Much of the beauty of visiting North Carolina involves exploring the natural gems. Take the lakes, for instance. North Carolina has some top-notch lakes, not just for fishing and canoeing but also for camping and photo taking! With so many picture-perfect lakes within our North Carolina borders, it can be hard to choose a favorite, so we polled our readers on our Only In North Carolina Facebook page.

1. Lake Norman

Lake Norman is the largest man-man body of fresh water in the entire state. Created between 1959 and 1964, this lake has become the ultimate vacation destination for many. Here, you’ll find over 520 miles of shoreline to enjoy!

2. Lake Montonia

Lake Montonia in Kings Mountain is a hidden gem on this list, but well worth mentioning. This lake is an incredible place to view fireworks in July and boasts some premier fishing in the state.

3. Watauga Lake

Just 30 minutes from Boone, North Carolina, tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll find Watauga Lake. Being the highest reservoir in the Tennessee River System, this lake clocks in at more than 1,900 feet above sea level. During the summer months, keep an eye out for the designated swimming area to keep cool.

4. Lake Toxaway

Lake Toxaway is quite the size as far as lakes go, with over 640 acres and over 14 miles of beautiful shoreline. This isn’t just a recreational lake, but that’s a predominant reason it’s so popular. Fishing, swimming, hiking, and paddling can all be enjoyed here. However, it is a private lake with no public use or access whatsoever.

5. Fontana Lake

Fontana Lake is a reservoir that was created by impounding the Fontana Dam on the Little Tennessee River. Today, this is the largest lake in Western North Carolina, with a backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains. It doesn’t get much better than that.

6. Lake Tillery

Camping, fishing, kayaking, and more can all be enjoyed at Lake Tillery in North Carolina. This reservoir between Falls Reservoir and Blewett Falls Lake is a big draw for visitors who prefer a laidback weekend of lakeside activities.

7. Price Lake

Price Lake is part of the Julian Price Memorial Park, clocking in at 47 acres in size. Visitors can enjoy many activities, from hiking around the edge to fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and more. Rent a boat, camp under the stars, or bring a picnic to one of the most popular and largest picnic areas along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

8. Lake Wheeler

Lake Wheeler may be one of the most beautiful and busiest lakes on this list. This 800-acre lake park features various fishing tournaments, boat shows, concerts on the water, and so much more.

9. Lake Gaston

You'll find Lake Gaston on the North Carolina and Virginia border. Known as a massive hydroelectric reservoir, Lake Gaston is 20,000 acres of pure beauty. People enjoy vacationing all year long for the water sports and swimming.

10. Bay Tree Lake

Bay Tree Lake is 609 acres located on the Coastal Plain of North Carolina. With beautiful blue water and waterborne trees, you’ll want to bring your camera for this one. This is one underdeveloped lake that should be added to your list.

These 10 beautiful lakes in North Carolina are only the tip of the iceberg! There is so much more to see in this state when it comes to lakes, either natural or man-made. You can also join our North Carolina Nature Lovers Facebook group to discover more epic photographs like these and share your own!

Also, if you love natural beauty, you'll thoroughly enjoy the best beaches in North Carolina all in one list.