There’s something magical about a lake that pulls you in—calm waters, fresh air, and the escape from the city.
Luckily the state of New York has plenty to offer.
You can experience epic fishing trips, peaceful kayaking along a lake, or just soaking up the beauty of nature.
New York is home to some of the most incredible lakes you’ll ever see.
Curious where to find them?
Keep reading, to find out the best lakes in New York that you absolutely need to visit so you can figure out which one is perfect for you!
(The numbers in the map graphic above match the headings in this post)
1. Black Lake
Black Lake, found in St. Lawrence County in northern New York, is a favorite spot for people who love to go fishing.
This sprawling, 20-mile-long freshwater lake is known for its incredible variety of fish, including things like bass, walleye, northern pike, and even perch.
The lake is surrounded by quiet cabins, rustic campsites, and boat rentals, so you’re all set for a peaceful outdoor getaway.
It’s also considered one of the best ice fishing spots in the state, so even when it’s frozen solid, the action doesn’t stop!
2. Tupper Lake
Tupper Lake, located in the heart of the Adirondacks, is a dreamy spot where you can experience outdoor adventure as well as small-town charm.
This 9-mile-long lake is famous for its calm waters, making it perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding.
You can also swim with extra safety for the family at Little Wolf Beach which normally has a lifeguard on duty.
The surrounding town offers cozy diners and shops, plus the Wild Center, a must-visit nature museum featuring a treetop Wild Walk that feels like stepping into the forest canopy.
Tupper Lake is also an awesome spot for stargazing.
It has dark skies and the Adirondack Sky Center’s observatory, making it a perfect place to spend a night gazing at planets and constellations.
3. Lower Saranac Lake
Lower Saranac Lake, just a short drive from Tupper Lake, offers a mix of peaceful waters and island-hopping.
It’s a perfect place for camping too with the Saranac Lake Islands State Campground offering 87 water access only campsites between Lower Saranac Lake and middle Saranac Lake.
It gives you a pretty unique experience where you pitch a tent and wake up to sunrise on your own ‘private shoreline’.
The lake is part of the Saranac Chain, making it easy to link up with nearby lakes (like Middle and Upper Saranac Lake) for more exploration by canoe or kayak.
Lower Saranac Lake is also known for its iconic Adirondack wildlife – keep an eye out for loons gliding across the water or bald eagles soaring overhead!
4. Mirror Lake
Mirror Lake, located in the charming village of Lake Placid in the Adirondacks, is as picturesque as it sounds.
This smaller, tranquil lake is completely motor-free, making it ideal for paddleboarding, canoeing, or just soaking in the surroundings.
A paved 2.7-mile path wraps around the lake, offering a scenic walk or jog with amazing views of the water and surrounding mountains.
You’ll also have easy access to cozy cafes and unique shops in the village of Lake Placid.
In winter, the place transforms into a snowy playground with ice skating, a toboggan chute, and even dog sled rides right on the frozen lake!
5. Long Lake
Long Lake, located in the Adirondacks, stretches for 14 miles and lives up to its name with tons of outdoor fun.
Known for its stunning mountain views, it’s a top spot for water skiing, tubing, and fishing, with plenty of space to cruise around.
The town of Long Lake, sitting right at the midpoint, is a perfect base for exploring nearby hiking trails or grabbing some food.
The town also has a classic Adirondack general store and a picturesque marina perfect for sunset photos.
Fun fact: Long Lake is part of the 90-Miler Canoe Classic, a famous 3-day canoe race that attracts participants from all over the country every September!
6. Lake Pleasant
Lake Pleasant, is found in the southern Adirondacks with the village of Speculator at its northern end.
It’s a peaceful gem surrounded by rolling mountains and lots to do.
Known for its clear waters, it’s perfect for swimming, fishing, and boating, with plenty of spots to launch a kayak or just relax on the shore.
The lake’s calm vibe makes it a favorite for families, and the town beach in Speculator is a great place to chill out.
Lake Pleasant is a favorite winter destination too, with snowmobiling trails that weave through the area’s pristine wilderness!
The area also hosts annual events like the TWIGS Craft Fair and the Oak Mountain’s Holiday Fair, giving you something to look forward to at different times of year.
If Lake Pleasant isn’t enough for you then you can also hop over to Sacandaga lake which is very close by.
7. Lake George
Lake George, known as the “Queen of American Lakes,” stretches 32 miles through the Adirondacks and is packed with things to do.
Its crystal-clear water is perfect for boating, jet skiing, and even scuba diving to explore historic shipwrecks.
The bustling village of Lake George at the southern tip offers waterfront dining, arcades, and the famous steamboat cruises for unbeatable lake views.
The lake has over 170 islands, many of which you can camp on, giving you your own private slice of Adirondack paradise!
