Boating, Fishing, Watersports, and More
Few things are more fun than heading out on the lake with the family for a day of adventures. From Deep Creek Lake, MD, to Lake Tahoe, CA, these bodies of water are some of the best to visit.
Are you planning a trip for the whole family and looking for a place to head out on the water for a day of fun? It doesn’t matter whether you like boating, fishing, watersports, or just relaxing. These lakes all provide a fantastic outdoor experience for the whole family, with scenic views, calm waters, and lots of kid-friendly things to do.
1. Deep Creek Lake, MD
Deep Creek Lake, MD, covers more than 3,900 acres and has 69 miles of shoreline. It’s an ideal place for boating and tubing in the summer, and kids love the fact that it’s home to interesting wildlife. You can find fun, family-friendly activities at Deep Creek Lake year-round.
2. Lake Tahoe, CA/NV
Lake Tahoe spans the border between California and Nevada, and it’s one of the best-known lakes for recreation in the country thanks to its crystal-clear waters and beautiful beaches. If you get sick of fun in the sun out on the lake, there are also many hiking trails in the area.
3. Lake of the Ozarks, MO
Lake of the Ozarks, MO, is an ideal place to go for a family vacation, particularly if your family loves watersports. Go tubing, water skiing, or boating out on the lake by day and stay in one of the area’s many family-friendly resorts by night. It will be fun for people of all ages.
4. Lake Winnipesaukee, NH
Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in New Hampshire. It’s found in the Lakes Region of the state and covers roughly 70 square miles. The lake is surrounded by charming towns and is known for its myriad calm, quiet fishing spots.
5. Lake Powell, AZ/UT
Lake Powell spans the border of Arizona and Utah. The large reservoir is located on the Colorado River and is a major vacation destination thanks to its breathtaking scenery and unique houseboat adventures.
6. Table Rock Lake, MO
Table Rock Lake in Missouri has some of the clearest water around. It also boasts excellent fishing, so consider this lake if one or more of the people in your family enjoy this popular activity. If the kids get bored of boating, there are also adventure parks nearby.
7. Big Bear Lake, CA
California is the only state on this list that comes up twice, but it deserves a second mention for Big Bear Lake. This mountain retreat is one of the best places to go for watersports on the West Coast. It’s also a destination for hikers, so don’t plan to spend 100% of your time on the water.
8. Lake Lanier, GA
Lake Lanier, GA, is home to sandy beaches and excellent fishing. The large reservoir has hosted many international boating events, including rowing and sprint canoeing during the Summer Olympics. The closest town also features a water park, which is great for kids.
9. Flathead Lake, MT
Flathead Lake in Montana offers excellent boating opportunities in an unspoiled natural setting. It’s the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, with over 200 square miles of water. Flathead Lake State Park surrounds the lake and covers 160 miles of its shoreline.
10. Grand Lake, CO
Grand Lake, CO, is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, so it should go without saying that it is a beautiful place to go boating, fishing, or tubing. Grand Lake is the state’s largest and deepest natural body of water.
