There’s something about waking up next to a lake. The still water. The slow air. Coffee tastes better. You forget your phone. Maybe you paddle out before breakfast or hike a trail that starts right behind your cabin. You don’t need much, just a place that gives you access to peace, adventure, and the space between the two.
That’s what these lakeside retreats do best. No need to choose between a kayak morning, a hike afternoon, or hammock time with a good book. These five spots across the U.S. do it all in one stay. They’re part glamping escape, part trailhead basecamp, and full-on invitation to slow down without doing nothing.
1. Firelight Camps – Ithaca, New York
You don’t come to the Finger Lakes just for wine (though there’s plenty of that). You come for the waterfalls, the forest trails, the deep blue lakes that show up just where the hills start to roll. Firelight Camps in Ithaca sits right on the edge of Upper Buttermilk Falls State Park, so the trailheads are basically your backyard.
In the morning, you can paddle Cayuga Lake, rent a kayak nearby, or just roll out of your safari tent and hike straight into the woods. The camp is part lodge, part outdoor spa zone – with lantern-lit paths, a communal fire circle, and a lobby tent that serves craft cocktails when the sun dips low. If you want to hike, paddle, and still feel like you’re somewhere soft and intentional, this one checks every box. Stay cozy under canvas with a compact camp lantern, weatherproof blanket, and portable coffee gear. For coffee gear details, check out our guide.
2. Getaway Blake Brook – Epsom, New Hampshire
This one’s less about a full resort and more about solo time or couple time, with nothing between you and the trees. Getaway Blake Brook is part of the Getaway cabin network and it sits about 30 minutes from Lake Winnipesaukee. You’re close enough to the water for morning paddleboard sessions, but also tucked into woods that feel way more remote than they are.
Each tiny cabin is stocked with the basics – hot shower, stove, fresh sheets, and a big picture window that frames the forest like art. Trails wind through nearby Bear Brook State Park, and there’s enough space around each site to feel like you’re off-grid. You won’t find a concierge or guided hikes. This is the kind of lake side retreat where the quiet is the plan. And the hiking? Up to you.
3. AutoCamp Yosemite – Midpines, California
You want wild? You want comfort? Welcome to AutoCamp. Just outside the entrance to Yosemite National Park, AutoCamp Yosemite offers luxury airstreams, cabins, and tents, all a short drive from alpine lakes and big granite hikes. You won’t be paddling inside the park, but nearby Bass Lake gives you that laid-back, toes-in-the-water, rent-a-kayak-and-go vibe.
In the afternoon, you hike. Real hike. Glacier Point or Mist Trail level hikes. Then you come back, take a hot shower in your cabin, and toast marshmallows by a campfire you didn’t have to build yourself. The site has a clubhouse, WiFi (if you must), and a curated general store that actually sells useful stuff. It’s not rustic but that’s the point. It’s a lake side retreat for people who like their adventure earned and their sleep clean.
4. Lake James Glamping – Nebo, North Carolina
Hidden in the hills west of Morganton, Lake James Glamping offers a straight-to-the-point escape. You’re steps from the water, but also tucked right next to Lake James State Park, which means hiking trails, biking loops, and waterfront access all in one shot. The setup is simple: tents with real beds, outdoor showers, and a camp kitchen area that lets you cook and chill without stress.
Bring your kayak or rent one on-site. Mornings are for paddling across misty still water. Afternoons are for trails that lead to views or cool-off coves. Evenings? That’s for doing as little as possible while the sounds of frogs and crickets start to do their thing. It’s the kind of spot where you can actually stay put for a weekend and not run out of things to do (or not do).
5. Under Canvas Lake Powell – Big Water, Utah
This one’s out there – in the best way. You’re in the red rock desert, but you’re also near water. Under Canvas Lake Powell gives you safari-style tents with real beds, private decks, and zero WiFi distractions. You can paddle Antelope Canyon, which is a surreal, dreamlike experience, or hit hiking trails that loop around Lake Powell’s cliffs and slot canyons.
This retreat feels like Mars with a lake. It’s remote, dramatic, and oddly calming. The sky feels close at night, and mornings stretch long and golden. Everything’s solar-powered, and meals are served camp-style but elevated. Think lodge vibes without the lodge. If you want a lake side retreat that feels like another planet but still lets you paddle and hike every day, this one’s your ticket.
Final Thoughts: One Retreat, Three Kinds of Rest
When you pick the right lake side retreat, you don’t have to choose between paddling, hiking, or chill time. You get all three. These destinations are built for people who want that perfect mix – some movement, some stillness, and zero logistics in between.
Before you go, book early – especially in peak summer months. Look for places that give you access to both water and trails without having to drive each morning. Want help planning? Sites like Hipcamp, Glamping Hub, and The Dyrt make it easy to filter by lakefront and hiking access. If you’re bringing your own gear, don’t forget a headlamp, soft-shell jacket, and waterproof dry bag.
Good lakeside retreats don’t just help you escape. It helps you reset. So pick a spot, shut your laptop, and let the water and woods do their work.
FAQs
Where can I find the best lakeside retreats in the U.S.?
Check out booking sites like Hipcamp, Glamping Hub, and The Dyrt. Filter for lakefront properties with trail access.
What should I pack for a weekend glamping trip by the lake?
Bring layers, swim gear, hiking shoes, sunscreen, and a dry bag. A headlamp is also essential for nighttime walks.
Can I paddle and hike at the same location?
Yes, many lake side retreats are near parks with both water access and trailheads. Firelight Camps and Lake James Glamping are great examples.
Are these lakeside retreats suitable for families or solo travelers?
Totally. Many offer family-sized tents or cabins, while others are ideal for solo or couple getaways with privacy in mind.
What’s the difference between lakeside glamping and a traditional lakeside retreats?
Glamping offers outdoor stays with hotel-style comfort, think real beds in tents, while cabins are typically more private and self-contained.
