I wasn鈥檛 introduced to the pleasures of lake life until my early 30s. Born and raised on the Jersey Shore, I was ocean obsessed. If the water didn鈥檛 have waves and leave me salt-kissed, I wasn鈥檛 interested. When I moved to Colorado 15 years ago, I was gripped by land-locked panic and started road-tripping to any body of water I could find. I soon discovered many of my favorite ocean sports (kitesurfing, paddleboarding, foiling) could be performed on lakes. And many of the lakes I visited were surrounded by wilderness trails that I could hike, bike, and run. Some shocked me with their Caribbean-esque beauty. Others awed me with their alpine backdrops.
While the jet-set flocks to Europe to see-and-be-seen on the glamorous shores of Lake Como, Italy, and Lake Lucerne, Switzerland, the adventure set heads to the U.S., where lake life is blissfully more rugged than refined. America is blessed with nearly 3 million lakes. Everyone knows Powell, Placid, and Tahoe (for good reason), so I won鈥檛 be redundant. And I鈥檒l urge you to read 国产吃瓜黑料 contributor Stephanie Pearson鈥檚 wonderful story on the overlooked playground of Lake Superior, which I have yet to visit. Based on my travels, these are nine lesser-known American lakes I highly recommend exploring this summer.
1. Bear Lake, Utah-Idaho Border
Why we love it: sparkling jewel is nicknamed the 鈥淐aribbean of the Rockies鈥 for its crystal-clear, turquoise waters, which owe their hue to an abundance of calcium carbonate deposits. At 20 miles long and 8 miles wide, the lake is almost perfectly split between Idaho and Utah. No longer a secret, its sandy shores can feel crowded in the peak of summer. But the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation purchased an additional 28 acres of land last March, adding 1,200 feet of shoreline to the west of the lake to ease congestion.
国产吃瓜黑料 intel: On my first visit to Bear Lake, I spent my days paddleboarding, kayaking, and wake surfing off popular Rendezvous Beach at the south end of the lake. Rental companies and stock every imaginable toy from Sea-Doos to water trampolines. Over the border, ($20) two geothermal-heated pools are located right on North Beach and will warm you up after a windy day on the lake. Make time to explore beyond the shores. The surrounding area is home to fascinating caves, like Idaho鈥檚 Paris Ice Cave, which never completely melts, and fantastic hiking spots, like , near Logan, UT.
Base: lets you channel your Oregon Trail fantasies and overnight in retrofitted covered wagons that sleep up to six people (from $236). Located on the edges of the west side of the lake in Garden City, UT, one of the area鈥檚 main hubs, this Old West-inspired glamping resort has complimentary cruiser bikes, an onsite general store, and one of the best restaurants in town (they can also make picnics).
2. Cave Run Lake, Kentucky
Why we love it: Almost completely surrounded by the northernmost section of the , this 8,270-acre lake is a mecca for anglers hunting muskellunge, known as the 鈥渇ish of 10,000 casts鈥 due to their elusive nature. It鈥檚 also a dream destination for boating, kayaking, sailing, and swimming and its shores are surrounded by hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails.
国产吃瓜黑料 intel: The town of Morehead is known as the Muskie Capital of the South. Hire Gregg Thomas at and try to hook a fish that tops the state record, just shy of 50 pounds. Tackle a stretch of the 300-mile Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail or trek the approximately six-mile out-and-back , which follows the shoreline and rewards hikers with an unbeatable view of Twin Knobs across the lake.
Base: On the south side of the lake, the has some 200 sites (from $31) spread out over 10 forested loops. Campers have access to a beach, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, plus a boat ramp and fishing dock. The site also has easy access to scenic, low-key hikes, like the 2.5-mile Twin Knobs Shoreline Trail and the 1.5-mile Knob Overlook Trail.
3. Lake Ouachita, Arkansas
Why we love it: The refreshing lack of shoreline development around Arkansas鈥檚 largest lake makes it still feel wild and untouched; it also boasts some of the cleanest waters in the country. Surrounded by 1.8 million acres of forest and sprinkled with 200-plus islands, you can find a patch of wilderness all to yourself, even in the height of summer.
