- Whether you crave a dip in crystal-clear fresh waters, paddling a canoe, fishing, or just soaking up a sunset, a lake trip makes it easy to savor the great outdoors.
- We rounded up the best lakefront getaways in the US, from rustic lodges to family-friendly resorts, and romantic B&Bs, which all provide direct access to top lakes.
- Prices range from $131 to $399 to start for hotels that are well-rated and boast amenities like porches, fireplaces, dining, and access to water sports and outdoor activities.
- We also included up-to-date COVID policies for each property.
- Read more: The best US mountain resorts for all seasons
As states reopen to activities and tourism following the novel coronavirus, many Americans are reconsidering how they will travel this year.
Those wondering if travel is safe will likely start small and stick close to home. Rather than far-flung bucket-list trips that require long flights and airports that risk exposure to the virus, they'll consider renting RVs or taking scenic road trips, outdoor camping or glamping, book hotels in or near national parks, mountain resorts, or other regional and domestic travel that's easily accessible from major hubs.
These nature-filled trips all trade crowded cities for wide-open outdoor spaces that make it easier to practice social distancing and travel as safely as can be guaranteed right now. Of course, without a vaccine, it's impossible to guarantee safety. Also, consider whether you're leaving or traveling to a hotspot, so as not to contribute to infection spikes. And follow guidelines from the CDC and WHO such as wearing a mask, washing your hands, and social distancing, no matter where you go.
However, there's something especially idyllic about a lake vacation. Like the best memories from summer camp, lake getaways conjure images of paddling in calm, crystal-clear waters surrounded by forests and wildlife, and plenty of fresh, crisp air. A lake trip can be a relaxing romantic retreat or an outdoorsy family adventure.
We rounded up some of the best lakefront stays spanning the US including charming inns with cozy fireplaces and wide porches, as well as mountain resorts with all sorts of activities including biking, hiking, fishing, golf, and more.
Properties were chosen based on factors such as proximity to nature, access to outdoor activities, and high ratings on trusted traveler sites such as Trip Advisor and Booking.com. Rates range in price from $131 to $399 to start and increase in the summer season, so consider late fall for lower prices. Keep reading to discover our favorite lakefront getaways, including their current COVID policies, as well as everything else you should know about booking safe vacations during COVID-19.
These are the best lakefront getaways in the US, sorted by price from low to high.
The Lodge at Whitefish Lake - Whitefish, Montana
Book The Lodge at Whitefish Lake starting at $131 per night
Set on the edge of sparkling Whitefish Lake in Montana, and adjacent to a 30-acre nature preserve, this plush hideaway also makes a great base to explore Glacier National Park, about an hour away by car.
Spend the afternoon on the private beach and swimming area, or rent kayaks, paddle boards, Jet-Skis, and sailboats at the hotel's marina. There's also lakefront pool and hot tub where you can soak up the stunning mountain scenery.
Inside, the rustic-style main lodge features wood-burning stone fireplaces and comfy leather seating, and there's a cozy library stocked with board games. The swanky Boat Club restaurant turns out stellar local fare — think elk meatballs and bison sliders — in a gorgeous lakefront dining room, while the Boat Club serves a casual menu inside by the fireplace, or out on the seasonal lakeside deck.
Accommodations are located in two separate lodges, plus spacious condominiums set alongside the lake. Rooms in the Viking Lodge are classic in style with wood furnishings and gas fireplaces and have views of the surrounding forest (though not the lake). Studio suites in the Main Lodge measure 600 square feet and feature balconies and kitchenettes; request one with a lake view unless you want to face the pool.
Trip Advisor Ranking: 4 out of 18 hotels in Whitefish
Booking.com Rating: 9.1 out of 10
Pros: If the seasonal outdoor pool is closed, there's also an indoor heated pool with a waterfall. A free shuttle takes guests to downtown Whitefish and Big Mountain, which is especially handy for skiing. Rooms overall are large and the fireplaces are a nice touch.
Cons: Rooms in the Viking Lodge are a bit of a walk to the main lodge and the lake.
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This hotel is currently open and accepting reservations with the following new rules in effect:
- A face covering must be worn by all individuals when in a place of business or waiting in line, outdoors with 20 or greater guests, or when physical distancing cannot be maintained.
- Hotel staff receive ongoing communication and enhanced operation protocols and completes a health and wellness screening upon arrival for work.
