Best North Carolina Lakes to Buy Lakefront Property

Life in North Carolina never ceases to amaze. With such scenic beauty from 300 miles of pristine white beaches to the rolling lands of Piedmont and up the Appalachian Mountains, the state is a true treasure. World-class recreational opportunities and sports are found sea to peak. This state continues to thrive and provide residents with an exceptional place to call home. It’s also a place where you don’t have to compromise between lakefront and mountain living. North Carolina has gorgeous lakefront properties for sale where you can get away from the noise and get in touch with nature.

These exceptional properties offer the kind of peace and tranquility that you won’t find anywhere else. With so many lakes available in North Carolina, how do you begin a home search? We’ve picked the most beautiful lakes to choose from where you can create a home full of adventure and memories. Fall in love with these beautiful bodies of water.

Lake Norman, Iredell County

Want to spread out? Lake Norman is the largest lake in the state. The man-made body of freshwater has a 520-mile shoreline and an average depth of 33 feet. Duke Energy completed the construction of the Cowans Ford Dam in 1964, leading to Lake Norman’s creation.

Lake Norman is conveniently just 45 minutes away from Uptown Charlotte. Because of its urban location, it is often the go-to choice for Charlotte metro families who wish to enjoy water activities in the summer.

Huntersville, Davidson, and Cornelius are all by the lake’s shoreline. Not only do you have beautiful properties on coves and inlets, but there are ample lake-side activities. Rent pontoon boats, join a sailing club, or get water ski lessons. The lake has no motorboat restrictions, so take that leisurely cruise to a lakefront restaurant to push down the throttle for tubing and wakeboarding.

 Inside you’ll find multiple boat access points, two yacht clubs, and places for watersports. On land, enjoy a wide range of entertainment, like championship golfing and hiking. The lake has attracted a wide variety of species throughout the years and is a paradise for anglers and bird watchers. Keep your eyes peeled in case something passes by the water’s edge. Fish species that you can expect to see range from feisty bluegills to largemouth bass.

Being an urban lake, it’s a great combination of lakeside living while still being near excellent schools, a thriving job market, and healthcare systems. The Charlotte metro is a major hub with a busy airport if you need to fly for business.

In terms of real estate, you can find a charming wooden home right by the lake up to grand mansions with a pool. Your choices range from more rural getaways further up the Catawba basin near Bells Crossroads to master-planned estates in the Trump National Golf Club. No matter what you choose, you’ll be happy with your purchase — think about all the weekend getaways you can have with your family by this beautiful lake.

Jordan Lake, Wake County

Originally having the name “New Hope Lake,” Jordan Lake was renamed after Senator B. Everett Jordan who proposed this project to Congress. Even though it’s a quick 30-minute drive from Durham, much of this lake near Apex remains underdeveloped. That’s because its shoreline is under public ownership, leaving it mostly in pristine condition. Here you’ll find over 13 miles of hiking trails along with seven beaches for water lovers to enjoy. Adventurers are sure to be filled with excitement as they explore the wilderness this area has to offer.

With 200 miles of shore and a maximum depth of 30 feet, the natural beauty surrounding the lake adds to its popularity. It has eight individual recreational areas and 11 public boat ramps. Visitors have plenty of options for camping in tents or trailers to fully immerse themselves in nature. Those who stay at Jordan Lake during the summer months will be lucky enough to set their eyes on the area’s resident bald eagles where they come to nest for the season. This lake is teeming with a large variety of fish, making it a favorite spot among fishermen — you can expect to catch fish such as bass and crappie.

While you won’t have a house on Jordan Lake, you can live minutes from boat ramps. Imagine being in a kayak out on a peaceful lake, surrounded by woods and not houses, as the sun rises.

Lake James, McDowell County

With the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains rising to the northwest, Lake James is a one-of-a-kind destination. Located near Marion, Lake James came to life through the construction of three dams on the Catawba River. Named after James Buchanan Duke, the patron of Duke University, Duke Power built the lake from 1916 to 1923 as a project for hydroelectricity. The lake has a surface elevation of 1200 ft and contains 10.2 square miles of surface area and over 150 miles of shoreline. The dam still generates power and is on the uppermost part of the Catawba River system.

