The Best Lakes In North Carolina For A Waterfront Retreat

These are the best lakes waiting for you in The Tar Heel State.

It’s no secret that lakes have a certain allure, and for many, they hold a lifetime of memories. Perhaps you learned to swim or sail during summer camp, or your family vacations centered around time doing water-centric activities like kayaking or boating. Lakes also afford the opportunity to get close to nature, whether you enjoy hiking the surrounding trails, waiting in a boat for the perfect catch, or simply sitting on the porch soaking in the views with a cup of coffee in hand.

North Carolina has its share of watery playgrounds, from human-made bodies of crystal-clear reservoirs to beautiful, naturally-formed lakes. In the summertime, folks flock to these areas to cool off, spend time with loved ones, or experience the thrill of wakeboarding and skiing. No matter your preferred activity when you’re by the lake, head to one you haven’t frequented before. Here some of the best lakes waiting for you in The Tar Heel State.

Salem Lake

Just minutes from downtown Winston-Salem lies Salem Lake. Often called a hidden diamond in the city, the lake covers 365 acres and is known for its reasonably priced boat and kayak rentals. Visitors can fish from the pier for a minimal fee, and bait is available nearby. A 7-mile walking trail surrounds the lake and offers scenic views of the water from every vantage point. You may even see folks on horseback riding along the trail. One point to note is that the lake amenities aren’t open in the evening, so it’s best to plan your day accordingly and get there early.

Lake Tomahawk

For a serene lake experience, consider heading to the dam-created Lake Tomahawk in Black Mountain. Here, visitors can dive in the water, picnic in the pavilion, or go fishing as long as they have a North Carolina license. The property also has a popular .55-mile walking trail, which affords stunning views of the nearby mountains. The lake allows non-motorized boats and has activities like tennis courts, horseshoe pits, and a playground. It’s the perfect place to spend a warm day, and there are restrooms on site for comfort.

Jordan Lake

Jordan Lake is ideal for folks whose perfect weekend includes camping by the water. Situated 30 miles west of downtown Raleigh, the lake has over 1,000 campsites that are suitable for tents or RVs. The surrounding Jordan Lake State Recreation Area has seven water access points where visitors can swim, boat, and enjoy views of the waterway. A privately-owned marina is nearby and offers paddleboard, kayak, and fishing boat rentals. If you enjoy birdwatching, keep an eye out for bald eagles that frequent the lake in the summertime.

Falls Lake

Located 15 miles east of downtown Durham, Falls Lake is a 12,000-acre reservoir with five beaches and multiple access points to launch boats. The surrounding Falls Lake State Recreation Area also provides opportunities to explore the land via hiking or camping. Other options include traversing the 14 miles of biking trails or wandering part of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail, which runs through the park. Those who wish to be by the lake can swim, paddle, fish, or walk to several overlooks to capture the lovely views.

Greenfield Lake

Greenfield Park in Wilmington is around 200 acres and surrounds Greenfield Lake. Although this body of water is on the smaller side, it still provides a respite for those who want peace and calm. The area beautifully displays nature, with lush gardens and mossy cypress trees lining the shoreline. Amenities include a 4.5-mile walking trail, picnic area, playground, tennis courts, and skate park. There is also an amphitheater on site that hosts live performances by the lake. Whether you float in a kayak or simply survey the water from the footbridge, spending time here is a soothing experience.

Lake Nantahala

As a body of water that provides hydroelectric power to the surrounding area, Lake Nantahala is known for its pristine water and mostly untouched shorelines. Tucked into the Smoky Mountains, the lake is near the Nantahala River Gorge and is a favorite spot for anglers to fish for bass, salmon, trout, and catfish. Summertime is a highlight as skiers, swimmers, and boaters flock to the water to enjoy recreation. A historical note is that the Cherokee gave the area the name Nantahala, which means “land of the noonday sun” because the gorge was only fully lit in the middle of the day.

Beaver Lake

Although Beaver Lake is private, the Lake View Park community welcomes guests as long as they follow the rules. Once a meadow known as Baird Bottom, the construction of a dam in 1923 flooded the area to create the lake, and there are still trolley tracks hidden under the water. Nowadays, there are 516 properties surrounding the lake, and dues from the community go towards maintaining the site. Permits are also required to participate in certain activities, such as boating, fishing, and dog walking. Another point to note is that fishing is catch and release, and only non-fuel-powered boats are permitted.

