Lake Norman is the state's largest artificial body of fresh water. With access points to boats and plenty of fishing, this lake is every angler's dream. It also has two yacht clubs for you to store your boat. Jordan Lake is conveniently located west and south of Raleigh and Durham, respectively.
This large reservoir covers an area of 13,940 acres and offers plenty of activities. There are more than 1,000 camping sites along the lake, ranging from primitive tents to full motorhome connections. There are also seven beaches located along the coast, nestled among 17 miles of hiking trails. While Lake James allows jet skiing, fishing and camping along its shorelines, it is perhaps best known for being the setting for multiple blockbuster movies.
It was used as a replacement for Lake George, in the state of New York, for the film The Last Mohican, starring Daniel Day-Lewis. He also appeared in The Hunt for Red October, in the final scenes of that film. Glenville Lake is just a short drive from the town of Sylva, in western North Carolina. It's on today's list because of its place atop the highest lakes east of the Mississippi River in the United States.
Located in North and South Carolina, Lake Wylie extends on both sides of the border and offers 325 miles of shoreline. There are two access points for public boats and several communities that surround the lake and offer activities for visitors to enjoy. With 65 campsites along the lakeside, this is a great place to spend the night. There are also two entry points for boats, along with hiking trails for those less inclined to get into the water.
Wildlife is abundant around the lake and fishing is excellent in the area. Despite the lack of development in the area, there is a beautiful casino that has been built at the end of a long pier in the center of the lake. Built in the 1920s, the structure is made of stone and wood.
Lake Norman
is the largest lake in North Carolina and is second only to the 40,000-acre Lake Mattamuskeet as the largest natural lake in the surrounding area.Lake Norman is the largest artificial lake in North Carolina and offers an astounding 520 miles of shoreline. The lake is 45 minutes' drive from the city of Charlotte. This area has a wonderfully mild climate and is an ideal getaway for families to enjoy a variety of activities. The lakeside cities of Cornelius, Davidson and Huntersville offer a wide variety of entertainment opportunities beyond normal “lakeside” activities.
There are many annual events on the lake, such as the Asian Festival and the North Carolina Music and Brewers Festival. There is only one designated swimming area in Lake Norman State Park. Lake Jordan is just 30 minutes' drive south of Durham, in central North Carolina. The shoreline of this lake is not developed, so it is in perfect condition.
This offers many options for camping in tents or trailers to enjoy nature at its best. There are five access areas with more than 1000 campsites scattered everywhere. There are more than 13 miles of hiking trails that can be explored with plenty of wildlife along the way. In particular, the iconic bald eagle prefers these shores for nesting.
For water lovers, there are no less than seven beaches where you can enjoy a swim. Lake James is known for its crystal clear waters that make it a perfect getaway. The lake has three campsites, including a boat camping facility for the more adventurous. There are also more than 20 miles of hiking trails, along with 15 miles of mountain bike trails.
Glenville Lake may be small, but it's unique, as it's the highest lake east of the Mississippi River. It is less than 32 km from the University of West Carolina and just 12.8 km from the city of Cashiers. The lake also has a picturesque beach and three unique waterfalls that can be reached by boat. Lake Nantahala is very diverse and is home to many activities.
These waters are excellent for trout fishing due to their high altitude. In the river section, many come every year to practice epic white river rafting. The lake is just 18 miles from the picturesque city of Franklin. There are plenty of quiet log cabins to rent in these dense forests or settle for authentic camping experiences.
Belews Lake is less than 30 miles north of Greensboro, North Carolina. There are two lovely marinas on the lake that offer great restaurants and various activities. You can camp next to the beach and you can rent several cabins. The lake has a large surface area, which makes it popular for all types of water sports.
Lake Lure is most famous for being the romantic setting for the popular movie Dirty Dancing and is approximately 25 miles from Ashville. There are several resorts and lodges around the lush forests that offer stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Various festivals are held throughout the year and a wide range of shopping can be enjoyed in the surrounding cities. Make sure you don't miss out on the spectacular views from the top of Chimney Rock.
Lake Tahoma is just 5 miles northwest of the city of Marion, in the western mountainous areas of North Carolina. This lake is private, but there is an impressive panoramic drive in the surrounding area. There are houses for rent on these picturesque shores that will give you special access to these fruitful waters. Boats are not allowed here, which makes the area quieter.
Bass Lake is owned by the City of Holly Springs and was restored to optimal condition in 2004 and opened to the public. The lake is supplied with 1500 pounds of catfish every month, but there are also a few other species to fish for. Although personal boats are not allowed, boats with trolling motors can be rented. There are many native creatures that can be seen in the natural areas around the lake.
There are limits to the amount of fish each person can catch, so be sure to review the regulations beforehand. Lake Santeetlah is at the foot of the Smoky Mountains, less than 16 km from Robbinsville. This lake embodies the best of the natural wonders of these parts of the country and stands out as one of the most beautiful lakes in North Carolina. The area is relatively underdeveloped and allows for maximum relaxation.
There are small boats for rent at the Santeetlah marina and several options for camping everywhere. Lake Mattamuskeet is located in eastern North Carolina, about two hours from Greenville. It's the largest natural lake in the state and is relatively shallow, only about 2-3 feet on average. Wildlife is abundant in this area, with swans and geese migrating here during the colder months, along with bald eagles.
Blue crab fishing is an advantage on these shores. In fact, the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina crosses the Fontana Dam, and there's a 35-mile lakeside trail that leads to The Road to Nowhere. The lake is part of the Lake Waccamaw State Park, famous for having approximately 500,000 mysterious craters within its boundaries. The lake itself offers plenty of recreational activities and is located in the mountains of western North Carolina.
Located near Brevard, North Carolina, this lake is mainly fed by the Toxaway River and, in addition, by several mountain streams, the Toxaway Falls being where the lake empties. Although the water in the swamp is very acidic, this North Carolina lake is rich in unique aquatic species that benefit from the limestone cliffs at the north end of the lake (which level the pH balance of the water). Located near Bryson City, North Carolina, Fontana Lake is the largest lake in western North Carolina and forms the southern boundary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Lake Norman State Park is also popular for mountain biking (with 30.5 miles of single-track trail), has a swimming beach and offers family-friendly camping.
Plus, if you love natural beauty, you'll sometimes enjoy the best beaches in North Carolina on one list. Located in southeastern North Carolina, Lake Waccamaw is the largest of the Carolina Bay lakes, encompassing nearly 10,000 acres and is mainly fed by swamps. Glenville Lake occupies the valley north of Cashiers, North Carolina, and is the highest lake east of the Mississippi River (at 3,494 feet high). There's a waterski course located at the north end of the lake, and it's also a large fishing lake.
At 640 acres, with more than 14 miles of shoreline, Lake Toxaway is the largest private lake in the state of North Carolina. Lake Mattamuskeet is the largest natural lake in North Carolina and is relatively shallow, averaging between two and three feet across the lake. Lake Norman has a huge variety of fish for anglers, including catfish, blue galls, yellow perches, striped bass, black bass and white bass. .