The lake is home to a beautiful beach at Lake James State Park that opened in 2010, with day-use showers, restrooms, and a concession stand. The beach is open from May until early September. Its protected swimming area runs 700 feet along the lake’s shore. Here, guests can enjoy camping, renting paddleboards, or just relaxing by the beach.

Because there are no limits on speed and power, Lake James’ crystal-clear waters are a popular lake for boating fun like jet skiing and wakeboarding. On land, find multiple parks including the state park with its more than 20 miles of hiking trails and 15 miles of bike trails. It also has camping facilities. Fishermen can enjoy catching a variety of species such as walleye and tiger muskie, and a public hatchery is below the dam on the Catawba River.

You might just find the ideal North Carolina lake property here in Lake James. Housing developments started 1980s, mostly concentrated on its eastern and southern shores. Find a country club community and vacation cabins.

High Rock Lake, Davidson & Rowan Counties

High Rock Lake in Lexington is known as one of the top fishing lakes in North Carolina. Several Bassmaster Classic fishing derbies have cast lines in its cool waters searching for that trophy catch.

The Tallassee Power Company, a subsidiary of ALCOA, built the lake between 1926 to 1927 on Yadkin Rivers. At that time, it was the largest reservoir in the state stretching 19 miles back to the confluence with the South Yadkin River. When the lake is full, it covers 15,180 acres and has 365 miles of shoreline. Waters at the dam measure 59 feet deep. Today it’s the second-largest lake in North Carolina.

Situated in the Uwharrie Mountains, the name comes from “High Rock Mountain,” the highest peak in this ridgeline and a peak you can see from the lake. The various boat ramps are open for private and public use. Personal watercraft and boats have no restrictions. With private campgrounds along the water, you can kick back on your trips to lake. Other popular activities here include swimming, boating, kayaking, and hiking. There’s even a summer concert series where you anchor your boat and listen to the bands playing off a dock. But the fishing truly is exceptional. A few species that you’re sure to find in this lake:

• Largemouth bass
• White bass
• Striped bass
• Flathead catfish
• Channel catfish
• Blue catfish
• Bluegill
• Black crappie
• White crappie

Life around the lake includes nature preserves, campgrounds, and waterfront living. You can also find rustic fishing cabins for weekend getaways and newer construction homes. Plenty of people are deciding to make High Rock Lake their permanent home.

Lake Glenville, Jackson County

Also known as Thorpe Reservoir, Lake Glenville is one of the highest lakes east of the Mississippi with an elevation of 3,492 feet. Find it in the Blue Ridge Mountains about eight miles from Cashiers. This lake was formed in 1941 through the damming of the Tuckasegee River. However, between 1951 and 2002, it was officially called the “Thorpe Reservoir” after Nantahala Power’s first president, J. E. S. Thorpe. It encompasses 1,450 acres and has 26 miles of shoreline. Yet it’s only a 20-minute drive from Sylva and Western Carolina University.

Lake Glenville is known for its sandy beaches and clear waters. People are also fascinated by the three waterfalls cascading into the lake best viewed by boat. All kinds of watersports are available on the lake: boating, skiing, tubing, paddle boarding, kneeboarding, hiking, and sailing. Fishing is excellent throughout the year, with fishermen casting for trout, bass, bream, and walleye.  You’ll need one of these to get out to the seven islands on the scenic highlands lake.

On land, Pines Recreation Area has a sandy swimming beach. A hiking trail at the dam will take you to High Falls, another waterfall with a spectacular 150-foot drop. Around the lake shores are world-class golf courses

This lake also offers plenty of real estate opportunities for people for quiet lakefront living in the mountains. Find a master-planned golf- and lake- community that includes the best of both worlds. Or, buy into a vacation home on one of the lake’s peninsulas. Homes of all styles and sizes are found around all its shoreline.

