Megan Bryant is a passionate writer and traveler who has combined her two loves to help others fulfill their traveling dreams. When she isn’t writing, she’s usually curled up with her 3 Dachshunds and a good book or planning her next adventure—wherever that may be.
North Carolina is blessed with natural beauty, from the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway to beloved State Parks and the beaches on the Outer Banks. But something that isn’t often discussed is the state’s breathtaking lakes and all the incredible activities that come with them.
Whether you’re interested in a lakeside hike, a refreshing dip, camping, kayaking, paddle boarding, or a day out fishing on the water, these NC lakes are the perfect destinations for you.
Badin Lake
Badin Lake is by no means one of the biggest lakes in the state, but it sure makes up for its small size with some incredible views and epic sunsets. It’s also a haven for recreational activities like hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, and even hunting, so everyone can enjoy some time by the water.
Bass Lake
Bass Lake is located in Moses H. Cone Memorial Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway and has a popular hiking trail looping around its perimeter. In addition to its most popular looped hiking trail, Moses Cone Park is also known for its 25 miles of carriage trails that are open to both horseback riders and hikers alike.
What also draws a lot of people into Bass Lake is the fact that the waters are regularly stocked with 1,500 pounds of fish each month, meaning your chances of reeling in a fish—including largemouth bass from which the lake got its name—are fairly high.
Falls Lake
Falls Lake was built by the Army Corp of Engineers to provide water and power solutions to North Carolina’s Triangle region. Located 15 miles east of downtown Durham, the 12,000-acre reservoir also acts as a recreational outlet with five designated swimming areas, sandy beaches, numerous public access points, boat launches, and the opportunities to hike, bike, fish, and camp.
Fontana Lake
A half-hour drive west of Bryson City, NC, is Fontana Lake—the largest and deepest lake in Western North Carolina, which forms the southern boundary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The 10,000-acre lake is actually a reservoir that was formed by the damming of the Little Tennessee River, and at 480 feet tall, the Fontana Dam is the highest dam east of the Rocky Mountains.
Fontana mainly gets its reputation from the 400 or so houseboats that line the lake’s waters—some of which are available to rent. But the recreational activities are also worth mentioning, as you can swim, cliff jump, hike, and relax, all while having incredible access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Nantahala National Forest.
High Rock Lake
High Rock Lake is the second largest lake in North Carolina and provides North Carolina’s wine country with the water it needs to grow its grapes. But aside from aiding in the production of NC’s wine, High Rock Lake is further recognized as a premier fishing, inland sailing, and power boating location, making it one of the top lakes to visit throughout the entire state.
Anglers truly will be in their element at High Rock Lake as the waters regularly host Bassmaster Classic Fishing Derbys. And the best part? Well, there are numerous campgrounds lining the shores, meaning you can start fishing at first light.
Hyco Lake
Hyco Lake is one of the best lakes in North Carolina if you’re looking for complete serenity. Unlike other waterways in the state, Hyco doesn’t receive excessive amounts of traffic, which, combined with its lack of amenities, abundance of wildlife, and hiking trails, makes for the most perfect weekend getaway out in nature.
The lake does boast 65 campsites and a few rental cabins, but aside from that—and the slalom water skiing course—there isn’t much else. Pure bliss if you ask me!
Jordan Lake
Jordan Lake, with its 14,000 acres of water and 180 miles of shoreline, has a key purpose of flood control, but understandably, it has become a recreational wonderland for campers, anglers, paddlers, swimmers, and hikers. Plus, it’s also a haven for birdwatchers, and visiting in the summer brings the chance to see bald eagles—especially on the area’s 13 miles of hiking trails.
Nantahala Lake
Right in the middle of the Nantahala National Forest action is Nantahala Lake, which draws in whitewater rafters (when the dam is releasing water) preparing for the runs down the Nantahala River.
But aside from rafters, Nantahala Lake also boasts nearby camping options, excellent fishing spots, boating opportunities, and the chance to explore over half a million acres of the Nantahala National Forest.
Lake Glenville
Lake Glenville is the highest lake east of the Mississippi and has 26 miles of shoreline for visitors to relax on. A day out on a boat on Lake Glenville allows visitors to marvel at four waterfalls that feed into the alpine lake, all of which are only reachable by boat.
Although Lake Glenville is by no means the biggest or most spectacular lake in North Carolina, it still offers boat ramps, picnic grounds, fishing piers, and swimmable beaches that are ideal for a summer afternoon adventure.
Lake James
Lake James is a well-rounded vacation spot with excellent campgrounds, hiking and biking trails. Formed by three dams converged in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lake James has thriving beachfronts, lifeguards that watch over the swimming areas, and kayaking, canoeing, and boating opportunities for those who relish time out on the water.
Lake Lure
The Blue Ridge Mountains create an idyllic backdrop for Lake Lure, making it one of the best—and prettiest—lake destinations in all of North Carolina. And if you’re a Dirty Dancing fan, then you may even recognize the waters.
One of the best viewpoints of the lake is from atop Chimney Rock, and as the area is home to native North Carolina wildflowers, during your time at Lake Lure, you’ll see a whole range of animal and bug species, including the beautiful monarch butterfly. On the lake is a small water park, boat tours, fishing opportunities, and even a zip line with hiking trails available in the nearby Chimney Rock State Park.
Lake Mattamuskeet
Lake Mattamuskeet is the largest natural lake in North Carolina and the perfect destination for families with little ones. The depth of Lake Mattamuskeet rarely exceeds three feet and plays host to various plant and animal species that thrive in the unique ecosystem.
Lake Mattamuskeet is a National Wildlife Refuge and has large populations of migrating birds that have established the lake as a bird watchers’ paradise—keep an eye out for Northern Pintail, Green-Wing Teal, Canada geese, and tundra swans.
Lake Norman
Lake Norman is the largest man-made body of fresh water in North Carolina, and its central location has made it a favorite amongst the locals.
Within minutes of Charlotte—North Carolina’s largest city— Lake Norman offers natural beauty and recreational activities, with annual festivals drawing even more visitors in. You’ll find boat rentals, stunning hikes, golf courses, and plentiful fishing at Lake Norman, with incredible bird sightings right from the water.
Lake Toxaway
Lake Toxaway, with its 640 acres of water and over 14 miles of shoreline, is the largest private lake in North Carolina. Fed by the Toxaway River and several mountain streams, Lake Toxaway has incredibly clear waters that are ideal for swimming and boating—just be sure to find a beach that is open for public use!
The Lake Toxaway we know today was built in the 1960s and is now surrounded by golf courses and country clubs. However, the original lake was constructed in the 1890s but was flooded when the earthen dam collapsed.
Lake Waccamaw
Lake Waccamaw is a great lake option for those in search of wildlife. The lake is home to alligators, 52 fish species, and various plant species—some of which are on the state’s rare plant list.
Environmentalists designated the lake as a North Carolina state park, and aside from searching for wildlife, you can camp, hike, paddle, and fish!
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