Water Sports - Islands

Bend in the Bleiloch Reservoir surrounded by forest in Germany

By Rene Bennett 16 hours ago

One Of Germany's Largest Artificial Lakes Is A Scenic Mountain Gem With Fishing, Boating, And Hiking

This vast sea-like reservoir is surrounded by the low-lying Thuringian Slate Mountains, with abundant fishing waters and over 50 miles of surrounding trails.

Aerial view above Lake Whitney near Waco, Texas on clear summer day.

By Danno Wise 21 hours ago

Between Waco And Fort Worth Is Texas' Lakeside Park With Camping, Fishing, And Boating

Perched at the edge of a 23,500-acre lake, this underrated park offers unlimited access to the water, as well as free day-use areas and overnight campsites.

Carved face in tree in the forest at Knute Olson, Jr. Forest Preserve

By Olivia Typaldos 2 days ago

Between Chicago And Rockford Is A Former Quarry That's Now An Idyllic Nature Escape With Trails And River Fun

Looking for a short escape not too far from the city? This riverside park features an easy hike, places to enjoy the water, and lots of nature to explore.

Cross Creek Lake, with a paved trail through grass leading to wooden docks along the water lined in trees, with people fishing from the shore on the right side of the frame, under a cloudy blue sky

By Jess Simms 3 days ago

This Scenic Lake Park Nestled In Western Pennsylvania Is A Fishing And Boating Paradise

Hop on a boat, kayak, or canoe, head out on the water, and cast a line for some fish at this county park just a short drive from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

By Audrey Simons 3 days ago

Washington's Former Coal Mining Town Is A Fast-Growing City Outside Seattle With Lakes And Nearby State Parks

This burgeoning Seattle suburb is a boon for nature adventures, fringed by forests and protected wilderness areas brimming with lakes, rivers, and rapids.

Mountains and trees from an overlook in Kaniksu National Forest.

By C. M. Ramsburg 5 days ago

Nestled On The Border Of Idaho And Montana Is A Secluded National Forest With Mountain Lakes And Unique Wildlife

This exquisite region in Northern Idaho is known for its ancient trees, incredible array of wildlife, and vast glacial lakes famous for trophy-sized fish.

The tall windmill on Main Street in Little Chute, Wisconsin.

By Mitchell Peterson 5 days ago

Situated Near Green Bay Is Wisconsin's Charming Village Day Trip With River Fun, Tasty Eats, And Dutch Flair

A riverside Wisconsin village with a whimsical Dutch touch boasts community events, delicious restaurants, and fun water activities.

Greenery surrounding a lake at Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area, California.

By Tara Dupuis 5 days ago

Between San Francisco And Modesto Is A Former Quarry Turned Scenic Park With Fishing, Trails, And A Beach

What was once a gravel quarry is now a scenic park where you can lounge on a sandy beach, hike a winding trail, and fish or swim in a refreshing pond.

Calm waters of Council Grove Lake, Kansas, with the surrounding greenery reflected on the surface

By Anahid Akkam 6 days ago

Under Two Hours From Topeka Is An Artificial Midwestern Lake With Camping, Fishing, And A Beach

For the perfect Midwestern lake getaway, rent a pontoon boat, kayak, or paddleboard at this spot with plenty of lakeside camping and even a swim beach.

By Danno Wise 6 days ago

This Artificial Lake Outside Tulsa Is A Scenic Boating Paradise With Fishing, Camping, And A Swim Beach

Relax on a boat in the water, enjoy the scenery from a tent, or swim and fish to your heart's content at this gorgeous lakeside area nestled in Oklahoma.

Wooden dock extending into Lake Rebecca at Lake Rebecca Park Reserve, Minnesota

By Anahid Akkam 6 days ago

This Lake Park Under An Hour From Minneapolis Has Camping, Boating, And Serene Trails

Want some quiet adventure? Grab a friend and take on a trail, cast a line for some fish, or camp with a group, all within an hour's drive of the city.

The sandy beach area at Otsego Lake State Park in Michigan with fall foliage

By Neha Maheshwari 7 days ago

Forget Lake Michigan, This Underrated State Park Under 2 Hours From Traverse City Has Less-Crowded Beaches

The beaches around Lake Michigan can get crowded. This underrated Michigan state park offers safe and calm waters along with less-busy beaches and camping.

An aerial view of a highway bridge over the Poulaphouca Reservoir on a sunny summer day in Ireland

By Robert Isenberg 7 days ago

Ireland's Largest Artificial Lake Is A Scenic Escape With Fishing, Hiking, And Mountain Views

If you want to check out one of the gems of the Emerald Isle, you can drive about an hour from Dublin and visit the largest reservoir in Ireland.

A pink and orange sunset across Jackson Meadow Reservoir

By Eva Johnstone 7 days ago

Forget Lake Tahoe, This Northern Sierra Beauty Just Over An Hour Away Is A Paradise To Fish, Swim, And Camp

Perched in the High Sierra, this pristine reservoir is a rugged yet equally scenic alternative to Lake Tahoe, complete with over 200 lakeside campsites.

