I grew up surrounded by the ocean, but some of my best summer memories don’t involve saltwater at all. Over the past eight years as a travel writer—and a born-and-raised New Englander—I’ve explored dozens of lakes across the East Coast, from glacier-fed ones in the Adirondacks to gems in the Carolinas where even Google Maps gets confused. Some are famous for good reason. Others? Let’s just say the locals would rather I not include them here.
What makes a lake vacation amazing isn’t just clear water or a mountain backdrop. It’s paddleboarding at sunrise with loons calling in the distance. It’s stumbling upon a lakeside brewery or finding a cabin with no Wi-Fi…and realizing you don’t miss it. If you think you know the best lake spots on the East Coast, you might be right. But a few of these will surprise you. They sure surprised me.
The best East Coast lakes for vacation in 2025
East Coast lakes are a wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. And in addition to providing a list of the best lakes to vacation on the East Coast, I’ve also included suggestions for where to stay during your visit. Here are the top East Coast Lakes at a glance! I’ll share more about each listing below.
- Best for Outdoor Adventure: Lake Champlain, Vermont
- Best for Water Sports Enthusiasts: Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire
- Best for Family Fun: Lake George, New York
- Best for Fishing and Relaxation: Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia
- Best for Nature Lovers: Lake Jocassee, South Carolina
- Best for Scenic Trails and Wildlife: Lake Okeechobee, Florida
- Best for Southern Charm and Recreation: Lake Norman, North Carolina
Now, without further ado, here are my picks for the 7 best East Coast lakes for vacation.
1. Lake Champlain, Vermont
Lake Champlain honestly feels like having the ocean without the salt water. I’ve been coming here for years, and it’s still wild how big this thing is – we’re talking 120 miles long stretching between Vermont and New York. The water’s actually pretty warm by mid-summer, which you can’t say about most mountain lakes.
Boat rentals here are legit. Apple Island Resort has half-day and full-day options starting around $330 for a 22-foot deck boat, but you’ll need to factor in gas on top of that. Basin Harbor charges about $150 per additional hour after their 2-hour minimum. If you’re planning to make this a regular thing, Champlain Fleet Club does memberships starting at $250/month with unlimited use during the season, which actually isn’t bad if you’re local.
The paddleboarding here is next level – PaddleSurf Champlain runs rentals from Burlington’s beaches, and I always recommend hitting Oakledge Park for sunset paddles. The Burlington Bike Path connects right to their rental spots, so you can literally bike there. Vermont requires boating licenses if you’re born after 1974, but most rental places will get you set up with the temporary certification. Just plan ahead because the good boats get snatched up fast, especially on summer weekends.
- Read also: My Favorite Places to Visit on the East Coast
- You may also like: The Coolest Hiking Trails in New England
- For more reading: Best Lake Houses in Vermont
2. Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire
Lake Winnipesaukee is where New Hampshire shows off. This place has 258 islands scattered across 72 square miles, so you’re never running out of spots to explore. I’ve honestly never had a boring day here, whether I’m wakeboarding behind a rental or just cruising between the islands.
Meredith Marina runs one of the biggest rental fleets on the lake – their 19-foot Hurricane deck boats start around $100/hour, and they’ve got everything from jet skis to pontoons. Winni Marine claims to be the #1 rental agency (and their 35+ boat fleet backs that up), with daily rentals from 9am to 4pm and boats that are actually new, not beat-up hand-me-downs. If you want someone else to drive, Wake Winni does captained charters starting at $250/month for their boat club memberships.
The water sports scene here is ridiculous. Daley’s Adventure Boat Tours will take you tubing and cliff jumping for about $500 for a 3-hour private tour that fits up to 12 people. I’ve done their Stonedam Island tour and it’s worth every penny – you get to swim at sandbars and explore the only untouched natural islands on the lake. Fair warning: you need a NASBLA boating certificate if you’re born after 1974, but most marinas offer a 14-day temporary license if you pass their test on-site.
- Read next: Breathtaking Places in New Hampshire
- You may also like: Lake Winnipesaukee Rentals
3. Lake George, New York
Lake George gets called the “Queen of American Lakes” for good reason, but don’t let that scare you off thinking it’s all stuffy. Yeah, it’s touristy, but honestly the tourist stuff is pretty fun. The 32-mile lake sits right in the Adirondacks, and the water clarity here is actually insane – you can see down like 30 feet in some spots.
Yankee Boating Center runs their rental season from mid-May through October, with daily rates that’ll run you around $400-600 for their deck boats during peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day). They give you a 5% discount if you have a boating license, which is nice. Lake George Boat Rentals is the only spot in Lake George Village that rents pontoons, and they’re right where all the action is.
