Travel
Best lakes to swim in the United States
Clear, warm, swimmable lakes from the Great Lakes to the mountain West.
6 min read
Lake swimming in the United States ranges from tropical-feeling reservoirs in the South to glacier-fed mountain lakes in the Rockies. The key is finding clean water, a safe shoreline, and a summer warm enough to enjoy.
By region
- Midwest: Lake Michigan beaches, Lake Erie islands, Minnesota's 10,000 lakes — warmest July–August.
- South: Lake Travis, Lake Lanier, Lake Norman — warm from May through October.
- West: Lake Tahoe, Crater Lake, Flathead Lake — stunning but cold, best in late summer.
- Northeast: Lake Champlain, Finger Lakes — swimmable July–September.