North Carolina has a lot going for it. The beach, the mountains, the seasons, but we can’t forget one special feature of our state…all of the gorgeous lakes in North Carolina! Wherever you are in the state, there is a lake nearby, awaiting some fun, freshwater adventure. Here is a list of the 20 best lakes in North Carolina to explore during the summer season.
- Lake Norman
Flickr / M Fletcher Outside of Charlotte, spanning from Mooresville to Davidson, this green paradise awaits. Not just one of the best lakes in North Carolina, it’s also the largest body of freshwater in North Carolina, so you’ll have enough to explore on a boat or jet ski. Lake Norman, North Carolina, USA
- Jordan Lake
Flickr / Jeremy Taylor West of Raleigh and south of Durham, Jordan Lake is definitely one of the most beautiful lakes in North Carolina. In fact, the lovely, centrally located lake is perfect for some frame-worthy photos. Jordan Lake, North Carolina, USA
- Lake James
Janie Matthews Nestled in the high country of western North Carolina, Lake James is a freshwater getaway. Lake James receives its name from Duke benefactor and tobacco tycoon James Buchanan Duke. Lake James, North Carolina 28761, USA
- High Rock Lake
Visit Salisbury NC Outside of Salisbury, High Rock Lake serves as a reservoir for hydroelectric power generation. Meaning, it’s one of the best lakes in North Carolina for some canoe adventures. High Rock Lake, North Carolina, USA
- Belews Lake
Life in Mayberry The best part about Belews ‘creek’ is that it is always warm! Belews is a main hydro source for Duke Energy. Belews Lake spans from Rockingham to Forsyth County. Belews Lake, North Carolina, USA
- Badin Lake
Flickr / James Willamore Small but beautiful, Badin Lake is a secret getaway in the Uwharrie Lakes Region. When it comes to North Carolina lakes, Badin Lake is a great spot for some overnight waterfront fun, as it boasts a lovely campground. Badin Lake, North Carolina, USA
- Lake Tillery
Flickr / James Willamor This quiet reservoir is located between Badin Lake and Blewett Falls Lake. Easily among the most beautiful lakes in North Carolina, the Uwharrie Mountains make for great views as you sail on the gentle waters. Lake Tillery, North Carolina, USA
- Nantahala Lake
Flickr / Leo Suarez Another lake that swirls and dives beneath pine-covered mountains, Nantahala Lake is a great getaway in Macon County. Nantahala Lake, North Carolina, USA
- Lake Mattamuskeet
Flickr / Zach Frailey Just off the coast, Lake Mattamuskeet is the largest natural lake in North Carolina. Lake Mattamuskeet, North Carolina, USA
- Hyco Lake
Flickr / Nan-Chen Tsai One of the biggest of all North Carolina lakes, Hyco Lake is the largest lake in Person County. It’s a popular destination for jet skiing, wake boarding, and fishing. Hyco Lake, North Carolina, USA
- Lake Glenville
Flickr / Rick Austin You’ll want to visit this chilly mountain reservoir during the warmer months. But, located 8 miles from Cashier, it also makes for some wonderful winter pictures. It’s truly one of the most beautiful lakes in North Carolina. Lake Glenville, North Carolina 28723, USA
- Lake Lure
Flickr / Susan Coleman No Dirty Dancing here, at least not anymore. Nope, just serene mountain views at Lake Lure in Rutherford County. Lake Lure, NC, USA
- Lake Phelps
Trip Advisor Back to the eastern side of the state, Lake Phelps is the second biggest lake in North Carolina. Located in Washington, this salty lake leaves plenty to explore with a great coastal vibe. Phelps Lake, North Carolina 27928, USA
- Randleman Lake
Youtube / MaxRes With its central location in the state, between Guilford and Randolph County, Lake Randleman is an extremely popular fishing spot. Randleman Lake, North Carolina, USA
- Lake Tahoma
Flickr / Jackie O Small, and privately owned, Lake Tahoma is still available for pictures (apparently) or you could always make friends with the owners. Lake Tahoma, North Carolina 28752, USA
- Lake Junaluska
Flickr / Susie Blackmon As a popular destination for Methodist retreats, Lake Junaluska adds a picturesque feel to the already gorgeous town of Waynesville. Not just one of the best lakes in North Carolina for water-related fun, but Lake Junaluska is also a great spot for stretching your legs since a trail winds around the lake. Lake Junaluska, NC, USA
- Lake Drummond
Tumblr There’s no shortage of fish to catch in this freshwater lake at the center of Great Dismal Swamp (spoooky). Great Dismal Swamp, North Carolina 27976, USA
- Lake Wylie
Flickr / Alex G. Located between South Carolina and North Carolina, Lake Wylie is a perfect getaway for the South-Charlottean. Lake Wylie, SC 29710, USA
- Mountain Island Lake
City Data This small and fairly undiscovered lake is located outside of Charlotte. A day at Latta Plantation is fun for the whole family. Latta Park has gorgeous, quiet, and challenging hiking trails with lakeside views. Water recreation is popular here, including stand-up paddleboard yoga … gnarly! Mountain Island Lake, North Carolina, USA
- Lake Lynn
Flickr / Scott Akerman Located in Raleigh, Lake Lynn is a popular destination for power-walking with a view, especially during autumn. In fact, the lake just might offer one of the best fall hikes in North Carolina. Lake Lynn, North Carolina 28025, USA
Time to start planning! What are your favorite lakes in North Carolina? Do you think the North Carolina lakes mentioned above are the best lakes in North Carolina? Tell us!