The Minne-Ha-Ha steamboat cruises are touristy but actually pretty cool – it’s a legit historic paddle wheeler that’s been running these waters since forever. For families, Great Escape and Splashwater Kingdom is right there if you need a break from the water. I always tell people to hit Fort William Henry if you’re into history, but honestly, most people just want to get back out on the lake. The boat traffic can get nuts on summer weekends, so if you want a chill experience, try weekdays or early morning/evening.
- Read next: Places to Visit in Upstate New York
- You may also like: New York Lake House Rentals
- For more reading: Beautiful Lake George Cabins
4. Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia
Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia is what happens when you create the perfect lake. It’s got 500 miles of shoreline and sits in the Blue Ridge Mountains, so you get amazing views without the crazy crowds of some other spots. I’ve fished here probably 20 times and the striped bass fishing is legitimately world-class – the lake record is 49.4 pounds.
SML Boat Rentals at Mitchell’s Point Marina has tritoons and runabouts, plus they’ll throw in water skis and wake boards if you ask. Smith Mountain Lake Recreational Boat Rentals just opened their 2025 booking calendar and they’re running Crest LX Classic Tritoon Boats from two locations – Marina 66 and Gills Creek Marina. Smith Mountain Boat Rentals does dockside delivery, which is clutch if you’re staying at one of the lakefront rentals.
The Virginia Dare paddlewheeler does 2-hour scenic cruises that are actually pretty awesome for about $30-40 per person. If you’re serious about fishing, book with Captain Daniel Berthiaume – he’s Coast Guard licensed and knows where the stripers hide. Virginia lets you rent boats without a license if you complete their dockside safety checklist, so it’s way easier than other states. The lake stays warm from late May through September, and honestly, the lack of development around most of the shoreline makes it feel way more peaceful than it should for being this close to Roanoke and Lynchburg.
- Read next: Coziest Cabin Rentals in Blue Ridge Mountains
- You may also like: Lake Houses for Rent in Virginia
5. Lake Jocassee, South Carolina
Lake Jocassee is hands down the clearest lake I’ve ever seen on the East Coast. We’re talking 50+ feet of visibility underwater, which is why scuba divers come here from Atlanta and Charlotte. The water’s this incredible emerald green color, and when you’re floating around, you feel like you’re in some mountain paradise instead of South Carolina.
Jocassee Outdoor Center is your best bet for boat rentals – they’ve been running since 1979 and they’re right outside Devils Fork State Park. They sell ethanol-free fuel (which your boat will thank you for) and have everything from fishing gear to snacks. Lake Jocassee Dive Shop runs boat charters for $50 per person that include 2 tanks, drinks, snacks, and 4 hours of diving time. Their custom pontoon dive boat has this sick 30-degree ladder that makes getting in and out with gear actually doable.
The scuba diving here is legitimately ranked in the top 15 freshwater dive sites in the world. There’s a sunken Chinese junk boat at 60 feet that you can swim through, plus underwater graveyards and even a summer lodge at 300 feet for the technical divers. Jocassee Adventures has been doing dive instruction since 1984, and they’ll rent you gear and boat access for about $75 per day. Even if you’re not diving, the waterfalls you can only reach by boat are worth the trip. Just know that Devils Fork State Park charges $8 for adults to get in, and this place gets absolutely packed on summer weekends.
- Read next: Cabin Rentals in Blue Ridge Mountains
- You may also like: Lake House Rentals in South Carolina
6. Lake Okeechobee, Florida
Lake Okeechobee is basically Florida’s version of having an ocean in the middle of the state. This thing is 450,000 acres of freshwater – it’s the second largest lake in the entire US – and the bass fishing here is absolutely legendary. I’ve never caught fish as consistently anywhere else.
Roland Martin Marina in Clewiston is the headquarters for Lake Okeechobee fishing. They rent 14-foot fishing boats and 20-foot pontoons, plus they’ve got everything you need gear-wise. Jolly Roger Marina offers pontoon boats, trolling motor boats, and skiffs – they’re a full Mercury Premier dealer, so their boats are solid. Bassonline runs pontoon rentals out of Belle Glade that fit up to 10 people and come with an experienced mate, all your tackle, and everything for $60+ per hour.
The Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail is this 110-mile trail that goes around the entire lake – you can hike, bike, or use it for bird watching. I’ve seen everything from alligators to manatees here, which is wild for a freshwater lake. Just 4 Bass guide service guarantees you’ll catch fish and they’ve kept their prices reasonable while everyone else keeps jacking them up. The lake has zero horsepower restrictions, so you can really open it up out there. Fair warning: this is Florida, so the bugs can be brutal in summer, and thunderstorms roll in fast, so keep an eye on the weather.
- Read next: Best Hidden Gem Vacation Spots in the USA
- You may also like: Cheap Airlines to Florida from Major US Airports
- For more reading: Off-the-Beaten-Path Spots in Florida
- Keep reading: Unique Airbnbs in Florida
7. Lake Norman, North Carolina
Lake Norman is North Carolina’s largest man-made lake, and it’s got this perfect mix of mountain views and southern lake culture. The 520 miles of shoreline means you’ve got endless coves to explore, and being so close to Charlotte makes it super convenient without feeling crowded most of the time.
