6 Fantastic Recreational Lakes near Victoria, TX
Victoria has a modest but excellent collection of lakes. Some of the options are full-on recreational reservoirs with tons of activities. And others are ideal spots for families and nature fans.
7 Unique Lakes near Lufkin, TX for Fishing, Swimming, and Kayaking
Lufkin is just one hour away from the biggest lake in Texas. Also, it has two of the best bass reservoirs in America. It’s a fantastic city for lakes recreation, no matter your hobbies.
11 Fantastic Recreational Lakes near Texarkana
Texarkana stands as a gateway to a plethora of diverse and fascinating lakes, each weaving its own unique experiences and scenic beauty.
9 Amazing Lakes for Recreation near Wichita Falls, TX
Wichita Falls has fantastic recreational lakes. Some of them are remote fishing reservoirs for seasoned anglers. But others are more family-friendly places with swimming and kayaking.
11 Best Lakes near Abilene, TX for Swimming, Fishing, and Boating
Abilene is pretty good when it comes to recreational lakes. It has quiet remote lakes, as well as full-on reservoirs with every activity imaginable; most are less than one hour away.
11 Superb Lakes near San Angelo, TX for Fishing, Swimming, and Kayaking
San Angelo is fantastic when it comes to lakes. All of the options on the list are full-on recreational reservoirs with hardly any restrictions. Swimming, kayaking, fishing, and boating are all possible here.
7 Best Lakes near Odessa, TX for Fishing, Kayaking, and Boating
There are hardly any lakes around Odessa. If you want to cool off in summer, you’ll have to drive for over an hour to the nearest spot. Still, there are family-friendly options as well as remote lakes.
11 Fantastic Lakes near Murphy, NC for Swimming, Fishing, and Kayaking
Murphy is probably the best town for lake recreation in the country. You can be fishing, swimming, or boating in just 10 minutes. There are stunning recreational lakes all around.
7 Unique Lakes near Wilmington, NC for Fishing, Kayaking, and Swimming
Wilmington has just a few lakes around, but they are diverse and unique. Fishing, kayaking, swimming, and even wakeboarding are all possible here.
9 Best Lakes near Greenville, NC for Fishing, Swimming, and Kayaking
Greenville has a couple of parks with small lakes and ponds. But if you want to experience bigger lakes with wakeboarding and trophy fishing, you will have to travel further afield.
15 Superb Lakes near Durham, NC for Fishing, Swimming, and Kayaking
Durham has access to a wide selection of lakes. Some of the options are urban reservoirs with just fishing and kayaking. In contrast, others are full-on recreational lakes with swimming, camping, and boating.
9 Fantastic Lakes near Fayetteville, NC for Fishing, Kayaking, and Swimming
There are plenty of lakes around Fayetteville, but few offer public access. We compiled a list of lakes that are open to the public and provide fantastic swimming, fishing, and kayaking.
15 Best Lakes near Asheville, NC: Swimming, Fishing, Kayaking
Asheville is surrounded by dozens of lakes with fishing, kayaking, boating, and camping to offer. Some options are entirely wild and undisturbed, while others are more urban and developed.
7 Fun Lakes near Modesto, CA for Swimming, Fishing, and Kayaking
Modesto has access to some of the best recreation lakes in the state. Most options have hardly any restrictions; you can swim, fish, camp, paddle, and ski year-round.
8 Stunning Lakes near Florence, OR for Fishing, Camping, and Kayaking
Florence isn’t just the perfect stop on Hwy 101; it’s an excellent gateway to some of the most stunning lakes in Oregon. Sandy beaches, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing – it’s all happening here.
9 Superb Lakes near Waco, TX for Fishing, Swimming, and Boating
Waco is a fantastic gateway to some of the best lakes in central Texas. Fishing, kayaking, swimming, and boating are all within an hour’s drive away.
11 Stunning Lakes for Recreation near Salt Lake City, UT (+Map)
Salt Lake City provides access to some of the best recreational lakes in the state. There are various options for fishing, boating, kayaking, and more.
7 Fantastic Lakes for Recreation near Amarillo, TX
Located on a flat expansive plateau, Amarillo is a dry place dominated by shrublands. But even here, you can find fantastic lakes that offer fishing, swimming, paddling, and camping.
9 Epic Lakes for Views and Recreation near Bishop, CA
Bishop is an excellent base for exploring Eastern Sierra Mountains. It offers easy access to some of the gorgeous lakes in the area. You need to see it to believe it.
9 Epic Lakes for Recreation near Lubbock, TX
Hot and arid, Lubbock has a surprising selection of lakes and reservoirs. Most of the options around are relatively large and versatile, offering plenty of fun and opportunities to cool off during summer.
6 Best Public Lakes near Charleston, SC for Recreation
Discover aquatic adventures at Charleston’s top lakes! Swimming beaches, renowned fishing destinations, inflatable aqua parks, iconic kayaking opportunities, and more
11 Gorgeous Lakes and Reservoirs near Boise, ID
When it comes to water recreation, Boise is the top spot. It’s surrounded by lakes and reservoirs, most of which have hardly any restrictions. Fishing, paddling, boating, and swimming are all possible here.
11 Amazing Lakes near Lexington, KY
Lexington provides access to some of the nicest lakes in Kentucky, most of which are prime fishing spots with state record catches. Also, there are plenty of options for paddling, swimming, and skiing.
11 Stunning Recreational Lakes near Flagstaff, AZ
Flagstaff has a mix of natural lakes and man-made reservoirs. All of which are fantastic spots for fishing, paddling, and camping. But when it comes to wakeboarding or skiing, options are limited.
9 Incredible Recreational Lakes near Columbia, SC
The state’s capital Columbia sits bang in the middle of the state, offering direct access to some of the best and largest lakes in South Carolina. The options are diverse and plentiful here.
11 Stunning Recreational Lakes near Athens, GA
Georgia is a superb state for water recreation so finding lakes near Athens isn’t a problem. The selection here is varied; you can find small peaceful lakes as well as the nation-famous hotspots.
7 Amazing Lakes and Ponds near El Paso, TX
El Paso is one of the driest places in the country, but even here, you can find lakes and ponds that offer water recreation activities like fishing, paddling, and even swimming.
9 Stunning Recreational Lakes near Hot Springs, AR
Did you know that Hot Springs isn’t just a great spa town but also a gateway to some of the best lakes in the country? It’s surrounded by famous Diamond Lakes and a few lesser-known gems.
9 Gorgeous Recreational Lakes near Boone, NC
Boone has a variety of lakes on offer. There are large reservoirs with swimming and boating to do, as well as the smaller lakes where only fishing and paddling are possible.
11 Best Recreational Lakes near Tyler, TX
Tyler is an excellent gateway to some of the best lakes in East Texas. No matter your sport of choice, you will find the perfect option to suit your needs.