The Best Lake Vacations for Families in the USA (2026 Edition)
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Is there anything in the world better than a family lake vacation to get you in the mood for summer?
Lake vacations combine the best elements of a summer holiday – not just swimming, fishing, and boating, but also lazy days on the beach, chasing fireflies, and the constant smell of sunscreen and wet bathing suits.
There are thousands of lakes in the United States, many of them great retreats for families, but a few lakes stand out from the crowd for their family-friendly atmosphere, variety of recreation opportunities, and laid-back vibe.
Here are our absolute favorite family-friendly lakes in the United States that are perfect for your next summer vacation.
What Makes a Lake Vacation Great for Families?
Of all the types of travel we do as a family, lake vacations sit at the very top of our list. Our kids are happiest when they can spend all day in, on, or near the water, and lake trips strike the perfect balance between adventure and downtime for adults, too.
When we’re choosing our next lakeside getaway, here’s what we always look for:
- Calm swimming areas and/or beaches. The most important thing!
- Boat rentals and water sports. We often bring our canoe, but we sometimes rent paddleboards, kayaks, and, once, a pontoon boat (which was excellent).
- Nearby hikes, parks, or attractions. We look for a good mix, so we can relax by the water and head out on a few adventures.
- Family-friendly and affordable lodging (cabins, resorts, campgrounds). It’s not always possible to be right on the lake, mostly due to affordability, but we try!
- Walkability or easy driving distances. We don’t want to spend all day in the car! With older kids, it’s nice to give them the freedom to walk places on their own.
Ready for our top picks? Here are the best lakes for family vacations in the US (yes, these are our opinions; feel free to comment with your own favorites). Here’s a quick breakdown.
Best Lake Vacations for Families at a Glance
| Lake | Location | Best For | Water Temperature | Lodging Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Superior (Pictured Rocks) | Michigan | Outdoor-loving families, hiking, kayaking, wildlife | Cold | Campgrounds, rustic cabins, cottages |
| North Lake Tahoe | California | Active families, beaches + mountains, scenic adventures | Cold | Campgrounds, yurts, resorts, vacation rentals |
| Lake Champlain | Vermont & New York | History, biking, paddling, relaxed lake towns | Moderate | State parks, inns, cabins, island camping |
| Lake Havasu | Arizona | Warm-water swimming, winter sun, easy fun | Warm | Resorts, hotels, vacation rentals |
| Lake Winnipesaukee | New Hampshire | Younger kids, classic summer vibes, walkable towns | Moderate to warm (in shallow areas) | Resorts, inns, cottages, campgrounds |
| Lake George | New York | Attractions + nature, first-time lake trips | Moderate | Glamping, resorts, hotels |
| Raystown Lake | Pennsylvania | Laid-back camping, boating, summer camp feel | Warm | Campgrounds, yurts, cabins, resort |
Lake Superior: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan
Lake Superior is the largest lake by surface area in the entire world.
The shores of Lake Superior border Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Ontario, Canada, so I can’t just recommend that you head to some random spot on this massive lake. Instead, I would urge you to plan a vacation to one of our all-time favorite parks on Lake Superior — Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
At Pictured Rocks, you will find dramatic vistas, lakeside campgrounds, and an incredible diversity of wildlife, making it a fabulous vacation destination for outdoor-loving families. The only downside is that Lake Superior is frigid year-round, perfect for quick dips, but maybe ot all-day swimming.
Although there are plenty of rustic cabins, campgrounds, and RV parks that you can call home for your Lake Superior vacation, you won’t find many upscale resorts. The rustic charm and laid-back vibe of the area are what make it so special.
Best Things to Do With Kids at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Tour the Au Sable Light Station. Take a ranger-led tour (offered every day except for Monday and Tuesday) around this beautiful lighthouse, built in 1874. There are remains of several shipwrecks along the shore, which kids love!
Check out the Log Slide. Climb down (and back up) this incredibly steep dune if you dare. This used to be the site of a log chute, where lumberjacks would push timber into the lake for transport. What’s left is a giant sand dune with awesome views of Lake Superior.
Take a hike. There are so many great hikes in Pictured Rocks suitable for families. Our favorite hikes were in Chapel Basin, which brings you to a beautiful waterfall and a secluded beach.
Pitch a tent. Or park your RV. We love camping at Twelvemile Beach Campground. The campsites are practically on the beach, and they all have great views of the water.
Get out on the water. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore encompasses a beautiful shoreline with numerous cliffs, dunes, and rock formations, and the views from the water are incredible. Because Lake Superior can be rough and the water frigid, I recommend taking a guided kayak tour with an expert paddler. Smaller lakes in the area are great for novice paddlers.
