25 Best Lake Vacations in North America

© Inn at Bay Harbor, A Renaissance Golf Resort

The Inn at Bay Harbor is located along the Lake Michigan shore, offering lakeside luxury that is perfect for a family vacation or a romantic getaway. Guests have the option of selecting from various styles of rooms and suites, Lakeside Cottages, or Cottages at Crooked Tree. All rooms come with internet access, freshly popped popcorn, coffee, shuttle service, bike rentals, range balls, bike rentals, outdoor game equipment, snowshoe rental, board games, and beach cabana water service.

There are 45 championship golf holes at Crooked Tree Golf Club and Bay Harbor Golf Club. The spa offers massages and you can take advantage of the fitness room, outdoor pool, or hammocks that look out over the lakeshore. Guests have four dining options to choose from with Sagamore’s Dining Room offering an elegant atmosphere that overlooks Little Traverse Bay. The South American Grille and Wine Bar is intimate and has live entertainment every week. The Inn Cafe has fresh ice cream, light meals and gourmet snacks. The Cabana Bar is open during the summer, serving tropical cocktails and poolside fare. If you are looking for unique lake vacations in Michigan, this is a great place to visit.

3600 Village Harbor Drive, Bay Harbor, MI 49770, Phone: 855-688-7023

© Grand View Lodge Golf Resort and Spa

Overlooking the tranquil waters of Gull Lake in Nisswa, Minnesota, Grand View Lodge is an elegant resort that offers luxurious accommodations, a championship golf course, world-class spa, and an array of activities for the whole family. Accommodations include cabins, cottages, townhouses, suites, and villas, all of which are fully furnished with chic décor, modern amenities, and have access to all the facilities at the resort.

Tucked away in a tranquil setting amidst pine trees and mineral-rich lakes, the award-winning Glacial Waters Spa will restore mind, body and soul with an array of indulgent treatments, while a nine-hole championship golf course will delight lovers of the game. Seven restaurants and eateries serve excellent cuisine: have burgers beachside at Loony’s Beach Hut or savor gourmet Italian fare by candlelight at the Italian Gardens. Grand View Lodge is one of the best vacation spots in Minnesota for spa lovers.

23521 Nokomis Avenue, Nisswa, MN 56468, Phone: 866-801-2951

© Lakedale Resort

Located on the beautiful San Juan Island in Washington State, Lakedale Resort offers both upscale hotel rooms and affordable accommodations in the form of camping in the summer. The property overlooks Three Lakes and a forest, offering visitors plenty of privacy. A fun weekend getaway from Seattle, Lakedale can be reached by ferry or floatplane.

Accommodation choices include modern hotel rooms, log cabins with fireplaces, and canvas cabins. Couples and families enjoy scenic lake and forest views from the rooms and common spaces. Vacation activities include swimming, canoeing, whale watching and wine tasting tours. Romantic cabins are relatively cheap.

4313 Roche Harbor Road, Friday Harbor, WA 98250, Phone: 360-378-2350

© Gray Eagle Lodge

Gray Eagle Lodge in California is within the Lakes Basin Recreation area, giving guests the chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of life and reconnect with nature. This pet-friendly lodge has two guest rooms in the building and 20 cabins spread throughout the property. The cabins are far enough from each other to give visitors a sense of privacy and you can find any size, from a romantic getaway for two to a cabin for the whole family.

Guests can enjoy numerous trails, which are dog-friendly. There are kid-friendly hikes and a natural swimming hole where families can play with rubber rafts or swim. Guests can go fishing, hiking, biking, and horseback riding, play a round of golf, or participate in watersports along the lake. There are various ponds in addition to the lake and guests can rent a kayak or a row boat. Firewoods Restaurant serves complimentary breakfast and dinner. Afterwards there are s’mores at the campfire.

5000 Gold Lake Road, Graeagle, CA 96103, Phone: 800-635-8778

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© Belhurst Castle

The Finger Lakes region of NY is home to some of the best lakes on the East Coast. Belhurst Castle is divided into three different hotels, giving guests the ability to customize their vacation and decide what style of historic building they prefer to stay in. The Chambers in the Castle is a stone castle from the 1800s with 11 period guest rooms, 1 ranch home, and 2 cottages with rich woodwork, antiques, and oriental rugs. The Luxurious Vinifera Inn has a fireplace and whirlpool in each room so you can feel pampered.