8. Otsego Lake
Otsego Lake, located in Cooperstown, is an 8-mile-long beauty known as the “Glimmerglass” in James Fenimore Cooper’s famous novels.
This lake is a go-to spot for fishing, with trout, bass, and walleye aplenty, and you can rent a boat or kayak to explore its peaceful waters.
The surrounding area is packed with history, including the Fenimore Art Museum and the National Baseball Hall of Fame just minutes away.
Hyde Hall, a stunning historic mansion at the northern tip of the lake, is rumored to be haunted with ghost tours available for those who dare.
9. Skaneateles Lake
Skaneateles Lake, often called the jewel of the Finger Lakes, shines with some of the clearest water in New York.
This 16-mile-long lake supplies unfiltered drinking water to surrounding communities, and its purity makes it ideal for swimming, sailing, and relaxing cruises.
The quaint village of Skaneateles at its northern tip is full of charm, with boutique shops, art galleries, and farm-to-table restaurants that make it a perfect lakeside getaway.
During the holidays, the village transforms into a Dickensian wonderland, complete with costumed carolers and festive cheer to get you into the Christmas spirit.
10. Cayuga Lake
Cayuga Lake, the longest of New York’s Finger Lakes, stretches 38 miles through the heart of wine country, offering breathtaking views and plenty to explore.
It’s a hotspot for wine lovers, with the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail featuring award-winning vineyards right along the shore.
The lake is also a great place for outdoor fun, from kayaking and fishing to hiking at nearby Taughannock Falls State Park, home to a stunning 215-foot waterfall.
Fun fact: the lake is so deep—around 435 feet in some spots—that some parts rarely freeze, even during the coldest winters.
The last time there was a ‘complete freeze’ was in 1979!
11. Keuka Lake
Keuka Lake, another one of the Finger Lakes, stands out with its unique Y-shape and is often called the “Crooked Lake.”
Similarly to Cayuga Lake, this scenic spot is famous for its wineries, especially along the Keuka Lake Wine Trail.
Here you can sip world-class Rieslings while enjoying beautiful lake views.
The lake’s clear waters are perfect for boating, swimming, and paddleboarding, and the charming village of Hammondsport at the southern tip is packed with shops and restaurants.
Not many people know this, but the Keuka Lake area played a major role in the birth of the American wine industry, with vineyards dating back to the 1800s!
12. Chautauqua Lake
Chautauqua Lake, located in western New York, is a charming 17-mile-long lake known for its recreational activities and cultural attractions.
It’s a favorite for fishing, with abundant muskellunge (or “muskie”), and its calm waters also make it great for boating and kayaking.
The Chautauqua Institution sits on its shores, offering summer programs filled with music, art, and lectures that draw visitors from all over.
Chautauqua lake is actually one of the highest navigable bodies of water in North America, sitting at 1,308 feet above sea level.
13. North–South Lake
North–South Lake, located in the Catskill Mountains, offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by dramatic natural beauty.
Here you’ll also find the North- South Lake State Campground which is the most popular state campground in the Catskill Forest Preserve.
It’s a perfect place for swimming, fishing, or renting a rowboat to explore the serene waters.
Nearby trails lead to iconic views like Artist’s Rock and Sunset Rock, where Hudson River School painters once found inspiration for their masterpieces.
You can also head over to the nearby Kaaterskill Falls which is one of the most stunning waterfalls in the USA.
The area was also once home to the famous Catskill Mountain House, a 19th-century resort that drew visitors (including former presidents) for its panoramic mountain vistas!
14. Lake Minnewaska
Lake Minnewaska, perched high in the Shawangunk Mountains within Minnewaska State Park Preserve, is a crystal-clear lake surrounded by rugged cliffs and scenic forests.
Its calm waters and no-motor policy make it a peaceful spot for swimming, kayaking, or simply soaking up the views from the shore.
The park’s extensive trails offer breathtaking overlooks, hidden waterfalls, and access to nearby Lake Awosting and Awosting Falls for even more adventure.
Thanks to its high elevation and pristine surroundings, Lake Minnewaska feels like a hidden mountain oasis just a short drive from the Hudson Valley.
15. Lake Carmel
Lake Carmel, located in Putnam County, offers a laid-back retreat in the Hudson Valley with a welcoming, community-focused vibe.
This small lake is perfect for fishing, kayaking, or enjoying a sunny day at one of its sandy beaches.
It’s surrounded by residential neighborhoods, giving it a quiet charm, and birdwatchers love spotting migratory birds and local waterfowl.
Lake Carmel was actually created in the 1920s as part of a planned vacation destination and remains a favorite spot for simple, everyday escapes without venturing too far into the wilderness.
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