Best Boating Lakes

During warmer months, people flock to natural and artificial lakes across the United States to enjoy a day on the water. From relaxing activities like kayaking to high-speed jet skiing, lakes offer a wealth of fun. Boating is especially versatile, letting you go for a dive, host a party or just lounge with a good book. Whether you love to relax on your yacht with some drinks or prefer the thrill of watersports, nothing beats spending a day out on the lake with your family and friends.

If you’ve been looking for a new lake to boat on, we’ve put together this list of some of the best lakes in the United States. So, get your boat and get ready to explore!

Largest Lakes in the U.S.

The Great Lakes, also referred to as the Great Lakes of North America, make up the top five largest lakes in the United States. All five of these incredible bodies of water are so large that they can be seen from space. The Great Lakes are some of the best boating lakes in the U.S. because of their gorgeous shorelines. This series of interconnected freshwater lakes include:

Lake Huron

Lake Huron, which has the longest shoreline of the Great Lakes, is a beautiful spot for a day on the water. Boating takes you on a tour of the best Lake Huron has to offer. Boaters have numerous opportunities to dock and enjoy the ports, towns and parks along the shore. A well-known destination is Mackinac Island, where you can ride a horse-drawn carriage and sample delicious fudge around the island.

Lake Huron also features the largest freshwater island in the world, Manitoulin Island. With scenic landscapes everywhere you turn, you’ll have a lot of room to enjoy recreational boating while taking in the views. Take a dip in the lake, admire the surrounding lighthouses and kayak around Turnip Rock.

Lake Ontario

Lake Ontario is primarily fed by the Niagara River and is at the bottom of Niagara Falls. Bounded by Ontario to the north and New York to the south, Lake Ontario is the smallest of the Great Lakes. Still, this lake offers thousands of miles of water for boaters to enjoy, along with a shoreline that features several ports and boat launches.

Lake Ontario offers anglers a diverse catch, including smallmouth bass, chinook salmon, walleye and rainbow trout. With many recreational centers and boating opportunities, you’ll be able to fill your weekend with endless activities.

Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan comprises the west coast of the state of Michigan and is the only Great Lake to exist entirely within the United States. The stunning dunes and views of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore alone make Lake Michigan one of the best boating lakes in the U.S. Boaters can also access state parks, historic lighthouses, wineries and so much more.

At Lake Michigan, boaters have many amenities available as they explore one of the biggest lakes in the country. From islands to harbors, you’ll have chances to enjoy all your favorite boating activities. Lake Michigan is also one of the top places to jet ski because it offers access to several major cities, including Green Bay, Chicago and Grand Rapids. 

Lake Erie

Lake Erie, which has the fourth-largest surface area of the Great Lakes, is divided into three separate basins. This shallow lake has an overgrowth of green algal blooms that give the lake a greenish color in some places. Boating on the lake is popular, as are watersports like paddleboarding and kayaking. Here, you’ll be able to enjoy a day of fishing or kayaking on the shallow waters.

Lake Superior

Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world. With the lowest point at 1,332 feet deep, Lake Superior is also one of the top five deepest lakes in the country. 

From kayaking and sailing to speed boating, this lake offers many opportunities for skilled boaters. Take your vessel out on the lake at night to enjoy the northern skies and maybe catch a glimpse of the northern lights. Kayaking along Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is another must, where you can kayak around the colorful rock formations.

Most Beautiful Lakes in the U.S.

If you are looking for a scenic boating escape, we have you covered. Here are a few lakes considered the prettiest in the United States:

Jenny Lake

Jenny Lake, which is in Grand Teton National Park, is an adventurer’s paradise. The lake is a centerpiece of the Teton Range, surrounded by soaring mountain peaks and alpine canyons. Nearby waterfalls complete the picturesque scenery.

Activities on Jenny Lake include fishing, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding and windsurfing. When you want a break from the water, explore some of the hiking trails surrounding the lake and glimpse wildlife like moose. With lots of boating opportunities and rugged mountain views, Jenny Lake has so much to do that you’ll never want to leave. 

Lake Tenkiller

Situated in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, Lake Tenkiller offers nearly 13,000 acres of water to explore. As the clearest lake in Oklahoma, Lake Tenkiller provides some truly stunning views. Rocky cliffs on the lakeshore and evergreen forest create an oasis on the water.

From scuba diving to boating, this breathtaking lake has it all. Boaters can also spend time wakeboarding, fishing and jet skiing. Hiking is also popular in the Greater Tenkiller area, with plenty of trails and scenic overlooks to enjoy. With several nearby marinas offering snacks and water toys, you’re sure to have everything you need for an enjoyable day on the lake.

