Summer’s here, and you’re planning that cross-country road trip, lake-hopping from the east coast to west (or vice versa). Whether you’ve got wakeboard or water skis, you’re probably looking for the best spots to rent a boat, strap the tow rope to the pylon, and carve the wake.
Here are our picks for the best lake destinations and water sports spots across the U.S., with some lesser-known gems to boot.
Lake Powell
Thought we’d save the best for last? Lake Powell’s first on our list, and for good reason: It’s the capitol of America’s towed watersports, and the time to enjoy this legendary reservoir is, in fact, running out.
Today, the lake averages just 30% to 40% of its total capacity, with water levels steadily decreasing from lack of adequate snowpack melt and the siphoning of water from the Colorado River Basin.
Despite its ever-dwindling water supply, tens of thousands of boaters, water skiers, and wakeboarders flock to Lake Powell to enjoy its beautiful rock features and desert vistas, nestled amongst some of the most challenging and rewarding river runs, snaking channels, and broad, carve-friendly waterborne roundabouts.
Need to rent the boat for your tows on the water? There are plenty of rental services just a mile or two from popular docks in the town of Page, AZ, which hosts a collection of services and hotels just south of the Utah border.
Lake Tahoe
Often called the “Jewel of the Sierra,” Lake Tahoe is nestled cozily in the Sierra Nevada mountains, offering nearly 200 square miles’ worth of crystal-clear water, beautiful shots of surrounding peaks, and wide-open runs for high-speed but casual, swooping carving sessions in the wake.
The Tahoe Keys offers easy access to rentals and fuel, with Riva Ski Run Marina on the southern side of the lake. Bringing your own boat? You’ve got quick and easy access to the Cave Rock State Park and Boat Launch, offering immediate runs on the lake’s southeastern side. It’s located just a few minutes north of Skyland and Zephyr Cove, where affordable lodging waits.
The southern side of the lake also hosts a vibrant nightlife scene, with Hard Rock Lake Tahoe and Harrah’s for gaming, and various nightclubs that stay open ‘til morning. The Summer Concert Series, which usually starts mid-June, is a great time to visit if you want to combine fun on the lake with A-list live music performances.
Lake Placid
Looking for a more intimate vibe in the northeast? Lake Placid, NY offers loads of wake and ski runs throughout its 137 square miles, Hawk, Moose, and Buck Islands jutting from the lake’s center to form long, winding straits.
Charters and rentals are typically available for lower prices than some of the other major tourist destinations we’ve covered, making Lake Placid a great destination if you’re up for water sports but sticking to a tighter budget.
Water access via Lake Placid Marina is easily found just off Mirror Lake Drive, which is just a few minutes from the local Regional Airport and a relatively simple connection off I-87.
Need a rental? ADK Aquatics has been one of the top services for full-gear rentals, offering wakeboards, skis, life jackets, and all the other kit you’ll need – so if you’re up for some tows on the lake but want to bring nothing more than a suitcase, Lake Placid is a convenient destination.
Lake Michigan
The second largest lake in the U.S. by volume, Lake Michigan is an obvious bucket-list destination for any wakeboarder or water skier. Plus, you’ve got endless options when it comes to lodging and logistics – literally hundreds of miles of lakefront cityscapes provide hundreds of boat launches and full-service rentals, and hotels ranging from cheap to five stars.
If you need help picking a place, we recommend Grand Haven, Michigan. Its consistent water conditions and weather, coupled with its affordable lodging and not-so-touristy town center make it a pleasant visit, while the Grand River Spring Lake, which both feed directly into Lake Michigan, offer winding turns and twists or some more exciting boarding and skiing.
If you’re up for traveling light and paying for full rental gear, you can also fly in via Muskegon County Airport. Just a few minutes north you’ve got Muskegon Lake, with yet more access, rentals, and opportunities to tow for the day, before heading into town for the nightlife.
Lake Cumberland / Cumberland River
Situated in the hills of southern Kentucky, Lake Cumberland offers some of the best waterways and turning passages in the country when it comes to wakeboarding and water skiing. Launch from Wolf Creek or Lake Cumberland Marinas and enjoy dozens of miles of snaking riverways for hours, before heading back up the launch and hitting any of the myriad hiking trails winding around the lake’s and rivers’ edge waters.
Ferguson, resting on the east-northeast corner of the Cumberland River, offers plenty of affordable lodging and a leisurely place with plenty of local eateries. Want something even more lax? The small, cozy town of Jamestown – on the west-northwest side of the same river – has a few B&Bs that offer a quiet reprieve after a day on the water.