With its fascinating and varied landscape, there are millions of stunning lakes in America. For individuals who wish to venture out into nature and camping vacations, the most stunning lake is a prime objective. A recent survey has now revealed the top US lakes – you might just be surprised at the results.
10 Top US Lakes – First, What Makes an Instagrammable Lake?
The study, by the boat-cleaning supplier Captains Preferred Products, compiled a list of the 100 largest lakes in America and used Instagram to determine which lakes had the highest number of hashtags.
Nicholas Heisler, Founder of Captains Preferred Products commented on the study, “Lakes are stunning areas of natural beauty, as well as a vital part of our fishing culture and industry in the U.S., and it is fascinating to see how geographically varied the top three most Instagrammable lakes are. Covering areas from California and Nevada to Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, lakes all across America have their own unique beauty, flora, and fauna that make them a joy to visit.”
The Top 10 US Lakes: The Most Instagrammable
| Lake | Rank | Instagram Hashtag | Hashtag count | Area |
| Lake Tahoe | 1 | laketahoe | 3,141,065 | California–Nevada |
| Lake Michigan | 2 | lakemichigan | 2,900,377 | Illinois–Indiana–Michigan–Wisconsin |
| Lake Superior | 3 | lakesuperior | 1,229,982 | Michigan–Minnesota–Wisconsin–Ontario |
| Lake Ontario | 4 | lakeontario | 1,049,189 | New York–Ontario |
| Lake Erie | 5 | lakeerie | 1,045,021 | Michigan–New York–Ohio–Ontario–Pennsylvania |
| Lake Norman | 6 | lakenorman | 721,507 | North Carolina |
| Lake Huron | 7 | lakehuron | 596,556 | Michigan–Ontario |
| Lake Powell | 8 | lakepowell | 476,374 | Arizona–Utah |
| Crater Lake | 9 | craterlake | 435,605 | Oregon |
| Lake of the Ozarks | 10 | lakeoftheozarks | 379,990 | Missouri |
| Average | 1,197,567 |
1. Lake Tahoe
Coming in at #1, Lake Tahoe has amassed over 3.14 million hashtags on Instagram. The stunning lake, which straddles the border of California and Nevada, is best known for its crystal-clear waters and picturesque surroundings, featuring forests, mountains, and beaches. It also offers a wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities, from hiking and mountain biking to skiing and snowboarding. No matter the time of year, you’re sure to capture the perfect Instagram moment in Lake Tahoe.
2. Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan takes the second most photogenic lake in America. Spanning the Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin states, Lake Michigan boasts 2.9 million Instagram hashtags and is most famous for its crystal clear waters and breathtaking scenery, varying from dense forests to cliff-like dunes. With so much beauty, it’s no wonder that hundreds of tourists snap the perfect Instagram photo on their visit.
3. Lake Superior
Lake Superior is America’s third most Instagrammable lake. Covering Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Ontario, the lake has 1.22 million Instagram hashtags. Lake Superior is the biggest and deepest of all the Great Lakes, a real natural wonder with spectacular scenery surrounding it. Lake Superior is also ideal for leisure activities like hiking, kayaking, and even ice fishing during winter.
4. Lake Ontario
Located between New York and Ontario, Lake Ontario boasts 1.05 million Instagram hashtags. Lake Ontario offers the best of both urban and natural beauty as it contains Toronto’s famous skyline in addition to beautiful parks and stunning islands.
5. Lake Erie
Number five of the top most Instagrammable lakes in America is Lake Erie with 1.05 million Instagram hashtags. Lake Erie gives birth to the Niagara River, which flows over Niagara Falls before it merges into Lake Ontario. Although it is the smallest and shallowest among the Great Lakes, its beauty and significance make it an ideal spot to take a lasting Instagram photograph.
Completing the top ten are Lake Norman with 721,507 Instagram hashtags, Lake Huron with 596,556, Lake Powell with 476,374, Crater Lake with 435,605, and Lake of the Ozarks with 379,990.