With picturesque rugged mountains, colorful deserts, towering forests, and numerous lakes, Nevada makes for an ideal destination to enjoy a waterfront getaway. Situated close to most lakeside Nevada vacation rentals are abundant opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, exciting water sports, fishing, and sightseeing. Check out the most noteworthy lakes in the state of Nevada.

1. Lake Tahoe

Sapphire-blue Lake Tahoe lies on the west-central corner of Nevada on the border with California. The adjoining towns of Crystal Bay and Incline Village on the northeast side of the lake offer year-round activities. In summer, rent mountain bikes at Flume Trail Bikes, and take a shuttle into the hills to ride the Rim Trail from Tahoe Meadows or the Flume Trail from Spooner Lake. In winter, ride the lifts to the top of Diamond Peak for skiing and snowboarding. Just south of Incline Village is the Nevada State Park at Sand Harbor, which features a beautiful stretch of sandy beach, boat launches, and a visitor center. Sand Harbor Rentals supplies standard kayaks, sailing kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards for fun on the water. On the southeast side of the lake at Zephyr Cove, the M.S. Dixie II paddlewheeler offers luxurious cruises around the lakeshore.

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2. Liberty Lake

Liberty Lake is a breathtaking glacial tarn in the Ruby Mountains near the city of Elko in northeastern Nevada. To reach it, you hike through spectacular alpine scenery along the Ruby Crest National Recreational Trail. The lake and surrounding countryside represent one of the most beautiful spots in Nevada, and fishing is excellent for brook trout and mackinaw lake trout. Head for the Elko Convention and Visitors Authority to help you plan your hike and for Big 5 Sporting Goods in Elko for any hiking or fishing gear that you need.

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3. Lake Mead

Lake Mead, one of the largest reservoirs in the United States, lies just east of Las Vegas in southeastern Nevada. Numerous coves with sandy beaches surround the lake. At Las Vegas Boat Harbor, rent power boats, pontoon boats, and water sport equipment for water skiing and wakeboarding. For a slower pace, Lake Mead Marina rents kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Fish from the shore, from fishing piers, or from your boat for rainbow trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, and sunfish. Don’t miss exploring the scenic Black Canyon National Water Trail, which features spectacular rugged cliffs, caves, hot springs, and observation of wildlife such as desert bighorn sheep.

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4. Pyramid Lake

The vast expanse of Pyramid Lake is surrounded by scenic desert hills in the midst of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation in western Nevada. The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Museum and Visitors Center introduces you to the history and culture of the Native American Paiute people. Primo Kayak offers rentals of standard kayaks with sun shades to explore the shoreline or kayaks with fishing poles, rod holders, and trolling motors to angle for the lake’s renowned Lahontan cutthroat trout. For expert guide service on a comfortable power boat to the best fishing spots on the lake, look to Eagle Eye Charter. The service also provides sightseeing tours. The Nixon Store on the south side of the lake provides fishing supplies and permits as well as Native American arts and crafts.

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5. Lake Mohave

Lake Mohave lies at the far southern tip of Nevada on the border of Nevada and Arizona. Cottonwood Cove Marina services the Nevada side of the lake. At the marina, rent pontoon boats, fishing boats, and personal watercraft for lake exploration and fun. Water skis, wakeboards, tubes, and other equipment are also available. If you bring your own boat, the marina has a launch ramp. Popular activities at Lake Mohave include swimming, fishing, water sports, and scuba diving.

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6. Lake Lahontan

Located at the site of an enormous ancient lake of the same name that spread throughout most of northwestern Nevada, modern Lake Lahontan is 17 miles long and comprises 10,000 acres of surface area. The Lahontan State Recreation Area surrounds the lake. Churchill Beach and Silver Springs Beach lie along the shoreline, and North Shore Marina in Churchill County provides a boat launching site. Picnic areas with tables, grills, showers, and restrooms are located near Lahontan Dam and at Silver Springs Beach. Fishing is good for largemouth bass, spotted bass, catfish, walleye, and crappie. Shop for fishing tackle and supplies at Big 5 Sporting Goods in nearby Fallon.

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7. Washoe Lake

Beautiful Washoe Lake is just north of Carson City, the state capital, in western Nevada. Washoe Lake State Park on the southeast side of the lake has boat launches, picnic areas, a beach volleyball court, and miles of trails for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. On the north side of the lake at the Scripps State Wildlife Management Area, enjoy observing birds such as great blue herons, pelicans, white-faced ibises, and mountain bluebirds. Fishing is excellent for white bass, catfish, and perch. For fishing gear and boating needs, head for Sportsman’s Warehouse in Carson City.

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8. Walker Lake

Walker Lake lies within the Great Basin of west-central Nevada. The Walker River, which originates from the Sierra Nevada Mountains, flows into it from the north. On the southwest shore is Walker Lake State Recreation Area. Along with other beach sites around the lake, it offers breathtaking views of Mount Grant to the southwest. The lake and lakeshore offer recreational opportunities for boating, water skiing, wakeboarding, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Hang-gliding and paragliding are also popular. Play a game at the verdant Walker Lake Golf Course in nearby Hawthorne, renowned as one of the best nine-hole courses in Nevada.

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9. Lake Las Vegas

Lake Las Vegas is a beautiful body of water on the eastern side of the city of Las Vegas. Lake Las Vegas Water Sports rents kayaks, paddle boats, and stand-up paddle boards to help you explore the lake. For those who crave luxury, the facility also offers yacht charters and champagne brunch cruises. If you’re feeling adventurous, soar over the water with the flyboard and jetpack experience. Picturesque MonteLago Village on the south shore of the lake is an elegant cluster of shops and lakeside restaurants.

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10. Topaz Lake

Topaz Lake sits on the California border in western Nevada with half the lake in each state. On the Nevada side is the pleasant town of Topaz Lake. Popular activities at the lake include boating, water skiing, and fishing. Topaz Lake Park on the northeast shore has boat launching facilities, and you can rent aluminum motorized fishing boats at Topaz Landing Boat Rentals. The fishing is great for rainbow trout, brown trout, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass. The park is also an excellent location to view bald eagles, pelicans, ospreys, and other bird species.

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