- All high-touch areas are treated with additional disinfectant/sanitizer and with increased frequency. These areas include public door handles, handrails, elevator surfaces, shuttle vehicles, lobby areas, restrooms, and more.
- Hand sanitizer is available for use in hotel common areas.
- In-room amenities such as glassware and mugs are replaced with pre-packaged, disposable alternatives.
- Physical distancing is facilitated by a plexiglass shield separating guests from front desk personnel. Indicators show 6-foot distances for clients awaiting service.
- Reduced restaurant seating and table arrangements provide physical distance between guests that are not together.
Inns of Aurora - Finger Lakes, New York
Book Inns of Aurora starting at $150 per night
New York's Finger Lakes region is known for its wineries, craft breweries, and gorgeous glacial lakes. The largest, Cayuga Lake, is the setting for this collection of five beautifully preserved historic inns, located in the quaint 18th-century village of Aurora.
Among them is a magnificent stone mansion built in 1858 by Edwin Barber Morgan, the co-founder of the New York Times, and the 1904 Colonial-style Zabriskie House, featuring a three-story staircase and a 22-person wood-paneled dining room.
Choose from 54 rooms, or for a more exclusive stay, three of the houses are available for private rental. Decor and amenities vary depending on each inn, but all have been impeccably restored with original wood floors, sweeping staircases, and marble fireplaces, while lakefront lawns and wraparound porches let guests soak up the water views.
The lowest-priced rooms are in Wallcourt Hall, a former schoolhouse that also served as a workshop for tableware designer MacKenzie-Childs. The 16 rooms are decorated in a modern style with bright furnishings and contemporary artwork.
A more historic feel can be found in the period-style rooms of the Aurora Inn, some of which feature gas fireplaces and direct lake views. It's also where you'll find the property's signature restaurant, 1833 Kitchen & Bar, which serves a farm-to-table menu in a lovely wood-paneled dining room.
Trip Advisor Ranking: 1 out of 6 hotels in Aurora
Booking.com Rating: 9.6 out of 10
Pros: Included with your stay are the use of paddle boards, canoes, and kayaks for lake outings, plus bicycles and helmets, and binoculars and birding cards. There's a free daily wine happy hour, free snacks, and a morning coffee basket delivered to your door.
Cons: The town of Aurora has limited shopping and dining options.
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This hotel is currently open and accepting reservations with the following policies in place:
- In compliance with guidance from New York State, the hotel is not accepting guests traveling from restricted states. Reservations will be canceled without penalty.
- Housekeeping services will continue with special attention paid to daily disinfection of guest room and public spaces, including door handles, countertops, phones, light switches, thermostats, and electronic controls.
- Hand sanitizing stations are available throughout the resort.
- Staff members are required to wear masks at all times. Guests must carry a mask at all times and utilize it when entering indoor spaces or where six feet of social distancing is unable to be maintained.
- Turndown service is temporarily suspended and non-essential decorative items are removed including throw blankets and pillows.
- Dining venues are open with limited socially distant seating, and for take-out.
- Fitness classes and other group activities are temporarily suspended but contactless amenities are offered including watercraft, bicycles, games, art supplies, and more.
Lake Morey Resort - Fairlee, Vermont
Book Lake Morey Resort starting at $185 per night
Nestled in the foothills of Vermont's Green Mountains, this family-owned retreat takes full advantage of its lakefront location, with more than half of its 130 rooms offering lake views.
Explore the 600-acre mountain lake by kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, or hop on a bike and ride around the shore. Other on-site activities include tennis, volleyball, and pickleball, and there's also an indoor pool, billiards room, and movie theater. The resort is home to a championship 18-hole golf course, where the Vermont Open Golf Championship has been held for over five decades.
Originally built in 1905, the resort has been thoroughly modernized but still has a homey feel with classic furnishings and lots of warm wood accents. The seasonal Lakeside Restaurant offers regional cuisine with lake views, while the cozy Steamboat Lounge serves pub fare and craft beers.
Rooms are tasteful, though not particularly stylish, with wood furnishings and red and gold accents. Entry-level Classic Guest Rooms feature two Double or Queen-sized beds with garden or golf course views but consider upgrading to a spacious Lakeview Terrace room for a private balcony and stunning lake views.
Trip Advisor Ranking: 1 out of 2 B&B/Inns in Fairlee
Booking.com Rating: 9.5 out of 10
Pros: There is no resort fee and most equipment for activities is included in the rate, except for boat rentals and golf course fees.
Cons: Meals at the restaurant can be pricey and some guests noted that the service was slow.
