photo by
Jeremy Koreski
Gatherings
25 Lake Vacations That Channel “Moonrise Kingdom” Vibes
As summer floats on by, we’re waxing nostalgic about all things lakeside. From cool and kitschy summer-camp-by-the-lake vibes to posh European lake getaways to our favorite American national parks with lakes, we’ve got...
As summer floats on by, we’re waxing nostalgic about all things lakeside. From cool and kitschy summer-camp-by-the-lake vibes to posh European lake getaways to our favorite American national parks with lakes, we’ve got starry eyes for all things lake-able. Gather your towels and SPF and let’s head out to where the water is clear and the sunshine is bright.
Reporter: Alyssa Brown | Location: Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort
A vintage summer camp with a storied past (think bootleggers and mobsters), Camp Wandawega sits just beside the lake. With vintage boats and private beaches, lake livin’ is easy to do around these parts.
Glamping fanatics, we’ve got lakes and luxury camps that are perfectly suited for you. Located in Montana's Glacier National Park, the luxury lodging at Glacier Under Canvas beckons adventure at every turn.
The cottages at Maine’s Migis Lodge on Sebago Lake are about as charming as we’d hope to see on the shores of this East Coast island. Kayaks, canoes, sailboats, and motorboats are just a few of the toys you can expect to use on the lake, while bonfires and sauna treatments in the evenings are a must.
Looking for something a little more luxe? Check out star-filled Lake Como in Italy for the ultimate glam getaway. An Art Nouveau palace that dates back to the early 1900s, Grand Hotel Tremezzo feels like summer camp for royalty.
Located in Deschutes National Forest, The Suttle Lodge sits right on the lake. If trees, boats, bikes, fish, trails, horses, and stars are your thing, check this spot out.
Located in the Great Bear Rainforest of British Columbia, Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort is an amazing place to explore forests, lakes, glaciers and waterfalls. Bear watching, whale watching, fishing, hiking, paddle boarding past the falls, kayaking, and soaking in the cedar hot tubs are just a few of the highlights.
Rarely does it get more campy than a stay at Club Getaway in Connecticut’s Berkshire Mountain region. Set just beside Leonard Pond, you can learn to stand-up paddleboard, kayak, canoe or spend your days sliding down the big blow-up lake slide.
With its rad design and easy access to Lake Tahoe, Coachman Hotel deserves a high ranking on the must-see list of modern lakeside dwellers. The pool is just one of many crush-worthy factors here.
Set on the edge of Piney Lake, and nestled at the foot of the majestic Gore Range, Piney River Ranch is a forty-acre Rocky Mountain retreat that’s just a short drive from Vail. Summertime in the lakeside cabins and yurts is about as good as it gets.
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An old mountain hotel like only the Swedes could do, Fjällnäs is a luxurious sanctuary set beside Malmagen Lake. This wilderness-centric area is known to have 8 seasons, and you can bet summer is one of the most dramatic visually.
Settle in at the Pumphouse Point luxury resort and go get your explorer’s hat on. This boutique wilderness retreat sits on Cradle Mountain Lake in St. Clair National Park, one of the world’s most renown Wilderness World Heritage Areas.
New York’s modern answer to summer camp, Cedar Lakes Estate sits just beside Shawangunk Mountain. The accommodations here are a combination of old 1920s cabins and cottages with a luxe, modernized design scheme. For those who love to play on the lake, relive your days at Summer Camp with a turn on the blob!
Lake Louise is a st-st-st-stunner. Located at the edge of the jaw-droppingly gorgeous lake, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise offers a heavenly perch and home-base for all the adventures you have on your Lake Louise bucket list.
Photo by Calistoga Ranch
Napa’s Lake Lommel is easily accessible from the luxury resort Calistoga Ranch. Though it may be tough to choose between lounging by the pool, going wine tasting on the nearby Silverado Trail or exploring the lake.
Photo by Nicholas Niebes
It goes without saying that Tahoe is a major winter destination, but summertime on the lake is just as gorgeous. If you’re heading to the West Shore, take a look at Homewood’s West Shore Café for villas and suites that look right out onto the lake.
Photo by Giardino Lago
Set just beside Lago Maggiore, Giardino Lago is a Mediterranean gem of a boutique hotel. Spend your days soaking up sunshine while cruising around the lake and settle into the evening hours at the rooftop bar so you can gaze at the lake and mountains beyond.
Photo by Drake Devonshire
Canada’s Lake Ontario is a major summer destination for those looking to sightsee and explore the great outdoor region, and nowhere is there a more intimate inn than the Drake Devonshire. Go for the epic location and gorgeous digs, stay for the endless adventures to be had.
Local cabins abound in this region of British Columbia. Head to Christina Lake with a posse and peruse the local scene for bigger vacation rentals. Hang by the beach, go for a hike, or spend all your time on a boat.
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Photo by The Kinloch Club
For those who love a day of fly-fishing or a morning of golf followed by a lakeside barbeque, New Zealand’s Lake Taupo may be calling your name. Check out The Kinlock Club for a stunning lakeside escape.
Whistler is known for its dreamy landscapes and nowhere is that reputation more valid than at Nita Lake Lodge. If you “Nita” summer vacay with big trees and gorgeous lake activities, head on up to Canada.
Photo by Matakauri Lodge
As picturesque as you could possibly imagine, Lake Wakatipu in New Zealand is surrounded by the Cecil and Walter Peak mountain ranges. If you’re into remote luxury, a visit to Matakauri Lodge is a must.
Nestled in Olympic National Park, Lake Crescent is one of Washington’s most beautiful lakes. Set just along the banks of the lake, Lake Crescent Lodge is a lovely go-to for those who love being surrounded by stunning trees and glorious landscape.
Photo by Teton Springs Lodge & Spa
The Jenny Lake trailhead is a stunning place to hike, horseback ride or row through Teton National Park. Nearby Teton Springs is an easy spot to rest your head afterward, with a traditional “out west” feel and luxury amenities.
Photo by Mission Point Resort
Overlooking Lake Huron, Mission Point Resort feels more like a private island than a lakeside retreat. That’s because it’s on Michigan’s Mackinac Island. Talk about amazing access to water and all the water-based sports you can handle.
Photo by Inn at Tern Lake
Anyone who’s been to the Last Frontier knows there’s really no American forestry quite like you’ll find in Alaska. And Tern Lake’s sweet little inn overlooks the best lakeside landscape you could imagine. A helicopter tour over the lake may need to be added to your agenda with a stay at this gem.
