Is there anything better than summer in the city? Yes, summer at the lake, which is my personal favorite! Luckily, since Washington, DC is so close to both Maryland and Virginia, we’re not far from plenty of beautiful lakes. These bodies of water are perfect for swimming, boating, fishing, and just general lounging. If you’re looking for picture-perfect views and all-around fun, you’ll want to check out the best lakes near Washington DC. We’ve gathered up a few of our favorites that you should visit this summer.

1. Lake Anna at Lake Anna State Park: Courthouse, VA
Lake Anna State Park, 6800 Lawyers Rd, Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA 22551, USA
NortyNort/Wikipedia
Lake Anna is one of the largest inland lakes in Virginia. It's only about 70 miles south of Washington, DC. This is a popular spot for fishing, camping, and swimming. At 13,000 acres, this is a big lake! It's inside the Virginia state park that shares its name and is one of the best lakes near DC.
2. Deep Creek Lake: Maryland
Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, USA
Flickr/Jon Dawson
Every lake in Maryland is man-made, which is a pretty incredible fact. The most impressive of all is Deep Creek Lake, the largest inland body of water in the Old Line State. There are nearly 70 miles of shoreline here, so you'll find plenty of space for fishing, sunbathing, and swimming.

Take a look at this video by @WETAPBS:
3. Hunting Creek Lake in Cunningham Falls State Park: Maryland
Cunningham Falls Park Road, Cunningham Falls Park Rd, Maryland 21788, USA
Flickr/Fred Schroeder
Cunningham Falls State Park in Maryland is pretty spectacular. It's tucked away in the Catoctin Mountains and has a waterfall that shares its name, plus a gorgeous beach at Hunting Creek Lake. This is the perfect place to create your own outdoor adventure. You can swim and even rent a paddleboat or canoe here if you don't feel like relaxing in the sand for the day! It's one of the most spectacular lakes near Washington DC.

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4. Greenbrier Lake in Greenbrier State Park: Maryland
Greenbrier State Park, 21843 National Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713, USA
Wikimedia Commons/ClarissaJoy
Another great state park in Maryland is Greenbrier State Park. It's hidden in the Appalachian Mountains and where you'll find Greenbrier Lake. This is some of the clearest water in the state and you'll find lots of opportunities for fun. Hiking trails, boating, and fishing are all popular. If you don't feel like leaving, there's a campground where you can stay the night!

Take a look at this video by @JonandMandyGoRVing:
5. Lake Arrowhead: Virginia
Lake Arrowhead Beach, Virginia 22835, USA
Yelp/Kevin L.
Lake Arrowhead is a 34-acre lake in the scenic Shenandoah Valley. The lake boasts a sandy beach and is a popular spot for fishing and tubing. There are also plenty of nearby hiking trails. It's one of our favorite lakes in Virginia and is definitely worth a visit.
6. Smith Mountain Lake: Virginia
Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia, USA
Flickr/VSPYCC
Smith Mountain is actually a few hours away from Washington, DC. It's closer to Roanoke, down in Southern Virginia. Still, it's definitely worth the drive! It's no wonder this is one of the area's most popular lake destinations. It's nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains and has tons of water sports, plus gorgeous views. It's such a beautiful lake!

Take a look at this video by @ManleyMachines:

How many of these best lakes near Washington DC have you visited? Are there any others that you think we must visit? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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More to Explore

Best Lakes Near DC

Lisa Sammons | May 28, 2022

What is one of the best lakes near Washington, DC?

One of the best lakes near Washington DC is Deep Creek Lake in Maryland! It's about a three-hour drive, but totally worth the time in the car. The lake is absolutely gorgeous and has some of the clearest water around.

What are some other things to do in the summer in Washington, DC?

Some other things to do in the summer around Washington DC include summer day trips like:

  • Visiting the natural waterslide at Cedar Run Falls in Shenandoah Valley
  • Relaxing in the Jefferson Pools in DC
  • Hiking at Catoctin Mountain Park

 

What are the best water parks near Washington, DC?

One of the best waterparks near DC is Great Waves Waterpark with its 20 acres of summer fun in the sun. You'll find slides, splash pads, and a giant wave pool that's an absolute blast.

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