are large impoundments offering swimming, boating, waterskiing, and some of the best fishing in the country.