It is surprising that Nevada, a desert state, also features many lakes resembling an oasis amidst the dry regions. Here, you will find that most of them are glacial tarns, while some are artificial reservoirs. Whether natural or human-made, all of Nevada lakes boast scenic beauty that lures visitors to witness them. With the surrounding mountains and alpine forests, they are attractive throughout the year. The lakes in winter are a must-see as the white snow-blanketed regions are a sight to behold. In addition, it is a paradise for those who enjoy winter sports like skiing, ice-skating, snowboarding, and so on.
This pristine lake in Sierra Nevada Mountains shares its waters with Nevada and California. With a depth of 1,645 feet, it is the nation’s second deepest. Its scenic beauty is what attracts visitors to have a respite from the city life. Watching its clean and turquoise blue waters with surrounding towering hills and pine trees is pure bliss. Don’t miss Lake Tahoe-Nevada State Park on its eastern shore for some extraordinary lake views. Here, you will also find Sand Harbor boasting beautiful white sandy beaches, a boat launch, picnicking areas, and a visitor center. You can also visit here in July and August to attend the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, featuring performances from Shakespeare classics and several other contemporary’s works.
Though it is a popular summer spot, the lake is a sheer beauty in winter where everything except the lake is blanketed with snow. No wonder it was the chosen spot for the 1960 Winter Olympics. With so many top-class ski resorts here, it is a paradise for ski-enthusiasts during this time.
On the California side, South Lake Tahoe, which is about 60 miles from here, features a hot air balloon ride over the lake, providing incredible views. You need to make an early reservation with the ‘Lake Tahoe Balloons’ to enjoy this once-a-lifetime experience.
Fishing: Several fish species, including lake trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon, inhibits the lake.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking, waterskiing, wakeboarding, camping, hiking, biking
Sourced from the Truckee River, Pyramid Lake in northwest Nevada is the remnants of the Lake Lahontan dating back to the Ice Age. One of the most beautiful desert lakes of North America, its crystal clear waters reflect the sky’s changing colors ranging from blue to gray.
Its northern and eastern sides are not open to the public as the Paiute Indian tribe resides there. To know about their culture and the lake’s historical significance to them, visit the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Museum and Visitors Center. With a blend of culture, mysticism, and beauty of the lake, visitors tend to be spellbound the moment they come here.
You will also come across numerous unique rock formations around, including Stone Mother, resembling a veiled woman sitting with her open basket kept on the ground. The tribal people also consider it a sacred site. Another fabulous one, the Giant Pyramid, is the largest of all, from which the lake gets its name.
Fishing: This lake is home to the ancient and rare Cui-ui fish and the well-known Lahontan Cutthroat Trout. Before you plan on fishing here, remember to get a tribal fishing permit online or from the on-spot ranger station. It might cost you about $ 9 a day and $ 74 a year.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, hiking, biking, camping, bird watching
Located high up at an elevation of 8378 feet on the East Humboldt Mountain Range, this little glacial tarn is a part of the Angel Lake Recreation Area in northeastern Nevada. The cliffs and tall trees bordering the lake elevate its beauty. Though non-motorized boats are not permissible, canoeing here is a good option. Remember to pack your binoculars to spot the various wildlife species thriving here, including bighorn sheep, mountain goats, pronghorn antelope, and mule deer.
For added adventure, you can hike to Hole-In-the-Mountain Peak, East Humboldt’s highest point. There are other scenic trails as well, one that will take you to the nearby Winchell Lake.
Angel Lake Campground at the lake’s east shore features single and double campsite facilities, apart from providing lake views.
Fishing: This lake has an excellent stock of brook trout, rainbow trout, and tiger trout.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, camping, wildlife watching
Washoe Lake lies in the picturesque Washoe Valley of northwest Nevada, offering breathtaking views of the mighty Sierra Nevada, Carson and Virginia mountain ranges. Wild horses and deer browsing along the lake are a feast to the eye. In addition, you will get to see several songbirds, hawks, and bald eagles flying around.
Washoe Lake State Park on its southeastern shore provides plentiful recreational opportunities.
