Top Summer Lake Getaways

Cool off with a leisurely lake stay in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains. Hampton Lake, a private 35-acre water wonderland, is teeming with aquatic adventures for all ages. Take a dip in the wading pool, make a splash in the swimming area, or catch a tan on the sandy beach. Two docks and swim platforms serve as your gateway to the lake while a children's playground keeps the little ones entertained. Explore the pristine mountain waters sailing, canoeing, rowing, or paddle boating. With so many fishing options, anglers will be reeling. Because the lake is private, there are no fees, meaning fishers can hook rainbow trout, bass, and bream free of charge. Transfer from the blue lake waters to the greens of the High Hampton Golf Club, an 18-hole course lined with towering pines and mountain scenery. Afterward, retreat to one of the 116 guest rooms and suites or a cozy cottage and soak in the rustic yet refined charm!

Address

1525 Highway 107, South Cashiers, North Carolina 28717

Related activities

When you're not on the lake, hike the lush nature trails, head to nearby rivers for fly fishing, or roast marshmallows over the fire pit.

Related Onsite Offerings

Laze out on the sundeck, take a dip in the swimming pool, or stay in shape in the fitness center. The options abound onsite!

Experience a truly memorable lakeside retreat at the Blue Harbor Resort & Spa. Escape for a family or romantic getaway. Find everything you're looking for at Blue Harbor Resort & Spa - two hours north of Chicago, and one hour from Milwaukee and Green Bay, situated on the shores of Lake Michigan. Enjoy a day of outdoor adventure on the vast water of Lake Michigan or indoor waterpark fun. Revel in delicious dining and sip the perfect cocktail on Blue Harbor's lakeside patio. Panoramic lakeside views are waiting for you at Blue Harbor Resort.

Address

725 Blue Harbor Drive, Sheboygan, WI 53081

Highlights

Take a leisurely stroll on the shores of Lake Michigan. Marvel at the classic lighthouse in the distance and picturesque boat marina nearby to fulfill your lakeside retreat. Take in the sights and sounds of Lake Michigan!

Related Onsite Offerings

Offering another way to make a splash, Breaker Bay Waterpark at Blue Harbor give a new meaning to "year-round family resort." When the weather outside isn't cooperating, it's always 84 degrees inside Blue Harbor Resort's 54,000 square-foot entertainment area and indoor waterpark.

Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake of the Ozarks offers an all-encompassing world of once-in-a-lifetime Ozarks vacation experiences. Everything you could wish for in your next Lake of the Ozarks getaway is here: two golf courses, an indoor waterpark, a marina directly on Lake of the Ozarks, and a full-service spa. And seven onsite restaurants offer a wide range of cuisine. If you feel like wandering offsite, you can visit the Ha Ha Tonka and the Lake of the Ozarks state parks, or shop in local antique stores. Choose from over 800 rooms spread across this breathtaking 420-acre cove, ranging from hotel-style rooms to one- and two-bedroom suites. This is a destination that has everything you could want in a summer lake getaway.

Address

494 Tan Tar A Drive, Osage Beach, MO 65065

Highlights

Tan-Tar-A’s full-service marina offers everything you need for fun and recreation on the waters of Lake of the Ozarks! Look no further for the best boat rental and fishing options on the lake, as well as water sport activities for all ages and abilities.

Getting there

From Kansas City: Interstate 70 East to Highway 65 South to Highway 54 East (at Preston) to Osage Beach. Exit at the State Road KK exit and turn left onto State Road KK. Remain on State Road KK exit, merging with traffic coming off the round-a-bout. Tan-Tar-A will be 2 miles on the left. Approximate miles: 190-200 From St. Louis: Interstate 70 West to Kingdom City, exit right, turn left onto Highway 54 West. Continue on Highway 54 West through Jefferson City and Osage Beach, exiting at the State Road KK exit exit. Turn right onto State Road KK at the stoplight. Remain on State Road KK, merging with traffic coming off the round-a-bout. Tan-Tar-A will be 2 miles on the left. Approximate miles: 180-200