Anglers take note: Lake Superior is known throughout the world as a fishing hot spot. Anglers come from all over to catch salmon, trout, walleye, and more.
Where to Stay
If you plan on camping, we highly recommend making reservations at Twelvemile Beach, but you don’t have to pitch a tent to enjoy a family lake vacation on Lake Superior.
Here are a few more options for great places to stay that are very close to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore:
Music Maker’s Cottage: This cute cottage is within walking distance of Grand Marais and sleeps four comfortably. It’s located on the dunes near Agate Beach and just a short drive from Pictured Rocks.
Waterfront Cottage in Grand Marais: For families that want to be closer to town, this adorable cottage is located right on the water, on the eastern edge of Pictured Rocks. It has four full bedrooms and sleeps seven comfortably.
Nauti Pine Lodge: Here’s another lakefront cottage that sleeps nine people. It’s located on beautiful Mervin Lake in Pictured Rocks National Forest.
North Lake Tahoe, California
The first time I laid eyes on Lake Tahoe, I thought I was dreaming. Could the water really be that clear and blue?
Lake Tahoe is unbelievably beautiful, and it’s also a fabulous spot for your next family lake vacation.
As with most lakes mentioned here, the best way to experience Lake Tahoe during the summer is outdoors — on a boat, relaxing on the beach, or hiking a trail.
Explore the shores to discover sheer granite cliffs next to white sandy beaches, or meander inland through fragrant pine forests.
Lake Tahoe is deep and cold, even in the summer. Popular activities include kayaking, paddleboarding, and even clothing-optional sunbathing if you’re feeling adventurous.
Because the waters are so clear, divers frequently explore the many boats and barges that have come to rest on the lake’s bottom.
On land, hiking opportunities are plentiful, from leisurely strolls to extreme mountain climbing and everything in between.
If you want to get off the beaten path and explore the surrounding mountains, complete with unsurpassed views of the Tahoe Basin, consider hiking a section of the 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail.
Lake Tahoe is 22 miles long and 12 miles wide, so before you pack your beach bag, you might want to choose a more specific destination.
On the California side of the lake, there’s North Lake Tahoe and South Lake Tahoe – both are beautiful, but we found North Lake Tahoe to have a more family-friendly feel. You can’t go wrong with any of the towns in North Lake Tahoe.
Truckee is about 10 minutes from the lake, but it’s so cute and on my shortlist of places to live someday!
King’s Beach is right on the water, and because it’s on the shallow side here, it’s actually pretty warm for swimming.
Finally, if you are looking for the perfect vacation rental, I’d recommend checking out Tahoe City.
Best Things to Do With Kids in North Lake Tahoe
Emerald Bay State Park: Head to the lookout for jaw-dropping views of Fannette Island and the crystal water. below. Rent kayaks and paddle out to the island, or hike to Eagle Falls.
Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park: 97 tree platforms, 27 zip lines, and 60 bridges/events within a secluded forest with large pine trees and old growth cedars.
Heavenly Mountain gondola ride: Enjoy beautiful views from the observation deck, and maybe do a little summer tubing.
Whitewater rafting: Go rafting on the Truckee River — It’s the perfect half-day adventure for kids and adults.
Where to Stay on Lake Tahoe
North Lake Tahoe vacation rentals include every price point imaginable, from hostels and primitive campgrounds to lakeside cabins and luxury resorts. Here are some places we’d recommend for your family’s lake vacation in North Lake Tahoe.
Camping: If you can get a site, check out Tahoe State Recreation Area in Tahoe City. It’s a small campground right on the lake!
Glamping: William Kent Campground is a few miles south of Tahoe City. The yurts are a nice upgrade from camping, but still pretty affordable!
Budget: Mother Nature’s Inn in North Lake Tahoe is a pet-friendly motel in the heart of downtown Tahoe City.
Luxury: The Red Wolf Lakeside Lodge is a cozy, classic mountain retreat along the banks of Lake Tahoe. It has a private beach, a beautiful pool, and rooms of varying sizes for small and large families.
Vacation Rental: This lakefront home in Tahoe Vista features six bedrooms and two bathrooms, a hot tub, and 100 feet of sandy beach. It’s well worth the splurge!
Lake Champlain, Vermont
I grew up near the shores of Lake Champlain in Vermont, so yes, I’m partial, but I do think it’s a great destination for all kinds of fun family adventures.
