Sure, North Carolina has amazing beaches … but sometimes you want a break from the saltwater (and shark scares) and to dip your toes into some freshwater lakes in North Carolina. Look no further than one of the beautiful lakes on this list. There are SO many to choose from, but these 10 are guaranteed to give you a great experience!
- Lake Lure
Flickr / Payton Chung If being the backdrop for Dirty Dancing isn’t enough, Lake Lure is about as scenic as it gets. Nestled between gorgeous mountains, even with small beaches and a place to lay your towel, Lake Lure is a true getaway! This is one of the best natural lakes in North Carolina, so plan your visit today. Lake Lure, NC, USA
- Lake Mattamuskeet
Flickr / Zach Frailey Lake Mattamuskeet, North Carolina, USA
Flickr / Jim Liestman As North Carolina’s largest natural lake, Lake Mattamuskeet is a coastal paradise. This lake is perfect for boating, fishing, kayaking, or just exploring the area. Learn more about one of the coolest North Carolina lakes, and then check it out with the whole family!
- Lake Norman
Flickr / Mike Boening Photography As North Carolina’s largest body of fresh water, there’s plenty to explore here. Lake Norman is centrally located, near Charlotte, and not too far from Piedmont. It is also easy for a day drive. It’s best to explore by boat or jetski. Read more about Lake Norman, and then pencil in your next visit. Lake Norman, North Carolina, USA
- Jordan Lake
Flickr / Jeremy Taylor Speaking of centrally located, Jordan Lake is west of Raleigh and south of Durham. It’s a picturesque place, full of peaceful coves and places to swim. With seven swim beaches, this is one of the best lakes in North Carolina for swimming. Jordan Lake, North Carolina, USA
- Lake Tillery
Flickr / James Willamor Surrounded by the Uwharrie Mountains, this secluded lake is perfect for sailing and amazing views. Add Lake Tillery to your list of must-visit lakes in North Carolina. Lake Tillery, North Carolina, USA
- Nantahala Lake
Flickr / Leo Suarez Another lake that absolutely surrounds you in towering pines and mountain views is Nantahala Lake. It is the perfect place for a kayak adventure amidst nature. After a great day on the water, stay at one of the dreamy yurts at Lake Nantahala. Nantahala Lake, North Carolina, USA
- Lake Phelps
Flickr / Sandeep Somasekharan As the second largest natural lake in North Carolina, Lake Phelps is the perfect place to explore on the eastern side of the state. Phelps Lake, North Carolina 27928, USA
- Lake Drummond
Flickr / U.S Fish and Wildlife Service Located right in the Great Dismal Swamp, Lake Drummond is a fisherman’s paradise. Learn more about this otherworldly destination, and then plan your next visit. Great Dismal Swamp, North Carolina 27976, USA
- Lake Gaston
Flickr / robert macdonald Easily located, Lake Gaston is the perfect place for weekend getaway. Rent or bring your boat and have some freshwater fun. Stay the night at the resort on Lake Gaston after a day of water fun. Lake Gaston Drive, Lake Gaston Dr, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526, USA
- White Lake
Jamie Corbett White Lake has gorgeous, crystal clear water and a beachy vibe (minus the sharks). If you’re looking for a unique lake experience in NC, visit here! Read more about White Lake, and then go check it out! White Lake, NC 28337, USA
I’m ready for a day on one of the best lakes in North Carolina! Are any of your favorite lake destinations on the list? Let us know in the comments!
Flickr / Payton Chung
If being the backdrop for Dirty Dancing isn’t enough, Lake Lure is about as scenic as it gets. Nestled between gorgeous mountains, even with small beaches and a place to lay your towel, Lake Lure is a true getaway! This is one of the best natural lakes in North Carolina, so plan your visit today.
Lake Lure, NC, USA
Flickr / Zach Frailey
Lake Mattamuskeet, North Carolina, USA
Flickr / Jim Liestman
As North Carolina’s largest natural lake, Lake Mattamuskeet is a coastal paradise. This lake is perfect for boating, fishing, kayaking, or just exploring the area. Learn more about one of the coolest North Carolina lakes, and then check it out with the whole family!
Flickr / Mike Boening Photography
As North Carolina’s largest body of fresh water, there’s plenty to explore here. Lake Norman is centrally located, near Charlotte, and not too far from Piedmont. It is also easy for a day drive. It’s best to explore by boat or jetski. Read more about Lake Norman, and then pencil in your next visit.
