Most affordable and expensive lakeside getaways in the US

Driving The News

New data has revealed the most expensive and most affordable lakeside destinations to visit overnight. 

The study, conducted by vacation rental site Lake.com, compiled a list of the 100 largest lakes in the US and looked at January 2025 data on how much a one-night stay for two people in the nearest city (within a 25-mile radius of the lake) would cost. To calculate the cost of a one-night trip, data was extracted from Booking.com for the average hotel price per night for a mid-range double occupancy room. The lakeside destinations were then ranked from most expensive to least expensive. 

1. Lake Martin, Alabama 

Located just over 10 miles from Alexander City, Lake Martin is the most expensive lakeside getaway in the US, with a one-night hotel stay costing an average of $2,706. One of the biggest man-made lakes in the country, Lake Martin is a popular spot with outdoors enthusiasts and those seeking relaxation, as well as playing host to events such as the Alexander City Jazz Festival. 

2. Lake Tahoe, Nevada 

Situated 17 miles outside of Carson City, Lake Tahoe is one of the purest large lakes in the world, with water that’s 99.7% pure. This is close to the purity of commercially distilled water, which is 99.998% pure. Visitors spend an average of $1,928 per night for a one-night getaway in a mid-range hotel. Popular for its ski resorts, hiking trails, and water sports, Lake Tahoe is a hotspot for adventure enthusiasts and families alike. 

3. Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho 

This peaceful lakeside retreat is just over 15 miles from Sandpoint, and with the third highest hotel price, at $1,897 per night. There are several boat launches scattered around the lake, and in Sandpoint, Bayview, and Hope, you can find companies that rent out jet skis, ski boats, pontoon boats, sailboats, or kayaks. 

4. Cedar Creek Lake, Texas 

Located 21 miles outside of Athens, this Texan reservoir has an average one-night trip costing an average of $1,789. It’s a popular local getaway for fishing, boating, and enjoying Texas’ scenic outdoors. 

5. Lake George, Florida 

Surrounded by the lush landscapes of Palatka, Lake George offers a one-night stay costing an average of $1,634. Lake George is well-loved for its natural springs, fishing spots, and bird-watching opportunities, offering a serene escape for nature enthusiasts. 

1.  Toledo Bend Reservoir, Louisiana 
Located 23 miles outside Fort Polk South, Toledo Bend Reservoir is the most affordable lakeside destination in the US, with the cheapest hotel stay, priced at $473. Toledo Bend is a haven for fishing enthusiasts, offering world-class bass fishing and tranquil views. 

2.  Kentucky Lake, Kentucky 
Situated over 23 miles away from Paducah, Kentucky Lake is a budget-friendly getaway, with an average mid-range hotel costing $535 for a single night. Kentucky Lake is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and lakeside relaxation. 

3.  Red Lake, Minnesota 
Found only 8 miles from Bemidji, Red Lake offers a serene and affordable escape, with an average mid-range hotel priced around $498 for one night, the third lowest hotel cost. This lesser-known gem is perfect for anglers and nature lovers seeking a peaceful retreat in Minnesota’s scenic wilderness. 

4.  Lake Dardanelle, Arkansas 
Located near Russellville, Lake Dardanelle is an affordable lakeside getaway costing $532 per night on average, the fourth lowest hotel price. The lake is a favorite for fishing tournaments and family-friendly outdoor activities in a picturesque Arkansas setting. 

5.  Grenada Lake, Mississippi 
The lake is situated just over 3 miles outside of Grenada and offers an affordable escape with a one-night trip costing around an average of $549. This scenic spot is well-loved for its large crappie fish population and peaceful natural surroundings, making it a favorite for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. 

David Ciccarelli, CEO of Lake.com, commented on the findings: 

“The figures reveal a stark contrast in the affordability of lakeside getaways, highlighting how costs are influenced by location, amenities, and popularity. High-end destinations like Lake Martin and Lake Tahoe cater to affluent travelers with luxurious accommodations and expensive experiences, while more affordable options like Toledo Bend Reservoir and Kentucky Lake prove that breathtaking natural beauty and outdoor recreation don’t have to come with a hefty price tag. This variety ensures that lakeside vacations can cater to both luxury seekers and budget-conscious adventurers alike.” 

EDITOR’S NOTE: 

Sources: 

Wikipedia: 100 largest lakes in the US 

Booking.com: Hotel prices 

Lakemartin.com 

Visitinglaketahoe.com 

Vistnorthidaho.com: Lake Pend Oreille 

Tarrant Regional Water District: Cedar Creek Lake 

Methodology: 

1. Data collection 

• A list of the largest 100 lakes in the United States was collected from Wikipedia. 

• The final list contains the 48 lakes for which there was sufficient data. 

• For each lake a list of candidate cities was generated by finding all cities within 25 miles of the lake.  

• For each lake the chosen city was the closest city. 

• The average price for a one-night stay in a double occupancy, mid-range hotel in each city was collected from booking.com. 

2. Timeframe 

• The data was collected on January 7, 2025. 

3. Ranking 

• The final ranking was determined by the cost of a one-night stay in a double occupancy, mid-range hotel.  

Full ranking: