18 Crystal-Clear Lakes Across America To Make You Forget About The Coast
Sarah McCosham
Author
When it comes to breathtaking bodies of water, some of the clearest lakes in the U.S. on this list certainly earn its “America the Beautiful” appellation. All across America, you’ll find some of the most pristine lakes on the planet. These cerulean waters are so deeply sky blue, they truly do not look real (and definitely need no filters). The real kicker is that these crystal-clear lakes are landlocked and found in some of the most surprising places.
Below you’ll find 15 of the best lakes in the U.S., that you really must see to believe. Because here’s the thing: photos don’t even begin to do these places justice. So let the following list fuel your wanderlust as you embark on a cross-country adventure to some of our country’s most beautiful bodies of water!
Northeast United States
The Northeast portion of the US is well-known for the Atlantic Ocean and the many charming East Coast towns. But there are a number of beautiful lakes as well that deserve more attention. Here are a few stunning lakes in the Northeastern United States.
- Location: Southeastern Adirondack State Park
- Popular For: Lake George is your typical cabin lake that offers a peaceful weekend of boating, fishing, swimming, and bonfires at night. Not only is the lake popular, but the town has been named one of the top lake towns in North America.
- Where To Stay Nearby: If you enjoy lake living this wonderful lakeside cabin has 250 feet of sandy lakeshore to enjoy, multiple paddle boards and kayaks to venture out on the lake, and a spacious modern design that is perfect for up to six people.
Known as the "Queen of American Lakes," Lake George is 32 miles long and fed by underground springs that give the lake its signature crystal-clear waters. Located in the southeastern Adirondack State Park, Lake George is a natural oasis that draws more than 50,000 summer visitors each year, who come to enjoy its beautiful views and magnetic, deep-blue waters. Lake George boasts over 109 miles of shoreline and more than 300 islands, many of which feature lodging and campgrounds perfect for those looking for a more immersive experience of this natural wonder.
- Location: Foothills of the White Mountains
- Popular For: With a soft sandy shoreline this lake is a popular swimming lake. Of course, jet skiing, boating, and fishing can't be left out either. Each year, local residents have a contest to guess when the ice will finally leave the lake.
- Where To Stay Nearby: If you are looking for our own private lakefront rental for a family vacation try this delightful four-bedroom cottage on Coleman Point. A nice sandy beach, plenty of private dock space for your boat, and beautiful lake views.
Located at the foothills of the rugged and majestic White Mountains, Lake Winnipesaukee is a vision. At 21 miles long, it's the largest lake in New Hampshire, and by far, the most beguiling. In the summer, Lake Winnipesaukee is a favorite place for swimming, as it boasts an abundance of soft, sandy shorelines and beautiful beaches. A Northeast lake through and through, in the autumn, the fall foliage peeking out behind Lake Winnipesaukee's cobalt waters will completely take your breath away. It is one of the most famous lakes in the U.S.
Let's explore the beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire in this video from Mark D. Hall:
- Location: Border of Vermont and New York
- Popular For: As one of the best bass fishing lakes in the country, head to Lake Champlain with a full bait box and your favorite lures. With over 90 species of fish, the bass isn't the only fish you can expect to land.
- Where To Stay Nearby: If you are looking for the ultimate romantic getaway on Lake Champlain try this Vermont tiny home nestled in the woods with your own private beach. Kayaks and SUPs are available, all you need to bring is your special someone.
Located on the border of New York and Vermont, Lake Champlain is a pristine pool of calm, cerulean waters. Like most destinations in the Northeast, Lake Champlain has quite a history. The lake itself and the land surrounding it played an integral role in three American wars: the French & Indian War, the American Revolution, and the War of 1812; and visitors can learn more about these events at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum in Vermont. History aside, Lake Champlain is a popular summertime destination; its azure waters and soft, sandy shoreline are an irresistible draw. In the winter, you can go ice skating on Lake Champlain, which really is a quintessential Northeast experience. Enjoy one of the cleanest lakes in the U.S.
Southern United States
Lakes in the south are also overshadowed by the Gulf Coast and warm ocean beaches. But Florida alone has over 7,000 lakes! Here are some of the best lakes in the Southern United States.
- Location: East Tennessee
- Popular For: With over 800 miles of shoreline, almost 34,000 acres to explore, and multiple marinas around the lake, Norris Lake is a boater's paradise. Combine that with numerous private coves and that means fishing is spectacular as well.
- Where To Stay Nearby: For the ultimate multi-family getaway on Norris Lake book Shiloh's Retreat. Enjoy your own private cove with a large dock and a marina a half mile away. This beautiful home sleeps 17 so you can head to the lake with all your friends and family members.