Badin Lake, Montgomery County

Another Uwharrie Lakes region lake, what Badin Lake lacks in size, it makes up for in stunning views. The damming of the Yadkin-Pee Dee River in the 1910s and 1920s produced a series of lakes, with Badin Lake being one of the products. Built in 1917, Badin Lake Dam was intended to support Alcoa, the local aluminum smelting plant. The lake itself was named after the founder, Adrien Badin.

It’s in the Piedmont area of North Carolina inside a valley, making it a deep lake with a maximum depth of around 190 ft. The western edge borders the Uwharrie National Forest, so if you buy a home on the eastern shore, your views will always be a beautiful, forested shoreline.

Occupying an area of 5,350 acres and with 115 miles of shoreline, visitors shouldn’t miss out on the beautiful sunsets. Four public boat ramps get you on the water for a day of boating and fishing. Kings Mountain Park has a swimming beach, fishing pier, and picnic facilities.

Additionally, outdoor activities off the lake include camping, hiking, golf, horse riding, bicycling, and OHV riding. Much of the lake’s recreational areas are located inside the Uwharrie National Forest of Montgomery County, which is just 40 minutes from Asheboro. All the fun on and off the water makes Badin Lake a summer vacation destination.

Investors and families will be happy with the number of properties available here, as well as the affordability they have to offer.

Lake Wylie, Gaston and Mecklenburg Counties

This man-made lake was created when the Catawba Dam and Power Plant were built by the Catawba Power Company back in 1904. It’s the oldest of the man-made lakes owned by Duke Power. Originally called Lake Catawba, it was used to make hydroelectric power. In 1905, CPC became part of the Southern Power Company. In 1924, the dam height was raised, making way for the new Catawba Hydroelectric Station to replace the old one. When the facility opened in August 1925, the lake surface area increased from 668 acres to 13,400 acres.

Two years later, the SPC merged with Duke Power Company. In 1960, the lake was renamed Lake Wylie, after W. Gil Wylie, one of the original founders of Catawba Power Company. Situated in both North and South Carolina, Lake Wylie has 325 miles of shoreline. On both sides of the lake and all its branches, find public boat access points and boat marinas with storage or rentals. The western side has multiple parks and nature preserves with hiking trails, launches, and beaches. Tubing and water skiing are popular pastimes along the main lake and its many branches.

Being west of Charlotte by 30 minutes, living on Lake Wylie combines the advantages of city living with a place to get away and kick back. The lake’s various communities include gated, luxury lakefront living and golf course communities all the way to getaway cabins built in the 1930s and 1940s. The small communities still have that neighborly vibe you’d expect of southern lakefront living. Find lakefront homes in Belmont, the Palisades, and the Winget Park area. You can also look on the South Carolina side in Lake Wylie, River Hills, India Hook, and Tega Cay.

Nantahala Lake, Macon County

The man-made Nantahala Lake is one of the smaller lakes on this list. Originally built to provide electricity to support wartime efforts, it was fully completed in 1942. Being inside the Nantahala National Forest, it is surrounded by mountains, and as a result, the lake bed becomes deep quickly. With 42 miles of shoreline, Lake Nantahala offers various recreational opportunities.

This stunning lake is just above the Nantahala River, well known for its whitewater kayaking and rafting. Water is released from the dam each day, effectively “turning on” the class II and III rapids. However, this lake has a different pace of life. Two boat launches and a marina get you out on pristine waters high in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Spend a day skiing, boating, canoeing, wakeboarding, paddleboarding, swimming, and more. Fish for rainbow trout, striped bass, and yellow perch. It even uniquely has a freshwater salmon subspecies.

Because the lake, Nantahala River, and surrounding forestry lands offer such a diverse mix of activities, this region is popular among vacationers. Its busy season is definitely the summer. On the real estate side of things, much of the land is owned by the US Forest Service, but there are privately owned lakefront sections.  Just a mere 18 miles from Franklin, this lake has quiet log cabins within the forests that deliver an authentic getaway experience. It also has newer, million-dollar properties with stunning views of the beautiful lake waters. 