To stay in a mansion from the Georgian Revival, select Historic White Springs Manor that has period rooms and a serene pond. The Isabella Spa lets you relax with a massage, body scrub, facial, hair styling, make-up, or foot and hand treatments. The Belhurst Castle is also a winery where you can indulge in wine tasting. Edgar’s is a restaurant with fine dining within the 19th-century Belhurst Castle. Stonecutter’s serves tavern-style cuisine and has live entertainment.

4069 West Lake Road, Geneva, NY 14456, Phone: 315-781-0201

© Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa

Located less than two hours from Los Angeles, some may be surprised to find the serene, nature-filled Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa. This premier resort offers over 170 rooms and suites nestled amidst the beautiful lake, forest, and mountain. Each season brings different activities for every guest, from lounging on the beach and hiking forest trails in the summer to all kinds of snow sports during the winter. Inside, modern amenities ensure a comfortable stay with luxurious rooms, a rejuvenating spa, and state-of-the-art wellness facilities. Whether looking for adventure or a peaceful getaway, Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa offers something for every vacationer.

27984 CA-189, Lake Arrowhead, California 92352, Phone: 909-336-1511

© Crater Lake Lodge, Matthew Staver

The Crater Lake Lodge in Oregon is a historic hotel that first opened in 1915 and still provides an atmosphere that will take you back to the 1920s with its rustic charm. The lodge is seasonal, open between late-May and mid-October, and offers 71 guest rooms. As a historic building designed to bring guests in touch with nature and take them back in time, do not expect a TV or phone in your room, and some rooms have tubs instead of showers.

There is, however, free Wi-Fi available as well as guest laundry and bell services. Make the most of Crater Lake by going fishing, on a boat-tour, bird-watching, hiking, running, biking, backpacking and rock-climbing. There are educational, family and children’s programs. The Crater Lake Dining Room serves local Oregon favorites, Annie Creek Restaurant & Gift Shop is buffet-style, while Rim Village Cafe is perfect for a quick bite to eat on the go.

1211 Avenue C , White City, OR 97503, Phone: 888-774-2728

© The Lodge At Geneva-On-The-Lake

The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake is located in Ohio's wine country overlooking Lake Erie. The resort is now in its second decade of providing relaxation, fun, and romance for guests. There are a total of 109 rooms at this resort, offering modern conveniences such as mini-fridges and high-speed internet. You can also get a room with a roll-away bed, crib, or microwave and there are nine room types of accommodations to choose from, including those with whirlpools, lake views, or balconies.

The resort has pools both indoors and outdoors, allowing guests to go swimming year-round and relax in hot tubs. The fitness center has everything you need to stay in shape during your vacation and although there is no on-site spa, the Lodge works with Lakehouse Inn & Spa which is just 0.25 miles away and offers a discount for Lodge guests. Guests can take the wine shuttle to nearby wineries or rent bikes. There are educational programs, including guided tours and the Conversation Series. The main restaurant is the Horizons Restaurant & Lodge, serving dishes prepared with local produce as well as exclusive wines. The Terrace Grille is on the outdoor patio overlooking Lake Erie and serves grilled specialties. Find more quick getaways.

4888 North Broadway, Geneva, OH 44041, Phone: 866-806-8066

© Stonewall Resort

The Stonewall Resort in West Virginia covers 1,900 acres of land, offering the perfect combination of outdoor recreation, adventure, and relaxation. The highlight is the Adirondack-style lodge with architecture from the 1920s and modern amenities in the 191 guest rooms. Families may prefer to stay in one of the cozy lakeside cottages in the saltbox style instead, each with hardwood floors, exposed wood beams, private decks and a gas grill.

There is an indoor/outdoor pool on site as well as a daily 100-passenger excursion boat, and many opportunities to swim, bike, hike, canoe, kayak, boat, fish, geocache, and golf. There are over 16 miles of trails for hiking and you can rent bikes or Segways as well. Rent pontoons at the Marina. TJ Muskies Lounge offers a relaxed environment for good drinks with a pool table and music. Lightburn’s Restaurant at the Palmer Course is in the golf course’s clubhouse and serves light gourmet meals. Stillwaters is the signature restaurant with local, fresh cuisine.

940 Resort Drive, Roanoke, WV 26447, Phone: 888-278-8150

© London Bridge Resort

The London Bridge Resort is a gorgeous, full-service hotel right on the edge of Lake Havasu, making it a perfect getaway. There are 122 spacious suites, including studio, resort suites, and deluxe suites, with one or two bedrooms. All suites include fully-equipped kitchens, Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. Within the resort, you will find three pools as well as a whirlpool spa. There is also a splash pool with a 94-foot waterslide. The resort has an on-site marina, boat dock, and watersport rentals such as kayaks, paddleboats, and jet skis.

