In 2021, Just under 12 million households registered boats, many of which were saltwater coastal vessels. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says there are 123,439 lakes in the United States. Although by EPA standards, any body of water over 20 acres is technically a lake, many aren't much more than large ponds and swimming holes. Among the thousands of boating lakes in the U.S., only a handful stand out as the best.

Best Lake in the Western U.S.

Lake Tahoe is a major tourist attraction in the Western U.S. and the largest Alpine freshwater lake in North America. The lake straddles California and Nevada in the spectacular Sierra Nevada Mountains. Lake Tahoe is renowned for its crystal clear waters and breathtaking waterside mountain views. Given its height above sea level, Lake Tahoe's waters stay clear as it is too cold to support moss growth and other aquatic life. Only the Great Lakes rival Lake Tahoe's freshwater capacity. Around 15 million people visit the lake yearly, with busy days seeing the population go from 40,000 year-round residents to 300,000.

Best Lake in the Eastern U.S.

Lake Champlain is the 11th biggest lake in the U.S. and is sometimes referred to as the sixth great lake. Located in Vermont and Upstate New York, the lake also juts north into Canada. Lake Champlain connects to the Great Lakes via the Saint Lawrence Seaway, the Richelieu River, and the Champlain Canal. Around 600,000 people live in the region, and many more visit yearly for boating and water sports. The region played a pivotal role in shaping American and Canadian borders, giving the region a historical feel. Burlington, Vermont, borders Lake Champlain as the region comes to life during the fall and winter months for winter sports and holiday celebrations.