9 Lakes for 4th of July Lake Fun (2024)

Selecting the perfect lake for your 4th of July family vacation depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for.

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming: Witness the majestic Teton Range reflected in the pristine waters of Jackson Lake. Explore the park’s hiking trails, take a scenic boat ride, or go horseback riding .

Glacier National Park, Montana: Immerse yourselves in the beauty of Glacier National Park. Explore crystal-clear lakes like Lake McDonald and St. Mary Lake, go on a scenic drive on Going-to-the-Sun Road, or hike to breathtaking viewpoints . 

Douglas Lake Boat Parade: There’s a well-established tradition of a boat parade on Douglas Lake for the 4th of July. The Douglas Lake Fun sponsors this free event, and participants decorate their boats with patriotic themes.  

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin: This scenic lake destination offers a variety of family-friendly activities like boating, fishing, swimming, and exploring the town of Geneva with its shops and restaurants .

Yosemite National Park, California: Yosemite offers stunning scenery, granite cliffs, waterfalls, and lakes like Yosemite Lake for boating and fishing . Explore the park’s hiking trails or go rock climbing.

Lake Glenville, North Carolina: This lake in the mountains of North Carolina features the annual FLG’s 4th of July Gala Boat Parade . Participants decorate their boats with patriotic themes, and spectators can enjoy the parade from the shore or on the water.

Lake Martin, Alabama: The 4th of July Boat Parade is a long-standing tradition on Lake Martin. Boats of all sizes and decorations cruise from Kowaliga Marina to Children’s Harbor, creating a festive atmosphere . Prizes are awarded for the most creative and patriotic displays.  

Lake Murray, South Carolina: The Midlands in South Carolina boasts a boat parade on Lake Murray. Dozens of boats participate, forming a flotilla as they cruise from Bomb Island to the Dreher Shoals Dam . This event is often paired with a fireworks display for an extra dose of patriotic celebration.

Lake Oswego, Oregon: This lake near Portland, Oregon, holds a well-attended 4th of July Boat Parade . Decorated boats cruise along the lake, providing a festive atmosphere for families and spectators.

Keep in mind that these are just a few examples, and many other lakes across the US have great celebrations for the 4th of July.