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This hotel is currently open and accepting reservations with the following policies in place:
- Guests have the ability to pre-pay their stay to limit time at the front desk. Only one person may wait at the front desk to provide six feet of physical distancing. Plexiglass shields have been installed.
- To limit cross-contamination, luggage storage will not be provided.
- In order to maximize the time between guests and cleaning rooms, there will be a minimum of 24 hours between the use of each guest room.
- Guests must wear face coverings or masks while moving through or gathering in indoor common areas and maintain a six-foot distance.
- Dining venues are open with reduced seating capacities to allow for a minimum of six feet between each seated group/party of guests. Self-serve, buffet-style food service will be suspended and replaced by alternative service styles.
- Pool and outdoor seating shall be configured to allow for at least six feet of separation between groups of guests.
- Exercise Room is limited to no more than 3 non-family/group individuals at a time. Each guest is asked to sanitize equipment before and after use.
- The frequency of cleaning and sanitizing of public spaces has been increased with an emphasis on frequent contact surfaces.
- Industry leading cleaning and sanitizing protocols are used to clean guest rooms with particular attention paid to high-touch items including television remote controls, toilet seats and handles, door and furniture handles, water faucet handles, nightstands, telephones, light switches, temperature control panels, alarm clocks, and luggage racks.
- Housekeeping services will be limited to cleaning and advanced sanitation measures between guest stays only. No staff will enter an occupied room unless there is an emergency.
- Fresh towels, additional amenities, or additional linens or pillows will be delivered to the guest door in a sealed bag upon request.
- Where possible, sanitizing stations have been added to recreational areas. Both staff and guests are responsible for sanitizing borrowed equipment including bicycles, helmets, bean bags, corn-hole boards, watercrafts, life jackets, and sports equipment.
- The frequency of air filter replacement and HVAC system cleaning has been increased and fresh air exchange will be maximized.
Cheyenne Mountain Colorado Springs, A Dolce Resort - Colorado Springs, Colorado
Book Cheyenne Mountain Colorado Springs, A Dolce Resort, starting at $189 per night
Surrounded by the towering mountains of Pikes Peak and home to a 35-acre private lake, this grand resort offers a huge array of family-friendly activities. Laze on the sandy beach, play beach volleyball, or take out a complimentary kayak, paddleboard, or pedal boat to explore the lake.
There are four seasonal outdoor pools, one of them Olympic-sized, plus a kiddie pool and waterslide, as well as an indoor pool. Other amenities include outdoor basketball courts, indoor/outdoor tennis, and a Pete Dye-designed golf course, plus three restaurants.
The rustic-style resort blends warm wood and stone, best seen in the grand timbered lobby outfitted with a wood-burning fireplace. Rooms, however, are thoroughly modern, done up in a neutral tan and gray palette with balconies or patios. Entry-level Standard Double Queen rooms measure 430 square feet and overlook the hotel courtyard. Upgrade to a Deluxe room for mountain views. Wyndham Rewards members can use or earn points for their stay.
Trip Advisor Ranking: 47 out of 113 hotels in Colorado Springs
Booking.com Rating: 8.4 out of 10
Pros: Cheyenne Mountain offers stunning mountain scenery and a huge range of on-site amenities, many of which are included in the rate.
Cons: Some guests complained about the poor insulation and noise from other rooms. The signage around the resort could also be improved.
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This hotel is currently open and accepting reservations with the following procedures in place:
- Face masks are required for all individuals over 10 years old while entering or moving within any indoor public space. Masks are not required in your guestroom or when consuming food or beverage purchased in restaurants.
- Only registered guests are allowed on resort property and in guest rooms.
- Seating in public spaces shall allow at least six feet of separation and may be subject to occupancy restrictions in order to achieve appropriate social distancing.
- Groups should not congregate in any public areas of the hotel, and will be asked to disperse if necessary.
- Elevators are limited to occupancy by 2 people or 1 traveling group at a time.
- Daily housekeeping service will not be available during guest stays. All in-room amenities are available in the room except for bathrobes, reading material, and ceramic cups.
- Services such as the pool, golf, spa, fitness, and other amenities are operating with reduced capacity or reservation-only use.
- In order to meet new health and safety challenges presented by COVID-19, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts has implemented a 'Count on Us' initiative. In partnership with Ecolab, a Global leader with nearly 100 years of experience in water, hygiene, and infection prevention technologies and services, all Wyndham Hotels and Resorts have implemented the use of Ecolab's EPA-approved disinfectant products in all hotel guest rooms and public spaces.