The unique Big Cedar Lodge blends seamlessly with its beautiful natural environment with lavish comfort! With hundreds of species of flowers encompassing the 800 acres of the resort property and its location on gorgeous Table Rock Lake, you'll be surrounded by lush natural beauty. Here, the accommodations offer the perfect backdrop to this rich environment in the heart of The Ozark Mountains. All the cabins and lodges showcase custom rock work, rustic knotty pine, and detailed wood tones to blend with the natural splendor surrounding the property. This is the perfect place to stay in the winter, spring, summer, or fall. However, the glowing summer sunsets shimmering off of the lake, this area boasts the perfect summer lake getaway!

Address

612 Devil's Pool Road, Ridgedale, MO 65739

Highlights

Bent Hook Marina & Market provides a gateway to one of the most scenic lakes in the country, Table Rock Lake. It's the perfect launching-off point to explore Table Rock's 43,000 acres of its clear blue-green expanse.

Related Onsite Offerings

New this summer is the Cedar Creek Spa at Big Cedar, an 18,000-square-foot, world-class spa facility, complete with hand-hewn timber ceilings, natural stone floors, handcrafted stained glass accents and antique-style chandeliers. Indulge and feel relaxed, rejuvenated and inspired.

Resting along the shores of Dale Hallow Lake is your next summer vacation destination!

Cabins at Dale Hollow offers a collection of charming accommodations with stunning lake views and offers everything you need for a great Tennessee getaway. Head to one of the local marinas and get out onto the water with ease! There are four marinas in the area and there's one close to each of Cabins at Dale Hollow's rentals. Each marina offers slip and pontoon rentals and Cabins at Dale Hallow can help you reserve slips at the Dale Hollow State Park marina. Whether you're planning a vacation with family, friends, or your sweetheart, Cabins at Dale Hollow offers excellent lake activities. Take out a boat for a day of fishing where you can cast your line for bass, walleye, catfish, and trout. Or, lounge on the beach to work on your tan, enjoy a refreshing swim, or simply bask in the views. There's no better place than this for a peaceful and memorable Tennessee lake getaway!

Highlights

What's a summer lake vacation without your pet? Bring your furry friend along when you book a stay with Cabins at Dale Hollow. They understand that pets are a part of the family and don't have to be left behind. You're sure to love exploring the lakeside area together with Fido at your side!

Related activities

If you need a break from the lake, enjoy plenty of other outdoor activities in the area. Dale Hollow State Park features beautiful trails to explore on a hiking trip, or you can head to nearby Lucky Red Stables for some horseback riding!

Related Onsite Offerings

Cabins at Dale Hollow feature a wide range of modern amenities to make you feel right at home. Whichever rental you pick will be beautifully furnished and maintained to ensure your comfort and convenience. Fully-equipped kitchens, large living spaces, private decks, and much more await. Some rentals even have a hot tub, pool table, fire pit, and other special additions!

Let Railey Mountain Lake Vacations help you find your next vacation accommodation on beautiful Deep Creek Lake in western Maryland. Deep Creek Lake is a fantastic vacation destination, with activities for everyone year-round. Railey Mountain Lake Vacations is the top provider of Deep Creek Lake rentals, with over 450 rental houses, condos, cottages, and cabins that can accommodate any size group. Their Deep Creek rentals come with a wide selection of features and amenities, from private pools and hot tubs to home theaters, game rooms, and fireplaces. If you prefer to be right on the lake with a dock and boat slip or deep in the woods for a more private setting, Railey Mountain has something for you. If you plan to bring your pet you’re in luck! Railey Mountain has over 100 dog-friendly rental homes. You’ll have no problem finding things to do with your family in the area. Go hiking at Deep Creek State Park, explore Deep Creek Lake via kayaking, or combine family fun with fitness at Splash Island’s inflatable watercourse.

