
When it comes to taking a dip, nothing beats the crystal-clear waters of a pristine lake. While some lakes might have you second-guessing that cannonball, others are so clean you can practically see the bottom! These 15 U.S. lakes are beloved by swimmers for their sparkling waters and refreshing swims.
Crater Lake (Oregon)

No large lake on Earth matches Crater Lake in terms of cleanliness and clarity. The lake was born from the eruption and collapse of Mount Mazama. Crater Lake is close to 2,000 feet deep, which makes it challenging for some swimmers, but for those who swim with caution, it’s a place to visit when in Oregon.
Lake Tahoe (California/Nevada)

Lake Tahoe—a lake with tens of inlets and only one outlet—sits on the California-Nevada border. For deepness, it ranked second in the United States. Both the lake and its surroundings are tourism hotspots, with many activities beyond swimming, like cycling, hiking, skiing, and having fun on the beach.
Lake George (New York)

This New York lake isn’t called the Queen of American Lakes for no reason. One reason is that its water is so clean that, theoretically, it is drinking water. The lake spans two counties—Warren and Essex—both in New York, and its surface covers 45 square miles. Its deepest part is 196 feet.
Lake Jocassee (South Carolina)

A great place to swim in South Carolina is Lake Jocassee. Those who want to relax around the lake will find the surroundings beautiful to look at. Lake Jocassee covers 7500 acres and goes as deep as 326 feet. Horsepasture and Whitewater, among other rivers, feed it, and it drains into the Keowee River.
Flathead Lake (Montana)

Flathead Lake is a lake in Montana flanked by the Mission and Salish Mountains. The lake is tied to the Flathead River, as the river serves as a way for the water to escape on the one hand and still feeds it with more water on the other. One reason for its clarity is its lowness in nutrients.
Torch Lake (Michigan)

The state of Michigan has two lakes named Torch Lakes, and the one we’re talking about is the one in Antrim County. It hits about 300 feet in its deepest part. Besides swimming, people come there to fish. Around the lake, you’ll find places to hike, too, as several places touch the lake, including Torch Lake village and township.
Newfound Lake (New Hampshire)

Grafton country is home to Newfoundland Lake, which occupies four of its towns. The lake is among the largest and clearest lakes in its state. Among the activities bringing people to the lake are swimming, beach fun, and fishing. Anglers can catch a variety of the lake’s tens of fish species.
Lake Chelan (Washington)

This lake shares a name with the county in which it is located—Chelan. At 1486 feet, it is Washington’s deepest lake, and nationally, only Crater Lake and Lake Tahoe go deeper than it. Every year, the Lake Chelan Swim event happens here, and anglers can find tens of fish species.
Lake Ouachita (Arkansas)

Of all the lakes fully in Arkansas, none is larger than Lake Ouachita. The lake’s deepest part is over 400 feet deep. Swimming, boating, and fishing happen on the lake. You will also find scuba divers who visit the lake to see what the parts below have to offer.
Bull Shoals Lake (Arkansas)

Bull Shoals Lake is bigger than Lake Ouachita, but it extends out of Arkansas to some parts of Michigan. Swimming and other water activities occur on the lake, and the shoreline provides opportunities for relaxation, people-watching, and water-related activities. Its deepest part is more than 200 feet.
Smith Mountain Lake (Virginia)

Many people head to Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia for recreation. It is either their swimming, watercrafting, boating, skiing, or enjoying any of the many other activities the lake offers. The water body is Virginia’s clearest lake with the lake being in existence since 1963.
Lake Winnipesaukee (New Hampshire)

This New Hampshire lake is not just a place to swim, boat, and fish; it has hundreds of islands for visitors to check out. The shore and surrounding areas are great for hiking and biking, too. Notably, Lake Winnipesaukee is divided into several sections, including The Broads and Alton Bay.
Bear Lake (Utah/Idaho)

The Caribbean of the Rockies has half of it in Idaho and the other half in Utah. Bear Lake and its environs are loaded with activities like swimming, hunting, skiing, and more. You’ll also find restaurants to eat around there. Several creeks, including South Eden and Fish Haven, feed the clear waters.
Heron Lake (New Mexico)

In Rio Arriba County, you’ll find the clean and clear Heron Lake, a 5900-acre water body that allows boating, fishing, and swimming. Around the lake, you’ll find places to hike, picnic, camp, and relax. These, and many other activities in the area, will make your visit to Los Ojos more exciting beyond swimming.
Jenny Lake (Wyoming)

Jenny Lake welcomes swimmers to its waters and has impressive clarity, too. Besides swimming, people come here to hike and motorboat. Considering its location in Grand Teton National Park, there are several activities—skiing, rock climbing, snowshoeing, etc—to enjoy around the lake. Interestingly, it’s about 12,000 years old.