This California lake is No. 1 in nation, USA Today says. Hint: It’s not Lake Tahoe
Love the water? California is home to the No. 1 lake in the nation, according to USA Today readers.
“Lakes across the United States have plenty to offer for those who enjoy the great outdoors,” USA Today said in a June 11 article. “From fishing and boating to swimming and camping, you can enjoy scenic views, wildlife, water sports and fresh air and sunshine.”
The publication recently ranked the top 10 lakes in the country in 2025, showcasing the best spots for recreation and relaxation.
While Northern California destinations Lake Tahoe and Shasta Lake didn’t make the list, a Southern California spot got top billing.
Here’s where to go:
What makes Big Bear Lake No. 1 in the nation?
Advertised as the “jewel of the San Bernardino National Forest,” Big Bear Lake snagged first place on USA Today’s list of the best lakes in the United States.
It’s one of Southern California’s most popular spots for “year-round fun,” according to tourism website California.com.
“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,” USA Today said, ranging from skiing and snowboarding to boating, jet skiing and paddleboarding.
“Summer brings top-tier fishing opportunities, with anglers gathering to search for rainbow trout,” the publication said.
Big Bear Lake also boasts the most sought-after lakefront properties in North America, according to real estate company Calgary Homes.
“Neighborhoods like Boulder Bay offer classic A-frames and modern homes, many with easy access to trails, town and lakefront views,” said Calgary Homes, which surveyed more than 3,000 Americans and Canadians to rank its top lakeside locations. “The blend of walkability and alpine charm makes it a consistent pick for second-home buyers.”
What other California location made the list?
Only one other lake with a link to the Golden State made USA Today’s top 10 list.
Lake Havasu hugs the border between California and Arizona along the Colorado River. It was ranked No. 10 by the publication.
Formed by the construction of the Parker Dam in the 1930s, the massive reservoir is a “popular destination for bass fishing,” USA Today said.
Where are the top 10 lakes in the US?
These were the best lakes in the nation in 2025, according to USA Today readers:
- Big Bear Lake in California
- Elkhart Lake in Wisconsin
- Lake George in New York
- Marion Lake in Minnesota
- Lake Michigan in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin
- Lake Erie in New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania
- Lake Superior in Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin
- Lake Cumberland in Kentucky
- Lake Champlain in New York and Vermont
- Lake Havasu in Arizona and California
How did USA Today come up with rankings?
To narrow down its list of the best lakes in the United States, USA Today asked a panel of travel experts to nominate their favorites.
The publication then invited readers to vote for their top picks. The lakes with the most reader votes landed on the top 10 list, USA Today said.
This story was originally published July 13, 2025 at 6:57 AM with the headline "This California lake is No. 1 in nation, USA Today says. Hint: It’s not Lake Tahoe."