Throughout the property, you will find scenic walking paths or you can use up your energy at Kokomo Havasu, the largest of the Southwest’s dance clubs with 21 bars and 10,000 square feet of space. There is an on-site fitness center and a shoreline walking trail. The London Bridge Day Spa offers massages, facials, body scrubs, and more. Martini Bay has drinks, DJs, pork tenderloin, shrimp, and a casual atmosphere with outdoor seating.

1477 Queens Bay, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403, Phone: 928-855-0888

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© Harriman Springs Resort

Harriman Springs Resort & Marina covers 14,400 acres of land with many areas to interact with nature or simply relax in a lodge-style resort atmosphere. Guests can either stay at a campsite, RV space, or one of the fully-furnished, luxurious cabins. Every cabin has two or three rooms and includes modern bathrooms, gas-burning fireplaces, a fully-equipped kitchen, cozy interiors, a flat screen TV with cable and DVD players, back patios with furniture, and propane BBQs.

The 10 tent sites and 10 RV sites each have access to laundry, bathrooms, fire pits, and picnic tables. The marina has a loading ramp, moorings for boats, and the ability to rent fishing or patio boats. You can rent a canoe or choose to go on a guided adventure. There is an on-site General Store for essential groceries and fishing supplies. Guests can go fishing, boating, bird watching, hiking and hunting in the summer. The Harriman Springs Restaurant and Bar has a gourmet menu as well as a range of wine and craft beer.

26661 Rocky Point Rd, Klamath Falls, OR 97601, Phone: 844-733-2263

© Meadow Lake Resort

Meadow Lake Resort is a golf resort near Flathead Lake, Glacier National Park, and Big Mountain at Whitefish, offering guests modern comforts with easy access to local natural wonders. The Inn at Meadow Lake includes 18 standard inn rooms as well as six spa rooms, each of which is right by the spa, golf pro shop, front desk, and restaurant. All inn rooms have patios or verandas to give guests views of the golf course or mountains, cable TV and DVD player, mini-fridge, microwave, and a coffee-maker.

There is also the option to do a resort vacation rental, in either a condominium or deluxe vacation home so you can feel as if you are at home. The resort organizes activities to keep your children entertained or you can spend some time with them in the family game room. There is a recreation center, volleyball, tennis, outdoor playground, fitness room, full service day spa, several indoor/outdoor pools and spas, and an 18-hole championship golf course.

100 St. Andrews Drive, Columbia Falls, MT 59912, Phone: 406-892-8700

© Northern Lights Resort

The Northern Lights Resort is the perfect getaway for families who want to have a relaxing trip where they get to enjoy the outdoors with modern comforts. There are a total of 12 rental lodges and lake cabins for guests to choose from, some of which allow pets. The lodges vary in size, and are designed to comfortably fit four to six guests. Each has a rustic feel, gorgeous views, bedrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, dining rooms, living room, and more. The Fireside Lodge is the most spacious and sleeps 16 guests.

Some lodges have grills, picnic tables, fire pits, and private docks. While staying at Northern Lights, you can rent a boat, have fun on the floating water park for kids, go fishing, or borrow a mountain bike. In addition you can relax on the private beach, play beach volleyball, ride a hydrobike, watch satellite TV, go hiking, play lawn games, take advantage of Wi-Fi, relax in the sauna or with a book from the library. There is no restaurant on site, but occasional social events with snacks take place in the Aurora Room.

10179 Bay Club Road, Kabetogama, MN 56669, Phone: 800-318-7023

© Fiddler Lake Resort

Fiddler Lake Resort is a Quebec resort with luxury cottages and 50 luxurious holiday homes guests can rent short-term in the St. Sauveur Valley, with six resort chalet styles to choose from. Each chalet offers an affordable relaxing option for one or two families to stay together, and some have private heated pools, saunas, and hot tubs. The chalets have anywhere between three and five bedrooms, making them great for groups up to 18. Each of these log cabins has high-speed wireless, full kitchens, heated floors, large screened porches, stone fireplaces, and cathedral ceilings.

