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Houseboating is a unique and fun way to get a bit of sun and surf without learning how to sail or investing in a pricey yacht. There are plenty of places across America where you can rent a houseboat with all the amenities of home and take it out into some truly stunning natural spots. Here are the three best places in the country for newbie houseboaters to get their feet wet.

1. Lake Ouachita, Arkansas
Wikimedia Commons/Unherdable
Lake Ouachita is known for its incredible fishing and scuba diving, but it’s also the perfect place to try out house boating. The clear waters of the lake mean that jellyfish sightings are a frequent occurrence in the summer months, and there are over 100 uninhabited islands to explore.

Houseboat rentals are available from Wake Zone Luxury Houseboat Rentals. They have boats that can sleep up to 16 people, and the company can deliver essentials like groceries and medicine to your boat. If you don’t feel like driving your own boat, captain services are available free of charge. A 16-person houseboat will cost you about $3,900 for four days.

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2. Lake Shasta, California
psyberartist/Flickr
Lake Shasta has been called the Houseboating Capital of the World. It offers 365 miles of shoreline and frequently hosts up to 450 houseboats at a time. Even so, this lake is big enough that it never feels crowded. Visitors can go boating, swimming, and hiking in the surrounding landscape.

Get your houseboat rental from Shasta Marina at Packers Bay, where you can nab a 14-person houseboat for three days at $1,515 during the offseason and $3,600 during peak season. These boats come equipped with luxuries like fireplaces, comfy beds, and full kitchens.
3. Crane Lake, Minnesota
Fighting Irish 1977/Flickr
Crane Lake is located just outside of Voyageurs National Park. If you grab your boat at the lake, you can travel into Voyageurs and enjoy wildlife-spotting, swimming, and kayaking. If you visit in September, you may even have the chance to spot the northern lights from your boat!

Voyagaire Lodge and Houseboat Rentals is the place to get your houseboat, as they provide a boat-to-lodge radio service that means that someone is always around to answer your questions. You can get food and beverages delivered to your boat as well. Rent a six-person vessel for $355 per day.

Houseboating is the perfect way to combine a lake vacation with a bit of adventure. For more of the best places to see and stay in the U.S., click here.

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