10 Best Lakes in New York State
Which Lakes in New York are Popular to Visit?
Living the lake life is easy in New York, a state with more than 7,000 freshwater lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. But with so many options, it might be a challenge to whittle down the list for a lake vacation or day trip.
Picking the right lake to visit depends on your taste. Do you want to buy a bottle of wine from a local vineyard before heading out for your beachside picnic? Do you plan to spend the whole day fishing for world-class trout? Or maybe you’re looking for the most beautiful, blue glacial water to photograph. There is certainly a lake in New York to fulfill any of those desires.
1. Lake George
Called the “Queen of American Lakes”
Good for: Families, History
The first American vacation guidebook was published in 1868 about camping in the Adirondacks, which is why the Lake George area is known as “the original vacation.” In the 1930s, steamship sightseeing tours became popular and remain today. Visitors can hop aboard a boat chartered by the original Lake George Steamboat Company for a special dining experience or a daytime outing to see the brilliant fall foliage.
That’s just a taste of what you can do at Lake George. Amusement parks, museums, festivals, hiking, and of course spending time playing in the water are all attractions that draw visitors in. As for lodging, you can choose from secluded cabins in the forest, dreamy outdoor campsites, or divine waterfront hotels.
Location: Lake George, New York 12845, USA
Lake George
2. Cayuga Lake
Don’t miss Taughannock Falls on the western shore
Good for: Families, Adventure
Of central New York’s 11 Finger Lakes, Cayuga Lake is the longest. Summer is a popular time to visit when the weather is ideal for swimming and boating. Bird watching (see species like osprey, belted kingfisher, great blue heron, blue jays, and more) and shopping at the farmers market in town are also a draw for tourists.
When traveling to Cayuga Lake, you can drive along the Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway, an 87-mile loop around the glacial-formed body of water. On the drive you’ll not only view the scenic shores of the lake, but you’ll also pass by several local wineries and historic attractions worth stopping at.
Location: Cayuga Lake, New York 13034, USA
Cayuga Lake
3. Seneca Lake
Host of the National Lake Trout Derby
Good for: Couples, Adventure
Seneca Lake is 38 miles of serene glacial water in the center of all the Finger Lakes. Known as the Lake Trout Capital of the World, this fisherman’s paradise is the perfect place for you to catch some lake trout – as well as brown trout, brown bullhead, pumpkinseed, smelt, rock bass, and Atlantic salmon.
Beyond fishing and other water activities, the area is also known for the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, a collection of 27 member wineries surrounding the lake that you can visit. If you’re a connoisseur, you can grab a bottle of Riesling (a specialty of the region) and take it back to your lakeside lodge or campsite to enjoy under the stars.
Location: Seneca Lake, New York 13148, USA
Seneca Lake
4. Green Lake
Paddle across the placid waters of a glacial lake
Good for: Photo, Luxury
Green Lake, part of Green Lakes State Park in central New York, is a rare meromictic lake, which tends to have a more pristine emerald look than other lakes due to the cold, dense water on the bottom not mixing with the warmer water atop, so very little sediment is disturbed. Fishing, bird watching, and boating are popular activities. Due to the sensitive condition of the water, you must rent a boat on-site. Outside boats aren’t permitted.
Another attraction is the 18-hole golf course northwest of the lake. For something more informal, a disc golf course is nearby. You won’t want to miss lunch at Yards Grille, a restaurant inside the Robert Trent Jones Clubhouse that’s open to the public.
Location: 7900 Green Lakes Rd, Fayetteville, New York 13066, USA
Phone: +1 315-637-6111
Green Lake
5. Lake Champlain
Add the Crown Point Lighthouse to your Lake Champlain to-do list
Good for: Families, Unusual
Lake Champlain spans the border of New York and Vermont and even dips up into Quebec. It is surrounded by numerous quaint east coast towns like Elizabethtown, Ticonderoga, Westport, and Essex to name a few. Kayaking and swimming are popular summertime lake activities you can try, but this lake is also a draw in the winter for ice skaters and even winter fishing. The surrounding towns are a beacon of arts and culture. You won’t want to miss a show at Depot Theatre, a restored train station originally built in 1873 that now hosts plays and musicals.