Sunset on Lake Conroe with empty boathouse and green grass

By Joe Orovic 7 days ago

Between Waco And Houston Is Texas' Giant Lake For A Vacation Full Of Boating, Swimming, And Charming Marinas

This lake is a local favorite playground for boating and swimming. While it gets quite busy some weekends, the miles of shoreline offers plenty of options.

Sandy Bayley Beach with trees in the background and a family in the water

By Nally Preseault 7 days ago

Between NYC And New Haven Is Connecticut's Underrated Beach Paradise That Was Once Part Of An Amusement Park

This beach park along Connecticut's Gold Coast is a hidden gem with lifeguards, beautiful sunsets, summer concerts, and convenient amenities.

Exterior of Long Point Eco-Adventures overlooking the marsh

By Sara Tewksbury 8 days ago

Between Detroit And Buffalo Is An Idyllic Nature Resort With Glamping, Ziplining, And On-Site Dining

A short drive from Detroit and Buffalo is an eco-resort where you can stargaze, release turtle hatchlings, kayak, and more in a tranquil setting.

Man-made Kendall Lake with its historic Kendall Lake Shelter and lush trees in Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio

By Nally Preseault 8 days ago

Cuyahoga Valley National Park's Largest Artificial Lake Is An Ohio Gem With Wetland Trails, Fishing, And Wildlife

This 12-acre lake in Cuyahoga Valley National Park was created in the 1930s and has since become a destination for fishing, hiking, and wildlife spotting.

The Lower Yahara River Trail's boardwalk section at Capital Springs State Recreation Area, Madison, Wisconsin

By Anahid Akkam 9 days ago

Wisconsin's Recreation Area Is A Hiking, Boating, And Fishing Gem Just A Few Miles From Downtown Madison

This Wisconsin recreation area invites visitors to hike through woodlands, watch birds along trails, cycle paved paths, and spend a day boating or fishing.

By Audrey Simons 10 days ago

Forget Lake Tahoe, California's Lake Getaway Just Outside Stockton Has Serene Swims And Nature Walks

Avoid the crowds at Lake Tahoe and discover a peaceful lake near Stockton with swimming, paddling, scenic nature walks, and family-friendly activities.

Aerial view of Gosport Marina, Hampshire, England.

By Megi Canco 10 days ago

Near Portsmouth Is A Charming Coastal Town With Beaches, Fresh Seafood, And Historic Charm

This 13th century coastal town offers visitors recreational outdoor activity, local caught seafood, and plenty of history with multiple interactive museums.

Plants growing in a wet area inside Steep Falls Wildlife Management Area in Standish, Maine

By Nally Preseault 10 days ago

Under An Hour From Portland Is Maine's Preserved Haven For Fishing, Bird Watching, And Hiking

Love the great outdoors? A short distance from the bustle of Portland, Maine, is an outdoor paradise with hiking trails, spots to fish, and lots of wildlife.

A waterfall pours over a small dam at St. Edwards Greenbelt in Austin, Texas

By Christy Nicholson 10 days ago

One Of Texas' Best Urban Gems Is A Vibrant Hiking Area In Austin Full Of Trails, Waterfalls, And Swimming Spots

You don't have to leave Austin to find a nature oasis right in your backyard. This spot features hiking, swimming, and hidden waterfalls worth seeking out.

View of lake bordered by trees and tall grass at Split Rock Creek State Park in Minnesota

By Danno Wise 10 days ago

Minnesota's Premier State Park Under An Hour From Sioux Falls Is A Lake Paradise To Camp, Fish, And Boat

Home to one of the only lakes in this corner of The North Star State, locals flock to this state park for endless outdoor fun in every season.

The sun sets over a wide expanse of Oologah Lake

By Judith Barnes 11 days ago

Oklahoma's Big Lake With A Sandy Beach, Fishing, Boating, And Camping Is Just An Hour From Tulsa

Grab a boat and cast a line, discover nature and wildlife on a trail, or simply sit back and relax at a campsite at this lush Oklahoma lake full of fun.

Sandy beach area at Givhans Ferry State Park, South Carolina

By Neha Maheshwari 11 days ago

This State Park Outside Charleston Is South Carolina's Scenic Escape For Swimming, Fishing, And Boating

Cast a line, take a dip, paddle along a serene river, or spend the night beneath the stars, all without having to go far from South Carolina's city life.

Aerial view of Somersworth, New Hampshire, in autumn, with orange, green, and rust foliage and a river through it all

By Natasha Bourlin 11 days ago

Between Salem And Portland Is New Hampshire's Charming City With River Fun, Parks, And Local Eats

Between Victorian architecture and lush foliage, you'll find riverside views, delicious restaurants, and New England charm in this New Hampshire city.