USA TODAY 10Best
Go for a dip at these 10 US lakes perfect for swimming
Best Lake for Swimming (2024)
From natural water features to human-made bodies of water, the United States is full of beautiful lakes where you can enjoy a refreshing dip. Not to mention, several offer sandy stretches of beach, perfect for sunbathing and relaxing.
Here are 10 such locales, selected by an expert panel and voted by our readers as the best lakes for swimming in the United States.
- Lake Charlevoix - Michigan
- Grand Lake - Colorado
- Lake Chelan - Washington
- Deep Creek Lake - Maryland
- Lake Michigan - Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin
- Lake Superior - Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin
- Norris Lake - Tennessee
- Lake Erie - New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania
- Geneva Lake - Wisconsin
- Lake Jocassee - South Carolina
Photo courtesy of Visit Charlevoix
No. 10:
While Lake Michigan sees its fair share of bathers during the warmer months, it's not exactly Caribbean-level in terms of temperature. Fortunately, northern Michigan residents have the perfect alternative in the form of Lake Charlevoix. The third-largest natural lake in the state, this scenic body of water tends to run a bit warmer than its massive neighbor, with Depot Beach being a particularly popular spot for taking the plunge.
Photo courtesy of EvgeniiAnd // Getty Images
No. 9:
Colorado's Grand Lake springs to life once the snow has made its annual retreat, inviting tourists and locals alike to kayak, stand-up paddleboard, and swim along its tranquil shores. It may be a little chilly, but it's tough to pass up a dip in the largest and deepest natural lake in all of the Centennial State.
Photo courtesy of Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce
No. 8:
It may be a little chilly at first, but the crystal-clear water and stunning surroundings make Lake Chelan a top destination for a warm weather swim. Renowned for its immense depth, the body of water is often compared to a Northern European fjord, providing visitors with a glimpse into the stunning beauty of Scandinavia without having to set foot outside of North America.
Photo courtesy of LumineImages // Getty Images
No. 7:
The westernmost reaches of Maryland are home to Deep Creek Lake, an artificial body of water that made its debut roughly a century ago. Local fish species range from walleye to bluegill to yellow perch, while humans tend to join in on the party once spring kicks in, with panhandle residents swinging by for a refreshing swim in the Garrett County waters.
Photo courtesy of Drew Mason
No. 6:
It's always a little cold even in the height of summer, but for those willing to brave the low temperatures, Lake Michigan is perfect for a refreshing dip. For Chicago visitors, North Avenue Beach is a particularly lively spot for a swim, while destinations outside the city range from Indiana Dunes National Park to Michigan's Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Photo courtesy of SteveLagreca // Getty Images
No. 5:
With 31,700 square miles of lake to explore, the colossal Lake Superior is equipped with more than its fair share of swimming spots spread along the Canada and United States shores. Though each one tends to swing towards the colder side, destinations like Agate Beach, Wisconsin Point, and Wild Goose Beach all offer some welcome relief from the summer heat.
Photo courtesy of fotografixx // Getty Images
No. 4:
Spanning more than 200 miles along five separate counties, Norris Lake began its life as a method of flood control, gradually morphing into a top-tier aquatic adventure destination since its creation in the 1930s. During a visit to Loyston Point Recreation Area, locals can be found taking advantage of the calm water, with swimmers, boaters, and fishers all in attendance.
Photo courtesy of Shores & Islands Ohio
No. 3:
With hundreds of miles of shoreline to explore between both Canada and the United States, the sprawling Lake Erie is rife with sandy beaches to swim along. Headlands Beach State Park is a popular bathing destination for Ohio residents, while Pennsylvanians can take a dip at the scenic Presque Isle State Park (during the warmer months, at least).
Photo courtesy of VISIT Lake Geneva
No. 2:
Located roughly halfway between Chicago and Milwaukee, Wisconsin's Geneva Lake is a particularly popular summertime destination for those seeking an idyllic escape from the city. On the western shore, Fontana Beach is a local favorite thanks to its soft sand and shallow water, while Big Foot Beach State Park is a must-visit for those staying in the idyllic city of Lake Geneva.
Photo courtesy of Kruck20 // Getty Images
No. 1:
Located in the northwesternmost reaches of South Carolina, the scenic Lake Jocassee is fed by natural Appalachian rivers all throughout the year, each one coming together to form a particularly idyllic mountain lake. During a swim, visitors can scour the water for creatures like sunfish and trout, and as an added bonus, there's no shortage of rushing waterfalls to admire along the shore.
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
Jacky Runice
Born in Bucktown (Chicago) when bulletproof was a... Read More
Born in Bucktown (Chicago) when bulletproof was a home safety choice and not a coffee order, Jacky Runice has been knocking around Chicago as a professional print, online and broadcast journalist and editor specializing in separating the riff from the raff in culture, entertainment, food, travel and pure unadulterated fun. Jacky is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) and relies on her vast experience and gray matter to produce informative, entertaining content.
Jacky Runice
Born in Bucktown (Chicago) when bulletproof was a home safety choice and not a coffee order, Jacky Runice has been knocking around Chicago as a professional print, online and broadcast journalist and editor specializing in separating the riff from the raff in culture, entertainment, food, travel and pure unadulterated fun. Jacky is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) and relies on her vast experience and gray matter to produce informative, entertaining content.
