19 Best Lakes in New York

Written by Shandley McMurray
Updated Mar 22, 2022
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New York State boasts some of the most beautiful and varied topography in the United States. Stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes, this East Coast gem is full of rugged mountains, verdant forests, crashing coastline, and winding rivers. The state's shining stars, though, are its vast, sparkling lakes.

Whether you're hoping to swim, fish, paddleboard, kayak, ice-skate, or master water-skiing, you'll find the perfect lake to enjoy in New York. From giant, watery wonders spanning two countries (Lake Erie runs well past the U.S. and Canadian borders) to mountain-fringed showstoppers like Avalanche Lake, the Empire State hosts some of the best lakes on the East Coast.

This breathtaking marvel of lovely lakes begs to be explored, and jumping into them head or feet first is one of the best things to do in New York, especially when the weather is ideal.

Check out our list of the best lakes in New York.

1. Chautauqua Lake

Lying 1,308 feet above sea level, Chautauqua Lake is one of North America's highest navigable lakes. Running 17 miles in length, this lake offers visitors a ton of space to explore its watery depths. With four public swimming beaches, there are also plenty of sandy spots to spend your day.

If you love to fish, you've come to the right place. Chautauqua Lake is known for its great bass, muskellunge, and walleye fishing, with angling tournaments held here annually. Rent a boat (motorized or not) at one of the nearby marinas. You can launch boats from public launches at Prendergast Point, Bemus Point, and Long Point State Park, as well as Mayville Lakeside Park and Lakewood.

The area's most popular attraction is Chautauqua Institution, a not-for-profit educational center that becomes abuzz in the summer months. Study courses in the arts, religion, and recreation. Or attend one of the numerous performances ranging from opera to dance to theater.

2. Lake George

Adirondack chairs overlooking Lake George, NY

Lake George wasn't nicknamed the "Queen of American Lakes" for nothing. A magnificent beauty spanning 44 square miles, this sparkling expanse highlights the towering Adirondack Mountains. Talk about a gorgeous backdrop for photos.

Outdoor enthusiasts will be happy here year-round since there are so many activities to choose from. Boating, biking, fishing, swimming, and water sports help make this the best lake in New York for summer fun. During the cooler months, white water rafting tops the list, as do horseback riding, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and skating.

Hop in a boat (a canoe or sailboat will do) to gawk at Millionaire's Row, the incredible stretch of shoreline spotted by magnificent mansions.

Insider's tip: Aim to visit Lake George during one of the region's popular festivals. The Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council (LARAC) Arts Festival is usually held in June in nearby Glens Falls. In August, you can catch the annual Lake George Music Festival, while the Lake George Winter Carnival Festival is another, much colder draw.

3. Lake Champlain

Nestled serenely between Vermont's Green Mountains and the Adirondacks, Lake Champlain is a must-see for those traveling to upstate New York. In addition to being a scenic masterpiece, this lovely attraction is filled with fish. We're talking over 80 species in a lake that is up to 400 feet deep. You're welcome anglers!

Hugging over 500 miles of shoreline, this vast lake offers visitors an endless number of activities to keep them happy and occupied. Hike some of the over 40 miles of Champlain Area Trails, set up camp at a local campground, clamber through the impressive Ausable Chasm, or splash about in the cool lake water.

This is one of the cleanest lakes in the region and one of the best lakes in New York for swimming.

4. Avalanche Lake

If you're looking for rugged beauty, you'll find it at Avalanche Lake. Another stunning place to visit in the Adirondacks, this lake was named after the area was hit by an avalanche in the 1800s. It sits rather high up in the Adirondack High Peaks, at an elevation of over 2,880 feet, between towering Mount Colden and Avalanche Mountain.

You'll have to hike to Avalanche Lake, which makes the camera-ready view even more amazing. Adventurous types choose the trails from nearby Lake Placid. They can cover anywhere from 10 to 12 miles there and back. The Trail of the Cedars is particularly captivating. Expect to see (and possibly climb over) giant boulders and verdant forest along the route. Marcy Dam is a highlight.

Insider's tip: If you're hoping to spend the night, book your campsite early, as the spots fill up quickly during the summer.

5. Cayuga Lake

Long, long ago, glaciers formed yet another beautiful water source. This one was named Cayuga Lake, and it lay in the lovely Finger Lakes region. The longest Finger Lake, Cayuga is also the second deepest. It is famed for hosting activities such as boating, sailing, swimming, and fishing, but it's also well known as the lake that wades into Ithaca's shores.

This long lake measures nearly 40 miles, presenting visitors with an ample amount of space to get lost in. Don't worry, there are a ton of access points along the shore, making this an ideal place to visit for families.

Not comfortable boating? Book a fishing charter or boat cruise in Allan H Treman State Marine Park or Ithaca. Or rent a pedal boat, SUP, canoe, or kayak. Whatever you do, don't miss the sunset. It's glorious!

6. Oneida Lake

Oneida Lake has an edge over the other, larger beauties in New York. At 21 miles long, it is the largest lake to lie entirely within New York State's boundaries. A mere 30-minute drive from Syracuse, one of the best cities in New York State, Oneida Lake is a great day trip destination.