Address

5 Vacation Way, McHenry, MD 21541

Elevation

2,480

Related activities

Check out downtown Oakland for antique shopping, explore over 200 years of history at the Garrett County Historical Museum, catch a show at Our Town Community Theatre, and more!

Adventures and opportunities to unwind will present themselves equal amounts when you visit Canyon of the Eagles.

Canyon of the Eagles convenient location makes it ideal for summers spent at the lake. It is based in Central Texas Hill Country on ake Buchanan, the largest body of water in the Highland Lakes’ region. Explore those gentle waters in a kayak or paddleboard, or cast of from the dock and spend a day fishing. Over 940 acres of a nature park lend great opportunities for discovery and exploration. Their Master Naturalist provides guided hikes where you’ll be able to tap into their vast knowledge of Texas wild plants and animals as well as Native American culture. Stay up a little later and attend a Twilight Hike where you are sure to see nocturnal wildlife stirring and the stars illuminate the Texas sky.

Address

16942 Ranch Road 2341, Burnet, TX 78611

Fun facts

Canyon of the Eagles name comes from the American Bald Eagles that spend their winters in the area.

Related Onsite Offerings

Complete with a sliding-roof design and modern telescopes, Canyon of Eagles Eagle Eye Observatory is considered one of the best astronomic viewing sites in the state of Texas.

Branson's Table Rock Lake is full of fun things to do, friendly folks to talk to, and spectacular natural beauty. Many resorts seek to take advantage of it, but few do so as successfully as Indian Point!

Whether you're splashing around in the water or catching some z's on the shoreline, a stay at Indian Point begins and ends aquatically. When you're not in town enjoying the wealth of theaters, restaurants, and fun Branson offers, you'll almost certainly be enjoying the water. Be it lakefront cabin, spacious condo, or rustic lodge, Indian Point will help you see what makes Branson the best vacation destination in the midwest!

Highlights

The Lakefront Cabins at Table Rock Resorts at Indian Point are newly rebuilt from the studs up.

Fun facts

Have a complementary bottle of wine free, when you stay for more than 5 nights at Table Rock Resorts.

Related Onsite Offerings

Jacuzzi or a regular bath tub? It’s your choice, so choose whichever you prefer!

Summer can be experienced in any number of ways at Cedar Point Resort. Take it easy or get active- CPR gives you a stupendous backdrop from which to do either!

Beautiful northwoods cabins are everywhere you look here, each remodeled and furnished with with luxury amenities. Most cabins are within 20-feet from shore, giving you unimpeded access to the beach. Spend the day on the sand or cannonball off the dock- it's all in a summer day! Away from the resort, downtown Marcell is full of places to eat, shop, and have fun. Summer is spectacular for just being outside- make sure you do it outside the doors of Cedar Point Resort!

Address

38268 Cedar Point Rd, Marcell, MN 56657

Related activities

The Resort is located inside Chippewa National Forest, and is set along the shores on North Star Lake. For those travelers who prefer to travel with their own vacation accommodations, there are RV spots available.

Related Onsite Offerings

Amenities include kids' activities and an outdoor pool, plus a sandy beach with a swim raft and free kayaks, canoes and hydrobikes. You'll also find fishing docks, a playground, horseshoes, and stand-up paddleboards.

Your perfect summer lake getaway awaits in Northern Michigan at Bayshore Resort! This beautiful Victorian-style hotel is situated on the beach of West Grand Traverse Bay and offers the best of all you love about Traverse City – a great waterfront location and a short stroll from downtown with its diverse dining, shopping, and nightlife. The resort's luxuriously-appointed rooms feature a private balcony or patio overlooking the bay, or opt for a lavish corner suite equipped with a cozy fireplace. Bayshore Resort also boasts a spacious indoor pool, Whirlpool, and a 24-hour fitness center for the resort's active and health-conscious guests. Come experience the stunning beauty of the Great Lakes State. Whether you're into swimming, boating, fishing, skiing, golf, sightseeing, or just kicking back and watching the waves lap at the shore, Bayshore Resort makes for the quintessential summer lake retreat!