 Fontana Lake, Graham and Swain Counties

Stunning Lake Fontana’s sapphire waters reflect the Blue Ridge Mountains. Located between the Nantahala National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this 29-mile lake has various coves, inlets, and islands created by former mountain peaks. When the skies are clear, you can get an amazing view of the whole lake from almost a mile above through the Clingmans Dome’s observation tower.

Depending on the water levels, it can be around 17 miles long and have an average depth of 135 feet up to a maximum depth of 440 feet. Because of this, it’s known as the deepest lake in the state. However, like many other dam-impounded lakes, its banks are exposed when water levels run low. Sometimes hints of submerged towns, like Judson and Proctor, emerge from the depths.

Because the Smoky Mountains border Fontana Lake, travelers and explorers can have multi-day adventures in western North Carolina’s most remote locations. On the lake, renting a pontoon boat or paddlecraft is a popular activity. People come to explore the islands and lake branches. A sunset cruise is also spectacular on the lake with the mountains as your backdrop. Those who prefer to fish will find that shore fishing isn’t as popular as boat fishing, but there’s plenty of bass, walleye, and crappie to catch here.

Because of the mountainous regions, this lake is much deeper than others, allowing you to see magnificent rock formations. Note that some on-shore trailheads are only accessible via boat if the water is high enough.

 Besides homes, Fontana Lake has houseboats for rentals or living. If you wish to have a property of your own by the lake, Fontana Lake does have lakefront real estate. Find vacation properties or those geared to full-time residents.

Belews Lake, Stokes County

Head north from Winston-Salem and Greensboro, and you’ll find Belews Lake. It has a surface area of 3,864 acres and an 88-mile shoreline. A concrete spillway and a rolled earth dam hold back the waters, which reach depths of up to 130 feet and over 100 feet in the north.  Duke Energy Corporation created the lake in 1973 from Belews Creek to serve as a cooling basin for the company’s coal-burning power plant, the Belews Creek Steam Station.

Less than 30 miles from Greensboro, Belews Lake has two lovely marinas to service your day of lakeside fun. Find amazing food and boat rentals. If you bring your own, the lake has four public boat ramps. There are no restrictions on watercraft, so put that throttle down for a day of water skiing and tubing. The consistent water levels are another plus, especially if you buy a lakefront home with a dock.

Because of its large size, this lake is a popular destination for all sorts of water sports. On land, 20 miles of its shoreline are designated natural areas with trails for hiking and horse riding.

With over five developed lakefront communities and a central Carolina location, Belews Lake benefits from significantly more affordable homes compared to other options on the list.

Lake Lure, Rutherford County

In 1925, the Carolina Mountain Power Company funded the damming of the Broad River, producing Lake Lure. The lake covers a total area of 720 acres and has a shoreline of around 27 miles. In 1928, the dam began operating to sell electricity under a 10-year contract with Blue Ridge Power Co., a predecessor of Duke Power. Today, it still sells electricity, but the profits from the dam are committed to maintaining a fixed water level throughout the year.

Lake Lure is a popular destination for visitors in part because of its beautiful mountain surroundings and clear waters. Calm, sandy beaches attract families, as do all the available watersports and fun around the lake. This lake features in many blockbuster films, with the top dog being “Dirty Dancing.” You can try your hand at some iconic scenes at its annual dance festival with a lake lift competition.

Besides a day of boating and fishing on the lake, other family-friendly attractions include a waterpark, a flowering bridge, and a toy train museum. Plenty of local restaurants give locals more choices when they don’t want to cook at home. The surrounding small towns have more activities, from whitewater rafting, ziplining, hiking, horse riding, and camping.

Around 25 minutes away from Asheville, Lake Lure living provides scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the benefit of lakefront fun. Lush forests set the backdrop for the perfect serve as your weekend escape or permanent home.

Hyco Lake, Person and Caswell Counties

Constructed in the 1960s by Duke Energy, it first served as a cooling reservoir for the company’s power-generating plant. Hyco Lake is now a prized vacation destination for recreation fun. Waters cover 3,750 acres for 120 miles of shoreline and contains around 25 billion gallons of water. The lake is 20 minutes away from the city of Roxboro, which allows it to be more accessible than a few other lakes on this list.