What’s Up Lake Norman just opened for 2025 and they’ve got brand new boats, jet skis, paddle boards, and kayaks starting at $30. Ride Wake & Surf Co runs the premium experience with 2025 MasterCraft boats and licensed Coast Guard captains – they’ll deliver anywhere on the lake and do everything all-inclusive with fuel and instruction. Carolina Cruising Charters has luxury double-decker pontoons with water slides (yes, actual slides) that fit up to 16 people.
The water sports scene here is next level. Lake Effects Boat Rentals has Chaparral ski boats and Bennington tritoons that don’t look like rental boats – they’re actually nice. If you were born after January 1, 1988, you need a North Carolina boating license, but it’s pretty easy to get online. I always hit up the Lake Norman State Park for hiking between boat sessions, and there are tons of waterfront restaurants you can boat up to. The lake stays warm through October, and honestly, the fall colors reflecting in the water are probably the best time to be out there.
- Read next: North Carolina Vacation Rentals
FAQs about the best East Coast lakes for vacation
Here are some popular questions I get about the best lake vacations on the East Coast.
What is the best time of year to visit East Coast lakes?
It really depends on where you are going. In New England and upstate New York, July and August are best if you want warm swimming water. September is gorgeous for fall colors in places like Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire or Moosehead Lake in Maine. In the Mid-Atlantic, lakes such as Deep Creek in Maryland and Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia are warm from late May to late September. Farther south, in North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, lake season can stretch from April through October, though July and August can be hot and humid.
What should I pack for an East Coast lake vacation?
I always pack water shoes for rocky shorelines, a quick-dry towel, and a lightweight rain jacket since summer storms can roll in fast. If you are heading north, even midsummer nights can be chilly, so bring a sweater or fleece. In the south, bug spray is essential. A dry bag for your phone and keys will save you a lot of stress if you are boating or kayaking.
Which East Coast lakes are best for water sports?
Lake George in New York is great for wakeboarding and waterskiing with several marinas offering rentals. Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia has calm coves for tubing and paddleboarding. For sailing, I love Lake Champlain between Vermont and New York where you get consistent breezes and stunning mountain views.
Lake George is among the clearest and cleanest lakes in the world.
Are there pet-friendly East Coast lakes?
Yes. Lake Willoughby in Vermont allows dogs in certain areas, and Lake Murray in South Carolina has multiple dog-friendly parks. I have brought my own dog to Sebago Lake in Maine, where many rental cabins allow pets if you book in advance.
How do I find quiet or less crowded East Coast lakes?
Look for lakes that are not directly off a major highway or near a large resort town. For example, while Lake Winnipesaukee can be busy, nearby Squam Lake is peaceful and just as scenic. In the Adirondacks, Blue Mountain Lake and Indian Lake are much quieter than Lake George but offer similar beauty.
What are the best East Coast lakes for fishing?
Lake Champlain is one of the best for bass and pike. Rangeley Lake in Maine has excellent trout fishing, especially in early summer. Farther south, Kerr Lake on the Virginia–North Carolina border is known for crappie and catfish. Local bait shops are the best source for up-to-the-day advice on where they are biting.
What are the most beautiful East Coast lakes for photography?
If I had to pick just a few, Lake Willoughby in Vermont is hard to beat with its fjord-like cliffs and crystal-clear water. In the Adirondacks, Mirror Lake in Lake Placid is stunning at sunrise when the water is glassy and the mountains glow pink. Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park, Maine, has some of the clearest water I have ever seen, and the backdrop of the Bubbles mountains makes every shot a postcard.
Where can I find the best sunrise and sunset views on East Coast lakes?
For sunrise, I love Squam Lake in New Hampshire where early morning mist rolls across the water. For sunset, Lake Murray in South Carolina is incredible with wide-open skies and silhouettes of sailboats. In the Adirondacks, Fourth Lake in the Fulton Chain offers dramatic sunsets framed by tall pines.
Which East Coast lakes look the most tropical?
Believe it or not, some lakes here have that turquoise water you usually see in the Caribbean. Echo Lake in New Hampshire’s White Mountains has vivid blue-green water, especially in late summer. Lake Jocassee in South Carolina is another standout with clear, emerald water and hidden waterfalls you can reach by boat.
What are the most photogenic hidden gem lakes on the East Coast?
Lower Wilson Pond in Maine feels completely untouched and is surrounded by dense forest. Mountain Lake in Virginia (famously used in Dirty Dancing) has a cinematic quality, especially in autumn. For something truly off the radar, I once photographed Laurel Lake in Massachusetts in peak fall and it felt like stepping into a painting.