Jamie Davis Smith
Jamie is an attorney, writer and photographer. She... Read More
Jamie is an attorney, writer and photographer. She was born with deeply ingrained wanderlust and has visited 45 countries and counting. She often brings her children along for the adventure and is passing her love of travel on to the next generation. Jamie has written for Insider, Fodor's Travel, Yahoo, the Huffington Post, the Washington Post, Viator and Reviewed among many other publications. Jamie is from Philadelphia and now lives in Washington, DC, where she takes advantage of everything the region has to offer. Jamie can be reached at jamiesmithwrites@gmail.com and can be found on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.
Jamie Davis Smith
Jamie is an attorney, writer and photographer. She was born with deeply ingrained wanderlust and has visited 45 countries and counting. She often brings her children along for the adventure and is passing her love of travel on to the next generation. Jamie has written for Insider, Fodor's Travel, Yahoo, the Huffington Post, the Washington Post, Viator and Reviewed among many other publications. Jamie is from Philadelphia and now lives in Washington, DC, where she takes advantage of everything the region has to offer. Jamie can be reached at jamiesmithwrites@gmail.com and can be found on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.
Kristen Lummis
Kristen Lummis is a freelance writer based in... Read More
Kristen Lummis is a freelance writer based in Western Colorado. The mom of two now-adult sons, Lummis broke into her writing career through snowsports, founding the website braveskimom.com in 2010 to provide family-friendly tips across a full range of winter topics. And while skiing is Lummis’ first true outdoor love, she grew up camping, hiking, biking, kayaking and traveling extensively with her family — pursuits that she continues today. She prides herself on unbiased opinions, based on activities and destinations she’s visited and experienced. Lummis is honored to be considered an “expert” for 10Best. Follow her @braveskimom on Instagram and Facebook.
Kristen Lummis
Kristen Lummis is a freelance writer based in Western Colorado. The mom of two now-adult sons, Lummis broke into her writing career through snowsports, founding the website braveskimom.com in 2010 to provide family-friendly tips across a full range of winter topics. And while skiing is Lummis’ first true outdoor love, she grew up camping, hiking, biking, kayaking and traveling extensively with her family — pursuits that she continues today. She prides herself on unbiased opinions, based on activities and destinations she’s visited and experienced. Lummis is honored to be considered an “expert” for 10Best. Follow her @braveskimom on Instagram and Facebook.
Marla Cimini
Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion... Read More
Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures! An avid globetrotter and guidebook writer, she has covered topics such as the Hawaiian islands (including food trends and luxury beachfront resorts), as well as European getaways and global destinations. Her articles have appeared in many publications worldwide, including USA Today. Marla lives in New Jersey (Philadelphia area) and is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and Southern California, and often covers those destinations. Her travel website is: www.marlacimini.com
Marla Cimini
Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures! An avid globetrotter and guidebook writer, she has covered topics such as the Hawaiian islands (including food trends and luxury beachfront resorts), as well as European getaways and global destinations. Her articles have appeared in many publications worldwide, including USA Today. Marla lives in New Jersey (Philadelphia area) and is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and Southern California, and often covers those destinations. Her travel website is: www.marlacimini.com
Shea Peters
Shea Peters is a NYC based writer and frequent... Read More
Shea Peters is a NYC based writer and frequent world traveler that looks to the history of a location in order to tell the story. Growing up in a Southern family that loves to travel, Shea has seen 44 of the 50 US states and believes that every place has a story worth telling, regardless of how populated or rural. She's currently a regular contributor discussing travel, culture, history, food, wellness, and business at Travel + Leisure, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Oprah Daily, Women’s Health, TripAdvisor, Cosmo, and Revolt TV. When she's not traveling, rooting for some unlikable sports team, or taking a pilates class, you can find Shea in her rooftop garden that is currently flourishing above the streets of New York City. You can follow Shea on Instagram and Twitter.
Shea Peters
Shea Peters is a NYC based writer and frequent world traveler that looks to the history of a location in order to tell the story. Growing up in a Southern family that loves to travel, Shea has seen 44 of the 50 US states and believes that every place has a story worth telling, regardless of how populated or rural. She's currently a regular contributor discussing travel, culture, history, food, wellness, and business at Travel + Leisure, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Oprah Daily, Women’s Health, TripAdvisor, Cosmo, and Revolt TV. When she's not traveling, rooting for some unlikable sports team, or taking a pilates class, you can find Shea in her rooftop garden that is currently flourishing above the streets of New York City. You can follow Shea on Instagram and Twitter.
Tamara Gane
Tamara Gane is an expert panel member for 10Best... Read More
Tamara Gane is an expert panel member for 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. She's based in Reno/Lake Tahoe and in addition to USA Today 10Best, her work has been published in Travel & Leisure, Fodor's Travel, The Washington Post, SF Gate, Houston Chronicle, Lonely Planet, and more.
Tamara Gane
Tamara Gane is an expert panel member for 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. She's based in Reno/Lake Tahoe and in addition to USA Today 10Best, her work has been published in Travel & Leisure, Fodor's Travel, The Washington Post, SF Gate, Houston Chronicle, Lonely Planet, and more.
Wendy O'Dea
Born and raised in western New York, Wendy O'Dea... Read More
Born and raised in western New York, Wendy O'Dea moved to L.A. to attend the USC graduate School of Journalism and stayed for the innovative and creative lifestyle the city offers. Other than the traffic, there's not much about California she doesn't love. You can track her gallivanting ways on Instagram via @WendyTravels .
Wendy O'Dea
Born and raised in western New York, Wendy O'Dea moved to L.A. to attend the USC graduate School of Journalism and stayed for the innovative and creative lifestyle the city offers. Other than the traffic, there's not much about California she doesn't love. You can track her gallivanting ways on Instagram via @WendyTravels .
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.
