10 Lakes for Summer Fun

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There is nothing more refreshing on a hot summer day than cooling off in a lake. There are lakes scattered across the country that offer a variety of experiences to take the heat off when temperatures soar. These 10 cool lakes feature plenty of amenities to please everyone in the crowd, while also providing a scenic backdrop to enhance your lake vacation experience and photos.

While you enjoy these outdoor lake adventures, please be safe in and around the water. Check out these water safety tips from our friends the US Army Corps of Engineers, which is one of the nation's leading federal providers of outdoor recreation with more than 400 lake and river projects in 43 states. Life jackets save lives!

A cool way to beat the summer heat – go jump in a lake!

Trillium Lake

Mt. Hood National Forest, Oregon

A kayaker in a blue kayak paddles on a mountain lake at sunrise

Trillium Lake (Scott Malagold, Share the Experience)

Nestled in the beautiful Mt. Hood National Forest, Trillium Lake is a tranquil escape with stunning views of Mt. Hood displayed along its reflective waters. This calm alpine lake offers a range of activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, hiking along the 2-mile (3.2 km) Trillium Lake Loop Trail, and more. Trillium Campground is available for overnight stays to have quick access to boating, swimming, and lakeside picnics with an unforgettable view. Whether you’re an active adventurer or looking for a lazy lake day relaxing along its shore, Trillium Lake has something for everyone.

Waco Lake

Texas

Waco Lake (Tom Haines, Share the Experience)

Ready to beat the Texas heat? Waco Lake has got you and your outdoor crew covered! If fishing is your activity of choice, the main shoreline of Midway Park is a haven for catfish, crappie, large and smallmouth bass, and sunfish. Speegleville Park is uniquely situated on a cove, making it a favorite spot for swimming and jet skiing (there’s even a four-lane boat ramp!). Consider booking a mid-week trip for additional availability and calmer waters.

Lake Michigan

Huron-Manistee National Forests, Michigan

Huron-Manistee National Forests (US Forest Service)

As the second largest of the five Great Lakes, Lake Michigan covers 22,400 square miles (58,016 km²) and provides limitless options for water recreation. The Huron-Manistee National Forests, located two hours north of Grand Rapids on Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, offer a unique lake-cation experience at Lake Michigan Recreation Area. Book your summer stay at Lake Michigan at Manistee campground, with lakefront views, sandy swimming beaches, fishing, and non-motorized boating opportunities. The recreation area also contains picnic tables, a playground, biking trails, and direct trail access to Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area for hiking.

Jackson Lake

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

The nose of a green kayak in a clear shallow lake in the Teton mountains

Jackson Lake (Jack Cunningham, Share the Experience)

Tucked away beneath the grandiose Teton mountain range, the 15-mile-long (24.1 km) Jackson Lake in Wyoming offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and relaxation. Whether you're looking to paddle across its crystal-clear waters, go fishing, or simply relax on its shoreline, this is the perfect spot for your next lake stay.

Explore campgrounds such as Signal Mountain or Colter Bay, providing lake access, captivating scenery, and different amenities. The area also features picnic spots and trails leading to jaw-dropping Teton views. Jackson Lake is more than a destination, it's an unforgettable experience amid the majestic beauty of Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park.

John H. Kerr Dam & Reservoir

Virginia & North Carolina

Peachy-orange sunset and streaks of clouds in the sky reflected on a still lake

John H. Kerr Dam & Reservoir (US Army Corps of Engineers)

Spanning the border of central Virginia and North Carolina lies John H. Kerr Dam & Reservoir, with 800 miles (1287.5 km) of wooded, cove-studded shoreline to explore. Campers and day-trippers enjoy fishing, swimming, boating, and hiking nature trails across the 30 recreation areas around Kerr Reservoir. Rudds Creek Recreation Area, Longwood Park, and North Bend Park are ideal family camping spots, with many amenities, playgrounds, and pet-friendly policies.

Convict Lake

Inyo National Forest, California

Waves ripple on the turquoise surface of an alpine lake

Convict Lake (Lindsay Kyser, Share the Experience)

Located at 7600 feet (2316.5 m) in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Convict Lake is rugged yet beautiful. The lake is open to boating and fishing, and nearby trails offer endless experiences for hikers and equestrians. A paved nature trail gives easy access to the east side of the lake at the base of Mt. Morrison, with benches and a picnic area encouraging you to linger longer. Convict Lake Campground offers both reservable and first-come, first-served campsites and plenty of amenities to make this lake-cation one for the memory books.

Canyon Ferry Lake

Montana

Low mountain foothills behind a large lake

Canyon Ferry Lake (US Bureau of Reclamation)

An hour’s drive from Helena, Montana, Canyon Ferry Lake is a hidden gem along the Missouri River. The reservoir is an oasis for water-based activities, from swimming and fishing to jet skiing and windsurfing. Boat ramps are available at some campgrounds for launching personal watercraft, just remember to clean, drain, and dry boats and any other recreational equipment that comes in contact with the water to help stop the spread of invasive species!

Priest Lake

Idaho Panhandle National Forests, Idaho

A pair of orange kayaks rest on the shore of a mountain lake at sunset

Priest Lake (Teresa Kovach, Share the Experience)

About two hours north of Spokane, Washington and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Priest Lake is an ideal summer retreat. Recreation opportunities abound, from canoeing, kayaking, and boating to fishing, swimming, and hiking. Many campsites at Luby Bay, Osprey, and Reeder Bay campgrounds are shaded by cedar, fir, and hemlock. Summer temperatures average in the low-80s°F (high-20s°C), cooling off at night. This hidden gem is a local favorite, so make your plans early!

Lake Irwin

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests, Colorado

Snowcapped mountains loom over a fir-lined lake

Lake Irwin (Larry Vannes, Share the Experience)

Planning a late summer getaway? Situated at 10,200 feet (3108.9 m) in the Colorado Rockies, Lake Irwin is a picturesque spot for days spent by the lake. Lake Irwin Campground offers shady campsites and access to miles of rugged mountain biking and hiking trails. This popular spot often books quickly, so planning ahead is key. Some first-come, first-served sites may be available, but you can also set an Availability Alert in your Recreation.gov account to get notified if a spot for your preferred dates opens up.

Greers Ferry Lake

Arkansas

Groups of people swim, wade, and relax in a designated swimming area at a lake

Greers Ferry Lake (US Army Corps of Engineers)

Located in the Ozark Mountains of north-central Arkansas, Greers Ferry Lake & Dam offers plenty of scenic camping, fishing, and boating opportunities. Summer temperatures average mid-60s to low-90s°F (around 18°C to 32°C), ideal for a lake vacation! Cherokee Campground is a great place to make your home base, with shady campsites, a boat ramp, and sweeping views. Dam Site Park is another popular spot, complete with a swimming beach, marina, and playground.

Explore Related Trips

Bring Home a Story

Hellgate Campground Canyon Ferry Lake, Montana
Lake Michigan At Manistee Campground Huron-Manistee National Forests, Michigan
Cherokee Campground Greers Ferry Lake, Arkansas
Luby Bay Campground Idaho Panhandle National Forests, Idaho
Convict Lake Campground Inyo National Forest, California
Signal Mountain Campground Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Midway Park Waco Lake, Texas
Trillium Lake Campground Mt. Hood National Forest, Oregon

Camp, RV, and Explore Outdoors

Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America's outdoor and cultural destinations in your zip code and across the country. We provide tools and tips to discover new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, and reservations. Find incredible places and experiences that help you bring home a story through Recreation.gov!