Lake George 

Lake George in New York is sometimes called “The Queen of the American Lakes.” This lake has been popular for decades and was a hotspot for millionaires’ vacation homes during the late 1800s. Many of their stone mansions still line the lakeshore, giving boaters a view of the gilded past. The surrounding Adirondacks provide Lake George with sweeping forest panoramas.

Boaters on Lake George enjoy cruising the waterways and fishing for trout, bass and salmon on the lake. Try kayaking through The Narrows, a thin stretch in the lake containing several small islands. You can also catch a steamboat dinner cruise across the lake to feel transported back in time.

Caddo Lake 

Caddo Lake, which spans the border between Texas and Louisiana, is a unique landscape you can’t find in many other places. Bald cypress trees rise majestically out of the lake as Spanish moss drapes down from the branches. Boating on this lake is like traveling through a maze of mysterious bayous and swampy waterways.

Boaters on Caddo Lake can go fishing, paddling and hiking on nearby trails. The lake is a whopping 26,810 acres, so a map is not optional. A kayak is the best option if you want to maximize your adventure on Caddo Lake. Keep an eye out for alligators and Bigfoot!

Lake Santeetlah

Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, Lake Santeetlah is a forested lake perfect for boaters wanting a quiet escape. Lake Santeetlah boasts 76 miles of mostly undeveloped shoreline, giving boaters some of the most peaceful waters in the country. Canoeing, fishing and kayaking are popular on the lake. Boaters can also relax on the beach at Cheoah Point.

Deepest Lakes in the U.S.

Along with being home to some of the largest and most beautiful lakes, the U.S. also has some incredibly deep lakes. Here are some of the deepest boating lakes in the U.S.:

Crater Lake 

Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States. With a depth of almost 2,000 feet, this bowl-shaped lake also features some of the clearest and cleanest waters you’ll find anywhere. The rich blue color of the water fascinates visitors and draws boaters from across the country.

Crater Lake was formed from a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago that caused part of Mount Mazama to collapse. Wizard Island is the focal point in the center of the lake. During the summer, visitors can view the inside of this stunning volcano and explore the waters on a ranger-narrated boat tour.

Lake Tahoe 

Lake Tahoe’s deepest point is 1,645 feet deep, taller than the Empire State Building. This lake is situated on the border between California and Nevada, in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Lake Tahoe is an incredibly popular destination for vacationers of all kinds, and boaters won’t be disappointed by the activities available on the lake.

Known for its pristine waters, Lake Tahoe is bordered by tall pines, granite peaks and rocky outcroppings. Take your vessel out on the lake for a day of swimming, fishing and watersports, or dock for the evening and enjoy dinner in a nearby town. Lake Tahoe also offers festivals and other events throughout the year.

Lake Chelan 

Lake Chelan is the third-deepest in the U.S. at a depth of 1,468 feet. This lake in Washington includes two glacier-fed basins that give the water stunning clarity. The surrounding North Cascade mountains are popular with cyclists, hikers and trail runners.

This lake is a boater’s playland, offering numerous activities for watersports enthusiasts and recreational boaters. Try jet skiing, parasailing, rowing, tubing and more. Windsurfing is especially popular in the Lucerne Basin, where winds are stronger.

Lake Pend Oreille

Lake Pend Oreille is 1,158 feet deep and 43 miles long. This lake in the Idaho panhandle was sculpted out by glaciers that came through the Rocky Mountains thousands of years ago. With its views of the Selkirk and Cabinet Mountains, you’ll be able to relax with your loved ones in this small lake town in Idaho.

Lake Pend Oreille offers lots to do, with plenty of parks, beaches and boat launches. While you relax on your boat, catch a view of the lake’s magnificent ospreys, fishing hawks that swoop underwater to catch their prey. The rainbow trout and salmon populations are just as tempting to anglers.

Seneca Lake

Seneca Lake in New York has a maximum depth of 618 feet, making it the deepest of New York’s finger lakes. The lake helps create an ideal environment for grape growing, and there are numerous wineries to visit in the area.

Seneca Lake is an excellent location for boating, paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing. Known as the lake trout capital of the world, Seneca Lake is also perfect for anglers.

Learn About Our Boat Ports Today

Here at EZ Dock, we’ve been designing premier floating docks for over 26 years. After you’ve discovered the best lake for boating, you’ll want to check out our boat ports that come in both residential and commercial styles. With an easy drive-on, drive-off method, each dock is designed to help you spend more time out on the water and less time caring for and maintaining your dock. 

To learn more about how you can invest in your waterfront property, contact us today.