Flickr / M Fletcher
Outside of Charlotte, spanning from Mooresville to Davidson, this green paradise awaits. Not just one of the best lakes in North Carolina, it’s also the largest body of freshwater in North Carolina, so you’ll have enough to explore on a boat or jet ski.
Lake Norman, North Carolina, USA
Flickr / Jeremy Taylor
West of Raleigh and south of Durham, Jordan Lake is definitely one of the most beautiful lakes in North Carolina. In fact, the lovely, centrally located lake is perfect for some frame-worthy photos.
Jordan Lake, North Carolina, USA
Janie Matthews
Nestled in the high country of western North Carolina, Lake James is a freshwater getaway. Lake James receives its name from Duke benefactor and tobacco tycoon James Buchanan Duke.
Lake James, North Carolina 28761, USA
Visit Salisbury NC
Outside of Salisbury, High Rock Lake serves as a reservoir for hydroelectric power generation. Meaning, it’s one of the best lakes in North Carolina for some canoe adventures.
High Rock Lake, North Carolina, USA
Life in Mayberry
The best part about Belews ‘creek’ is that it is always warm! Belews is a main hydro source for Duke Energy. Belews Lake spans from Rockingham to Forsyth County.
Belews Lake, North Carolina, USA
Flickr / James Willamore
Small but beautiful, Badin Lake is a secret getaway in the Uwharrie Lakes Region. When it comes to North Carolina lakes, Badin Lake is a great spot for some overnight waterfront fun, as it boasts a lovely campground.
Badin Lake, North Carolina, USA
Flickr / James Willamor
This quiet reservoir is located between Badin Lake and Blewett Falls Lake. Easily among the most beautiful lakes in North Carolina, the Uwharrie Mountains make for great views as you sail on the gentle waters.
Lake Tillery, North Carolina, USA
Flickr / Leo Suarez
Another lake that swirls and dives beneath pine-covered mountains, Nantahala Lake is a great getaway in Macon County.
Nantahala Lake, North Carolina, USA
Flickr / Zach Frailey
Just off the coast, Lake Mattamuskeet is the largest natural lake in North Carolina.
Lake Mattamuskeet, North Carolina, USA
Flickr / Nan-Chen Tsai
One of the biggest of all North Carolina lakes, Hyco Lake is the largest lake in Person County. It’s a popular destination for jet skiing, wake boarding, and fishing.
Hyco Lake, North Carolina, USA
Flickr / Rick Austin
You’ll want to visit this chilly mountain reservoir during the warmer months. But, located 8 miles from Cashier, it also makes for some wonderful winter pictures. It’s truly one of the most beautiful lakes in North Carolina.
Lake Glenville, North Carolina 28723, USA
Flickr / Susan Coleman
No Dirty Dancing here, at least not anymore. Nope, just serene mountain views at Lake Lure in Rutherford County.
Lake Lure, NC, USA
Trip Advisor
Back to the eastern side of the state, Lake Phelps is the second biggest lake in North Carolina. Located in Washington, this salty lake leaves plenty to explore with a great coastal vibe.