Norris Lake has 809 miles of shoreline, 33,840 acres of water surface, and is the largest reservoir on a tributary of the Tennessee River. Those are the numbers, but Norris Lake is so much more than its superlative stats. For starters, it's brilliantly blue, boasting the clearest, most pristine water in Tennessee. The East Tennessee hills surround Norris Lake, and the distant peaks set against this cerulean lake create the Platonic ideal of vacation postcards. Home to myriad parks, campgrounds, and lodging areas, it's no wonder Norris Lake is one of the most popular vacation spots in the South!
- Location: In Lake Murray State Park
- Popular For: Lake Murray is popular because it is a large spring-fed lake surrounded by state park land for plenty of outdoor activities. Scenic Highway 77S runs around the lake for a beautiful drive.
- Where To Stay Nearby: In Ardmore, Oklahoma this spacious four-bedroom home is a short walk from Lake Murray State Park. You'll enjoy five acres of private land with views of Lake Murray.
Few people realize that Oklahoma is hiding one of the most crystal-clear lakes in the country: Lake Murray. This dazzling gem is located in Lake Murray State Park, Oklahoma's first and largest state park, which consists of 12,500 acres of forested, rolling hills surrounding the eponymous lake. When out at the center of Lake Murray, you can see all the way to the bottom, a feat that's rare for most Midwestern lakes. On its shores sits Tucker Tower, a castle-like monument and nature center that simply adds to the lake's winsome charms.
- Location: Northwest South Carolina
- Popular For: Since Lake Jocassee is a reservoir swimming is highly frowned upon (Access is available within Devils Fork State Park). The secret lodge buried below the lake is still a popular Scuba diving area with experienced diving guides.
- Where To Stay Nearby: One of the very few rentals right on the lake, the Jocassee Hideaway is a lovely lakefront log cabin that welcomes up to ten guests.
With clean clear Appalachian rivers flowing into this pristine lake, the alpine water is beautiful. It is actually a man-made reservoir with most of the access to the lake lying in undeveloped land, which makes it a beautiful private lake still surrounded by nature. If you want to enjoy lake activities, head to Devils Fork State Park where you can find the only public access to the lake. Lake Jocassee was created in 1973 when the Jocassee Dam was created. There is still a lodge 300 feet below the water that can be explored via scuba diving expeditions.
- Location: Northern Alabama
- Popular For: Smith Lake is one of the best lakes in the US fishing and boating. In fact, it is a not-so-secret lake to real in some award-winning striped bass with 40-pounders having been caught. The elusive 50-pounder is thought to be lurking below the depths waiting for you to set the record.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Luxury homes on Smith Lake can get a bit pricey, but this beautiful four-bedroom home is reasonably priced and has some of the most amazing views of the lake from its spacious screened-in patio set up with a dining table and grill so you can enjoy your catch of the day.
With over 21,000 acres of twists and turns this sprawling spiderweb of a reservoir is one of the nation's cleanest lakes and the deepest lake in Alabama. It is located on the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River in Cullman, Winston, and Walker counties. The reservoir was completed in 1961 and for the longest time, it remained undeveloped. It wasn't until the 1980s and 1990s when Birmingham and Huntsville grew in population and started using the lake for recreation. Today, it is one of the most popular lakes in Alabama.
Midwest United States
The Midwest is well-known as being lake country, and a weekend getaway to a cabin on the lake is one of the highlights of summertime. You also can’t forget the Great Lakes that make up a big part of recreational activities in the upper Midwest.
- Location: Michigan's Northern Lower Peninsula
- Popular For: With such fascinatingly turquoise water and an abundance of sandbars this lake is the perfect place to enjoy sandbar camping!
- Where To Stay Nearby: The south end of Torch Lake Sandbar is an oasis equivalent to an island paradise. This beautiful four-bedroom cottage on the lake provides you with an incredible Torch Lake experience.
Known for its pristine, aquamarine waters, Torch Lake in Michigan is an undeniable natural beauty. Part of Michigan's "Chain of Lakes" - 14 lakes and connecting rivers - Torch Lake is the state's longest inland lake and its second-largest. However, this dazzling Michigan lake truly looks like it belongs in the Caribbean. A favorite destination for water recreation, Torch Lake's waters are so crystal-clear that boats and swimmers appear as though they’re suspended in the air. It's something you truly must experience!
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- Location: Central Missouri
- Popular For: With more shoreline than the state of California, the Lake of the Ozarks is an amazing lake for all of your favorite water activities.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Head to the lake house near Bagnell Dam in this lovely three-bedroom home. Stunning views of the main channel of the Lake of the Ozarks and within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and entertainment in Bagnell Dam.
