What Would You Do? Which Lake to Enjoy in Idaho This Summer?

What would you do? What would you do if you had to choose only one lake to spend a day at in Idaho this summer? During the summer, many Idahoans like to get out and hit the water. Many enjoy fishing, some have boats and enjoy being on theirs, others like to kayak, and some just want to take a dip or be around a body of water. Idaho is home to a variety of lakes, and there are many to choose from. It seems like everyone you ask in the Gem State has a favorite lake, and it can be based on the most beautiful, the least crowded, the closest to home, the best fishing spot, or several other criteria. When it comes to choosing a lake to enjoy for a day or two, what would you do? 

Choosing a Lake in Idaho

There are some incredible lakes in Idaho to enjoy during the summer. Some are hidden gems, and others are more well-known. When deciding to go to the lake, it might depend on what your intentions are. For boating, ideally, you will want a bigger lake, and if camping, why not go a little further from home? For kayaking, it might depend on how experienced you are. For fishing, it may depend on where you have had the best luck or what type of fish you are hoping to catch. For swimming, there are certain lakes known to have better areas than others. To some, staying close to home is nice, as only a couple of hours is all they need, especially if you have little ones. For those who enjoy the mountains or escaping for a bit, perhaps head up into the Sawtooth Mountains and enjoy one of the many lakes up there. When it comes to choosing, though, which ones are the best options? 

The Best Lakes in Idaho

If you are in the Magic Valley and want to stay close to home, the best lake to choose might be Dierkes, as it is close to Twin Falls, and you can be home quickly after your day at the lake. If looking for a longer day and a more beautiful option, you can head north and go to Petit Lake in the Sawtooth Mountains. When in this area, if staying for a few days, you can jump lake to lake as there is also Alturas Lake, one of the most beautiful in the state, and the more well-known and much bigger Red Fish. Red Fish is great for boating, has a big beach area, but is more populated than some of the others on this list. These lakes can be day trips depending on which part of the Gem State you are in, or can be great for the weekend. If willing to drive to the most southeastern corner of the state, Bear Lake is a beautiful and massive lake worth experiencing at least once, but it is best to stay in the area as it is a bit of a drive. 

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These lakes are all in central to southern Idaho, with many others up north that you can enjoy as well. When it comes to choosing where to spend the day or weekend, there isn't a bad choice. The beauty of living in Idaho is that you can do a different one every weekend throughout the summer without repeating a lake. If choosing which lake to enjoy for a day or weekend, what would you do?