Phelps Lake, North Carolina 27928, USA
Youtube / MaxRes
With its central location in the state, between Guilford and Randolph County, Lake Randleman is an extremely popular fishing spot.
Randleman Lake, North Carolina, USA
Flickr / Jackie O
Small, and privately owned, Lake Tahoma is still available for pictures (apparently) or you could always make friends with the owners.
Lake Tahoma, North Carolina 28752, USA
Flickr / Susie Blackmon
As a popular destination for Methodist retreats, Lake Junaluska adds a picturesque feel to the already gorgeous town of Waynesville. Not just one of the best lakes in North Carolina for water-related fun, but Lake Junaluska is also a great spot for stretching your legs since a trail winds around the lake.
Lake Junaluska, NC, USA
Tumblr
There’s no shortage of fish to catch in this freshwater lake at the center of Great Dismal Swamp (spoooky).
Great Dismal Swamp, North Carolina 27976, USA
Flickr / Alex G.
Located between South Carolina and North Carolina, Lake Wylie is a perfect getaway for the South-Charlottean.
Lake Wylie, SC 29710, USA
City Data
This small and fairly undiscovered lake is located outside of Charlotte. A day at Latta Plantation is fun for the whole family. Latta Park has gorgeous, quiet, and challenging hiking trails with lakeside views. Water recreation is popular here, including stand-up paddleboard yoga … gnarly!
Mountain Island Lake, North Carolina, USA
Flickr / Scott Akerman
Located in Raleigh, Lake Lynn is a popular destination for power-walking with a view, especially during autumn. In fact, the lake just might offer one of the best fall hikes in North Carolina.
Lake Lynn, North Carolina 28025, USA
The most beautiful lakes in North Carolina aren’t the only bodies of water that belong on your bucket list. There are also lots of beautiful beaches in North Carolina, including the best beach in America!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Lakes In North Carolina August 01, 2022 Daniella DiRienzo What are the best beaches in North Carolina? In addition to lovely lakes in North Carolina, there are several stunning beaches in the state. One of the most beautiful beaches in North Carolina is Emerald Isle. A popular waterfront destination, the beach boasts 12 miles of sandy coastline as well as a fishing pier. This beach remains a family favorite for several reasons including its wide shoreline and abundance of amenities including grills, picnic pavilions, showers, and parking. Where can I go tubing in North Carolina? One of the best ways to enjoy the state’s bodies of water is to go tubing. Luckily, there are several outfitters that facilitate leisurely floats and Zen Tubing is one of them. One of the most popular tubing outfitters near Asheville, Zen Tubing helps adventure-seekers float the French Broad River. In addition to traditional tubing options, Zen Tubing also offers river raft cruises.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Lakes In North Carolina
August 01, 2022
Daniella DiRienzo
What are the best beaches in North Carolina? In addition to lovely lakes in North Carolina, there are several stunning beaches in the state. One of the most beautiful beaches in North Carolina is Emerald Isle. A popular waterfront destination, the beach boasts 12 miles of sandy coastline as well as a fishing pier. This beach remains a family favorite for several reasons including its wide shoreline and abundance of amenities including grills, picnic pavilions, showers, and parking. Where can I go tubing in North Carolina? One of the best ways to enjoy the state’s bodies of water is to go tubing. Luckily, there are several outfitters that facilitate leisurely floats and Zen Tubing is one of them. One of the most popular tubing outfitters near Asheville, Zen Tubing helps adventure-seekers float the French Broad River. In addition to traditional tubing options, Zen Tubing also offers river raft cruises.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
In addition to lovely lakes in North Carolina, there are several stunning beaches in the state. One of the most beautiful beaches in North Carolina is Emerald Isle. A popular waterfront destination, the beach boasts 12 miles of sandy coastline as well as a fishing pier. This beach remains a family favorite for several reasons including its wide shoreline and abundance of amenities including grills, picnic pavilions, showers, and parking.
Where can I go tubing in North Carolina?
One of the best ways to enjoy the state’s bodies of water is to go tubing. Luckily, there are several outfitters that facilitate leisurely floats and Zen Tubing is one of them. One of the most popular tubing outfitters near Asheville, Zen Tubing helps adventure-seekers float the French Broad River. In addition to traditional tubing options, Zen Tubing also offers river raft cruises.