Lake of the Ozarks is an unexpected oasis in Missouri, a state better known for its cultural scene. A massive, man-made lake created by impounding the Osage River in central Missouri, Lake of the Ozarks is a beloved summertime destination for Missourians. It boasts deep blue waters and a distinct serpentine shape, and is colloquially referred to as "Puff The Magic Dragon." Indeed, there is a magical quality to Lake of the Ozarks, and once you visit, you'll understand.
- Location: Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana
- Popular For: Not only is Lake Michigan a popular lake for personal recreation, but it is also big enough for cruise ships to operate on this big beautiful lake. It is also extremely popular for trout fishing and even several varieties of salmon.
- Where To Stay Nearby: This luxury two-bedroom apartment in Rogers Park gives you views of Lake Michigan from your patio. A short walk to the beach and you have the best of both worlds - lakeshore views and the excitement of a popular Chicago suburb.
To be clear, the resplendent Lake Michigan really belongs to Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana. However, this cerulean blue lake is a major part of The Windy City. Let's start with a geography lesson: the U.S. and Canada are home to the largest group of interconnected freshwater lakes on the planet by total area and the second-largest by total value. The Great Lakes of North America are comprised of five lakes which contain 21% of the world's total freshwater by surface area. Lake Michigan is the third-largest of the Great Lakes, with a shoreline spanning four states.
Intriguing geography aside, Lake Michigan is an absolutely brilliant body of water and an inextricable part of the Chicago cityscape. Millennium Park is the most popular lakeside recreation area in Chicago, and people come from all over to marvel at this breathtaking body of water - especially at sunrise.
- Location: Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin
- Popular For: As the world's largest freshwater lake, Lake Superior is popular for industry and entertainment. It is also a shipwreck hunter's paradise with over 300 known shipwrecks dating back to the 1800s
- Where To Stay Nearby: The Carriage House on Lake Superior is one of the most popular bookings overlooking Lake Superior. It is perfect for a romantic getaway on the lake just outside of Duluth, MN
Lake Superior lives up to its name: it is the largest freshwater lake by surface area in the entire world, with 2,700 miles of shoreline covering three states (Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin) and crossing over into Ontario, Canada. If you think you know what to expect from the Great Lakes, think again. Lake Superior looks like the crystal-clear waters of the Pacific, and there are some geographical features in this lake that look like something you'd expect to see in Hawaii. Pictured here are the Apostle Islands in Wisconsin, a fantastical place that seems like it was pulled from the pages of "Peter Pan."
Southwest United States
Some of the cleanest and most pristine lakes can be found in the Southwest US. Combine that with gorgeous natural areas made up of mountains, canyons, and forests, and you have a wicked combination perfect for outdoor adventures.
- Location: Glenwood Canyon, Colorado
- Popular For: Hanging Lake is a beautiful state treasure in Colorado and is only accessible via a somewhat difficult hike. To preserve its beauty swimming and fishing are prohibited. Pets and drones are also not allowed.
- Where To Stay Nearby: This super cool one-bedroom log cabin in Glenwood Springs is surrounded by beauty. It is also near the trailhead for Hanging Lake.
When a devastating wildfire ravished the forest around Hanging Lake in early 2021, Colorado residents feared the worst, but somehow, this wondrous lake was spared. Hanging Lake is one of Colorado's crown jewels; it's a lush oasis of brilliant colors and beautiful scenery. The water is given its characteristic turquoise tone due to the presence of dissolving carbonate minerals; and, as if that weren't enough, the lake is surrounded by picturesque waterfalls and dramatic canyon landscape. It's unreal. Hanging Lake is so beloved, in fact, that Colorado State Park officials have instituted a seasonal permit system for visiting this stunning natural attraction. It's well worth the wait.
- Location: Border of California and Nevada
- Popular For: Lake Tahoe is one of the most popular vacation lakes in the US. With ski resorts bringing in people in the winter months and outdoor enthusiasts enjoying hiking trails, fishing, and boating in the warmer months.
- Where To Stay Nearby: If you are looking for the most amazing Lake Tahoe getaway for you and a dozen of your friends or family this luxury lakefront retreat is to die for. (And you just might after seeing the price - but some things in life are worth splurging on)
Lake Tahoe is an American icon. Easily one of the prettiest and most popular lakes in the country, Lake Tahoe sits on the state line between California and Nevada, surrounded by the majestic, snowcapped peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Located at 6,225 feet above sea level, Lake Tahoe is the highest alpine lake in the country, as well as the second deepest. But superlatives aside, it's absolutely ravishing. The cold, crystal-clear waters of this lake are mesmerizing, and really provoke a sense of awe and wonder. Lake Tahoe is often lauded as one of the most beautiful places in the country, and it really does deserve each and every word of praise.
