Delaware is full of lakes and ponds, and they're the best to explore when the weather warms up! Enjoy a picnic on the shores, try your hand at fishing, or paddle out on a kayak, paddleboard, or canoe with your friends and family. There are so many great ponds and lakes in our state that are the perfect backdrop to an afternoon in the sun. What are you waiting for? Check out the best lakes in Delaware!

1. Moore's Lake, Dover

First on our list of beautiful Delaware Lakes is Moore's Lake. It is located right in Dover and is popular for fishing and paddling. It's gorgeous and not far at all from downtown - just a few minute drive, or a ten minute bike ride.

2. Records Pond, Laurel

Laurel is a beautiful town right on Broad Creek, and many people come here to enjoy a day out on Records Pond. I love to kayak and paddleboard here and then grab lunch in downtown Laurel, Delaware. It's one of the best warm weather day trips in the state!

3. Lums Pond, Bear

Lums Pond State Park is a great place to visit if you like water views. In fact, you can even check the pond out from the sky in the Go Ape Treetop Adventure course, where you'll zipline over the pond itself several times. You'll be able to fully enjoy the view of one of the most beautiful lakes in Delaware.

4. Silver Lake, Dover

Silver Lake is another great Dover destination, where you can fish, paddle, or picnic. It's one of the major lakes in Delaware, so it's a must-see. If you're near the capital, mix it up and alternate between day trips to Moores and day trips to Silver Lake. Both have so much to offer!

5. Killens Pond, Felton

Killens Pond is so much more than just one of the prettiest lakes in Delaware - it even has a full waterpark! Check it out and make Killens Pond in Felton a camping destination for your family this summer. Spend one day out on the lake in a kayak, and the next splashing around in the water park!

6. Lake Como, Smyrna

Lake Como is a favorite destination for families with young swimmers. Swimming in the ocean can be intimidating, so a calm and clean lake is a great introduction to open water. Lake Como is beautiful and serene year round.

7. Trap Pond State Park, Laurel

Trap Pond State Park is another beautiful pond in Laurel, and it is unique because of the gorgeous bald cypress trees that you can paddle out between! This is my favorite place to kayak in Delaware.

8. Becks Pond, Newark

Becks Pond is another popular fishing and picnic destination. It's usually pretty quiet, even though it's right in Newark, so it's a great way to get away from the usual New Castle County crowds. It's among the cleanest lakes in Delaware, making it a great destination to enjoy a peaceful afternoon. Check out more about hiking in Newark, Delaware while you're here!

9. Bellevue State Park

Finishing up our list of the best lakes in Delaware is the lovely one you'll find in Bellevue State Park. Its walking path takes you to the beautiful reflecting pond where you can really appreciate the parks' nature. I love walking around here on cool summer days, and then visiting the rest of the park!

This wondrous video sums up this absolutely breathtaking Delaware stare park:

I love hanging out at all of these state lakes and ponds! If you're looking for the best outdoorsy things to do in Delaware after you've checked all of these beautiful lakes you, you'll love our Delaware outdoor bucket list.