Hyco Lake’s facilities include 65 campsites throughout the lakeshore, making it a great place for overnight stays. Visitors have two entry points for boats, while homeowners can dock their boats. A ski course is by the northern portion of the lake. Boat storage and rentals are available, and you’ll need a daily permit for lake time fun. A boat permit is required for homeowners with a boat below the 420′ setback line.

On the days when the weather isn’t as nice for a lake day, find plenty to do on dry land. Check out the hiking trails or the disc golf course. An educational Nature Learning Center allows visitors to find out more about the area’s flora and fauna.

The popularity of Hyco Lake living pushes up the demand for homes. Consider that the lake is easier to access and lies closer to cities like Durham and Greensboro.

Lake Tahoma, McDowell County

Lake Tahoma is a private lake in the mountain region of Western North Carolina, fed by water from Buck Creek. It is located about five miles northwest of Marion and has a surface elevation of 1,401 ft. Because of limited access, personal watercraft or speedboats aren’t allowed, but the clean water is an extra perk.

One unique feature is its gorgeous casino. The 1920s structure was built over the end of a long pier at the lake’s center.

 Visitors to the lake can enjoy activities like hiking and bird watching. While the lake is private, there is a scenic drive around the areas that surround it. There are also beautiful homes for rent by its picturesque shores, providing you with access to the bountiful waters. If you’re ever lucky enough to get access to the lake, you’ll find superb fishing.

Because watercraft aren’t allowed here, the lake is extra peaceful and tranquil. That’s perfect for those who truly want to get away from their ordinarily busy lives.

Lake Toxaway, Transylvania County

As the largest private lake in North Carolina, Lake Toxaway offers 14 miles of stunning shoreline in a crystal-clear reservoir. Those shores host various million-dollar homes. Unfortunately, public access points aren’t available here. If you don’t buy a home on the lake, the best way to appreciate the peaceful waters is through the Greystone Inn. There, you can experience resort-style amenities and take a cruise around the lake.

Pisgah National Forest surrounds the waters at an elevation of approximately 3,000 feet. Additionally, Lake Toxaway is the only lake created solely for recreational use and not for power generation. Just an hour east of Franklin, this lake has some of the country’s cleanest and most crystal-clear waters. Some of the most popular things to do here are hiking, biking, canoeing, and fishing.

Lake Toxaway is home to the state’s most expensive lakeside homes, which makes it a prime location for those who wish to have the best homes and lakefront properties.

Falls Lake, Durham, Wake, and Granville counties

Known officially as Falls Lake State Recreation Area, Falls Lake is a 12,410-acre reservoir that provides drinking water to its surrounding communities, including Raleigh. With a shore length of 175 miles, the lake extends 28 miles up the Neuse River and reaches its source, the Little, Eno, and Flat Rivers. Its surface elevation of 250 feet helps with flood control while serving as a wildlife habitat and a recreation area.

Here, people are able to enjoy activities such as touring the Stagville State Historic Site, camping in Rolling View under the towering trees, and boating out on the lake. The recreation area’s 14 miles of single-track biking trails provide a challenge for riders of all levels. The Mountains-to-Sea Trail winds by the lake’s recreation area, drawing backpackers.

Falls Lake is the perfect location for swimming, paddling, and fishing. Cast a line for white bass, catfish, perch, and crappie.

Falls Lake is the second-most expensive area on this list to buy a waterfront home, but with so much to do and beautiful views, it’s easy to see why.

Best Lakes in North Carolina

Lakes around North Carolina are truly some of the most magnificent around — not just in the Carolinas, but the whole country. If you’re looking to purchase your first, second, third, or however many lakefront homes you already have, start your home search ar one of these prized lakes. You can be sure that no matter the kind of home you’re after, North Carolina has a lake for you to truly consider a home that you can be proud to call yours. For more choices, look at lakefront living in South Carolina.