Blessed with a strong breeze blowing over the lake known as Washoe Zephyr, it is ideal for sports like windsurfing and kiteboarding. Hiking enthusiasts can hike Castle Rock Trail and Dead Man’s Trail, each possessing scenic beauties, particularly in spring and summer. You can also bring your dogs here.
Fishing: It has various fish species, such as sacramento perch, channel catfish, white bass, channel catfish, brown bullhead, carp, wipers, and white crappie. The ideal fishing time is late spring, summer, and early fall.
Other Activities: Swimming, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, kiteboarding, picnicking, hiking, cycling, horseback riding, wildlife watching
A neighbor of Lake Tahoe, Spooner Lake in Lake Tahoe–Nevada State Park is open for public access 365 days a year. The beautiful aspen trees and wildflowers surrounding the lake add to its beauty. Visiting here in the fall season would make you witness the splendid views of the foliage. Going for a stroll around the lake is the best way to admire its beauty. Though there is no restriction on swimming, the supposed presence of leeches makes it uncomfortable to get into the lake.
For some leisurely activity, you can hike around the lake, which is around 2 miles. Also, there are many scenic trails to explore, like Tahoe Rim Trail, Marlette Flume Trail, and a 5-mile long trail that takes you to Marlett Lake via North Canyon. Cross-country skiing in winters is a sought-after activity here. You can also see bald eagles flying overhead during this time. To stay here overnight, you can prefer to rent a cabin or camp by the lakeside.
Fishing: The lake supports fish species such as Lahontan tui chub, rainbow trout, and Bowcutt trout.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, nature gazing, birdwatching, picnicking, camping
This freshwater lake elevates 9,747 feet in the Lamoille Canyon amidst the Ruby Mountains in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. You can reach here only by hiking a 2-mile long trail that is the famous Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail’s part. It’s moderately strenuous due to some parts being steep, but hikers of all levels can access it. On your way, you can see other smaller lakes, but Lamoille Lake is the one that attracts more crowds. Wildflowers, aspen trees, and pine trees abounding the little water body create a spell-bounding scenery. You can also see squirrels scurrying about here and there.
Due to its elevation gain, the waters get frozen or remain very cold throughout the year, making it difficult to swim.
If you want to spend some more time here and embrace nature, consider camping in the primitive campsites. For further hiking, you can continue on the Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail to Liberty Lake. However, it is a pretty challenging hike.
Fishing: This lake has plenty of brook trout and rainbow trout in it. The best time to go fishing here is from July to October.
Other Activities: Hiking, picnicking, camping
This reservoir in the Sierra Nevada region stretches along the borders of Nevada and California. Since it’s less crowded than the other neighboring lakes, there are ample recreational opportunities in the Nevada side for you to stay busy. You can take the pleasure of water activities like kayaking, waterskiing, or jet-skiing. At its northeast end sits Topaz Lake Park, where you can munch your food with your loved ones on the picnic grounds while enjoying the lake views. Boat ramps and camping facilities are also available here. This lake is also impressive in winter when the snow-capped mountains provide a stunning backdrop. Also, the lake sometimes becomes partially frozen. For an overnight stay, three campgrounds dot the shoreline, which also serves as the starting point to several sites.
In addition, you can also enjoy swimming in this freshwater lake and take your furry friends along with you to join the fun.
Fishing: Anglers can enjoy fishing rainbow trout, brown trout, largemouth, and smallmouth bass.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, tubing, wakeboarding, kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing, jet-skiing, camping, picnicking, birdwatching
This reservoir flows along the Owyhee River amidst the deserts of northeastern Nevada. The surrounding mountains elevate its beauty, providing a perfect getaway spot. Wild Horse Recreation Area on its northeastern shore has many pleasurable recreational activities that you can enjoy all year round. There is a swimming beach here, ideal for a refreshing dip in summer. With scarce trees and abounding rolling hills, winter sports like skiing, ice-skating, and snowmobiling are sought-after activities. Apart from the camping grounds in the recreational area, there are not many staying places here.
