By Kellie Walton 

 

Summers spent on the lake are a special kind of luxury: scents of sunscreen and bug spray fill the air, fireflies dot the night sky, and friends and family gather around a bonfire, sticks covered in marshmallows and hot dogs in-hand. Whether your perfect lake getaway includes resort-style accommodations or a scenic campground, you have options for it all at lakes across the south.  

 

Hitch up the boat and ice down the cooler, here are six lakeside getaways you should add to your 2024 travel list.  

 

Lake Lure, North Carolina 

I would argue that North Carolina’s Lake Lure could be in the running for most beautiful, thanks not only to its stunning body of water, but also to its setting at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the quaint small town that surrounds it. Outdoor adventure is the name of the game here, and there’s certainly no shortage of activities to keep the whole family entertained. Book a boat tour through Lake Lure Tours, operating when the weather is warm. A local skipper will whisk you around the lake, pointing out popular landmarks and attractions – like the filming locations for the popular film, Dirty Dancing. If beaches are more your vibe, Lake Lure houses a sandy strip adjacent to the lake, available to access for a small fee. The lake comes complete with a snack bar, restrooms, picnic tables, and even a water park for extra fun. 

 

The town of Lake Lure is noteworthy in and of itself, so be sure to visit the nearby Chimney Rock State Park, home to the iconic Chimney Rock that offers a panoramic view of the lake. There are a number of trails there, like the mile-and-a-half Rumbling Bald Trail.  

 

For lodging, you can’t go wrong with booking a cottage through Chimney Rock Inn & Cottages, or opting for luxury accommodations at The 1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa.  
https://www.townoflakelure.com/  
https://www.lakeluretours.com/  
https://www.thechimneyrockinn.com/  

 

Wheeler Lake, Alabama  

This stunning lake has long been the host venue for my massive family’s bi-annual reunion, where we pack out the Joe Wheeler State Park lodge with many generations of good people. The lodge features a resort-style pool and onsite signature restaurant, as well as docks and a marina for boating. Once the boat is launched, you can zip around the lake feeling the misty breeze off the lake, or up the ante on adventure by skiing, tubing, or wakeboarding across the lake’s nearly 70,000 acres. Or, cast a line to catch a crappie. Wheeler Lake is home to the Alabama Birding Trail, which has long attracted birdwatchers to spot waterfowl and shorebirds.  

 

While I can attest to the cozy accommodations found at the lodge, there are also cabins able to hold larger groups, as well as campsites and vacation rentals across the lake.  
http://www.wheelerlake.info/  
https://www.alapark.com/parks/joe-wheeler-state-park  

 

Lake Charles, Louisiana 
Bayou country may be home to swamps and coastline, but Lake Charles is a crown jewel in Louisiana. The town of Lake Charles, appropriately lining the banks of the river, draws visitors eager to try their luck at local casinos. Golden Nugget Casino is a popular option, home to a betting floor as well as restaurants, entertainment options, and an onsite hotel. Once you’ve won big, head outdoors for some lakefront charm. Prien Lake Park should be on the list, home to plenty of walking trails, a sand-filled beach, and spots to enjoy a picnic lunch with a scenic backdrop.  

 

It’s important to note that swimming isn’t the primary draw to this lakefront city, as North Beach is one of the only spots where jumping into the water is permitted. The beauty and activity options here more than makes up for it, though. Throughout town, you can shop until you drop in the downtown district, learn all about the history of Mardi Gras in town at the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu, or spot wildlife in the marshes and prairies nearby at the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road.  
https://www.visitlakecharles.org/  
https://www.goldennugget.com/lake-charles/  

 

Lake Austin, Texas 

This stunning lake is one of the primary draws to this massive Texas city. Lake Austin is a curvy reservoir adjacent to Austin, open to plenty of lakefront fun. Bring your own or rent a boat, paddleboard, or kayak to launch into the river for a self-guided adventure, or book a guided tour through Lake Austin Riverboats. A riverboat journey, which starts at $68 per person, includes a buffet-style brunch, lunch, or dinner with the option to add a bar service or BYOB for an extra special way to see the lake.  

 

Lake Austin also boasts a beach option through West Lake Beach, a private beach club that houses paddleboarding, volleyball, and cabanas available to rent. And, as with the other beach towns on our list, there are plenty of shopping and dining options around town. Looking for a one-stop shop? The Oasis on Lake Travis not only offers lake views, but also houses it all.  
https://www.austintexas.org/  

 

Greers Ferry Lake, Arkansas 
This 40,000-acre man made lake is a sight to behold in Arkansas, not only because of its stunning blue waters, but also because of Sugar Loaf Mountain Island that stands 1,000 feet tall at its center. Anglers, outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers, boaters, campers, and more will delight in all the lake has to offer; there are marinas stationed throughout the lake offering rental options for boats and jet skis; there are plenty of fish in this “sea,” including everything from bass to crappie, trout, catfish, and bream; and there are golf courses nearby for when you’re ready for a break from the water.  

 

A visit to Sugar Loaf Mountain is a must when visiting Greers Ferry Lake, as it’s home to hiking trails that lead to the mountain’s summit offering unparalleled views of the lake below. Additionally, make plans to visit Bridal Veil Falls for stunning waterfall views. Lodging options at Greers Ferry Lake range from woodsy resort-like accommodations at Devil’s Fork Resort, Lindsey’s Resort, or Heber Springs Resort, or plenty of hotels and independently-operated vacation rentals.  
https://www.visitgreersferrylake.com/  
https://heberspringsresort.com/  

 

Lake Martin, Alabama 

Located a few miles north of Montgomery, Lake Martin is a perfect lakefront vacation destination. Opt for ultimate waterlogged adventure by renting a boat equipped with water skis and wakeboards, and await the memories to unfold while you zip around the lake showing off the whole family’s athletic chops. If casting a line is more of interest, the lake is stocked with fish like bass, crappie, and catfish, perfect for leisurely catching off a boat or dock. If you prefer to stay on land, there are a number of hiking trails that surround the lake, offering all the waterfront views without the need to rent a schooner, including the Smith Mountain Fire Tower Trail and the Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail. 

 

For added views, you can either take the boat or opt to hike up to Chimney Rock, which is a popular landmark in Lake Martin. This rock formation is often covered in colorful paint and is a popular destination for cliff jumping and congregating.  

 

There are a number of hotels and motels to book at Lake Martin, as well as privately owned bed and breakfasts and cabins. The lake even boasts a “glamping” resort, combining all the best parts of staying outdoors with the bonus of luxury accommodations. There are four tents onsite, complete with full plumbing, heating and air, a fridge, microwave, and propane grill. Some cabins even have a hot tub for ultimate relaxation.  
https://www.tdbsc.com/  
https://explorelakemartin.com/