In the United state, boating is an incredibly popular pastime. Surveys show that more than 84 millionAmericans engage in recreational boating annually. On top of that, about 12% of all households in the United States own a recreational boat.
If you’ve been looking for a place to use your recreational boat, we’re here to help. There are countless lakes in the United States that you can use for recreation. Here are ten of the most popular in the nation for your enjoyment.
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1. Lake Norman, North Carolina
Located just 20 miles north of Charlotte, this is one of the most notable lakes in North Carolina. Lake Norman is a man-made lake with a focus on entertainment and outdoor culture. The historic main streets are filled with galleries, restaurants, boutique shops, and many other outlets.
Of course, you’ll enjoy taking your boat out on the water as well. There are boats for rental if you can’t transport your own vessel towards the shores. Overall, Lake Norman is a beautiful addition for the first spot on our list.
2. Lake Powell, Utah, and Arizona
Many lakes cross state lines, and Lake Powell is one of several that we’ll discuss here today. On the border between Utah and northern Arizona, Lake Powell is part of the Colorado river. Boasting over 2,000 miles of shoreline and spectacular weather, the scenery is among the best the States can offer.
Lake Powell has several places that will allow you to rent a houseboat or enjoy camping and lodging. Of course, there are also many jetties that will let you launch your own vessel. Lake Powell provides a great deal of outdoor pleasure with access from multiple states.
3. Big Bear Lake, California
Big Bear Lake is a city in Southern California based on the shore of the lake that gives the city its namesake. Known for amazing fishing, hiking, and snow sports, the right season makes Big Bear Lake one of the best boating lakes around.
Big Bear Lake offers a strong number of marinas that will allow you to launch your vessel. If you can’t transport your own vehicle for some reason, multiple marinas will allow you to rent one instead. There are plenty of fishing and sightseeing opportunities you can grab from the water.
4. Lake Michigan, Great Lakes
Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes in Northern America. It’s also one of the largest, ranking the third largest of the great lakes at 22,300 square miles. Lake Michigan crosses between Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, and much of Canada as well.
All that combines to show Lake Michigan as one of the largest and most versatile options among boating lakes. Whether you’re bringing a boat or not, Lake Michigan is one of the best lakes you can visit. There are countless opportunities for recreation here, so come prepared!
5. Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota
Owning a boat comes with a variety of responsibilities. One of the most important is to ensure that the boat is properly maintained. This will ensure it runs as smoothly as possible for as long as possible. While boat engines will give up after a certain amount of time, they will generally last for around 1500 hours.
But before this, there are certain points where maintenance is required, especially once the engine exceeds running 1000 hours. Using your hour meter which may be located on the boat dash or can be observed through a PC connection, will allow you to clearly see how long the engine has been running for. The age of your boat will determine whether you have a digital or analogue display but beware that older boat’s hour meters can be manipulated. This is something to keep in mind when buying a second hand vessel.
6. Lake Okeechobee, Florida
Also referred to as the Inland Sea, Lake Okeechobee is the largest freshwater lake in the state of Florida and the eighth-largest natural lake in the United States. The name literally translates to Big Water in the language of the Seminole tribe, big enough that the shores can’t be seen from the opposite side.
Okeechobee has areas that stretch through much of Florida and provide a great wealth of places to launch your boat. Though this is one of the best boating lakes, part of it slips into the Everglades. There are a few regulations on what you can and can’t do, so keep nature in mind while you’re on the water.
7. Lake Mead, Nevada, and Arizona
Lake Mead is a reservoir created by the Hoover Dam in the states of Nevada and Arizona. The locale provides a beautiful view that can be difficult to beat anywhere.
Lake Mead boasts 750 miles of shoreline that you can enjoy year-round. Bring your vessel or rent one to enjoy striking views and locales that you won’t find anywhere else.
8. Lake Champlain, New York, and Vermont
One of the most historic sites in the United States, lake Champlain provides amazing entertainment both on and off the water. This is one of the best lakes to visit on a family outing or just to engage in all the beauty that the Adirondaks can bring you. While the sights are beautiful year-round, consider coming during the fall for an unparalleled view of nature as the mountain trees shift color.
9. Lake Texoma, Texas, and Oklahoma
Lake Texoma, as the name hints, is located between Texas and Oklahoma. Located about an hour away from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texoma is home to boating, fishing, horse trails, cabin rentals, charters, and dozens of other activities. Texoma is a great place to bring your boat for a week away and enjoy all the sights that both Texas and Oklahoma have to offer.
10. Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire
The last on our list, Lake Winnipesaukee is one of the most stunning experiences you can have. Winnipesaukee is the largest of the lakes in New Hampshire and is surrounded by three mountain ranges. The lake offers a wealth of areas to launch your boat from and offers rents, charters, and cruises across the big lake no matter what time of year it is.
Visting Lakes in the United States
These ten are just a sampling of the incredible lakes in the United States. If you’ve been searching for the best boating lakes, any of these will make for an unforgettable experience.