Lake Pointe Inn - McHenry, Maryland
Book Lake Pointe Inn starting at $189 per night
While many lake-fronting properties are squarely aimed at families, this adults-only B&B offers a truly tranquil lakeside experience. The romantic 19th-century inn stands on the northern edge of Maryland's Deep Creek Lake, just 50 miles from Frank Lloyd Wright's Falling Water, and surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and rolling lawns.
Soak up water views from the rocking chairs on the deep wraparound porch, out on the stone patio, or on sun loungers on the private dock. Complimentary canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards let you explore the lake's 70 miles of shoreline.
Mission-style wood furnishings and Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired lighting complement the inn's Arts and Crafts architecture. The six rooms are individually designed in a similar Mission style and feature various layouts and amenities, from gas fireplaces to Jacuzzi tubs. Opt for the third-floor Savage Room or the second-floor Sam Leff for the best lake views from private balconies.
Trip Advisor Ranking: 1 out of 4 hotels in McHenry
Booking.com Rating: 9.5 out of 10
Pros: Along with the beautiful quaint decor, the inn offers plenty of freebies including coffee, tea, snacks, a daily happy hour, and an evening pontoon boat ride. There's also a small sauna on-site.
Cons: Prices can skyrocket during the peak summer and fall months.
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This hotel is currently open. It has not specifically outlined any new policies, but we will update this listing as more information becomes available.
Lakeway Resort and Spa - Lakeway, Texas
Book Lakeway Resort and Spa starting at $198 per night
Twenty miles outside Austin, the busy highways give way to tranquil rolling hills and the pristine lakes of Texas Hill Country. Lake Travis, a reservoir on the Colorado River, is one of the most popular, given its proximity to the capital. Tucked into the hillside and directly overlooking the lake, this modern four-star resort is a favorite with families thanks to its huge range of children's amenities.
Multiple outdoor pools and a swim-up bar offer fantastic lake views, while a dedicated kid's pool features a water slide and a splash pad and nightly family-friendly movies. A free indoor Kid Zone includes bouncy houses, games, and a mini putt-putt. Texas Sailing and the Lakeway Marina are also located on-property where you can rent boats, Jet-Skis, kayaks, and paddle boards to explore the lake's 270 miles of shoreline.
TR Restaurant serves Southwestern cuisine in a rustic dining room with tall windows overlooking Lake Travis. The casual Back Porch bar, decked out with leather chairs and an antler chandelier, features an extensive craft beer list; head out to the balcony to sip a cold one while soaking up sunset views over the lake.
Contemporary rooms are decorated in a soothing palette of gray and cream, with swirling blue carpeting and punches of color in the local artwork dotting the walls. Entry-level Deluxe Rooms measure 350 square feet and feature hillside views; those with lake views come at a premium.
Trip Advisor Ranking: 2 out of 4 hotels in Lakeway
Booking.com Rating: 8.5 out of 10
Pros: Lots of complimentary family-friendly amenities keep the little ones busy, while grown-ups can enjoy the peace and quiet at three adults-only pools. Guests who stayed in lake-fronting rooms praised the amazing views.
Cons: There is a daily $35 resort fee. There are no lakeside beaches.
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This hotel is currently open and accepting reservations with the following procedures in place:
- Enhanced cleaning focuses on specific guest room touch points utilizing Procter and Gamble cleaning/disinfecting products and an 'Ultra Touch' inspection process.
- Guests are required to wear a face covering when visiting the premises and follow social distancing protocols. This order is in effect until August 15, 2020.
- Strategically placed disinfecting stations are available from the doorsteps to the elevators with extra attention paid to cleaning high-touch areas in common spaces and guest rooms including door handles, push plates, hand rails, luggage carts, countertops, tabletops, chairs, elevator buttons, computer workstations, phones, and more.
- Contactless food and beverage delivery is offered to guest rooms.
- Pools and public restrooms are open with increased sanitization. The fitness center requires a reservation.
The Landing Lake Tahoe Resort & Spa - South Lake Tahoe, California
Book The Landing Lake Tahoe Resort & Spa starting at $199 per night
A private beach, heated outdoor pool, and sprawling lakefront patio make this luxury boutique resort one Booking.com's top picks in South Lake Tahoe. The property is walking distance to Heavenly Village, packed with shopping, dining, and entertainment options, and the Heavenly Mountain Gondola, offering panoramic views of the lake's turquoise waters and snow-capped Sierra Nevada range. If you fancy some gambling action, hop the free hotel shuttle to the Nevada-side casinos, just 10 minutes away.