Address

833 East Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49686

Related activities

Traveling anglers staying at the Bayshore Resort will have access to various fishing charters based out Traverse City. Boasting many years of experience, these charters are welcoming to everyone interested in experiencing the vast waters of Lake Michigan. It's the perfect way to enjoy the lake and test the skills of all fishing enthusiasts.

Getting there

Bayshore Resort is located on the waterfront just east of downtown Traverse City on Front Street -- between Barlow Street and Peninsula Drive. Front Street, as it runs in front of the hotel, is also US-31, M-72, and M-37.

Since 1940, guests of Cragun's Resort on Gull Lake have been making "friends and memories." Cragun's offers the amenities of Minnesota's largest four-season resort and the personalized service of a small family-owned operation. Visit for a family vacation, a reunion, or a getaway with friends, Cragun's on Gull Lake is the perfect summer escape! Come for the lakeside setting and that's what you'll get -- all lodging overlooks Gull Lake, the half-mile sandy beach and marina. Delight in an indoor sports center, indoor and outdoor pools, kids' programs, Gull Lake Spa and more. It's no mystery why lakeside Cragun's was "Property of the Year" and achieved Audubon International Signature Sanctuary status!

Address

11000 Craguns Drive, Brainerd, MN 56401

Population

Brainerd, a bustling summer lake town, is home to just 13,590 permanent residents (2010 Census).

Related Onsite Offerings

Onsite, Cragun's guests can also relax with a challenging game of golf on the premier, 54 hole Brainerd golf course, rated as the "Midwest's #1 Golf Course." Relaxing treatments are also available in Cragun's full-service spa.

Just an hour north of Houston on Lake Conroe, La Torretta Lake Resort & Spa is the perfect resort lakes getaway.

Rated as a AAA Diamond Texas resort, you can feel confident that every detail of your stay will be immaculate. Whether you want to lounge on the quiet sandy beaches, play 18 holes on La Torretta's championship golf course, or simply sink into the depths of complete relaxation at the spa, also located onsite, there's no wrong choice. The golf course has been recently re-imagined to offer you the best playing experience possible. And the spa offers over twenty different treatment areas, a barbershop, hamam, and scrub rooms. If you're not sold, there's also a 10,000 square-foot fitness center and racquetball courts. There's truly something for everyone to love at La Torretta Lake Resort & Spa.

Address

600 LaTorretta Blvd, Montgomery, TX 77356

Average temperature

The local of La Torretta Lake Resort & Spa is in a humid subtropical zone, typical of the lower South. Average high temperatures from May through August are 86, 91, 94, and 95 with overnight lows of 68, 74, 75, and 75, respectively.

Related Onsite Offerings

If the waters of Lake Conroe aren't enough for you to make a splash, check out La Torretta's Aqua Park. The park's multiple pools are highlighted by an elegant heated upper pool with an infinity edge that cascades down into a 6,400 square-foot Mediterranean pool.

Chinquapin is tucked away in 95 wooded acres along a mile of Lake Tahoe's picturesque shoreline. Secluded coves, sandy beaches, soaring evergreens and natural wildflowers reflect in the crystal clarity of Lake Tahoe, making for a truly inspiring sight. This stunning setting on California's iconic alpine lake offers the perfect lake getaway! Fit for any type of getaway, whether it be a family retreat or family reunion, Chinquapin offers wide variety of town homes and condominiums with lakefront, lake view, and forest view locations. With summer water activities abound, from fishing to boating to water sports, the idyllic lake retreat starts at Chinquapin! Many local vendors offer canoe, boat, kayak, and paddleboat rentals.

Address

3600 North Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA 96145

Related activities

Take advantage of a water adventure of Lake Tahoe with any of the following: - Canoeing - Sailing - Paddlewheel Cruises - Fishing - Kayaking - Recreational Boating - Jetskiing Waverunners - Windsurfing - Parasailing - Waterskiing, tubing, etc.