Lake Norman

Because of its proximity to Charlotte—it’s only 20 miles north of the city—Lake Norman is popular with locals and visitors alike. As North Carolina’s largest human-made lake, 520 miles of shoreline and a plethora of activities await in all seasons. Rent a boat or jet ski for the day, take a guided fishing tour, or board the Catawba Queen or Lady of the Lake for a dinner cruise. Multiple parks are available with playgrounds, swimming, and perfect picnic spots. There’s plenty to do at the lake and surrounding area, making it a great place to spend your vacation.

Biltmore Lake

Biltmore Lake, located in the namesake town of Biltmore Lake, is known for its beauty. Settled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it seems as though every vantage point is stunning whether you’re in the water, on the shoreline, or hovering overhead in a hot air balloon. Visitors can rent paddleboats, kayaks, cedar strip canoes, and sailboats at the boathouse. Also, make plans to go fly fishing—the sport is so popular that several neighborhood streets are named after lures. A playground, tennis courts, camping, and forested trails are additional highlights at this destination.

Lake Gaston

Lake Gaston is perhaps one of the most accessible lakes in the state. This body of water is on the border of North Carolina and Virginia between Interstates 85 and 95. Over 350 miles of shoreline encompasses 20,300 acres of exceptionally clean water that reflects some of the most breathtaking sunsets in the state. The Lake Gaston Day Use Area is a public access location with a swimming site, boat ramp, and fishing. You will need a fishing license, but it’s necessary for spending the day catching rockfish, bass, and crappie.

Lake Hickory

If you wake up early on Lake Hickory, the water usually is calm enough to look like glass. Whether you choose to grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the solace or seize the chance to waterski at first light is up to you. With just over 105 miles of shoreline surrounding 4,223 acres, many use the water to sail, swim, fish, and boat, as several marinas offer rentals. The bass fishing is prime at the lake, so fishing tournaments occur yearly. In addition, there are several restaurants on the water, so you can choose to dine out or stay in your rental and use the kitchen to create a tasty meal.

Lake Lure

While many lakes don’t allow motorboat access, Lake Lure is meant for motorized fun under the sun if you choose. Rent a pontoon and prepare to spend the day picnicking, sunning, and diving from the vessel. For a slower-paced itinerary, rent a stand-up paddleboard, kayak, hydro bike, or canoe to explore the more intimate areas of the water. There is a fee to use the sandy beach, but your ticket also gives you access to a water park and picnic tables. If you plan on going on the weekend, arrive early as the maximum capacity of the beach is 400 people.

W. Kerr Scott Dam And Reservoir

W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir is a gorgeous 1,475-acre body of water filled with opportunities to commune with nature. Use the lake for swimming, boating, kayaking, and canoeing. If you enjoy fishing, you can spend your vacation trying to catch bluegill, tiger muskellunge, and threadfin shad. Land lovers will enjoy traversing the miles of hiking trails, such as the 6-mile-long Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, or seeking adventure on the mountain biking paths. Several campgrounds surround the lake, so that you can choose a site with an eye-catching view of the waterway.

Lake Glenville

As a body of water that serves as a reservoir, Lake Glenville is near Cashiers in Jackson County. One fact that makes it unique is that it has a high elevation of 3,494 feet, making it the highest lake east of the Mississippi River. In addition, the North Carolina rainforest surrounds the 26 miles of lake shoreline. If you wish to rent a pontoon boat, head to Signal Ridge Marina. They rent wakeboards, skis, kneeboards, and tubes to add to the thrilling element of skimming the water behind a boat.

Lake Junaluska

Situated in the western North Carolina mountains, Lake Junaluska is well known for being a retreat center and the ideal place for a summer vacation rental. There are also plenty of water-centric activities to fill your time, such as canoeing, fishing, golfing, and hiking. However, the lake is also close to many area attractions, so you should plan to go offsite to explore. Spend a day at the Pisgah National Forest or head to the overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Because of its proximity to notable tourist sites, many plan to spend their whole vacation exploring the lake and beyond.

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