Interiors take inspiration from the surrounding mountains with wood-beamed ceilings and tall stone fireplaces, but the contemporary furnishings and sleek design accents give the property a thoroughly modern feel. The on-site Jimmy's Restaurant serves excellent wood-fired California cuisine in an elegant dining room with lake views, but the restaurant's waterfront patio is the real draw, especially for the fabulous sunsets.
Rooms feature stone gas fireplaces, granite desks, marble bathrooms with heated floors, Queen- or King-sized pillow-top beds with goose-down linens, and balconies or patios. Note that entry-level rooms lack lake views: Superior King rooms measure 260 square feet but for about $10 to $20 more per night, it's worth upgrading to a far roomier corner Garden King. You'll pay a premium for rooms with lake views.
Trip Advisor Ranking: 6 out of 67 hotels in Lake Tahoe
Booking.com Rating: 9 out of 10
Pros: Lakefront rooms offer unbeatable views, while the private beach lets you enjoy the sun and sand without the crowds. Open year-round, the resort also has easy access to excellent skiing at Heavenly Resort.
Cons: There is a $40 daily resort fee. Rooms are on the smaller side.
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This hotel is currently open and accepting reservations with the following protocols in place:
- All guests are asked to practice social distancing and stand six feet away from others. Signage is added to remind guests to wear masks, wash hands, and keep distance.
- Seating is adjusted in all restaurants and all staff is reminded to practice social distancing.
- Automatic hand sanitizer dispensers are placed in all public areas for guest and associates' use. Custom hand sanitizer dispensers are located in each guest room.
- EPA-approved cleaning products effective against viruses such as COVID-19 are used, as well as electrostatic sanitizing sprayers. Housekeeping uses vacuums with whole machine filtration that traps 99.99% of particles and expels cleaner air. Extra attention is paid to all high-touch areas in common spaces and guest rooms.
- All linens are washed with approved chemicals and at a high temperature in accordance with CDC guidelines.
- Sanitized Rooms must be approved by management prior to being released for guest occupancy and non-essential items are removed from rooms such as magazines, extra pillows, and notepads.
- Daily housekeeping will not be provided. If needed, guests must leave the room for a period of three hours to limit contact.
- Pool and hot tub are open with sanitization of lounge chairs. The spa will open at a later date.
Lodge at Moosehead Lake - Greenville, Maine
Book Lodge at Moosehead Lake starting at $399 per night
Set on the shores of the largest lake in Maine, this upscale nine-room lodge is surrounded by mountains and thick forest, offering plenty of outdoor adventures. The property can arrange canoe or kayak rentals, fishing trips for bass and trout, or guided hiking tours. And as the name implies, there are plenty of moose to be seen, along with bald eagles, beavers, and otters.
Decorated in traditional lodge style with lots of warm wood and stone, the property features amenities such as Jacuzzis and gas fireplaces in the rooms, along with private decks with lake views. The gourmet restaurant (reserved for guests) offers fresh Maine delicacies, including lobster and locally sourced cheeses, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing panoramic vistas.
Each room has a unique theme, like the Moose Room, decorated with a hand-carved moose headboard. All have lake views and balconies except the lowest-priced Trout Room, which faces the garden.
Trip Advisor Ranking: 2 out of 5 hotels in Greenville
Booking.com Rating: 9.5 out of 10
Pros: Breakfast is included in the rate and features a different menu every day. There are also complimentary snacks available around the clock.
Cons: Rates soar during summer and prime fall leaf-peeping. The lodge is open seasonally, May through October.
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This hotel is currently open and accepting reservations with the following procedures in place:
- Residents of Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Maine are not subject to restrictions. Residents of all other states will not be required to quarantine after simply signing a brief "Certificate of Compliance" required by Governor Janet Mills.
- The Lodge will be offering self check-in and check-out and hand sanitizers are provided at the entrance.
- Meal service options are adjusted to allow for take-out, outdoor dining, and modified hours.
- Hotel staff provide luggage cleaning upon arrival, routine sanitizing of all frequently touched surfaces, and increased cleaning of restrooms and public areas.
- Housekeeping and room service is available upon request and not done while a guest is in the room.
- Reservations can be canceled or changed during the 2020 season with no penalty.
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