Getting there

Chinquapin is located just five minutes north, along the shores of Lake Tahoe. From the center of Tahoe City, travel north/northeast on CA-28/North Lake Blvd for approximately 3 miles, and turn right on Chinquapin.

For an unforgettable Summer getaway, head to Lake Hamilton! BlueSky Vacation Homes features a variety of lavish rentals right on or nearby the lake!

Choose your home-away-from-home and indulge in excellent amenities including onsite boat docks, outdoor decks with spectacular views, fully equipped kitchens, Jacuzzi tubs, private pools, and more! Explore the waters and plan your own adventure. Go fishing, water skiing or kayaking. After a day soaking the summer sun, enjoying a dinner out on the barbecue! Plan your next adventure and visit the Hot Springs National Park. Miles and miles of hiking and biking trails await!

Address

P.O.Box 6198 Hot Springs, AR 71902 US

Highlights

The most popular attractions at Lake Hamilton are the Garvan Woodland Gardens and the 400-passenger river boat the Belle of Hot Springs.

Fun facts

The northernmost tip of Lake Hamilton is an excellent spot for trout and striped bass fishing. The crystal clear waters allows easy sighting of the fish

Take in the view of Gun Lake from the beautiful 750 square foot balcony deck only at BoatHouse Villa.

This lakeside vacation retreat welcomes families, corporate groups and couples alike to enjoy the lake life like never before! BoatHouse Villa offers 5,000 square feet of space and overnight accommodations for up to 15 guests. Indulge in four bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths, full kitchen, modern furnishings, and a living room with a fireplace. Unwind right on the shore and take a stroll around your beautiful flower warden. Enjoy plenty of water activities including fishing, swimming, boating and more!

Address

11456 Marsh Road Shelbyville, MI 49344 US

Extra Stops

Gun Lake Casino is only a few minutes away. Smack between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, on US 131 Exit 61, a fun new gathering place, a favorite hang out, built just for you. Over 1,500 slots, plenty of table games, and real hospitality awaits!

Highlights

You don't need to worry about finding a place to have a delicious dinner. Bay Pointe Inn has been ranked one of Michigan’s top resorts for ten consecutive years by GR Business Journal, and its Terrace Grille is an important part of that success. Enjoy exceptional dining at the terrace starting at 4:00 pm daily and take in the spectacular views of Gun Lake.

Reserve your little piece of lakeside heaven on Lake Michigan at Tamarack Lodge. Located on 800 feet of the beautiful Lake Michigan, Tamarack Lodge provides you with complete luxury and comfort. During the summer months, enjoy an exhilarating experience on the lake via kiteboarding. Retire to a fully-furnished one-, two- or three-bedroom luxury condo -- each elegant "Up North" accommodation is stocked with full kitchens and a private deck overlooking Lake Michigan. Traverse City and all of its sights and sounds are just minutes away. After staying at this lake destination once, you'll want to come back and own a part of the lake for yourself.

Address

2035 U.S. 31 North at Four Mile Road, Traverse City, MI 49686

Dates and Prices

Summer midweek and weekend rates (June 20th – August 31st): 1 Bedroom Medium - $352 and $410 1 Bedroom Large - $382 and $441 2 Bedroom - $550 and $590 3 Bedroom - $761 and $803 2 Bedroom Penthouse Suite - $550 and $590 2 Bedroom Penthouse Jr Suite - $515 and $555

Related Onsite Offerings

Tamarack Lodge has a concierge that can assist with however you plan to spend your retreat on the lake, on or offsite. Onsite offering include: - Beach bonfires - Beach games - Bean bag competition - Outdoor BBQ - Beach chaise lounge chairs - Cafe tables and chairs - Owner cocktail parties - Billiards - Fully stocked bar - Coffee/tea bar - Children's games - Movies - S'mores - Adult Activities - Children's Activities - Boat rentals - Jet Ski rentals - Water toy rentals