The amount of lakes in New York is one of the many perks to being a resident here or visiting. Generally speaking, no matter where you are in the state, you’re almost always just a short drive away from one of many gorgeous NY lakes! No matter your passion, whether it’s fishing, swimming, water skiing, boating or more, all sorts of incredible outdoor activities can be experienced at our enchanting lakes. Ranging in size and depth, all 20 of these NY lakes have extraordinary things to offer.

1. Seneca Lake
Seneca Lake, New York, USA
Vincent Carnevale/Flickr
The largest and deepest of all the New York Finger Lakes, this lake is widely known for its vast amount of wineries and unbelievable lake trout! Check out this wine trip you can take around Seneca Lake.
2. Heart Lake
Heart Lake, North Elba, NY 12946, USA
Vaibhav Bhosale/Flickr
Seen from the top of Mount Jo, this magical NY lake is another area of New York loved for its unforgettable campgrounds. Read about the hike that will take you to some really great views of Heart Lake.
3. Lake Erie
Lake Erie, Lake Erie
Anthony Quintano/Flickr
The fourth largest of North America's Great Lakes, Lake Erie has territory in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Canada! Pictured above you can see the stunning view that the Empire State gets to enjoy from the Buffalo area. Amazing! Learn more about Lake Erie and its beauty.
4. Lake Ontario
Lake Ontario, Lake Ontario
darosenbauer/Flickr
The smallest of North America's Great Lakes, this is also another body of water we share territory with! Although this NY lake is small compared to the other Great Lakes, internationally speaking, it's the 14th largest lake in the world. Wow! Get the details on the best beaches on Lake Ontario.
5. Forked Lake
Forked Lake, New York 12847, USA
longyoung/Flickr
One of the busier lakes in New York, this Adirondack favorite is loved for its fantastic campgrounds. Get information on recreating on Forked Lake from the NYS DEC.
6. Oneida Lake
Oneida Lake, New York, USA
Daniel Piraino/Flickr
One of the most beautiful lakes in NY and its largest (that we can entirely claim as our own) comes in at roughly 21 miles long and is simply magical. The NYS DEC has all the info to help you plan your visit to Oneida Lake.
7. Canandaigua Lake
Canandaigua Lake, New York, USA
Terry Robinson/Flickr
The Finger Lakes' fourth largest body of water and home to the smallest island throughout the Finger Lakes, this stunning NY lake is amazing to see. One of the perks of checking out this area? There's the tasty Canandaigua Wine Trail to explore! You can also take a boat ride on Canandaigua Lake.
8. Owasco Lake
Owasco Lake, New York, USA
Matt Hintsa/Flickr
Coming in at 11 miles long, this is the sixth largest of New York's Finger Lakes. One of the warmest lakes in this region, it's the perfect spot for outdoor activities near lakes in New York. Learn more about Owasco Lake from the NYS DEC.
9. Keuka Lake
Keuka Lake, New York, USA
Chris Brooks/Flickr
This "Y" or wishbone-shaped body of water is the only one of the Finger Lakes to flow both north and south! This area of New York is an absolute must-see, offering delicious wineries, fantastic restaurants, and outdoor activities. You'll find it hard to leave! Check out the adorable town of Hammondsport which lies on Keuka Lake.
10. Lake Placid
Lake Placid, NY 12946, USA
diane cordell/Flickr
Having hosted the Winter Olympics twice, this Adirondack area is a popular site to visit. Filled with exciting history and memorable views, this NY lake is simply incredible! Learn more about visiting Lake Placid.
11. Big Moose Lake
Big Moose Lake, New York 13331, USA
Lida/Flickr
A favorite lake in New York for many, Big Moose Lake is a popular area for hiking and water activities. Another reason this lake may sound familiar? In the early 1900s, the murder of a girl named Grace Brown took place on the lake and tales of her lingering ghost still exist, making this a sought-out area for those seeking the paranormal. Read more about how Big Moose Lake might be haunted.
12. Cayuga Lake
Cayuga Lake, New York, USA
Nicholas Schooley/Flickr
Home to one of the only two islands found throughout the Finger Lakes, this lake in New York State stretches out to be nearly 40 miles long. Another one of New York's areas that will never leave you thirsty, around the lake you can find over 20 wineries! Learn about the wildlife refuge at the northern end of Cayuga Lake.
13. Mirror Lake
Mirror Lake, North Elba, NY 12946, USA
Joey Lax-Salinas/Flickr
Found not too far from Lake Placid, this area is a popular alternative for tourists wanting to stay near to and explore the internationally known region and one of the most beautiful lakes in NY. Get all the details on Mirror Lake.
14. Greenwood Lake
Greenwood Lake, NY, USA
Luke H. Gordon
Sharing part of this stunning body of water with our neighbor New Jersey, Greenwood Lake has been a long time favorite vacation spot and lake in New York. Boating, skiing, fishing, sledding... you name it; this downstate lake offers it all. Get all the details about what activities are available at Greenwood Lake from the NYS DEC.
15. Honeoye Lake
Honeoye Lake, New York 14471, USA
Andy Arthur/Flickr
The most shallow of all the Finger Lakes, this beautiful body of water also happens to be the second smallest lake amongst the Finger Lakes family. Check the NYS DEC for the latest information on visiting Honeoye Lake.
16. Great Sacandaga Lake
Great Sacandaga Lake, New York, USA
diane cordell/Flickr
Often known as the Sacandaga Reservoir, this NY lake was created to help deal with flooding from nearby rivers. Find further details on Great Sacandaga Lake from the NYS DEC.
17. Canadice Lake
Canadice Lake, Canadice, NY 14560, USA
Visit Finger Lakes/Flickr
This minor Finger Lake gets its name from an Iroquois word meaning "long." Learn about what you can do at Canadice Lake.
18. Conesus Lake
Conesus Lake, New York, USA
Colin Bruckel/Flickr
The westernmost of all the Finger Lakes, this lake in New York is 8 miles long! With an amazing quality of water, Conesus is a favorite area to go ice fishing. Read about why you should definitely visit Conesus Lake.
19. Skaneateles Lake
Skaneateles Lake, New York, USA
Jason Persse/Flickr
The only one of the Finger Lakes that's not connected to the Erie Canal System, it's also known to be one of the cleanest and most beautiful lakes in NY. It's truly a beautiful site to see. Get more information on visiting Skaneateles Lake.
20. Chautauqua Lake
Chautauqua Lake, NY, USA
Linda DiDomizio/Flickr
Located in Chautauqua County in the corner of New York, this gorgeous lake is a popular area to catch some incredible fish! Read up on how to plan your visit to Chautauqua Lake.

Have you been to any of these stunning lakes in New York State? Tell us about it in the comments! And check out Facebook page, New York Only, for information on more great activities and attractions.

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