Lakes across the United States have plenty to offer for those who enjoy the great outdoors. From fishing and boating to swimming and camping, you can enjoy scenic views, wildlife, water sports, and fresh air and sunshine. Plus, when some lakes are frozen over in winter, there's still lots to do, like ice skating and ice fishing!

An expert panel nominated their top picks for the best lakes in the country, then readers voted for their favorites. Here are the 10 best lakes in the United States.

No. 10: Lake Tahoe
California and Nevada

Renowned worldwide for its incredible beauty, Lake Tahoe serves as one of the most stunning natural features to grace both Californian and Nevadan soil. While it's certainly a wonder to behold, Lake Tahoe is home to far more than just abundant natural beauty, with amenities ranging from nice casinos to waterfront dining spots to ultra-idyllic shoreside bike paths.

No. 9: Lake Superior
Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin

Measuring in at a staggering 31,700 square miles, Lake Superior has the largest surface area of any freshwater lake on planet Earth. This colossal body of water plays host to a massive array of native marine life including lake sturgeon, yellow perch, and walleye, while human settlements around the region span from Canada's Thunder Bay to the scenic Michigan Upper Peninsula city of Marquette.

No. 8: Lake Havasu
Arizona and California

Arizona is home to massive spans of bone-dry desert, but that doesn't mean it's totally devoid of water features. A prime example: the sprawling Lake Havasu, a massive reservoir located on the California border. Developed in the 1930s, the lake is a popular destination for bass fishing and even played host to a large population of introduced white sturgeon in the 1960s.

No. 7: Lake Cumberland
Kentucky

The southern reaches of Kentucky play host to Lake Cumberland, a 102-square-mile reservoir that's split between five counties. Though originally created as a source of hydroelectric power, the body of water has become a top spot for outdoor recreation over the years, providing ample opportunity for both boating and fishing.

No. 6: Lake Mendota
Wisconsin

Planning a trip to the charming city of Madison, Wisconsin? Prepare to get well-acquainted with Lake Mendota, a gorgeous water feature that was formed roughly 15,000 years ago by glaciation. During the warmer months, it's a particularly popular spot for swimming and kayaking, while winter brings ample opportunity for ice fishing and skating once the lake freezes over.

No. 5: Lake Ouachita
Arkansas

Lake Ouachita sits within the forested Ouachita Mountains and is the largest lake in Arkansas, featuring exceptionally clean, clear water and more than 200 undeveloped islands. The expansive shoreline invites boating, paddling, fishing, and wading while nearby trails and campsites make it easy to explore the surrounding wilderness. Even in winter, the lake’s quiet coves remain popular with anglers pursuing striped bass and other cold season catches.

No. 4: Lake Michigan
Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin

Perched along the borders of Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan, the aptly named Lake Michigan serves as the largest lake on Earth to reside solely in one country. In addition to gorgeous natural sites like Indiana Dunes National Park and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the Lake Michigan coast is lined with dazzling cities like Green Bay, Milwaukee, and Chicago, offering visitors an opportunity to blend outdoor adventure with urban exploration during their trips.

No. 3: Elkhart Lake
Wisconsin

Elkhart Lake is known for its crystal-clear waters that glisten in a gorgeous blue-green shade. The sandy bottom adds to the lake’s appeal, making it an ideal spot for swimming, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. Take time to explore the lake’s hidden coves, abundant fishing areas, and the scenic shoreline boasting historic lakeside resorts.

No. 2: Big Bear Lake
California

Whether you visit during peak summer or the most frigid depths of winter, there's a massive array of activities to enjoy across Big Bear Lake, the largest recreational body of water in Southern California. During the snowy season, the region is particularly popular for skiing and snowboarding, while summer brings top-tier fishing opportunities, with anglers gathering to search for rainbow trout.

No. 1: Lake Erie
New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania

It may be the shallowest of North America's Great Lakes, but Lake Erie has a massive amount of potential when it comes to both tourism and outdoor adventure. Buffalo, Cleveland, and Toledo are just a few of the storied cities that can be explored along the Erie shore, while recreation opportunities range from fishing to bird-watching to shipwreck diving.