Sleepaway camp season is beginning to wind down across the US, with many camps wrapping up in early to mid-August. But while plenty of children still experience the magic of heading off to camp each summer, a growing number of adults are craving that same sense of nostalgia.
That’s why we’ve analyzed some of the most popular lake destinations across the US to find the best ones for living out sleepaway camp nostalgia this summer.
The top 10 lake destinations in the US
We analyzed 20 popular lake destinations to find the top 10 in the US for the nostalgic camp feel, looking at the number of trails within 10km, average temperatures in August, and miles of shoreline.
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| Rank | Destination | State | Number of trails within 10km | Average temperature (Fº) in August | Miles of shoreline | Final Score/100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Table Rock Lake (Branson) | Missouri | 17.0 | 90.0 | 800.00 | 88.9 |
| 2 | Lake Pend Oreille (Sandpoint) | Idaho | 18.0 | 84.0 | 144.00 | 75.4 |
| 3 | Lake Chelan | Washington | 5.0 | 88.0 | 110.00 | 63.6 |
| 4 | Traverse City | Michigan | 22.0 | 79.0 | 132.00 | 60.3 |
| 5 | Grand Lake | Colorado | 30.0 | 86.0 | 4.50 | 58.6 |
| 6 | Big Bear Lake | California | 52.0 | 81.0 | 22.00 | 56.9 |
| =7 | Flathead Lake (Bigfork) | Montana | 3.0 | 82.0 | 188.00 | 55.2 |
| =7 | Lake Lure | North Carolina | 8.0 | 86.0 | 27.00 | 55.2 |
| =9 | Lake George | New York | 9.0 | 79.0 | 176.00 | 51.9 |
| =9 | Lake Tahoe (North Shore) | California / Nevada | 9.0 | 81.0 | 72.00 | 51.9 |
Missouri is home to the ultimate camp destination
Table Rock Lake in Branson, Missouri, has been named the ultimate lake destination for all of the camp vibes this summer. With 800 miles of shoreline, this beautiful spot is the perfect choice for those looking to spend time off-grid.
Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho takes #2 spot for US lake destinations
Lake Pend Oreille (Sandpoint), Idaho, took second place and is the state's largest lake. Its mountainous backdrop makes for the ideal summer setting for those who love the outdoors, and it has 18 trails within 10km to enjoy.
Washington State claims 3rd place with Lake Chelan
In Washington State, Lake Chelan took the 3rd spot. This lake is narrow and fjord-like, weaving throughout the Cascade Range. Despite its wintry feel, this lake still boasts an average of 88ºF in August.
Mountain lake escapes in the West dominate
Six of the top 10 destinations are located in the western US, highlighting the enduring appeal of alpine lakes, mountain scenery, and easy access to the outdoors. Rather than traditional beach or resort destinations, the rankings suggest travelers are increasingly drawn to wilderness settings that recreate the classic sleepaway camp experience, combining nature, adventure, and the chance to truly switch off.
Access to nature ranks better over shoreline
Despite shoreline length being a factor in this ranking, other factors meant the larger lakes were not favored.
Some of the highest-ranked destinations have relatively small shorelines but great access to hiking. Grand Lake, for example, has just 4.5 miles of shoreline but 30 nearby trails, while Big Bear Lake has 52 trails despite only 22 miles of shoreline.
The rise of nostalgic cabin getaways
Lake destinations are well positioned to benefit from two of the biggest travel trends shaping the year ahead: nostalgia and wellbeing.
More people are traveling to relive nostalgic memories, whether that’s returning to lakeside towns, seaside favorites, or destinations they visited with family growing up. As interest in these nostalgic getaways continues to grow, places that offer that classic summer camp feel are expected to become even more popular.
At the same time, people are increasingly looking for ways to disconnect from busy lives, with mindful and active travel that prioritizes wellbeing continuing to soar. Together, these two travel priorities are driving demand for sleepaway camp-style destinations that combine nostalgia with the chance to switch off and recharge.
Methodology
TrustedHousesitters created an equally weighted ranking analyzing 20 US lake destinations, including metrics such as the number of trails within a 10km radius (AllTrails), the average temperature in August (Weather Spark, based on August 1st), and the miles of shoreline (Google) to find the top 10 in the US.
