Winter, spring, summer, or fall - lakes are a great escape from the day-to-day grind that can whittle away at the wits of even the most optimistic busy bees. Short resets in remote locations tend to remind people of everything there is to be grateful for, but the expenses of a rest away from home can add up quickly. The good news is that less expensive definitely doesn't need to mean less beautiful. These rewarding retreats are sure to satisfy anyone on the search for lakeside serenity.
8 Little Crater Lake - Oregon
This little lake is often overshadowed by the larger body of water it's named after, but bigger isn't always better. For a more intimate escape, Oregon's Little Crater Lake in the Mt. Hood National Forest is perfect. With a maximum width of 100 feet, it's slight in size but colossally beautiful. The water in Little Crater Lake is spring-fed from the bottom, thus mostly unpolluted. The result is water so crystal clear that the 45-foot deep lake bed is visible from the surface.
The best way to enjoy this peaceful place is by pitching a tent at the Little Crater Lake Campground, but there are plenty of ways to make camping as great an experience as a cabin or hotel. The short walk from the campground to the lake is just as scenic, featuring lush meadows and forests.
7 Lake Tahoe - California
Lake Tahoe is one of the best-loved bodies of water in all of California, and with good reason. Hugged by the the Sierra Nevada and Carson mountain ranges, the water is as blue as the sky. The air is fresh from the dense forest. The reflections of towering pines, firs, and aspens on the clear water create a landscape as pretty as a painting. There are several Airbnb's and hotels to choose from either a close distance to or overlooking the lake. The best way to snag a budget-friendly stay is by going on weekdays, and a trip to Tahoe is certainly worth some PTO.
6 Lake Powell - Arizona, Utah
Lake Powell, spanning Utah and Arizona, will quench the thirst of anyone looking for lakeside fun with a desert landscape. This manmade reservoir was created in 1963, and much of the water filling it comes from the melted mountain snows of Colorado. Cliff jumpers bound off sandstone formations into the azure blue waters below, while boats whiz past stunning red rock buttes. The lodging is more budget-friendly on the Utah side of Lake Powell, with several options available. It's best to get out to this stunning lake sooner rather than later since there have been worries about its future as an oasis away from home during recent years.
5 Pyramid Lake - Nevada
Located near the western border of Nevada, Pyramid Lake is a large dot of blue on an otherwise beige-colored map. The largest body of water in Nevada has an interesting history. It might be hard to believe, but Pyramid Lake is the remnant of an ancient lake that once covered almost the entire state. It's now enclosed on the Pauite Indian Reservation. The tribe manages the land and works hard to conserve the area's natural beauty. The nearest lodging is around forty miles away in Reno, so those looking to stay near the water are encouraged to purchase a permit for camping.
4 Fontana Lake - North Carolina
There is plenty to do in North Carolina, including a weekend cabin stay on Fontana Lake. The lake sits on the southern border of the Smoky Mountains, which means rolling land blanketed in trees. On chilly mornings, fog rolls over the water and provides a mystical ambiance guaranteed to please. Designated areas ensure safe places to swim in Lake Fontana, but there are plenty of other activities to enjoy. It is an excellent place to birdwatch, fish, and hike.
3 Caddo Lake - Texas, Louisiana
The scenery at Caddo Lake, which spans Louisiana and Texas, is one-of-a-kind. In several spots, magnificent cypress trees create a maze that's best experienced by boat. Visitors can float down the slow-moving bayous and witness a landscape that looks almost prehistoric. The swamp-like bottomlands are complemented by heavily forested uplands. A diverse landscape means diverse wildlife. Caddo Lake is a great place to peep frogs sitting atop lily pads, search for scurrying armadillos, or see beavers hard at work building dams.
The most budget-conscious way to experience Caddo Lake is by renting an RV and parking it at one of the many RV sites along the bayou.
2 Apostle Islands National Lakeshore - Wisconsin
Behold the beauty of Lake Superior, the largest of the five Great Lakes. Visitors will find affordable accommodations on both the mainland and the islands of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, with everything from studio apartments to houseboats. This haven at the northern tip of Wisconsin is known for its sea caves and sandstone cliffs, both of which can be explored by renting a kayak (or bringing your own.) The sunsets over the water are absolutely stunning, the rays of light illuminating the rich layers of rock along the lakeshore.
1 Lake Barkley - Kentucky
There are plenty of places to enjoy a lakeside vacation in the houseboat capital of the world. Kentucky's Lake Barkley is a breathtaking expanse of open water that attracts visitors from all over the Midwest. It is known for top-notch carp fishing, as well as open prairies and shaded woodlands perfect for hikers. The developed area offers a variety of activities for anyone looking to socialize during their trip. Stay on a houseboat or book a room at one of the many hotels in the area.