The 6 Best North Carolina Lakes For Swimming

North Carolina contains dozens of natural and artificial lakes across the state, from the coastal plains to the Smoky Mountains. Norman and Kerr Lakes are the largest reservoirs. And Lake Mattamuskeet along the coast is the state’s largest natural freshwater lake. 

While there are plenty of outdoor swimming spots in North Carolina, you must take certain precautions. Alligators occur naturally in the state, with a higher population closer to the coast. Always pay attention to posted signs near swimming areas and stay out of the water if alligators have been reported. Most of the picks on this list are in the western portions of the state, so you won’t have to worry about alligator sightings.

Check out the best North Carolina lakes for swimming, including where they are located and other recreational activities.

1. Lake Norman

The largest artificial fresh body of water in North Carolina is Lake Norman. Also known as the “inland sea,” this freshwater lake features a surface area of over 32,000 acres and a 520-mile shoreline. Lake Norman spans four counties 20 miles north of Charlotte and is fed by the Catawba River. The lake features an excellent roped-off swimming area with a beach. And you can swim from April through the end of October. The lake area is a destination spot for vacationers, featuring an abundance of activities. Along with swimming, you can boat, fish, hike, bike, and explore the nearby shopping and dining around the lake.

2. Lake Santeetlah

Located in the far western portion of the state, Lake Santeetlah was created by damming the Cheoah River. The reservoir is within the Nantahala National Forest and surrounds the town of Lake Santeetlah. The lake is one of the most unspoiled bodies of water in the state, nestled among the Great Smoky Mountains. It features 76 miles of shoreline, and you can enjoy pontoon boats, ski boats, and kayaks. There is also plenty of space for fishing, camping, picnicking, and swimming. The swimming area is at the Cheoah Point Recreation Area. But there are also many swimming holes dotted throughout.

3. Lake Lure

A dam on the Broad River created Lake Lure in 1925. It covers 720 acres and has 27 miles of shoreline. Located in Rutherford County, Lake Lure is in Western North Carolina in a town of the same name. The lake features a swimming beach, where visitors can lay in the sand, splash in the water, and bring a picnic lunch. There is also a waterpark with slides and water games, perfect for the whole family. When you’re not swimming, you can also enjoy golfing, hiking, biking, canoeing, fishing, water skiing, boating, and rock climbing. And then check out the town of Lake Lure, where you can participate in family-friendly festivals.

4. Fontana Lake

Fontana Lake is another Western North Carolina lake located in the Great Smoky Mountains. It is a reservoir along the Little Tennessee River and forms part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s southern border and the Nantahala National Forest’s northern border. Boating and fishing are the primary activities on the lake. But there are also many public access areas where people can enjoy swimming and picnicking. However, there is no official sandy beach area. If you’re looking for a more traditional lake beach, check out the nearby Finger Lakes Day Use Area, where they have an official swimming area.

5. Lake James

Lakes James sits in the mountains of Western North Carolina and is the uppermost lake of the Catawba River. It’s 50 miles northeast of Asheville and features a surface area of nearly 7,000 acres. There are two public access areas for recreation, where you can enjoy fishing, boating, paddling, and swimming. You can also hike, bike, picnic, and camp at nearby trails and camping sites. Swimming is only allowed at Paddy’s Creek, where you can lounge on the sandy shores and take in the amazing views.

6. Lake Nantahala

Lake Nantahala is in the Nantahala National Forest in Western North Carolina. It has extremely clear water and 42 miles of recreational shoreline. People from all over come to Lake Nantahala for boating, fishing, rafting, kayaking, and swimming. There are also cabins you can rent along the water and primitive camping areas, where you can have easy access to paddling and swimming.

Summary of the 6 Best North Carolina Lakes For Swimming

Here’s a summary of the 6 best North Carolina lakes for swimming and where they are located:

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