The lake provides everything you'd expect, like swimming, fishing, skating, and boating. Plus, its shallow depth makes it a hot spot (literally) for families visiting during the summer.

When it's time to eat, or take a break from the sun's intense rays, head to nearby Sylvan Beach. Here, you'll find a wide selection of shops and restaurants, not to mention an amusement park, which is one of the top attractions for children.

7. Skaneateles Lake

One of the cleanest lakes in New York state, Skaneateles Lake supplies the drinking water for nearby Syracuse. A sparkling gem surrounded by historic homes and larger mansions with sprawling lawns, Skaneateles will give your camera a real workout. And its main village, Skaneateles, will provide the small-town charm you never knew you'd been craving, as well as things to do to keep everyone entertained.

Pronounced "skinny-atlas" or "skanny-atlas," this pristine lake is known scientifically as an oligotrophic. That means the lake has low levels of nutrients, which helps prevent overgrowth of algae and other vegetation.

As clean as it is, Skaneateles Lake is one of the best lakes for swimming in New York. It's also a great place to canoe, fish, or do any of the other fun water sports you love.

Insider's tip: Treat yourself to a night (or three) of luxury at the Mirbeau Inn & Spa Skaneateles.

8. Lake Erie

Did you know that Lake Erie is the 11th biggest lake in the world? Measuring more than 9,900 square miles in surface area with another 30,000 square miles below ground in a drainage basin, this whopper is the fourth largest of the Great Lakes.

Multiple ships have sunk in these waters over its 4,000-year-old history, making Lake Erie one of the best diving destinations in New York State. Above the surface, visitors enjoy the regular water activities, like boating, fishing, swimming, and kayaking. In the winter months, skating, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling take the place of summer hobbies.

Looking for a fun spot to spend the day? Check out Lake Erie State Park. It boasts campsites, a sandy beach, playground, disc golf course, and multiple trails.

9. Canandaigua Lake

Visit beautiful Canandaigua Lake in the height of fall, and you'll find it extra hard to leave. Vibrant red, yellow, and orange hues brighten the already dazzling region, which is expertly highlighted by the lake's vivid blue water. No wonder its name translates to "The Chosen Spot."

Covering 16 miles in length and one mile widthwise, this lovely lake is a source of drinking water for nearly 70,000 residents of the nearby city, Canandaigua.

Easily recognized as one of the best lakes in New York, this lake also boasts one island, named Squaw, which is one of only two isles in the Finger lakes region. Rent a canoe, kayak, or water cycle for a closer look at this pretty little spot.

Along the lake's northern shore, you'll find impressive homes and cottages, many as grandiose as those found on Lake George's Millionaire's Row. At the south end lies Naples, a village bursting with natural beauty (including hidden waterfalls and steep, craggy hills).

Insider's tip: Take a ride on the Canandaigua Lady, a replica of a 19^th-century paddleboat.

10. Great Sacandaga Lake

Technically a reservoir, Great Sacandaga Lake is less popular than its larger, more showy counterparts, and the locals would like to keep it that way. A hidden gem filled with exquisitely clean, clear water and surrounded by tall reaching forests, this 29-mile-long haven is a tranquil utopia.

That doesn't mean you can't enjoy the peaceful water when visiting this top lake in New York. Boating, fishing, swimming, water sports (and in the winter, skiing, skating, and snowmobiling) are practiced often. There are even four on-site boat ramps. But you should do so without telling too many people, so it doesn't get too crowded. So, shh!

When you've finished with the lake, head into town for a bite to eat and a wander down the adorable streets filled with boutique shops and small museums.

11. North-South Lake

Located in Greene County, North-South Lake is one of the best lakes in the Catskills. It is best known as home of the North-South Lake Campground, the biggest state campground in the Catskill Forest Preserve.

Visitors have plenty of options for fun things to do at the lake. From fishing to hiking to swimming to kayaking to canoeing, the options for fun are pretty close to endless.

Boats are allowed, and there is a launch on-site, but it's recommended that all vessels be cleaned, drained, and dried before you arrive to ensure no invasive species make it into the over four-square-kilometer lake.

Other amenities include boat rentals (including paddleboats), a Junior Naturalist Program, picnic areas with tables and grills, restrooms with showers, and firewood sales.

A super fan of the outdoors? You're in luck. Biking, volleyball, horseshoes, and snowmobiling, are also enjoyed here. Told you, there's a ton to do at North-South Lake.

12. Canadice Lake

If you're hoping for a swim, you'll have to look further afield than Canadice Lake. It's a protected area (mainly due to its use as a supplier of drinking water for nearby Rochester), so swimming and camping are prohibited at this Finger Lake. You won't find homes along its shores, either.

A tiny lake (it measures just under 1.8 miles), Canadice Lake is a welcome respite for those hoping to while away a day fishing in silence. The lake is surrounded by nothing but trees and wilderness, a perfect combination for anglers.

There are so many trout swimming about that you're bound to get lucky — the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation restocks them each year, making this a great place to fish in New York. More good news: boating and hiking are also permitted here.

