United States

Enjoy the seclusion of this 118-acre lake. After a few miles of unimproved rough road, you will arrive at the spill way of Millstone Lake. The remoteness alone is worth the trip. Kayak, Canoe, or SUP the lake and even extend it up a couple of miles into Bay Creek. Fishing is also enjoyed on the l...

Commons Beach is a small beach and park on the northwest side of the lake. It is located very close to the CA-89 exit, so is ideal for road trip stops. There is a park for kids, and a grassy area near the beach. The beach itself is on the smaller side, but is relatively uncrowded. This area of th...

Paddle out into the winding tributaries of Mannington Meadow, paddle past tall reeds, and plenty of wildlife! Access is a small lot capable of fitting roughly 15 cars at the end of the road. There is a concrete ramp, however due to low water levels paddle craft are best used. Once you get on the ...

Search for “Cox Creek Bridge Canoe Ramp” and your map will lead you to the put-in for Cypress Creek! It’s a beautiful spot in the Florence area of North Alabama where all of the locals like to float or paddle. Canoe, kayak or tube - whatever you’re in the mood for! Bring your beach chairs and a c...

Shoreline Lake features a big lake, many hiking and biking trails, and lot of picnic areas in Mountain View, CA. Kayaks, SUP, and various boats can be rented from the boat house. This is a great place to enjoy the water no matter what season it is. There are large grassy areas for kids to run and...

Rocky Point has a bulletin board and toilet but no developed campsites.  At Rocky Point visitors must pack in and pack out all trash and waste water. A vault toilet is on site. Campers like the opportunity to "circle the wagons" and set up where they want on a large open natural gravel flat nea...

Did you know that Fort Benton was considered the "World's  Innermost Port" until the railroads started moving goods and people across the west? Nowadays, some people call Fort Benton a "sleepy little river town", but paddlers and history buffs seek the solitude and beauty of the Upper Missouri Ri...

Lake Shaftsbury State Park is a small park in Southern Vermont between Bennington and Manchester. It is well-loved by locals as swimming spot in the summer, especially for families with kids.  Less well known is the nature trail that meanders around the perimeter of the lake. While only a mile in...

If you come on a weekend expect there to be a crowd, but there is plenty of space for everyone.  You can hang out on the shore, float in the water on an inflatable floatie, kayak, canoe, or spread out on one of the many sand bars close by.  Depending on the time of year and level of the water, yo...

Surrounded by old growth forest, Merrill Lake near Cougar, Washington is the perfect little gem to get in some late summer, mid-elevation mountain lake fishing. The morning and evening hatches are known state wide for the size of fish they attract. There are stories of Eagles even stealing trout ...

You can rent a charming metal fishing boat at the Woods Canyon Lake Marina, or bring your own (if you’re bringing your own boat, make sure you bring a PFD too, as it’s Arizona law).  Note that gas motors are NOT permitted on boats (only trolling motors).  This makes it an incredibly quiet experie...

Hitting a trifecta of awesome, the Pactola Reservoir is not only an incredibly scenic lake with the best fishing in the state. It also hides a history of lawlessness and prosperity underneath its beautiful waters. Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, this 785-acre reservoir houses a multit...

The Half Moon Bay Jetty is a calm place to paddle as it is covered on all sides. There is an opening into the ocean on the far side, but is mostly calm with plenty of beach area to launch. Keep in mind, there are boats in the harbor so keep an eye out. There is also a scenic hike nearby the West ...

Before going to the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area I had heard numerous people explain how peaceful and beautiful the area was, and how empty the lake was dependent on the season. These rave reviews called for a road trip and a 5 day stay in August, which fittingly happened in an...

Being a native Wisconsinite, I think the most quintessential thing to do in Madison is beers and a sunset at Memorial Union Terrace on Lake Mendota. There’s plenty more to do right at the Union too, including world famous ice cream,  kayaking and other water sport rentals at Hoofer’s, live music,...

There are not many sandy beaches in the lovely state of Wisconsin.  This might be the best one.  If you are from Wisconsin, you also might consider Lake Michigan an ocean when you are craving a real ocean.  And it comes close!  Even though it’s not on a real ocean, this beach has it all. There’s ...