Travel tips, ideas, lake reviews and much more from us and our members.
While there are numerous locations throughout the US that offer camping and other outdoor activities, one of the most popular places to spend a week or weekend is at one of the many magnificent lakes throughout the country. If you're looking for breathtaking views Lake Isabella, located in Kern County California, might just fit the bill.
At just 16 acres, Long Branch Lake, located in Pipestem Resort State Park in Pipestem, WV, may be small in comparison to other area lakes, but that doesn’t mean that it’s any less beautiful or interesting. In fact, if you’re looking for a lake vacation filled with freshwater fishing, hiking, paddleboating, or skimming serene waters in a canoe, you’ll love the Long Branch.
If you love water sports, like to fish and enjoy the great outdoors, make your next vacation a lake vacation, and spend it at Apache Lake. Located in Tonto National Forest, the Apache is 17 miles long. It’s one of four artificial lakes in Arizona that are situated on the Salt River.
The Loneliest Place on Earth
In Mono Basin National Forest, in a remote area east of the Sierra Nevada sits one of the most unusual lakes in California. In fact, many people call it one of the wonders of the world—Mono Lake. Mark Twain called it "the loneliest place on Earth."
Tomlinson Run Lake, located in WV’s panhandle, sits in the midst of Tomlinson State Park, 1,398 acres of rolling forest that’s home to the lake as well as Tomlinson River, which empties into the Ohio.
If you live in or near Prestonsburg, Kentucky, you'll love vacationing at Dewey Lake. It's easy to get to (it's just off Interstate 64E in Jenny Wiley State Park). And it's also one of the nicest lakes in Kentucky for a lake vacation.
If you are looking for a quiet place to get away during the chilling winter months, a cabin at a lake in a warm climate may be just the ticket. Take the family away to a cabin on a quiet lake, where you can boat, fish, and even swim, forgetting for a while the snow and ice that is in your own back yard.
Great Lakes of Georgia
Georgia is a beautiful state with a mild climate year round. The Great Lakes of Georgia are scattered throughout the state, and offer great experiences camping, hiking, or just rocking on the front porch watching the peaceful waters. Lake Hartwell, in the northeastern part of the state (on the border of South Carolina and Georgia), promises a beautiful vacation that promises 1,000 miles of beautiful shoreline, cabins to rent or to buy (because you may want to come back often), water sports, and a beautiful golf course.
Lake Lanier (aka Lake Sidney Lanier), southwest of Lake Hartwell, is another vast and breathtaking lake. In addition to the many outdoor activities you will enjoy here, you may want to join the community at a few area establishments for an entertaining poker night. A calendar of events shows frequent planned activities, like sailing races and jet ski competitions. You may want to participate or simply rent a pontoon boat and tool around the lake on your own.
The Highland Lakes in Texas
There are six lakes that make up the Highland Lakes in central Texas. Known for their water sports, fishing, wild flowers and wildlife, these lakes are popular vacation spots for families inside and outside of the state. Buchanan Lake is one example of these lovely bodies of water. This lake is 30 miles long and 5 miles wide at its widest part, promising 124 miles of shoreline. You can spend the day on the water, and the lake is close to three communities where you may wish to take the family for an evening in dining and shopping.
As you travel down the Colorado River through Texas, the next lake after Buchanan Lake is Inks Lake. Only 55 miles from the booming city of Austin, this lake offers the best of both worlds: seclusion and peace on a beautiful lake and the lively nightlife of the city. The Inks Lake State Park is 1200 acres of woodlands borders the lake, offering hiking and a million photo opportunities with Texas wildlife.
Florida Lakes
The state of Florida is one of the first states that comes to mind when you are thinking of taking a warm weather vacation. If the ocean front is not for you, look into one of the many lakes scattered throughout the state. For example, Lake Apopka offers cabin rentals, as well as rentals of fishing and pontoon boats. For families looking to "rough it", there is plenty of camping as well.
Whether you choose Florida, Georgia, or Texas, a getaway to a restful lakeside cottage may be just what you need to refuel and get through the remains of your winter. It is a wonder what a peaceful lake vacation can do for your family or for you and your significant other.