Top 5 US Lake Destinations for Summer Family Fun

If you’re planning a family vacation but you’re not sure where to travel, there are numerous lakes all across the country that provide access to swimming, fishing, camping, and plenty of adventures. Below are our top five favorite US lake destinations for summer family fun. 

Big Bear Lake

In a small town calledBig Bear Lake, California, you can find fishing, hiking, and up-close wildlife suitable for the entire family. It’s a four-season mountain lake vacation spot nestled in the San Bernardino National Forest, and it offers a little bit of everything no matter what your interests might be. You can snowboard or ski on the snow-capped mountains, or you might choose to ride a mountain bike along the miles and miles of beautiful trails. Of course, you’ll also find swimming and fishing atBig Bear Lake, the body of water from which the town takes its name. 

Crater Lake

If you want to visit an awe-inspiring historical location, head to Crater Lake National Park in Oregon. Some 7,700 years ago, Native Americans watched in horror as a violent eruption triggered the collapse of the volcanic peak. Today, Crater Lake is by far the deepest lake in the nation, and because it is fed by rain and snow, it’s also one of the purest. It’s a spectacular sight, so be sure that you add visitingCrater Lake to your bucket list. 

Lake Champlain

Lake Champlain is one of the five Great Lakes and is responsible for the numerous beautiful cities and towns located along the Adirondack Coast of New York. Whether you prefer to drive along the lake with the family or even hike one of the numerous trails, there’s something for everyone to see and do. You can even visitAusable Chasm, which is the oldest natural attraction in the United States, or sail onLake Champlain itself. 

Lake Placid

Lake Placid can also be found in the Adirondacks, and it offers a family-friendly environment filled with incredibly fresh air, beautiful scenery, and plenty of nature regardless of the season. You can take a walk in the woods surrounding Lake Placid, or you can go out for a paddle across the serene lake with the family. The numerous quaint towns scattered across the area provide ample shopping and dining opportunities, too. Hotels in the area offer breathtaking porch and balcony views, so whether you’re sitting on the balcony enjoying the mountain view with acup of coffee or hiking up a mountain, there’s plenty to see and do. 

Table Rock Lake 

Table Rock Lake is located in the Midwest only minutes from Branson and Silver Dollar City in Missouri. It’s a manmade lake that was created by a dam on the White River and takes its name from a rock shelf jutting out above the river about a mile away from the dam. The 43,000 acre lake offers almost 800 miles of shoreline thanks to its unique shape, and you’ll find plenty of places to stay, eat, and have fun with thefamily at Table Rock Lake, as well. 

Whether you’re interested in taking a cross-country road trip to New York or California or you want to stay close by in the US Midwest, these five lakes provide an incredible experience for people of all ages. There’s something for everyone to do, whether you prefer outdoor sports, sightseeing, or trying new restaurants all across the nation.