Fishing: Anglers can have a great time catching several fish species like smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, brown trout, yellow perch, and catfish.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, camping, picnicking, ice skating, skiing
Lake Lahontan on the Carson River is a reservoir in northwest Nevada that gets its name from the prehistoric lake. It’s a boater’s paradise as it allows all sorts of motorboats. In addition, with two boat launches at Silver Springs Beach and Churchill Beach, you can easily take your boats into the waters. The best way to cool off the Nevada heat is to swim on one of the beaches.
Plenty of wildlife thrives in Lahontan State Recreation Area that encompasses the lake. However, there is an entry fee to get access to the recreation area. Also, the underdeveloped regions provide ample nature-gazing opportunities.
Fishing: An excellent stock of white bass, walleye, wipers, channel catfish, white catfish, spotted bass, crappie, and largemouth bass are available in abundance here.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, skiing, camping, picnicking, wildlife watching, nature gazing, birdwatching
This artificial reservoir sits near the foothills of the majestic and scenic Bull Run Mountains. It is a lesser-visited lake in Elko County, and during the winter seasons, the roads are difficult to access. Petan Ranch occupies the surrounding lands, but visitors are free to access the lake. Wilson Reservoir Recreation Management Area provides campsites, picnic spots, and a boat ramp. Though you can enjoy riding on motorboats here, it must maintain the speed limit of 10hp.
Of course, your dog, too, can come here with you.
Fishing: This reservoir is well-known for rainbow trout and German brown trout fishing. In addition, you can expect to catch largemouth bass in the summers. Ice fishing is a sought-after activity in winters.
Other Activities: Boating, camping, picnicking
Overland Lake is in the Ruby Mountains in the northeastern part of Nevada. To reach here, you need to hike for about 6 miles from the southern side of the Ruby Mountains. Though it’s a pretty fun hike with scenic vistas, bring enough water as there is no water supply along the trail. You will have to take the Ruby Crest Trail and hike for about ten more minutes from the trail’s end. Finally, on reaching the lake, you are sure to be mesmerized by its picturesque beauty. If you have some energy left and wish to capture its best angles, you can hike up from its east side to another glacial lake above. The lake’s views from up there are incredible, so don’t miss taking a few clicks from there. Several campsites are also available in the lake’s eastern and northern ends for those wishing to call it a day.
Fishing: Brook trout is a common catch in this lake.
Other Activities: Hiking, camping, sightseeing, birdwatching, horseback riding
Liberty Lake is one of the many lakes in the Ruby Mountains, sitting at an elevation gain of more than 10000 feet. Though it’s a strenuous hike along the Ruby Crest National Recreational Trail, the views of wildflower, alpine-covered mountains, and many scenic lakes will keep you going. At the end of your hike, the pristine beauty of the lake awaits you. Be sure to bring your fishing rods to enjoy a relaxing time fishing here while absorbing the lake’s beauty.
Fishing: This lake allows fishing from March to October. The ideal time to fish for brown trout is in March when the frozen lake starts to melt. Largemouth bass, yellow perch, and smallmouth bass are common catch when the lake warms. Other fish found here include brown bullhead and channel catfish.
Other Activities: Hiking, nature gazing, camping
Fed by the Hoover Dam near Las Vegas, Lake Mead is the nation’s largest artificial reservoir extending about 110 miles in Nevada and Arizona. With unique rock formations and steep canyons all around, this gorgeous lake, within Lake Mead National Recreation Area, appears to be an oasis in the middle of a desert. The ideal way to experience its charms is by getting on a kayak and exploring the nearby shorelines of the Boulder Islands. In fact, with four basins in it containing high water levels, it is a paradise to boaters.
For an easy hike and to get the lake’s panoramic view, you can head to the 7 miles long Railroad Tunnel Trail with your family and dogs. You’ll also get to see five large tunnels previously a part of a railroad route that existed during the Hoover Dam’s construction.
Keep your eyes peeled for the wide variety of wildlife dwelling here, including chipmunks, rabbits, seagulls, Canadian geese, great blue hearings, coyotes, and so on.
The helicopter ride to get an extraordinary view of the lake and its surroundings is another thrilling activity that you can try. The Lake View Helicopter Tour from Las Vegas covers 5 miles and flies over the water body to provide incredible views.