Most have whirlpools and barbecues. The resort has a game room, heated indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, and Fiddler Lake. On the lake, you can pedal a boat or a canoe along 2.8 kilometers of water or go for a hike or snowshoe adventure in the nearby forest. You can rent a bike to enjoy the cycling paths throughout the area. Cuisine Spontanee Traiteur has gourmet food, take-out meals, and catering. Phone: 800-721-0371

© Lochaerie Resort

Lochaerie Resort offers private cabins on Lake Quinault within the Olympic National Park and it has been giving guests a memorable vacation during all seasons since 1926. When it started, Lochaerie was a hostelry with cabins and today it is just the cabins, each of which has a rustic atmosphere with a private bath, full kitchen and fireplace. There are a total of six cabins to choose from, some of which date back to the 1920s or 1930s, each with one to three bedrooms.

As the resort is right in the middle of a natural area, every cabin gives guests gorgeous views, some with direct access to the various on-site walking paths. Guests can go birdwatching, search for the largest trees recorded in Olympic National Park, fishing (with a permit), or borrow a kayak or canoe. Other activities include geocaching, hiking, mushrooming, sailing, wildlife watching, and visiting Onion Rock. Although there is no restaurant on site, the full kitchens in each cabin allow you to prepare any food items you bring with you.

638 North Shore Road, Amanda Park, WA 98526, Phone: 360-288-2215

© Halfway Lake Resort

Halfway Lake Resort in Michigan is situated within over 200 acres of gorgeous forest by Halfway Lake, giving guests a chance to listen to birds while sipping coffee. The resort has eight modern cottages on the lake, each of which has two bedrooms, a tub and shower, living room, dining area, Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and a full kitchen. Children have access to a playground and guests of all ages can take advantage of boating and fishing.

The resort has picnic tables, grills, a fire ring, lifejackets, kayaks, canoes, rowboats, and an outdoor hot tub. Water lovers can go swimming or take advantage of the fishing dock, without any need to get a license. The area is popular during warm weather for the water activities. There isn’t an on-site restaurant, but guests can go down the road for a prepared meal or make their own in their cabin’s kitchen.

16878 County Road 505, Newberry, MI 49868, Phone: 906-869-0098

© The Hedges Of Blue Mountain Lake

The Hedges of Blue Mountain Lake sits among the gorgeous Adirondack Mountains, NY and gives guests the ability to enjoy the Adirondack Park, lakes, forests, and Evergreens. Adults can choose to stay in one of the 12 lodge rooms. Families can pick between a cabin with up to four bedrooms or one of the four suites. You can rent the Lodge on Twitchell Lake, a 7-bedroom lodge perfect for family reunions and larger groups.

Each accommodation has relaxing rustic style with modern amenities. The Birch Room in the Moose Lodge is perfect for relaxing with a puzzle or game. Guests have free access to the fireplaces, sitting rooms, lodge porches, game room, tennis court, beach, docks, and boats. Boating, fishing, swimming, the Children’s Playground, libraries, and ping pong are popular activities. Guests can hike, bike, canoe, or white water raft through the Adirondack Park. The Dining Room serves a complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast, dinner with four courses, and an evening snack.

122 Hedges Rd. Blue, Mountain Lake, NY 12812, Phone: 518-352-7325

© Roche Lake Resort

While many people choose to visit Roche Lake Resort to go fishing, you can also simply spend the time connecting with nature as the resort is located along Roche Lake in Roche Lake Provincial Park, British Columbia, Canada. There are seven campsites that are just a short walk to the lodge and have picnic tables and campfire pits. Or you can stay in one of the 17 duplex chalets which are individually-owned, each with a unique appearance.

All chalets are around 900 square feet and can house 6 people. They have kitchens, fireplaces, dining areas, private washrooms, and balconies. The on-site Lodge has a convenience store, ice cream machine, Wi-Fi, and cell phone booster. The resort has an over-sized outdoor pool and a six-person hot tub which are open between May and September. Roche Lake Resort Steak & Trout House is the restaurant for those who don’t want to take advantage of the kitchen in their chalet. This fully-licensed restaurant specializes in steak and trout, but also has many other items, including a kids menu. Phone: 250-828-2007

© Watervale Inn

The Inn at Watervale is a relaxing retreat in Arcadia. The inn started as a summer resort in 1918, continuing this tradition today. The inn features a range of rooms as well as cottages, each of which has a unique history. Some of the buildings date back to the logging years in the late 1800s. Guests can stay at a room in the inn with shared baths for short stays or rent a cottage, each of which has a private bath, for a week at a time. Guests can take advantage of Lower Herring Lake to go for a swim or visit one of the beaches.

Crossing the bay brings you to Boo Hoo and the Point for diving from shore or you can float along the Outlet. There is enough Michigan shoreline for every guest to have their own area of the beach or you can hike or bike ride through the nearby wooded paths. Dinner at Watervale is announced with a dinner bell and is prepared with fresh local ingredients.

