let us do the work

Effortlessly plan your next adventure with AI
NatureBeaches, Lakes & Rivers

These 10 Gorgeous Lakes In Nevada Are Demanding Your Attention

Nevada offers numerous beautiful lakes perfect for summer activities like jet skiing, boating, and fishing.

Updated Jun 14, 2022

Written by 

Jennifer Young

Nevada is home to some of the most gorgeous lakes in the country. Jet skiing, water skiing, boating, and fishing are just a few of the fun activities you can enjoy in Nevada's many lakes. Now that summer is upon us, here are ten of the best lakes in Nevada that you should definitely check out.

1. Lake Tahoe

A serene lake surrounded by pine trees and mountains, with clear turquoise water and rocky shores under a blue sky.
wikimedia commons/Christian Abend

Lake Tahoe is the largest freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada of the United States, and it was formed approximately 2 million years ago.

This jaw-dropping video doesn't even seem to do this incredible lake justice, but it is an absolute must-see:

youtube embeded image

2. Lake Mead

A scenic view of a blue lake surrounded by rocky terrain and distant mountains under a clear blue sky.
wikimedia commons

Lake Mead is located on the Colorado River and is the largest reservoir in the U.S. when it comes to maximum water capacity.

3. Liberty Lake

A serene mountain lake surrounded by rugged peaks and patches of snow under a clear blue sky.
wikimedia commons

Liberty Lake is a glacial tarn that's located within the Ruby Mountains Wilderness in Elko County, Nevada.

4. Lake Las Vegas

Aerial view of a desert landscape featuring a large lake surrounded by hills and sparse vegetation.
wikipedia

Located in Henderson, this is a 320-acre lake with 3,592 acres of land developed around it. This entire area is known as Lake Las Vegas.

5. Lower Cold Lake

A serene mountain landscape with a reflective lake, rocky terrain, and dramatic clouds in the sky.
wikipedia

Lower Cold Lake is located at the head of Cold Creek Canyon in Elko County, Nevada. It's one of many crystal-clear lakes in Nevada you've got to see to believe.

6. Washoe Lake

A scenic view of a lake with mountains in the background, featuring a tree with autumn leaves and a cloudy sky.
wikimedia commons/Rick Cooper

Washoe Lake is a very shallow lake that's located in the Washoe Valley of Washoe County, Nevada.

Explore Washoe Lake in this wondrous aerial 4K video:

youtube embeded image

7. Castle Lake

A serene mountain lake surrounded by rocky cliffs and lush greenery under a clear blue sky.
wikimedia commons/Famartin

Castle Lake is located near the head of Kleckner Canyon in Elko County, Nevada. This is one of the most scenic spots in Nevada and we think you'll never want to leave.

8. Griswold Lake

A serene mountain landscape featuring a clear lake surrounded by rocky terrain and tall trees under a blue sky.
wikimedia commons/Famartin

Located at the head of Hennon Canyon, Griswold Lake is the principal source of Butterfield Creek. This is a beautiful, lesser-known lake in Nevada.

9. Walker Lake

A serene lake surrounded by mountains under a partly cloudy sky, with rocky terrain in the foreground.
wikimedia commons/Raquel Baranow

Walker Lake is a natural lake that's located in the Great Basin in western Nevada.

10. Angel Lake

A serene mountain lake surrounded by rocky cliffs and lush greenery under a clear blue sky.
wikimedia commons

Angel Lake is a glacial tarn in the northern part of the East Humboldt Range in Elko County, Nevada.

And, finally, allow this stunning birds-eye view of Angel Lake to entice you to come closer:

youtube embeded image

Which lakes in Nevada will you be spending time on this summer? Please feel free to share your plans in the comments below.

youtube embeded image

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Trips & Routes

Endless Outdoor Adventures Await in These 5 Small Towns in Illinois

From zip-lining to trekking with goats, these are five of the most outdoorsy towns in Illinois you need to add to your bucket list.

by Cait Kontalis
on Jun 5
A canyon in Starved Rock State Park in Illinois
Stays

This Campground Near Cuyahoga Valley National Park Is Perfect for an Ohio Escape

This secluded campground near Cuyahoga Valley National Park is one of Ohio’s best kept secrets. Here’s what to expect and how to visit.

by Beth Copenhaver
on Jun 5
White tents on platforms arranged in a semi-circle with green trees in the background and a picnic table visible.
Nature
National & State Parks

Visit the Hidden Gem Small Town Right Next Door to Hungry Mother State Park

With a walkable main street, beautiful architecture, and plenty of Appalachian charm, Marion is the perfect home base for all your state park adventures.

by Beth Copenhaver
on Jun 5
Historic brick bank building in downtown Marion, Virginia, on a street corner with mountains in the distance.
Stays
Camping

This Secluded Campground Near Pictured Rocks Is One of Michigan’s Best Kept Secrets

This secluded campground near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is one of Michigan's best kept secrets. Here’s what to expect and how to visit.

by Trent Jonas
on Jun 5
Point-of-view shot from a red kayak gliding over smooth blue water toward a pine forest at Au Train Lake, Michigan.
Stays
Vacation Rentals

6 Waterfront Florida Rentals So Stunning They Don’t Feel Real

These 6 waterfront rentals in Florida are each so unique, you'll have a hard time choosing one for your next getaway.

by Megan Todaro
on Jun 5
A floating tiny home on the bright blue water in Key West, Florida.