Lake Champlain has been called America’s sixth Great Lake. Stretching 125 miles south of the Canadian border and straddling the states of Vermont and New York, Lake Champlain and its surrounding communities seamlessly blend rural charm with urban influences.
Lake Champlain played an important role in the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, and the War of 1812, making it a fabulous destination for history buffs. It also has its own lake monster, so be on the lookout when you visit.
There are plenty of cool spots along the eastern shores of Lake Champlain in Vermont for a family vacation.
Our favorite spots are either just south of or just north of Burlington. Of course, if you are interested in a more urban lake vacation, Burlington is a great destination for families with kids.
Read Next: Why Burlington, Vermont Should be on Your Summer Bucket List
About 45 minutes south of Burlington is Button Bay State Park for camping, and they have cabins, too if you don’t want to rough it. We like to use Button Bay as our home base, and then explore the other parks and natural areas nearby.
Mount Philo State Park was Vermont’s very first state park and is one of the best places to watch the sunset in the whole state. Hiking up Mount Philo is easy enough for kids, but you can also drive to the top, which is nice after a long day at the lake.
As for swimming, we love Kingsland Bay State Park, which is a beautiful day-use area. We cover all three state parks in our guide to camping near Burlington, Vermont.
Explore the Lake Champlain Islands
Your other option is to drive north of Burlington and vacation on the Lake Champlain Islands. This collection of Islands used to be part of Vermont’s inland sea, and you can still find ancient fossils of the sea life if you know where to look.
This area is very close to the border with Quebec, Canada, so plan on running into lots of French speakers, and bring your passport if you want to explore more of Quebec.
This part of Lake Champlain is excellent for kayaking and canoeing, fishing, and biking. It’s pretty flat, and there are bike routes all over the island.
There are also numerous Vermont State Parks up here, including our all-time favorite, Burton Island State Park, which you can only get to by passenger ferry or personal watercraft.
Where to Stay in the Lake Champlain Islands
Camping: Grand Isle State Park is the most popular state park in Vermont. Choose from tent/RV sites, lean-tos, or camping cabins.
Bed and Breakfast: The North Hero House Inn is a family-friendly property in North Hero, offering free breakfast and a hot tub.
Lake Havasu, Arizona
Lake Havasu in Arizona is a known vacation spot for college kids who like to party for spring break, but this desert oasis has a wholesome side to it, too, and it’s one of the best lake vacations for families in the late winter.
Families who enjoy staying busy will love the shopping, restaurants, and nightlife that surround the lake in all seasons.
Hotels are plentiful, and kids will love the miles of sandy beaches, the warm water, and the perfect weather nearly every day. Be sure to visit SARA Park, which has miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, and Rotary Park, which has the coolest skate park we’ve ever seen, plus a great sandy beach.
Where to stay in Lake Havasu City
When it comes to choosing where to stay in Lake Havasu City, you’ve got a lot of options.
You can camp at Lake Havasu State Park. This is great for families boating on the lake, but a lack of shade could be an issue. Trees are in short supply in the desert.
Our favorite Lake Havasu hotel is the Nautical Beachfront Resort, which caters to families. It’s within walking distance of the beach and features an on-site restaurant, an outdoor pool, and a small water park for children. And it’s pet-friendly!
Finally, consider a Lake Havasu Vacation rental. There are dozens of choices for homes located just uptown from the lake, and many of them include private outdoor swimming pools. Read our top choices for Lake Havasu vacation rentals for families.
Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire
Lake Winnipesaukee is one of those classic New England summer destinations that is tailor-made for family vacations. With too many calm coves, swimmable beaches, and charming lakeside towns to count, it’s easy to see why families return here year after year.
It’s especially well-suited to families with younger kids or multi-generational groups who want easy swimming, walkable towns, and plenty to do without feeling rushed.
Located in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Winnipesaukee stretches across 72 square miles and is dotted with more than 250 islands. Despite its size, the lake has a friendly, manageable feel, especially for families traveling with younger kids.
You can spend the morning swimming at a sandy beach, the afternoon exploring a walkable town or hopping on a boat tour, and the evening roasting marshmallows back at your rental or campground.
Many areas of the lake have shallow swimming areas that warm up nicely in summer, and easy access to playgrounds, ice cream shops, mini golf, and family cruises makes this a lake vacation that checks all the boxes.
We love this area for slow vacations with lots of downtime, but there are adventures to be had if you know where to look!
Best Things to Do with Kids at Lake Winnipesaukee
One of the best ways to experience the lake is from the water. Families can rent pontoon boats, kayaks, or paddleboards, or hop aboard a narrated cruise with Mount Washington Cruises, which gives kids a fun perspective on the lake’s many islands and shoreline towns.