Fun fact: Lake Champlain is home to Champ, the legendary lake monster, whose sightings go as far back as the early 18th century.
Location: Ticonderoga, New York 12883, USA
Lake Champlain
6. Skaneateles Lake
The name comes from an Iroquoian language, meaning “long lake”
Good for: Shoppers, Food
For a true sight to behold, visit Skaneateles Lake, one of the cleanest lakes in the United States. The water is an ice blue color that will shimmer in your memory. You can rent a pontoon boat to explore the 16-mile stretch, or float along in a kayak or paddleboard.
After a day on the lake, you may want to head into town. The town of Skaneateles is known for its robust shopping experiences. Think antique stores, boutiques, farmers’ markets, gift shops, and craft stores. Also downtown, you can fill up at comforting dives and fine dining bistros.
Location: Skaneateles Lake, New York 13152, USA
Skaneateles Lake
7. Oneida Lake
Explore 55 miles of shoreline
Good for: Families, Adventure
Oneida Lake, near the city of Syracuse, is a family-friendly destination known for its plentiful fishing and breathtaking sunsets. Bass fishing is especially popular. Oneida Lake has been a stop on the Bass Pro fishing tour in years past.
You and your family can enjoy camping along the beaches or deeper in the woods for a more secluded vacation. The Sylvan Beach Amusement Park, originally opened in the 1870s, is another fun way to spend the day at Oneida Lake. There you’ll discover classic amusement park rides, concessions, arcade games, and weekend ghost tours.
Location: Oneida Lake, New York 08087, USA
Oneida Lake
8. Mirror Lake
You won’t find motorized boats on this calm lake
Good for: Photo, Nightlife
As its name suggests, Mirror Lake is full of spectacular, crystal-clear water. Nestled in the center of the village of Lake Placid, close to the lake of the same name, Mirror Lake provides you with stunning views of the Adirondack High Peaks. The 2.7-mile loop around the lake makes for a serene morning walk or run. Canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding across the crisp water are favorite local activities.
You certainly won’t want to miss Songs at Mirror Lake, a free summer concert series held at Mids Park. You can hear different genres of music each week with the beautiful Mirror Lake as the backdrop.
Location: North Elba, NY 12946, USA
Phone: +1 518-523-2445
Mirror Lake
9. Otsego Lake
Play a round of lakeside golf with at Leatherstocking Golf Course
Good for: Photo, Adventure
Near the village of Cooperstown in the Catskill foothills is Otsego Lake. Nicknamed Glimmerglass Lake for its pristine water, you’ll find it is a perfect location for a serene getaway in nature. Glimmerglass State Park on the northern shore of the lake, in particular, is ideal for camping, hiking, and beaches for swimming.
The Otsego Lake area also has historic attractions that draw visitors in. Hyde Hall Covered Bridge, for example, is the oldest wooden covered bridge in the United States. Or, you can see the quaint Kingfisher Tower built by a sewing machine tycoon in 1876.
Location: Otsego Lake, New York 13326, USA
Otsego Lake
10. Owasco Lake
An ideal lake for water-skiing
Good for: Families, Adventure
Owasco Lake is a relatively shallow lake, allowing for warmer water temperatures. The warmer water is welcomed by eager swimmers and anyone who loves water sports. The big draw, however, to this Finger Lake is its proximity to Fillmore Glen State Park. Here, you can choose from abundant camping and hiking options, and you’ll have plenty of access to fishing in the Owasco Lake inlet.
If a little bit of nightlife is your thing, you won’t be disappointed by The Merry-Go-Round Playhouse on the north end of the lake. The mid-sized theatre in Emerson Park hosts Broadway classics and new age plays. Emerson Park also has a boat launch and a designated area for swimming.
Location: Owasco Lake, New York 13021, USA
Owasco Lake
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