国产吃瓜黑料 intel: Fishing outfitter can help you hook whopper stripers and bass. This is also one of the few lakes that allows spear fishing. Lake Ouachita State Park hugs the eastern shores and its marina rents all the equipment you might desire. Kayak the 16-mile . The first water-based interpretive trail included in the National Trails System features 12 exploration areas that shed light on the lake鈥檚 unique geological formations. You can also ogle many of these formations underwater while the lake鈥檚 30 dive spots.
Base: Lake Ouachita State Park has 93 campsites (from $16) and eight cabins (from $220), most overlooking the water. Or book a floating home from (from $3,000 for three days for up to 10 people).
4. Grand Lake, Colorado
Why we love it: Originally called Spirit Lake by the Ute Tribe, Colorado鈥檚 largest and deepest body of water is a Front Range gem in summer with its public beach, yacht club, and marinas. Hemmed in on three sides by Rocky Mountain National Park, the area offers countless land-based adventures. And the tiny town of Grand Lake oozes old-timey nostalgia.
国产吃瓜黑料 intel: Located steps from the historic downtown boardwalk, the Headwaters Marina rents pedal boats ($30 per hour), sports boats ($100 per hour), pontoons (from $140 per hour), and offers scenic, one-hour boat tours ($25). Family-operated is just in front of the marina and rents single and tandem kayaks (from $30 per hour). Rocky Mountain Park鈥檚 west entrance in Grand County is far less trafficked. The starts in town. It鈥檚 only .8 miles round-trip to reach the cascades. Continue another mile for awesome views of Mount Baldy and听 another 4.8 miles to reach Lone Pine Lake.
Base: Perched high above the water, has been welcoming guests since 1921. The cabins, originally purchased from the Sears Roebuck catalog, were recently renovated (from $185). It鈥檚 debatable which has the better sunset view: the porch swings or the hot tub and pool.
5. Green and Round Lakes, New York
Why we love it: These two mesmerizing jade-colored bodies of water form the heart of 1,955-acre Green Lakes State Park, located 10 miles east of Syracuse. Aquatic anomalies, both are meromictic鈥攁 rare condition where surface and deeper waters do not mix鈥攁nd contain calcium carbonate, which precipitates out of the water during late May to early June and settles to form white, reef-like structures on the shores. One of 28 National Natural Landmark sites in the U.S., Round Lake stands out for its border of old-growth forest (uncommon in the northeast).
国产吃瓜黑料 intel: Green Lake, the larger of the two, has a sandy public beach with swimming access and a boat house that rents rowboats and kayaks (from $12 an hour). A network of showcase the park鈥檚 old-growth forests and gorges; birdwatching fanatics can try to .
Base: Green Lakes State Park Campgrounds has 137 campsites ($20-$39) and seven cabins ($115 per night, two-night minimum). Reservations can be made up to nine months in advance; non New York residents must pay a $5 fee. 听
6. Lake Jocassee, South Carolina
Why we love it: Nestled in the northwest corner of South Carolina, this fjord-like reservoir can only be accessed through Devils Fork State Park. Four Appalachian mountain rivers feed the lake, keeping its mirror-like waters remarkably clear and refreshingly cool. When I visited, I marveled at the solitude I found while angling for trout in a deep cove and paddleboarding past waterfalls that tumble into the lake.
国产吃瓜黑料 intel: Located just outside of the park, Jocassee Outdoor Center is your one-stop-shop for groceries, boat rentals (from $400 for four hours), and wakeboards, tubes, and other water toys ($45 each). rents single and tandem kayaks (from $50 per day) and also offers to the best waterfalls ($125 for six hours). The park鈥檚 towering waterfalls鈥攕ome of the highest in the eastern U.S.鈥攕teal the spotlight, but if you arrive in early spring, you might see pinkish-white Oconee Bells, one of America鈥檚 rarest wildflowers.
Base: The park operates 20 cozy, one- and two-bedroom 鈥渧illas鈥濃攆ully-furnished cabins with screened porches and waterfront views; all require a two-night minimum and some require a full week (from $275 per night). Campers can choose from 59 RV and tent sites, (from $32). For total seclusion, one of the 25 sites in the park鈥檚 boat-in campground (from $40).
