There are thousands of lakes in the United States, so no matter where one lives, one will be able to find them just within the driving distance. This makes the lakes more accessible than coastal beaches. Their tranquil waterways make kayaking, canoeing, and fishing easier, and they're ideal for families because children can play about without worrying about the tides. Travelers should remember to bring their bathing suits and sunscreen the next time they plan a vacation. These eight gorgeous American lakeside beaches, from the Adirondacks to Lake Tahoe, entice travelers to go out there and enjoy great outdoor adventures.
8 Lake Chelan, Washington – Lake Chelan State Park
Lake Chelan State Park was established in 1943 on land once owned by the Chelan Indian tribe. It is a public recreation site and a beautiful destination for hikes, fishing, swimming, and camping and is about four hours from Seattle. With a long, sandy beach surrounded by a thickly wooded region and decent amenities such as a full-service concession stand, picnic tables with shades, a volleyball field, and stand-up paddleboard rentals, it is quite popular in the summer.
- Location: 7544 S. Lakeshore Road Chelan, WA 98816
- Camping price: $5/day, $40 season pass
7 Flathead Lake, Montana – Yellow Bay
Flathead Lake is the western United States' largest natural freshwater lake (by surface area) beyond Alaska. There may be no better spot to get out in nature and immerse oneself in the Wild West. Flathead Lake overshadows just about every other lake west of the Mississippi within the lower 48 states, with 185 miles of shoreline. Campgrounds and rental cottages dot the shore, while roadside vendors serve fresh cherry, plums, as well as other fruit in the summer. The lake's shoreline is mostly rocky, although Yellow Bay has a large gravelly beach where tourists can fish for lake trout, engage in water-skiing, swimming, boating, and even camping.
- Location: Kalispell, Montana
- Camping price: between $4 - $28
6 Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire - Weirs Beach
Lake Winnipesaukee, situated against the White Mountains of New Hampshire, is the state's largest lake, spanning 72 miles and containing 264 islands. Visitors travel from all over New England and beyond to take in the scenery, explore Mount Major, stay in charming bed-and-breakfasts, and cruise the lake on the M/S Mount Washington, departing from Weirs Beach, the lake's most popular beach. With a large sand strip, shallow water, a picnic and camping area, public amenities and dressing rooms, and a playground, it's a great place for families. Ellacoya state park is popular for swimming.
- Location: New Hampshire
- Camping price: from $45
5 Lake Travis, Texas - Bob Wentz Park
Lake Travis is roughly one hour northwest of Austin, in the Texas Hill Country. Summer activities such as cooling down in the water, sunbathing, swimming, fishing, and ziplining are all available. It has a limestone lakebed, giving its water a crystal-clear look. Visitors can go camping and see birds and other animals at the Sandy Creek Park on Lake Travis. Water sports such as sailing, windsurfing, and scuba diving are popular in Bob Wentz Park. The former is wonderful for nature lovers but has a rocky beachfront, whereas the latter offers sandy beaches and a covered picnic spot, therefore it wins points.
- Location: Austin, Texas
- Camping price: $15 for primitive camping, $20 for improved tent camping
4 Lake George, New York - Million Dollar Beach
The "Queen of American Lakes" is Lake George. The Adirondacks, approximately four hours north of New York City, are home to this beautiful lake. Lake George Beach (Million Dollar Beach), a sand-strewn section of the lakefront that cost a million dollars to build, debuted in 1951. There are plenty of public amenities at this state-run beach, including a boat launch, barbecues, and picnic tables. Visitors to Lake George Village can try paragliding, water-skiing, tubing with Ski Air Watersports, wakeboarding, or take a tour aboard the Lake George Steamboat Company. There are both budget-friendly and expensive lodging alternatives, such as the Sagamore Resort.
- Location: Warren County, New York
- RV Campsite price: $150 for Spring and Fall season, $200 for Summer
3 South Haven On Lake Michigan, Michigan - South Beach
South Haven is roughly two hours from Chicago and has seven public beaches that run for five miles along the coast of Lake Michigan. It deems itself "the blueberry capital of the world," and each summer on the second weekend in August, it hosts a blueberry festival replete with a pie-eating contest. Other all-American delights, such as volleyball pits and bonfires, may be found along the lakefront. Between North Beach and South Beach, visitors should pay a visit to South Haven's ancient lighthouse. South Beach is their best chance for beach time, as it offers a variety of amenities such as grills, picnic spots, and playgrounds, as well as restrooms.
- Location: South Haven, Michigan
2 Lake Geneva, Wisconsin - Riviera Beach
Chicagoans and other Midwesterners have long flocked to the shores of Lake Geneva in Wisconsin to make the most of summer. Visitors can explore for antiques or stroll the streets while watching other jet-ski and sunbathe at the Riviera Beach, which is the most glamorous of the four sandy beaches on the lake, roughly two hours from Chicago. Teenagers and adults can attempt kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding while the kids play in the sand and construct sandcastles. Golfing and a few wineries and breweries are also available in the vicinity.
- Location: Wisconsin, Walworth County
1 Lake Tahoe, Nevada - Secret Cove
Lake Tahoe is the country's second-deepest lake (after Crater Lake in Oregon), with a shoreline that stretches over 70 miles across California and Nevada. Secret Cove on the Nevada side, for example, has crystal clear waters. At this lake, visitors can go swimming, snorkeling, and even beaching. It is somewhat secluded; therefore, it may not be suitable for families. On the shores of this "hidden" sandy beach, which is bordered by trees, there is also a no-clothing policy—though going all-natural is not required.