- Location: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
- Popular For: Outdoor adventurers and nature lovers of all skill levels love Lake Powell for its beautiful scenery and opportunities for water adventures. If you were to boat from one end to the other and back it would take four days!
- Where To Stay Nearby: Since Lake Powell is in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area lodging is pretty limited. But the town of Ticaboo gives you a few options. This two-bedroom home sleeps up to ten guests and is the perfect base camp for exploring the canyons and Lake Powell itself.
Lake Powell is a man-made creation that's a stunning testament to the power of humankind. As a result of damming the Colorado River at Glen Canyon along the Utah and Arizona border, Lake Powell is the second-largest reservoir in the country. It's also undeniably one of the prettiest, most pristine lakes in America. The lake's bold, cobalt hue juxtaposed with the deep crimson cliffs and colored canyons of the Southwest will leave you speechless. In some places, the water is so clear that it reflects the sky, so on a sunny day, Lake Powell takes on a stunning, sky-blue hue. While there are many ways to take in the beauty of Lake Powell, there is a kayak tour in Arizona that absolutely belongs on any adventurer's bucket list.
Northwest United States
The Northwestern United States also has incredibly scenic lakes. Crater Lake in Oregon might just be the most iconic lake in the entire United States. But that’s not to say the rest of the lake in the Northwest should play second fiddle. Here are a few you definitely need to put on your bucket list.
- Location: Central Washington
- Popular For: Aside from your usual lake activities, the land around Lake Chelan is known far and wide for its orchards and vineyards. The lake itself offers beautiful views while paragliding and parasailing.
- Where To Stay Nearby: If you are looking for an amazing Lake Chelan getaway the Villa at Siren Song Vineyard Estate is an absolute dream. This delightful villa combines the beautiful views of Lake Chelan with a romantic and enchanting vineyard.
Located squarely in the center of the state, Washington's Lake Chelan looks almost too beautiful to be real. But luckily, it's as real as it gets. Known for its pristine waters, Lake Chelan boasts 50.5 miles of stunning natural beauty and is the gateway to the North Cascades National Park. The third-deepest lake in the U.S., Lake Chelan reaches a maximum depth of 1,486 feet in its Wapato and Lucerne Basins, which were formed by glaciers during the Ice Age. Today, visitors come to revel in its resplendence at the eponymous Lake Chelan State Park.
- Location: Northwest Montana
- Popular For: This beautiful freshwater lake in Montana is popular for sailing, boating, swimming, waterskiing, and fishing.
- Where To Stay Nearby: If you really want to enjoy your own private section of Flathead Lake a stay at Skipping Stones should be on your radar. This lovely four-bedroom home has its own private 100 feet of lakeshore. You'll also have gorgeous views of Glacier Park, Big Mountain, and the Swan Mountain range.
As the largest natural lake west of the Mississippi River in the lower 48 states, Flathead Lake is a popular destination for all sorts of outdoor activities. Not only is Flathead Lake one of the largest lakes in the US, it is also one of the cleanest. Visiting Flathead Lake in the summer and fall will treat you to local roadside stands selling fresh fruits like cherries, apples, plums, peaches, and strawberries. Whether you stay at one of the many campgrounds in the area or rent a luxury cabin on the lake, Flathead Lake is a wonderful place to enjoy one of the nation's best freshwater lakes. It is also interesting to note that the southern part of the lake is actually on the Salish and Kootenai Indian Reservation. A tribal recreation permit must be purchased to use that portion of the lake.
- Location: Northern Idaho
- Popular For: Lake Coeur d'Alene is quite popular for water sports from waterskiing to parasailing. You'll find plenty of wakeboarding and jet skiing as well. It is also a great fishing lake with kokanee salmon, large and smallmouth bass, trout, and some pretty hefty Northern pike.
- Where To Stay Nearby: If you are looking for one of the prime spots on Lake Coeur d'Alene look for Rockford Bay. It is a private bay within a no-wake zone so it is calm and quiet for swimming, but gives you access to the whole lake for more vigorous water sports. Try this three-bedroom lakefront home across the bay from restaurants and the marina.