For beach days, Weirs Beach is one of our favorites, with a sandy shoreline, playground, arcades, and classic summer vibes. If you’re looking for something quieter, several state parks and town beaches around the lake offer calmer swimming spots and picnic areas.
On land, nearby attractions like Funspot (the world’s largest arcade), mini-golf courses, and scenic walking paths make it easy to fill in the gaps between lake time.
For families who enjoy light hiking, there are lots of short trails in the surrounding Lakes Region that offer lake views without being overly strenuous. A few favorites:
Lockes Hill Trail: 1.8-mile loop near Gilford with gorgeous views of the lake.
Bald Kob Trail: 2 lovely miles in Castle in the Clouds Conservation Area with just enough elevation to give amazing lake views.
Page Pond and Forest Trail: A 3-mile loop near Meredith with wetland and pond views.
Where to Stay on Lake Winnipesaukee
Lake Winnipesaukee’s shoreline is dotted with classic New England lake towns, each with its own flavor and family-friendly places to call home for a few days of summer fun. From lively beachside communities to peaceful coves and cozy cottages, there’s something for every family style.
Meredith, on the west side of the lake, is one of the most popular bases for families. It’s walkable, full of restaurants and shops, and offers easy access to boat rentals and lake cruises.
A favorite lakeside option here is Mill Falls Resort Collection at the Lake, which includes multiple stays right on the water plus easy access to Meredith’s town center. Within that collection, Church Landing at Mill Falls and Bay Point at Mill Falls give you slightly different vibes: from classic lakeside charm to elevated comfort for larger families. Nearby, Chase House at Mill Falls offers another great lakeshore choice with easy strolls to docks and eateries.
If you’re after that iconic lakeside resort feel, The Naswa Resort in the Weirs Beach/Laconia area is beloved for its private beach, spacious rooms, and nostalgic summer atmosphere right on the water.
For another solid pick with a pool and convenient location, Fireside Inn & Suites Gilford at Lake Winnipesaukee sits a short drive from Weirs Beach and makes a good home base if you want a mix of lake days and town outings.
Lake George, New York
Ready to slow down and catch some fireflies on a wooded hillside? Or maybe you’re longing to sip a cup of coffee over a game of checkers on your private balcony in the forest? I think what you need is an Adirondacks glamping trip.
Whether you’re seeking solitude or a more adventurous family lake vacation, Lake George, in New York’s Adirondack Mountains, covers all of your bases and is one of the best lake vacations for families with young kids.
Kids will love the arcades and ice cream shops in Lake George Village, the iconic Great Escape just south of the lake, and there’s a healthy sprinkling of go-kart rides and mini-golf, too. Families can cruise the lake with the Lake George Steamboat Company or simply spend a day relaxing on the beach.
Where to Stay in Lake George, New York
While it’s not right on the lake, we enjoyed glamping with Huttopia last year. Huttopia runs a collection of beautifully rustic glamping resorts in North America, and the company just opened its fourth glamping resort near Lake George Village in New York’s Adirondack Park.
Huttopia Adirondacks is tucked away in the woods near Lake Luzerne, just five miles from Lake George Village. If you want to discover all that the Lake George Area has to offer without the throngs of people that congregate downtown, a stay at Huttopia may be exactly what you need.
Read more about our Lake George glamping vacation.
Raystown Lake, Pennsylvania
Raystown Lake in central Pennsylvania is what summer getaways are made of. The gorgeous, unspoiled scenery makes Raystown Lake the perfect destination to get back to basics with your family.
Covering more than 8,000 acres, Raystown Lake is the largest lake entirely within the borders of Pennsylvania.
There are so many incredible recreational opportunities in and around the lake, and because much of the surrounding land is owned by the Army Corps of Engineers, you won’t see a lot of commercial or residential development.
Swimming, boating, hiking, mountain biking, paddling, and fishing can all be enjoyed here, and the best place for your lakeside home base is Lake Raystown Resort in Entriken, Pennsylvania.
At Lake Raystown Resort, guests can choose from campsites, glamping yurts, or fully-equipped cabins, and there’s a marina onsite (with pontoon boat rentals) and a waterpark for kids.
Raystown Lake is very laid back, and the resort has a summer camp feel that kids will love!
Are these the best lake vacations for families in the United States? You tell us! Leave a comment with your own suggestions, and we’ll start packing our bags! We update this list regularly based on our travels and reader suggestions.
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