For many Americans who prefer the outdoors, boating is a great pastime.
In fact, many of the waterways in the U.S. serve as prime locations for those who enjoy boating.
Keeping that in mind, here, we’re going to take a quick look at some of the best options when it comes to lakes for boating that you can take advantage of in the U.S. So, without any further ado, let’s continue.
If you’d like to see a graphical breakdown of the boating lakes, we got you covered:
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Contents
1. Priest Lake, Idaho
Located close to the Canadian border, Priest Lake is a hidden gem that not many boating enthusiasts know of.
But, that doesn’t keep the local population from swelling up during summertime thanks to its impressive 19-mile freshwater lake. Priest Lake offers incredible views and lots of water sport options that visitors can take part in.
Apart from boating and watersports, the lake also offers a plethora of other recreational activities, such as hiking along the beach trail, discovering a bit of history at Indian Rock, where you will see prehistoric pictographs inscribed by Native Americans, and much more.
Priest Lake is also home to an abundance of wildlife, which makes it a great spot for adventurers, water sports enthusiasts and bird watching enthusiasts alike.
2. Lady Bird Lake, Texas
Located in Austin, Texas, Lady Bird Lake is another pretty lake that’s just six miles long but offers some great boating options.
The picturesque surroundings of the lake made up of lush green trees and flanked by mountains in the backdrop make this a go-to spot for many boating enthusiasts, kayakers, and even rowers who flock to the Lady Bird Lake during summertime.
There are also several natural pools around the lake, which are commonly used as swimming holes.
3. Lake Lanier, Georgia
Lake Lanier is a colorful lake that’s the pride of the state of Georgia, and for good reason.
he lake is suitable for boating enthusiasts and a variety of water sports, which makes it a great spot for all those who love to go out boating.
The lake also offers quite a few fishing boats on rent and tourist yachts, so you don’t really need to own a boat to visit Lake Lanier.
The top season at Lake Lanier runs from March all the way to November and offers plenty of boating and watersports options for its visitors.
4. Lake Hamilton, Arkansas
You’ve probably heard of Hot Springs, Arkansas for its on-the-nose title and funky vibe, but drive a few miles west, and you’ll come to Lake Hamilton, which is basically an impound on the Ouachita River.
Home to a local population who all seem to own boats, Lake Hamilton is the go-to party destination for boaters and offers plenty of options for boating enthusiasts who love to party on the water.
If boating is your jam, then you have just got to experience a day out on Lake Hamilton.
5. Lake Coeur D’Alene, Idaho
Pardon my French, but Lake Coeur D’Alene is a lake that’s nestled on the Rocky Mountains, Idaho, and covers a massive 30,000 acres.
This large lake body of water is the perfect spot for many boating enthusiasts who visit this recreational paradise.
The lake was formed by a glacier that has long since melted but has left behind a beautiful lake that offers plenty of opportunities for adventurers, fishing, and water sports enthusiasts alike.
There are also quite a few boat tours that operate along the Lake Coeur D’Alene for those who want to sit back and enjoy the beautiful clear waters and epic views that the lake has to offer.
6. Maui, Hawaii
Hawaii has always allured many who find it as a naturally beautiful island escape. From its volcano-laden shores to its lush green forests, Hawaii has plenty to offer.
For those who are looking for an absolutely stunning sailing experience, Maui is the go-to destination. The lake has long been considered as one of the best lakes for boating in the U.S. and lures recreational boaters throughout the year.
The clear waters and sheer cliffs offer the perfect mix for boating enthusiasts and watersports enthusiasts alike who flock to Maui to get their boating fix.
7. Lake Havasu, Arizona
Lake Havasu is located in Arizona is offers up to 400 miles of shoreline.
It is also considered as a prime location for boating enthusiasts who come to the lake that’s considered to be one of the top ten best lakes for boating in the U.S.
Once there, you will find a number of launch ramps and marinas that are spread through the shoreline. This makes it easy for boating enthusiasts to enjoy their boating experience while at Lake Havasu.
Figuring out where you can rent a boat at the lake should also not be a problem since there are plenty of options in boat rentals services available to suit all tastes, from canoes to powerboats, kayaks, and yachts.
8. Lake Placid, New York
Located smack between the nature preserves of McKenzie Mountain Wilderness and High Peaks Wilderness is Lake Placid.
The name that was made famous because of the movie offers an idyllic option for those who are looking for an incredible boating experience.
Located in New York, Lake Placid offers some great views of the ancient Adirondack mountains along with clear, reflective waters, which makes it the go-to destination for boating enthusiasts who enjoy experiencing the open waters.
Lake Placid is also home to two small islands that are located at the center of the lake and offer an ideal picnic spot for families. Overall, Lake Placid offers plenty of options for adventurers, both in and out of the water.
9. Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
Here, we have another U.S. lake that’s somewhat famous because of the T.V. show of its namesake.
Lake of the Ozarks is located in the state of Missouri and offers plenty of options for boating enthusiasts who love to explore the scenic beauty of the lake.
With over 84 square miles to cover, you will surely find plenty of recreational activities to do to keep yourself busy once you’re at Lake of the Ozarks.
The lake is well-known as being the go-to destination for summer boating and offers plenty of public access ramps along with full-service marinas as well that makes it easy for tourists to get in on all the fun along with the locals.
There are also plenty of local companies offering boat tours and fishing charters as well.
10. Lake Charles, Louisiana
Lake Charles is located in the state of Louisiana and can be found just adjacent to the city of the same name.
While the city is home to some of the best casinos and golf courses in the country, the lake is where the action is for boating and watersports enthusiasts.
The lake offers plenty of boating options that allow you to explore its calm, reflective waters in style. You also have the option to hire one of the many local charter boat tours that you can use to explore the lake.
Lake Charles remains to be one of the top boating destinations for families who wish to get away from all the hustle and bustle of city life and are looking to explore the natural beauty of a picturesque lake.
11. Lake Tahoe, California
Connecting California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe offers majestic views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and is the quintessential go-to destination for boating enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike.
The lake is also one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in the country, which is the main draw for watersports enthusiasts and boaters.
Lake Tahoe offers crystal clear waters, which makes it one of the best destinations in the country for watersports, boating, and fishing.
Once on the lake, you will find easy access to public ramps along with plenty of options in recreational activities, both on and off the water.
12. McHenry, Maryland
Okay, so Maryland might not have any naturally formed lakes, but that’s not going to stop the folks up at McHenry from having some fun on the water.
McHenry is a man-made inland body of water that draws in large crowds all year long.
The destination is also home to a resort, which makes it one of the top destinations for families and watersports enthusiasts, along with boaters as well.
McHenry is also close to a popular ski resort, so you have the option to ditch the pontoon boat for a pair of skis as well. But, we’re guessing you’ll be having too much fun to even want to leave the water.
So, there you have it. These were our top choices for some of the best options when it comes to lakes for boating in the U.S. While there are plenty of other options in the U.S., these are definitely some of the lakes you would not want to miss out on if you’re a boating enthusiast.
