11 Amazing Recreational Lakes near Lancaster, PA
Lancaster has access to a wide selection of lakes, most of which are within an hour’s drive. A few reservoirs here are full-on recreational spots, but many have restrictions on swimming and motorboating.
11 Fantastic Recreational Lakes near Lincoln, NE
Lincoln has a wide selection of lakes and reservoirs, most of which are 30 minutes away from downtown or less. Some are excellent for peaceful fishing expeditions, and others are buzzing summer getaways.
11 Fantastic Recreational Lakes near Temecula, CA
Temecula has access to a wide selection of reservoirs with various recreational opportunities. A few are full-on recreational lakes with no limits. Yet, most have restrictions on body contact and offer limited access.
7 Fantastic Recreational Lakes near Cooperstown, NY
The selection of lakes around Cooperstown may not be great, but it’s certainly diverse. You will find large stunning waterways with no restrictions on recreation, as well as small cozy fishing ponds where just fishing and paddling are allowed.
11 Best Recreational Lakes near Wisconsin Dells, WI
The Dells area is rich in fantastic recreational lakes and reservoirs. Most of the options offer a full set of activities, from fishing and swimming to wakeboarding and tubing.
7 Gorgeous Beaches near Mount Pleasant, SC
Mt Pleasant has a small but diverse selection of beaches with plenty of recreational opportunities. Some are long and wide, and others are secluded hidden gems with little facilities.
9 Best Recreational Lakes near Portland, ME
Plenty of lakes and ponds surround Portland, but not many offer public access. Here’s a list of the best lakes with public-friendly facilities and plenty of recreational opportunities.
9 Fantastic Recreational Lakes near Billings, MT
With only a few lakes in the vicinity, those looking for lakes and reservoirs near Billings will have to embark on a long day trip or an overnighter. If you don’t mind the 2-hour drive, the options are incredible here.
10 Fantastic Recreational Lakes near Huntsville, AL
Huntsville has access to the largest reservoirs in Alabama. Many of the lakes hold state fishing records and provide superb recreational opportunities with hardly any restrictions.
15 Amazing Recreational Lakes near Syracuse, NY
Syracuse offers access to a wide variety of lakes, including the vast Great Lakes and the national-famous Finger Lakes. There is no shortage of fun lakeside activities during both cold and warm seasons.
9 Amazing Beaches near Brunswick, GA
Brunswick has a nice selection of beaches, most of which are just 20 minutes from the city on the popular Jekyll Island. Yet, there are plenty more options, including St Simmons and Amelia Islands.
11 Top-Rated Beaches near Englewood, FL
Englewood is an excellent getaway to some of the best beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. There are barrier island gems, shark teeth treasure troves, and city beaches with lots of activities and fun.
9 Gorgeous State Parks near Naples, FL (+ Map)
Naples has a nice selection of state parks that offer island escapes, untouched nature preserves, and beach getaways. From swimming and fishing to hiking, paddling, and camping, there is a lot to do here.
14 Incredible State Parks near Clearwater, FL (+ Map)
Clearwater has access to a wide selection of state parks. There are boat-in-only island escapes, nature preserves, and Florida’s famous springs waiting to be discovered and explored.
15 Amazing State Parks near Gainesville, FL (+ Map)
Located at the center of the state, Gainesville is perfectly positioned to access a wide range of popular state parks. Many of the options are Florida’s famous springs, but there are oceanside parks and preserves, too.
12 Best Recreational Lakes near Tulsa, OK
Tulsa is surrounded by incredible recreational lakes and reservoirs, most of which are within an hour’s drive and offer a wide selection of activities, from swimming and fishing to jet skiing and wakeboarding.
15 Incredible Recreational Lakes near Sacramento, CA (+ Map)
Sacramento has a fantastic selection of lakes. Most of them offer unlimited recreational opportunities, including swimming, camping, and waterskiing. What’s more, many are just an hour or so away.
9 Fantastic Lakes near Palm Springs, CA
Palm Springs has a wide range of reservoirs and lakes. Some are fantastic mountain escapes with excellent kayaking and hiking, and others are huge valley reservoirs with incredible boating and fishing.
11 Amazing Recreational Lakes near Oklahoma City, OK
Oklahoma City is surrounded by fantastic recreational reservoirs providing every type of water activity imaginable. Whether you’re into fishing, swimming, paddling, or boating, there is a lake for you here.
15 Incredible State Parks near Chattanooga, TN (+ Map)
Chattanooga has plenty of state parks that highlight the area’s outstanding beauty and history. From lakes and rivers to caves and historical parks, there is no shortage of adventures here.
10 Amazing State Parks near Charleston, SC (+ Map)
The state parks around Charleston offer a wide range of experiences. Some are historically significant, some are situated on the Atlantic coast, and others provide access to lakes and rivers with every activity imaginable.
11 Amazing Recreational Lakes near Bentonville, AR
Bentonville has an excellent selection of lakes and reservoirs. Some are massive and versatile, while others are urban lakes with charming surroundings. Swimming, fishing, paddling, and boating are all possible here.
7 Gorgeous Beaches near Homestead, FL
Homestead may not be the most touristy place, but it has several fantastic beaches. Some with sand and palm trees and others filled with corals and mangroves teeming with wildlife.
15 Fantastic Beaches near Nashville, TN (+ Map)
Nashville has no shortage of fantastic beaches, most of which are within an hour’s drive. There are sandy and rocky options, and most offer a lot more than just cooling off and sunbathing.
11 Fascinating State Parks near Madison, WI (+ Map)
Madison has an interesting selection of state parks, all of which are within an hour’s drive from the city. Rich in history and geography, there is plenty to see and do here, any time of the year.
15 Gorgeous Beaches near Lakeland, FL
Located halfway between Florida’s two coasts, Lakeland is an ideal location to experience both Atlantic and Gulf shores. You can enjoy the Gulf’s laid-back atmosphere one day and go surfing on the Atlantic the next.
11 Fantastic State Parks near Jacksonville, FL (+ Map)
Jacksonville has plenty of fascinating state parks. Most of the options are oceanside getaways with unique ecosystems and beaches. Others are gorgeous wildlife preserves with pristine nature and fun activities.
11 Best Recreational Lakes near Tallahassee, FL
Tallahassee is an excellent getaway to some of the best lakes in Florida. The selection here is diverse, with anything from pristine gems to developed lakes and springs for swimming.
17 Amazing State Parks near Destin, FL (+Map)
Transformed by swells of tourists, Destin turned from a fishing village into a nation-famous vacation hub, and not without a reason. The area is absolutely gorgeous and numerous state parks make it easy to explore.
10 Incredible Recreational Lakes near Jacksonville, FL
With several rivers and the whole Atlantic Ocean for a backyard, Jacksonville has no shortage of water activities. Yet, the few lakes in the area provide a different sort of experience.