If your lakeside fantasies are largely informed by the films of the 80s (think Dirty Dancing) then you understand the importance of a screen door, a pendleton blanket, an adirondack chair. This list of the best lake getaways in the country was built to serve you: the lake loving outdoorswoman who also enjoys a well designed space! I’ve narrowed down our list to the seven best lakeside retreats in the country, from a five star Rockefeller resort to a budget friendly hip hotel. Scroll down to discover our picks for the best lake getaways in the US and start planning your summer now.
photo by natalie puls
photo by chris hornbecker
The Suttle Lodge & Boathouse in Sisters, Oregon
Perched on the edge of Suttle Lake and Deschutes National Forest, the Suttle Lodge is basically grown up summer camp for design lovers. The “Boathouse” restaurant (which is actually a former boathouse) serves up a menu created by our pal Joshua McFadden, and the lakeside cabins offer a Schoolhouse Electric style chic.
photos via airbnb
Honeymoon House on Lake Superior
Nestled in the woods on the north shore of Lake Superior in Lutsen, Minnesota, this Airbnb find is definitely worthy of our list. With sweeping lake views, a creek and bridge, two private pebble beeches, and kayaks, what more do you want?
photo via camp wandawega
photo by the second muse
photo via camp wandawega
Camp Wandawega in Elkhorn, Wisconsin
This collection of rustic cabins on Lake Wandewega is simply too good to be true. Don’t believe us? Just ask Warby Parker, Soho House, and Anthropologie, all of who have used the unique Wisconsin location as a backdrop for marketing shoots. The website alone will give you a sense of the type of fun this place stands for, and tempt you to start planning your next group trip.
photos via the point
The Point in Saranac Lake, New York
If you’re not already a little intimidated by the Forbes Five Star rating, you should probably know that the Rockefeller’s themselves built this property during the heyday of the Adirondack Great Camps. It’s a 75 room secluded retreat on Saranac Lake that stills pays tribute to the luxury and glamour of it’s past. And that means things like 7 course meals and “Black Tie Wednesday”. For real.
photos via basecamp tahoe south
Basecamp Tahoe South
This cute boutique hotel is a short 5 minute walk from the Lake Tahoe, and the affordable rooms make it the perfect spot for young travelers on a budget. The communal areas like the beer garden courtyard (complete with ping pong and corn hole) encourage like minded travelers to hang out and swap stories of hiking, fishing, and skiing in the area.
photo via lake austin spa & resort
photo by the middle page
Lake Austin Spa & Resort, Austin Texas
While the southern part of Lake Austin is dominated by frat boys with boats (you’ve been warned), the northern part of the lake is usually pristine and quiet. That’s where Lake Austin Spa is, and it’s long been regarded as the best spa resort in the state. You’ll love the heated indoor pool and fun outdoor activities like kayaking and lakeside yoga.
photos via mohonk mountain house
Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, New York
The tiny but beautiful Lake Mohonk (it’s only about half a mile long) is home to the famed Mohonk Mountain House resort in upstate New York. With classic activities available like rowing and archery, this lakeside lodge is about as Dirty Dancing as it gets. Go for the serene views, stay for the the excuse to wear Keds without socks.