7. Lake McConaughy, Nebraska
Why we love it: The azul waters of Lake Mac appear like a reverie amid Nebraska鈥檚 corn fields. If it weren鈥檛 for the John Deere tractors dotting the talcum shores, you鈥檇 think you were in the Turks & Caicos. The state鈥檚 largest reservoir, located within the , is a 3.5-hour drive east of Denver. It鈥檚 one of my favorite summer 鈥渂each鈥 escapes for camping on the sand, wake surfing, paddling, sailing, and kite surfing.
国产吃瓜黑料 intel: The lake鈥檚 gateway town, Ogallala, is 20 minutes from the water. Make a pit-stop for supplies and a Nebraska-raised beef burger from excellent, locally-owned restaurant . rents ski boats and pontoons ($225 for two hours) as well as jet skis ($180 for two hours). offers rentals and instruction ($25 for two hours). Birdwatchers should bring their binos. The lake is home to some . Fishing enthusiasts descend here in July to compete in the .
Base: are required during peak season, May 20 through September 10. Non site-specific beach camping in 17 designated areas can be reserved 30 days in advance (from $20). Reservations for the five non-beach campgrounds can be made 180 days in advance (from $15). Last summer, I couldn鈥檛 score a site, but I was able to get a lakefront tent pitched ($33) on two-mile stretch of private shoreline. The recently renovated resort also has RV hookups (from $40) and motel-style rooms and cabins (from $124), plus kayak rentals, a general store, and a great restaurant that regularly hosts live music.
8. Clear Lake, Oregon
Why we love it: Boasting over 100 feet of underwater visibility, Clear Lake lives up to its name. This shimmering beauty was formed more than 3,000 years ago when a volcanic lava flow dammed the McKenzie River. A ghostly sunken forest lies beneath its cold, crystalline waters. Bounded by the Willamette National Forest, it鈥檚 a paradise for hiking and mountain biking.
国产吃瓜黑料 intel: It鈥檚 of the best freshwater diving spots in the U.S. because it鈥檚 so clear and bottom-lined with ancient, petrified trees. Pack your 5 mill wetsuit (at least) as the water temperature averages 37 degrees Fahrenheit. You can rent gear and get intel at or in Bend. Get the lay of the land by hiking the 4.8-mile Clear Lake Loop Trail. The legendary is a must for mountain bikers, with 26 miles of singletrack winding through lava fields and old-growth forest along the eastern section of the lake. rents mountain bikes (from $55 per day) and offers shuttles ($35).
Base: The on the eastern shore has 34 campsites, plus a boat ramp and fish cleaning station for anglers (from $33). On the lake鈥檚 north edge, Clear Water Resort has yurts (from $90) and cabins (from $80) and rents glass-bottom tandem kayaks ($25 per hour).
9. Lake Willoughby, Vermont
Why we love it: Sandwiched between the fjord-like peaks of Mounts Pisgah and Hor in the Northeast Kingdom, this glacial-carved lake is often referred to as America鈥檚 Lucerne. Its translucent waters stretch five miles long and one-mile wide, making it ideal for paddling, boating, and wild swimming.
国产吃瓜黑料 intel: Earn your dunk after hiking the semi- strenuous, highly scenic 4.8-mile, out-and-back Mount Pisgah North Trail or biking the of Willoughby State Forest. The lake鈥檚 calm waters are a pleasure to paddle (see equipment deets below).
Base: is a little haven on the north shore (from $219). Ten log cabins each have two bedrooms, full kitchens, and porches (cabins 2-6 have the best lake views) and Clyde River Recreation delivers kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes right to the property (from $35 a day). On the south shores, Willoughby State Forest offers . If you need amenities, has RV Hook-Ups (from $52), tent sites (from $41), and cabins (from $81), equipment rentals, and a seriously good cafe that serves breakfast all day.
Jen Murphy is a regular 国产吃瓜黑料 contributor and converted lake lover. She has plans to spend a week at Caspian Lake in Vermont this summer.