Lake Coeur d'Alene is the second largest lake in northern Idaho, but there's nothing "second place" about it. The Coeur d’Alene region of Idaho is covered with more than 55 lakes; modern-day remnants from ancient Ice Age glaciers. The crown jewel of this area is the dazzling Lake Coeur d’Alene. This 25-mile-long lake has some of the most startlingly blue waters in the world, which can be enjoyed at one of its superb beaches or floating boardwalk. The floating boardwalk at Coeur d'Alene Lake is the largest in the world; and, at 3,300 feet long, offers an unparalleled experience of this lovely lake.
- Location: South-central Oregon
- Popular For: Crater Lake is popular for its immense beauty and deep blue waters. As one of the clearest lakes in the US, it is an incredibly popular vacation spot simply for its beauty alone.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Since Crater Lake is in a national park you'll have to stay on the outskirts. You could pick this cool luxury ranch retreat for almost $1,100 per night, or you could grab this lovely four-bedroom home right on Wood River which allows you to go fly fishing or swimming right from your backyard. Each of them is a few-minute drive to Crater Lake National Park.
Perhaps the most famous lake in the U.S. Crater Lake is a place of otherworldly, almost incomprehensible beauty. At 1,949 feet deep, Crater Lake is the deepest, cleanest lake in the United States; a pristine pool of alluring azure. The lake’s water is supplied completely by snow and rain, as there are no inlets from other water sources. This means that no sediment or mineral deposits are carried into Crater Lake, making it one of the cleanest and clearest lakes on the planet. This natural wonder attracts upwards of 750,000 visitors each year and is a place of sublime beauty that truly must be experienced.
This list of the clearest lakes in the U.S. showcase peak American beauty and how incredibly wondrous the U.S. really is. Most of us do not live along the coast, where we have unlimited access to the bountiful beaches and shores of the Pacific or Atlantic Oceans. But that’s okay. All across America, there are crystal-clear lakes that are accessible and open to all, offering sandy shores and stunning waters that rival any of their coastal counterparts.
To discover more about some of the cleanest lakes in the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency offers such information as a National Lakes Assessment, Lake Water Quality Summaries, and the Clean Lakes Program.
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More to Explore
Clearest Lakes In The US
What makes a lake clear?
Basically, the lack of algae makes a lake clear. Some lakes are naturally more clear than others, but if a lake has high levels of organic matter, pollution, or sediment it tends to be green, murky, or brown. In the case of Lake Tahoe, there is an abundance of zooplankton that eat other tiny particles that would normally cloud the lake.
What is one of the cleanest lakes in the U.S.?
Lake Ouachita is one of the cleanest lakes in Arkansas and possibly in the U.S., with refreshing, crystal-clear water and beyond-beautiful scenery. Located in Mountain Pine Arkansas, Lake Ouachita spans 40,000 acres surrounded by the breathtaking landscape of Ouachita National Forest. In addition to swimming, you'll find kayakers, scuba divers, and people fishing along the banks or from their boats. Call ahead to get the grill ready for some scrumptious catfish or striped bass.
Can you swim or boat in clear lakes?
You can definitely swim and boat in clear lakes, unless of course the lake is protected and those activities are not allowed. There is a difference between clear lakes and clean lakes, however. A lake could be clear, but not very clean, such is the case with lakes polluted with farmland runoff. So just because you can see the bottom of the lake does not always mean it is also clean.
What is one of the best lakes in the U.S.?
Some say these lakes in Kentucky, are some of the best lakes in the U.S. Laurel River Lake, near London, is in the Daniel Boone National Forest, where you can see the tallest waterfall in Kentucky. Or try Cave Run Lake, near Morehead. The lake is 8,270 acres tucked in the stunning eastern Kentucky mountains, offering a safe habitat for fish, birds, and other wildlife. Visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational activities, from boating to camping and even visiting some historical sites.
Are clear lakes safe for drinking water?
Clear lakes are usually not safe for drinking without filtering because unseen bacteria, parasites, and viruses can still lurk in the water. Just because a lake, river, or stream is clear does not mean it is safe for drinking. Such is the case with Lake Michigan - it may look clean and clear but it is one of the most polluted lakes in the US.
Where are some of the best lakeside restaurants in the U.S.?
These nine choices in Ohio will surely have you driving to the Buckeye State. The Cranberry Resort, in Huntsville, was built in 1947, and given an extensive facelift in 2006. The one-story building offers 3,900 square feet of indoor space and a 1,900-square-foot outdoor patio. Try some appetizers and salads, the "World-Famous ribs" ribs, or fish on Fish Fry Fridays. Or try out Rafter’s at the Deer Creek Lodge & Conference Center, in Marietta, where guests enjoy the rustic atmosphere and the outstanding lake view. With new and traditional dishes, the menu also caters to the kids, with pizza, burgers, and mac-and-cheese.