North Carolina is an ideal place for lake lovers to visit. The state boasts mountains covered in beautiful forests and lakes that are great for swimming, boating, and fishing. There are many great lakes to visit if you’re looking for somewhere to go on a weekend trip or vacation near Charlotte, NC. Here is our list of some of the best lakes in NC near Charlotte.
Lake Norman
Lake Norman is the largest lake near Charlotte NC and one of the most popular. It has a lot to offer, including boating, fishing, and many restaurants and hotels. If you’re looking for some relaxation time away from the city but still want to stay close enough so you can get back quickly if needed or just to get away for a couple of days, Lake Norman is a wonderful option. For a detailed post on our favorite things to do on LKN click here.
Lake Lure
The beautiful Lake Lure, in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a popular destination for fishing, boating, swimming and more. Lake Lure, which has been featured in many big movies and has become an increasingly popular spot for tourists who want to enjoy all that nature has to offer. The artificial lake is open year-round if weather conditions are good, with its main season running from May through October.
Mountain Island Lake
Located on the Catawba River, this lake is home to the largest population of largemouth bass in North Carolina. The lake also has catfish, crappie and bluegill, making it an excellent place for fishing with boat rentals available.
During the fall, you can see deer and wild turkeys near Mountain Island Lake. It’s also one of the best places in Charlotte to enjoy time outdoors with your family or friends because there are so many things to see and do. There is camping nearby and plenty of hiking trails that are good for all ages and skill levels. With shops and restaurants also nearby you have everything you need.
Lake Wylie
Lake Wylie, one of the best lakes near Charlotte NC is the perfect place to have a relaxing day of fun in the sun. Tubing, boating and camping are just some of the activities you can take part in while at Lake Wylie, which is over 13,000 acres.
Lake Davidson
Lake Norman’s neighboring lake is a beautiful one with a lot of beautiful natural qualities and several nature areas to enjoy the views. It’s also a great lake to kayak and paddle board on. After your done on the water, the small town of Davidson has some great offerings including some nice restaurants and shops. We love going to Kindred for pasta or Pickled Peach for a sammie. Davidson Wine Co is an urban winery with a wonderful selection and the book store downtown is full of charm!
Lake James
Sitting pretty in the mountains in Linville, Lake James is a gem of a lake about two hours from Charlotte. Great fishing spots, the Linville Gorge (often dubbed as North Carolina’s version of the Grand Canyon) and an abundance of wildlife make this lake worth visiting.
Badin Lake
Badin Lake is one of the prettiest lakes near Charlotte NC. In the Uwharrie National Forest, it’s a peaceful place for fishing, swimming and enjoying wildlife sightings. Relax on the sandy beach, hike scenic trails and pitch your tent to return to nature for a few days or longer.
Price Lake
This beautiful lake on the Blue Ridge Parkway is just a short two hour drive from Charlotte but well worth it! It’s an absolutely stunning lake with views of Grandfather Mountain. There’s a loop trail there that we highly recommend if you’d like to see the entire lake from several different perspectives. You can also rent canoes, and kayak or paddle board on this lake. It is stocked with trout so it is the perfect mountain lake to go fishing on. Also, for those that love camping, there are lake front camp spots avialable throughout the warmer months…just be sure to make reservations well in advance as they are very popular.
High Rock Lake
High Rock Lake is a great place to vacation. The lake is gorgeous, and you can enjoy the view from any number of locations. The lake is also a great spot for fishing, and there are plenty of places around the lake where you can rent boats or jet skis. There are also plenty of hiking trails in the area that can take you through beautiful landscapes.
Lake Tillery
Less than an hour from Charlotte, you can find the beautiful Lake Tillery. Technically a reservoir, it encompasses over 100 miles of shoreline. Dotted with holiday homes and residential properties, it’s a popular place every season. There are plenty of golf courses nearby, as well as Tillery Dam, which generates hydroelectric power for much of the area.
Lake Tahoma
This private lake in the foothills below Mt. Mitchell has spectacular views. There are several places to pull the car off the road and take in the views. There are also several great backcountry camp spots with views neighboring Buck Creek that make overnight trips to this area a wonderful option.
Randleman Lake
Randleman Lake is a nice place for a vacation because of the beautiful scenery and wildlife. It’s also home to several different species of fish, like catfish and bass. There’s a boat launch and picnic area that you can use, as well as trails that lead through the area.
Lake Hickory
Near the Blue Ridge Mountain, Lake Hickory is a nature-lovers paradise with nature, wildlife, flora and wide-open spaces. Lakeside restaurants and nice hotels are available if you need some luxury or you can go camping or just make a day trip to enjoy the lake. The nearby town of Hickory has some interesting sites, including furniture shops and the Hickory Museum of Art.