1244 Watervale Rd, Arcadia, MI 49613, Phone: 231-352-9083

© Ross Lake Resort

Ross Lake Resort in the North Cascades National Park is the perfect place to go if you are looking to relax and get away from it all. The resort has three bunkhouses on log floats as well as 12 individual cabins. There are four styles of cabins, giving you the ability to house up to ten people and are furnished with running water, electricity, tableware, pots, pans, bedding, and towels.

While at the resort, you can rent a boat to explore Ross Lake, take a short boat ride, or take advantage of the boat that takes visitors to see the Seattle city lights. With its location in a National Park, guests can also go fishing and hiking, with miles of trails nearby. There isn’t a restaurant at the resort as it is designed as a retreat, so be sure to bring food to prepare in your cabin’s kitchen.

503 Diablo St, Rockport, WA 98283, Phone: 206-386-4437

© Basin Harbor

Resting on the shores of Lake Champlain, guests can find the opportunity to slow down and unwind with nature at Basin Harbor. This vacation spot has been favored by families for over 100 years thanks to its beautiful 700-acre property. Breathe in the fresh air, enjoy several water and lakeside activities, and take in wonderous views that never grow old. Choose between a guest room in the charming main lodge or rent one of the 74 summer cottages perfect for your next family getaway. All cottages are unique with a style of their own and vary from studios to 3-bedrooms.

4800 Basin Harbor Road, Vergennes, Vermont 05491, Phone: 800-622-4000

© Romolo Tavani/stock.adobe.com

Get ready for a fun-filled vacation at The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando. The property is jam-packed with exciting activities and amenities, making it a popular destination for families of every age. With every stay, families have free entry into the Surfari Water Park. Splash around the zero-entry pool, zoom down the dual water slides, float along the lazy river, and even test your balance on the surf simulator. Calmer waters can be found at The Springs Pools, which also feature an oversized hot tub and private cabanas with poolside service. For the ultimate Zen experience, parents will love getting away to the Escape Spa for an assortment of relaxing treatments. Find even more activities at the Lake Austin Pier, family fun center, and kids’ activity center. While there’s already so much to do on-site, daily transportation is also available for guests interested in visiting the Walt Disney World theme parks just six miles away.

14501 Grove Resort Avenue, Winter Garden, Florida 34787, Phone: 407-545-7500

© Woodloch Resort

Experience the quintessential Poconos vacation at Woodloch Resort. Voted America’s best family resort by USA Today, Woodloch has been the setting of many beloved family memories since its opening in 1958. The resort offers an impressive selection of activities for every season from numerous playgrounds and pools to nature trails to snow tubing. Families can choose between guest rooms in the main lodge or rent their own private vacation home. For a hassle-free stay, opt for an inclusive experience which comes with meal plans in any of their restaurants along with access several amenities. Vacation rentals also have optional catering services so families can simply focus on creating fun, new memories with one another.

731 Welcome Lake Road, Hawley, Pennsylvania 18428, Phone: 570-685-8000

© Grand Hotel

Experience tradition at the historic Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Guests will feel like they’ve stepped back in time as they enter the 100-year-old resort together with its old-world hospitality and beloved past-time traditions. Play croquet in the Tea Garden, have afternoon tea at the Parlor, explore the island on horse-drawn carriages, and dress to impress for dinner with the Grand Hotel Orchestra. While historic charm and heritage are embraced at every turn, guests are sure to have a pleasant stay with luxurious bedding, modern comforts, and extraordinary dining options. Choose from 14 unique bars and restaurants including Grand Coffee & Provisions for casual dining, Sadie’s Ice Cream Parlor for every sweet tooth, and the Main Dining Room, which hosts a formal dinner every night.

286 Grand Avenue, Mackinac Island, Michigan 49757, Phone: 906-847-3331

© Tyler Place Family Resort

Experience the comforts of New England tradition at The Tyler Place Family Resort. Open since 1933, this all-inclusive resort offers the feeling of Vermont camping with all stylish accommodations and amenities for a hassle-free vacation. Families can stay in one of the family suites and studios in the country Inn or rent one of the private cottages scattered throughout the 165-acre property with views of the woods, lakeshore, and meadows. Included with your stay are all meals, access to activities and amenities, along with award-winning programs for kids of all ages. There are endless recreational facilities including pools, climbing walls, and multiple nature trails that weave throughout the property.

175 Tyler PI, Swanton, Vermont 05488, Phone: 802-868-4000