Lake Norman, North Carolina, USA
Flickr / Jeremy Taylor
Speaking of centrally located, Jordan Lake is west of Raleigh and south of Durham. It’s a picturesque place, full of peaceful coves and places to swim. With seven swim beaches, this is one of the best lakes in North Carolina for swimming.
Jordan Lake, North Carolina, USA
Flickr / James Willamor
Surrounded by the Uwharrie Mountains, this secluded lake is perfect for sailing and amazing views. Add Lake Tillery to your list of must-visit lakes in North Carolina.
Lake Tillery, North Carolina, USA
Flickr / Leo Suarez
Another lake that absolutely surrounds you in towering pines and mountain views is Nantahala Lake. It is the perfect place for a kayak adventure amidst nature. After a great day on the water, stay at one of the dreamy yurts at Lake Nantahala.
Nantahala Lake, North Carolina, USA
Flickr / Sandeep Somasekharan
As the second largest natural lake in North Carolina, Lake Phelps is the perfect place to explore on the eastern side of the state.
Phelps Lake, North Carolina 27928, USA
Flickr / U.S Fish and Wildlife Service
Located right in the Great Dismal Swamp, Lake Drummond is a fisherman’s paradise. Learn more about this otherworldly destination, and then plan your next visit.
Great Dismal Swamp, North Carolina 27976, USA
Flickr / robert macdonald
Easily located, Lake Gaston is the perfect place for weekend getaway. Rent or bring your boat and have some freshwater fun. Stay the night at the resort on Lake Gaston after a day of water fun.
Lake Gaston Drive, Lake Gaston Dr, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526, USA
Jamie Corbett
White Lake has gorgeous, crystal clear water and a beachy vibe (minus the sharks). If you’re looking for a unique lake experience in NC, visit here! Read more about White Lake, and then go check it out!
White Lake, NC 28337, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
lakes in North Carolina June 03, 2022 Jessica Bohl Are there any lakeside campgrounds in North Carolina? Camping is such an amazing experience, and something that makes it even better is camping lakeside. Fortunately, there are some lakeside campgrounds in North Carolina that you will absolutely want to visit. Baden Lake Campground in Uwharrie National Forest offers campers a chance to pitch their tent right next to the pristine shores of Baden Lake. Relaxing lakeside is always dreamy, but for more exciting activities, there is plenty of swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking to be done at this great campground. What are some family-friendly lakes in North Carolina? Adjacent to the Bent Creek Experimental Forest is the family-friendly Lake Powhatan and Lake Powhatan Campground. This lovely lake is the perfect spot for families to cool off on a hot day by either swimming or floating on a raft. In fact, there is a roped-off swimming beach that is perfect for families with kids. And, if you enjoy camping with the family, you can camp onsite for an amazing family getaway.
The OIYS Visitor Center
lakes in North Carolina
June 03, 2022
Jessica Bohl
Are there any lakeside campgrounds in North Carolina? Camping is such an amazing experience, and something that makes it even better is camping lakeside. Fortunately, there are some lakeside campgrounds in North Carolina that you will absolutely want to visit. Baden Lake Campground in Uwharrie National Forest offers campers a chance to pitch their tent right next to the pristine shores of Baden Lake. Relaxing lakeside is always dreamy, but for more exciting activities, there is plenty of swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking to be done at this great campground. What are some family-friendly lakes in North Carolina? Adjacent to the Bent Creek Experimental Forest is the family-friendly Lake Powhatan and Lake Powhatan Campground. This lovely lake is the perfect spot for families to cool off on a hot day by either swimming or floating on a raft. In fact, there is a roped-off swimming beach that is perfect for families with kids. And, if you enjoy camping with the family, you can camp onsite for an amazing family getaway.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Camping is such an amazing experience, and something that makes it even better is camping lakeside. Fortunately, there are some lakeside campgrounds in North Carolina that you will absolutely want to visit. Baden Lake Campground in Uwharrie National Forest offers campers a chance to pitch their tent right next to the pristine shores of Baden Lake. Relaxing lakeside is always dreamy, but for more exciting activities, there is plenty of swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking to be done at this great campground.
What are some family-friendly lakes in North Carolina?
Adjacent to the Bent Creek Experimental Forest is the family-friendly Lake Powhatan and Lake Powhatan Campground. This lovely lake is the perfect spot for families to cool off on a hot day by either swimming or floating on a raft. In fact, there is a roped-off swimming beach that is perfect for families with kids. And, if you enjoy camping with the family, you can camp onsite for an amazing family getaway.
