USA TODAY 10Best
Discover the top 10 lakes in the US for unforgettable water sports experiences
Best Lake for Water Sports (2023)
If you love water sports, then you probably know the United States is home to some amazing lakes that are hubs for aqua adventures. Whether you enjoy kayaking, jet skiing, or wakeboarding, there's a lake for you.
To find the best lakes for sporting adventures, we asked our readers to vote for their favorites. Here are the 10 best lakes in the U.S. for water sports.
- Lake Huron - Michigan
- Lake Erie - New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania
- Lake Michigan - Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin
- Lake Tahoe - California and Nevada
- Lake Champlain - New York and Vermont
- Lake Cumberland - Kentucky
- Big Bear Lake - California
- Lake Superior - Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin
- Lake Havasu - Arizona and California
- Lake of the Ozarks - Missouri
Photo courtesy of Elenathewise // Getty Images
No. 10:
A paradise for nature lovers, Lake Huron is famous for its crimson autumn foliage and excellent stargazing opportunities – and this scenic body of water is no slouch when it comes to outdoor adventure either. For a particularly memorable take on the area, head to the northern reaches of Michigan and snag a rental kayak to explore dazzling preserves like Mackinac Island State Park and Cheboygan State Park.
Photo courtesy of Shores & Islands Ohio
No. 9:
From Toledo to Buffalo, Lake Erie is loaded with historic cities all along its shores – and this large concentration of settlements has fostered an impressive outdoor adventure scene for any aquatic explorers out there. A paradise for fishing in particular, this sprawling water feature is packed full of bass, salmon, trout and a wealth of other marine animals, and as an added bonus, there's no shortage of fascinating shipwrecks for divers to explore.
Photo courtesy of Pure Michigan
No. 8:
Lake Michigan is best known for its many shoreside cities – Chicago being a particularly famous example – but in addition to urban life, the lake also serves as a treasure trove for aquatic adventure opportunities. Inner tubing and kayaking are two particularly leisurely activities to take advantage of, while a parasailing excursion is perfect for getting your adrenaline pumping high over the Michigan coastline.
Photo courtesy of Rachid Dahnoun / Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority
No. 7:
Outdoor adventure reigns supreme on Lake Tahoe, an ultra-idyllic body of water that straddles the California-Nevada border. For thrill-seekers, wakesurfing is a particularly popular activity, providing guests with an opportunity to cruise along the water at top speed, while those hoping for a more relaxed take on the lake can opt for stand-up paddleboarding or a sunset dinner cruise instead.
Photo courtesy of Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST)
No. 6:
The stunning natural beauty of both New York and Vermont are on full display across Lake Champlain, a natural water feature that's been a fixture of the landscape for thousands of years. Using the charming town of Burlington as a base, newcomers can get accustomed to the Champlain shore atop a rental kayak or spend their day admiring the many lighthouses scattered along its waters.
Photo courtesy of Lake Cumberland Tourism
No. 5:
In need of a little aquatic exercise during your next trip to the Bluegrass State? Look no further than Lake Cumberland, a winding reservoir that measures in at around 100 miles in length. For a typical day on the water, visitors are welcome to rent a kayak or try their luck at catching some largemouth bass, but for some added thrills, a seaplane excursion or helicopter tour is tough to beat.
Photo courtesy of Visit Big Bear
No. 4:
From polar plunges to inner tubing, Big Bear Lake is a treasure trove for aquatic adventure in the Golden State. During warmer months, the water's surface is brimming with jet skis, canoes and catamarans as visitors take advantage of the sun, while winter brings the opportunity for trout fishing – just as long as the lake hasn't frozen over, that is.
Photo courtesy of dlewis33 // Getty Images
No. 3:
Spanning from Minnesota to Michigan to Ontario, the king-sized Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake on the planet by surface area, measuring in at a mind-blowing 31,700 square miles. Given its size, it should come as no surprise that Lake Superior is a paradise for water sports, with tourists flocking to destinations like Duluth and Marquette to kayak, stand-up paddleboard and fish to their hearts' content.
Photo courtesy of Go Lake Havasu Tourism Bureau
No. 2:
Though Lake Havasu was only formed about a century ago, this sprawling reservoir has gained abundant acclaim for its outdoor adventure opportunities, drawing visitors from both Arizona and California. In addition to boating, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking, fishing is a particularly popular activity, thanks to the lake's high concentration of both largemouth and smallmouth bass.
Photo courtesy of Lake of the Ozarks CVB Funlake.com
No. 1:
Missouri's Ozarks are renowned for their spectacular natural beauty, and the aptly named Lake of the Ozarks is a top destination for some warm-weather outdoor adventure. There are over 1,100 miles of shoreline to explore across the region, inviting visitors to swim, kayak and even cruise up to Party Cove, an iconic destination that's become famous for its raucous gatherings.
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Dave Stamboulis
Dave Stamboulis is a travel writer/photographer... Read More
Dave Stamboulis is a travel writer/photographer based in Bangkok. Born in Athens, Greece and growing up in the U.S., Dave first discovered Bangkok while on a 45,000-kilometer bicycle trip and moved there for good in 2005. Dave's photos appear in publications around the world. He's the author of Odysseus' Last Stand, which received the Silver Medal for Travel Book of the Year from the Society of American Travel Writers. In addition to updating the Fodor's Guidebook to Thailand, he is the author of 500 Hidden Secrets to Bangkok, and his travel stories and photography appear in publications around the globe.
Dave Stamboulis
Dave Stamboulis is a travel writer/photographer based in Bangkok. Born in Athens, Greece and growing up in the U.S., Dave first discovered Bangkok while on a 45,000-kilometer bicycle trip and moved there for good in 2005. Dave's photos appear in publications around the world. He's the author of Odysseus' Last Stand, which received the Silver Medal for Travel Book of the Year from the Society of American Travel Writers. In addition to updating the Fodor's Guidebook to Thailand, he is the author of 500 Hidden Secrets to Bangkok, and his travel stories and photography appear in publications around the globe.
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards... Read More
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
