10 Best Lakefront Resorts in the U.S. 2019

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Considering a lake resort family vacation? These dreamy lake resorts provide families with everything they’re seeking: beauty, fun, relaxation and most importantly, a place to spend quality time with each other. These are the best lakefront resorts in the U.S.

1. The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe – Truckee, CA

For the most luxurious lake resort family vacation, head to the The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe. Guests of the five-star resort enjoy direct access to the shores of Lake Tahoe, where they can rent water sports equipment or sunbathe on the private beach. The resort’s Ritz-Kids program, designed by Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Future Society, allows kids to learn about the area’s natural surroundings via games, arts and crafts and other adventures. And if your little ones are still craving a camping experience, don’t fret—staff will bring a tent and S’mores to your room!

2. Basin Harbor Resort – Vergennes, VT

We can’t say enough about Basin Harbor Club on Lake Champlain. It’s a bona fide family resort, with cozy cottages (many of them right on the lake), onsite dining (including al fresco dinners on the water), and kids’ programming for every age. You’ll find most families on the resort’s man-made beach—or on one of the water trampolines! Fun Fact: Basin Harbor Resort is located in Vermont, but New York State is just across the lake—and you can take a boat ride from the resort to get there!

3. The Grove Resort & Spa Orlando – Winter Garden, FL 

The Grove Resort & Spa Orlando isn’t a “traditional” lake resort—but hear us out. The luxurious property is located on Lake Austin, where you can rent kayaks and paddleboats, or drop a fishing line with the kids. The expansive resort also features Surfari Water Park, apartment-style guestrooms with fully equipped kitchens, and shuttle services to the nearest Disney Transportation Center. It’s the ultimate lakefront retreat for families who want to truly decompress after busy days at the theme parks.

4. Tyler Place Family Resort – Swanton, VT

Another fantastic resort on Lake Champlain, Tyler Place Family Resort is well-known for its age-specific activity programming and all-inclusive rates! Of course, the Vermont resort is also a hit for its lakefront location, which affords families with Banana Boat and Hobie Wave rides. If you have teens, consider a 10-mile bike trip—to Canada! That’s how close Tyler Place is to the border. Just don’t forget your passports.

5. Woodloch Pines Resort – Hawley, PA

Sure, you can camp in the Poconos—but why not enjoy a dreamy lake resort instead? The all-inclusive Woodloch Pines is located on secluded Lake Teedyuskung, where you can enjoy everything from the slow pace of kayaking to the thrills of waterskiing. The resort’s all-inclusive rates cover lakeside activities, as well as land-based fun—pools, a water park, bowling, golf—there’s nothing this four-season resort doesn’t have. Three daily meals and accommodations are part of the package, too.

6. Migis Lodge – South Casco, ME 

Situated on Sebago Lake in Maine, Migis Lodge is the New England lake resort you’ve dreamed of visiting with your kids. The lodge offers all manner of activities to enjoy on Sebago—fishing, boating, waterskiing and wakeboarding—along with land-based activities, such as bonfires and disc golf. There’s also kids’ programming for youngsters to enjoy while parents indulge in a massage. The resort’s darling cottages are another highlight for families, with the largest units sleeping up to 10 people.

7. The Abbey Resort and Avani Spa – Fontana-On-Geneva Lake, WI

The Abbey Resort and Avani Spa sits on Geneva Lake in Wisconsin, meaning there are ample opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. But when your family tires of kayaking and paddle boarding, take a dip in the resort’s pools, try a virtual reality experience (yes, this resort has one), rent bicycles, or grab a bite to eat. Also, be sure to take advantage of the resort’s complimentary shuttle to Williams Bay and our favorite, Lake Geneva.

8. Mill Falls at the Lake – Meredith, NH

We love the simplicity and serenity of Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire. Here, the most popular thing to do is relax on the beach or on the water, maybe catch a double feature at the old-school drive-in theater. To really take advantage of the area, book a stay at Mill Falls at the Lake, where you can enjoy private access to the beach and lake, onsite pools, and scenic cruises aboard the resort’s M/S Mount Washington, a 230-foot antique excursion ship.

9. Grand Hotel – Mackinac Island, MI 

Michigan’s Grand Hotel is a bucket list lake resort for any family. Half the fun of the resort is getting to its location on Mackinac Island—by ferry. (Driving isn’t even an option.). Opt for a guestroom or suite with a view of Lake Michigan, and settle in for a few days of old-fashioned fun. Think afternoon teas, lawn games, horse-drawn carriage tours, and live jazz music.

10. The Sagamore Resort – Bolton Landing, NY 

Many families opt to rent vacation homes on Lake George. But If you’re looking for a traditional lakefront retreat, you’ll find it at The Sagamore Resort. The killer views of Lake George, alone, deem this resort a must-visit, as do its onsite activities—including water sports, lakefront pools, golf, and tennis. The resort offers several restaurants and bars and a nice variety of accommodation options, including “The Castle,” a six-bedroom home.