13. Seneca Lake

Holy trout! This massive lake, the largest of the Finger Lakes and the deepest lake (it reaches over 600 feet) in New York State, is literally jumping with fish. While trout are the golden ticket for those hoping to reel one in, you'll also find yellow perch and smallmouth bass in these clear waters.

Speaking of water, the best way to explore Seneca Lake is to get above its surface. Rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. Head out in a motorized boat or sail your way across its sparkling waves. No matter how you choose to experience this lovely lake, you'll be happy you did.

Take time to enjoy a meal in quaint Geneva (in the north) or adorable Watkins Glen (in the south). You'll find shops galore, as well as friendly locals willing to point you in the direction of their favorite eateries.

14. Owasco Lake

Owasco Lake in the Finger Lakes region of New York

Sick of jumping into cold water? Head to Owasco Lake. Shallower than other lakes on this list of the best lakes in New York, Owasco offers warmer waters to tempt your toes. In fact, it's been deemed one of the warmest lakes in New York state, making it a perfect place to partake in water-based activities. Its temperate conditions have attracted visitors from across the globe for almost 200 years.

At 11 square miles, Owasco Lake is the smallest of the main Finger Lakes, and the nearest city is Auburn, where you'll find homes that once belonged to William Seward and Harriet Tubman.

Filmore Glen State Park lies at the lake's south end, offering hiking trails around rushing waterfalls, a stream-fed swimming pool, and campsites. At the north end, you'll find Emerson Park, where visitors love to swim and catch a performance at the Merry-Go-Round Theater.

15. Lake Placid

You'll never forget the first time you see Lake Placid, especially if you were lucky enough to visit during the colorful autumn months. A luminous lake nestled in the Adirondacks, this natural wonderland will make your worries vanish. Swim, fish, boat, cross-country ski, or skate across its vast expanse and the proverbial "all" will be right with the world.

You can't escape Lake Placid's Olympic connection, no matter how hard you may try. The town is a living museum to its role as two-time host to the famous games — in 1932 and 1980. You'll find an Olympic Jumping Complex, the Olympic Center, and an Olympic Sports Complex within the city's borders.

16. Black Lake

Largemouth Bass, a popular fish to catch on Black Lake

You won't be alone on Black Lake — it's one of the best fishing lakes in New York state. Anglers head to this quiet spot in all types of weather, hoping to hook a perch, crappie, bass, or bluegill. Let's be honest, they'd be happy to catch just about anything!

Located in upstate New York, about two hours north of Syracuse, Black Lake is a freshwater lake formed by glaciers many, many years ago.

Not an angler? No worries. The area surrounding the lake boasts plenty of other entertainment options, including many fun things to do for families. Shop in the local stores, grab a bite at a local restaurant, or jump in for a swim. You can even book a round of mini golf with the kids.

17. Greenwood Lake

Half of this freshwater lake lies in Orange County, New York while the other half resides in New Jersey. Boasting clean, clear water, Greenwood Lake is fed by springs and brooks. Along its shores lie shops, restaurants, and marinas, with a small town, also called Greenwood Lake, resting upon its northeastern edge.

Popular summer sports include swimming, water-skiing, SUPing, kayaking, canoeing, jet skiing, boating, and fishing. Greenwood Lake Public Beach and Sand Beach are two of the lake's best strands, perfect for a full day out.

Insider's tip: Head to Thomas P. Morahan Waterfront Park to enjoy disc golf, a playground, and walking trails, among other fun things to do. When the weather turns cold, lake visitors spend time skating, sledding, ice fishing, and trying not to slip while walking across its bumpy, frozen surface.

18. Allegheny Reservoir

Allegheny National Forest is home to the Kinzua Dam and the expansive 25-mile-long, 7,647-acre, Allegheny Reservoir. Stretching between the border of New York and Pennsylvania, this vast reservoir is one of the best places to visit in New York.

Lake visitors can take photos on the dam, fish, spend the day on one of two beaches, picnic, swim, hike, cross-country ski, snowmobile, mountain bike, or ride ATVs in this fun place to visit in New York. Plus, the reservoir has set a record in both New York and Pennsylvania for walleye.

There's also the Kinzua-Wolf Run Marina and six boat launches on-site, making it easy to put a boat in the water. Rent a houseboat to up your weekend game.

If you're hoping to stay longer, book a night (or more) at one of the park's 10 campgrounds.

19. Lake Huntington

Another top Catskills lake graces our list of the best lakes in New York, and for good reason. This 100-acre beauty is fed by springs, and stocked with warm-water fish, including walleye, largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and black crappie. Each spring, about 1,800 brown trout are added, much to the delight of anglers.

A boat launch makes it easy to slip your craft into the calm waters of this Sullivan County gem. That said, there's only room for five vehicles and trailers to park, so plan to arrive early. Ice fishing is also permitted, so if it's cold enough to freeze the lake over, this is a fun thing to do in winter.

Visit during fall to witness the spectacular color show come alive on the Catskill Mountains.

While the lake lacks public swimming beaches, many jump into its clean, clear water from a boat or private dock. Kayaking, canoeing, and hiking around the shore are other popular activities at Lake Huntington.