You can choose where to put up your tent along the shore. In addition, you’ll find many lakeside hotels and resorts for a night’s stay.
Fishing: Anglers can expect to catch a wide variety of fish, including striped bass, channel fish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, bluegill, sunfish, and rainbow trout. You can go to the secluded coves of the Overton Arm area of the lake, where you can expect to catch a striped bass or largemouth bass.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, jet-skiing, hiking, picnicking, wildlife watching, wakeboarding, tubing
Known for its clean and clear water, Lake Mohave is a scenic reservoir flowing south of Lake Mead along the Colorado River. Though it shares its waters with Arizona, you will find many things to keep yourself busy in the Nevada region. The lofty canyons encompassing it and several secluded coves provide a spectacular view. Since it is a lesser-visited lake than its neighbor, Lake Mead, you can enjoy a lovely private time on the sandy beaches there except in summers. Since there are no shady places here, do remember to bring a beach umbrella with you. Kids, too, will have a great time swimming in the shallow waters. However, it would be best to get your boat to enjoy other water activities since no boat rentals are available on the Nevada side.
Scuba divers, too, can have a great time exploring the waters, particularly at Black Canyon. If you’re an expert, you can further dive into Ringbolt Rapids.
Fishing: Striped bass, largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, rainbow trout, and channel catfish are abundant in this lake.
Other Activities: Swimming, tubing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, jet-skiing, scuba-diving, wakeboarding, hiking
You might think that the lake is in Las Vegas, but this serene lake lies in the neighboring city of Henderson. Its shorelines dot with parks, shops, private homes, golf courses, and lakefront resorts, enticing locals and visitors to come here, especially on summer days.
You can visit the aqua park, featured by Lake Las Vegas Water Sports, along with your family. It offers numerous water rides that both adults and kids can enjoy. For some thrill and excitement, you can try out flyboarding here, where the force of water will allow you to rise in the air.
If you wish to throw a party or celebrate an occasion here, a luxury cruise on La Contessa Yacht, an 84 feet vessel, with your loved ones is a perfect way to do so. But if you only want to have a peaceful ride on the lake, you can rent an electric boat and soak in its beauty.
Reflection Bay Golf Club, set on the lake’s shore, not only offers a golf course, but it also has a private sandy beach where you can have a lovely time. You can also spend a luxurious time staying at the lake-facing The Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort and Spa or Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort and Spa, offering excellent services.
Fishing: Fish that are mainly available in the lake are largemouth and smallmouth bass, striped bass, and carp.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, tubing, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, flyboarding, wakeboarding, waterskiing, golfing, hiking
Walker Lake is a perennial water body in the Great Basin region in Mineral County. They are near the highway, so you can get a view while driving to the lake. It has a fantastic setting bounded by cliffs and mountains, the reflections of which fall on the crystal clear lake creating stunning views. Avid bird watchers will have a great time spotting various birds here, including the common loon, white-faced Ibis, American white pelicans, eared grebes, gulls, and many more. The lake is also home to Desert Bighorn Sheep, pronghorn antelope, and wild horses.
On its west side, Monument Beach, previously known as Walker Lake Recreation Area, is an ideal place to have a picnic by the lakeside. The Sportsman’s Beach here also has developed campground facilities.
Fishing: Due to the decrease in water levels and increase in salinity, only a few fish remain here, such as Lahontan cutthroat trout, tui chub, and a very few Tahoe suckers.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, canoeing, kayaking, waterskiing, picnicking, bird watching, camping, hiking, wildlife watching, birdwatching
TOP PICKS
Best Lakes for Fishing: Topaz Lake, Wild Horse Reservoir, Wilson Reservoir
Best Lakes for Swimming: Walker Lake, Topaz Lake, Lake Mead
Best Lakes to Live On: Lake Tahoe, Lake Mead, Lake Las Vegas
Best Lakes for Camping: Lake Tahoe, Topaz Lake, Lake Mead
Best Lakes for Boating: Lake Mead,Walker Lake, Lake Lahontan
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