As summer heats up, lakeside getaways remain one of the best ways to relax, recharge, and reconnect. Whether you’re diving in for watersports or just soaking up the sun on a quiet shore, lake vacations offer something for everyone.
From kayaking and fishing to sandy beach days and cozy cottage nights, these destinations combine natural beauty with endless opportunities for adventure and downtime.
We’ve rounded up some of the top lake spots across the U.S.—plus great picks for cabins, cottages, and waterfront rentals perfect for your next family escape.
1. South Carolina: Lake Murray
South Carolina’s Lake Murray is a great option for your family summer lake vacation. This man-made lake in South Carolina boasts 55,000 acres of paddleboarding, kayaking, boating, sailing and endless water sports activities.
If you’re looking for maximum rest and relaxation, head to Dreher Island State Park, which is on the quieter side of the lake. Jet skis are not permitted, but swimming and relaxing on the sandy beach are encouraged. Kayaks and paddleboards are available for rental.
For those who like camping, campsites are available or you can rent one of the five waterfront villas.
2. Wisconsin: Ghost Lake Lodge
Wisconsin is known for more than its cheese. In fact, the Badger State has over 15,000 lakes and a wealth of lakeside getaway options.
One of the most beautiful lakeside vacation spots in Wisconsin is the Ghost Lake Lodge, perfectly sequestered in the Chequamegon National Forest. The property is one of the oldest historic resorts in the Hayward Lakes area of Wisconsin.
Like its name, Ghost Lake is as quiet as a whisper, thanks to the banning of jet skis and speed boats on this placid lake. Get some additional peace and quiet by staying lakeside at The Lodge or at one of the historic lakeside log cabins located along Ghost Lake.
3. Mississippi: Tombigbee State Park, Tupelo
Located in Tombigbee State Park, Lake Lee in Mississippi offers endless water sports, playgrounds, and outdoor activities such as volleyball, disc golf and hiking trails. Picnic tables surrounded Lake Lee, where you can spend the day canoeing and fishing, and even stay overnight in a cabin.
No visit to Mississippi is complete without a stop in nearby Tupelo. Tupelo is best known as the birthplace of Elvis Presley, and you can visit the Elvis Presley Birthplace. You’ll want to make time for lunch or dinner in Tupelo, as this Southern city is known for its Southern fare and BBQ.
All of these attractions and lakeside amenities make Tombigbee State Park the perfect family vacation spot and lake vacation in Mississippi.
4. Nebraska: Lake McConaughy
Lake McConaughy, or Lake Mac as it’s known to Nebraskans, is the state’s largest lake at 142 feet deep at its dam (Lake Mac is a reservoir). It has more than 20 miles of sandy beach, which makes it a favorite for families who want time to relax on the shore and play in the water.
Lake Mac is a mecca for those who love water sports, and travelers come from all over the Midwest to fish or boat at Lake McConaughy. Lake Mac also has hiking and biking trails.
Lake McConaughy offers a variety of lodging options for your lake vacation—from camping to cabins and vacation rentals—all conveniently located around the lake.
Explore Vacation Rentals at Lake McConaughy
5. California: Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is one of the most famous lakes in the United States. It straddles California and Nevada and is a favorite family vacation getaway and a popular lake vacation spot. One of the best places to stay is on the north side of Lake Tahoe, but there isn’t a bad view anywhere on the lake.
Many Lake Tahoe resorts have golf courses, but also offer other outdoor activities and water sports, such as kayaking, biking, swimming and canoeing. You can also enjoy the lakeside sandy shores of Sand Harbor State Park.
6. Minnesota: Lake Superior’s North Shore
Minnesota is the land of 10,000 lakes, so there are hundreds of options for a memorable lakeside vacation in Minnesota.
Clearwater Lake, Lake Superior’s North Shore, Turtle Lake and Shagawa Lake are just a few that come to mind. Minnesota has many top lakeside resorts, including Superior Shores Resort, Pier B Resort, Grand View Lodge, Lutsen and Ruttgers Bay Lake Lodge.
7. New York: Saratoga Springs
Travelers have flocked to the tiny lakeside town of Saratoga Springs, New York, for decades. Mineral lakes dot the region, offering plenty of fun along the shores and in the water.
Saratoga Springs is a popular lakeside destination in New York. It has museums, skate parks, a historic battlefield and more. Other popular lakeside vacations in New York include Lake George Town, Lake Skaneateles, Ithaca, and Watkins Glen, which is on the southern tip of Seneca Lake, one of the Finger Lakes in New York.
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