Here are ten of the loveliest lakeside towns in Utah, each offering spectacular scenery, outdoor recreation, and local flavor. These towns are located alongside some of Utah’s most impressive lakes and reservoirs, drawing visitors for both water activities and mountain beauty.
1. Garden City (Bear Lake)
Garden City sits on the shores of Bear Lake, known as the “Caribbean of the Rockies” for its turquoise waters. The town hosts the Raspberry Days Festival and is a classic spot for boating, beaches, and lakefront dining.
2. Huntsville (Pineview Reservoir)
Huntsville is nestled beside Pineview Reservoir in Ogden Valley. It’s beloved for kayaking, fishing, and scenic beaches, while nearby Snowbasin Resort and Compass Rose Lodge add year-round interest.
3. Charleston (Deer Creek Reservoir)
Charleston rests near Deer Creek Reservoir, celebrated for windsurfing, boating, and stunning mountain backdrops. The area is also a gateway to hiking in Wasatch Mountain State Park.
4. Dutch John (Flaming Gorge Reservoir)
Dutch John is the main town at Flaming Gorge, famous for deep blue waters surrounded by striking red cliffs. It’s a favorite for fishing, boating, and rafting on the Green River.
5. Salt Lake City (Great Salt Lake)
Salt Lake City sits adjacent to the Great Salt Lake, the largest saltwater body in the Western Hemisphere. Residents and visitors enjoy kayaking, birdwatching, and exploring Antelope Island State Park.
6. Park City (Jordanelle Reservoir)
Park City is just minutes from Jordanelle Reservoir, a prime destination for boating, paddling, and mountain vistas. Park City is also known for its shops, gourmet restaurants, and ski resorts.
7. Provo (Utah Lake)
Provo lies on the edge of Utah Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the U.S.. It’s a hub for boating, fishing, and cultural attractions.
8. Willard (Willard Bay)
Willard’s proximity to Willard Bay provides a quiet escape ideal for boating, camping, and fishing, all under wide open northern Utah skies.
9. Mantua (Mantua Reservoir)
Mantua boasts a peaceful lakefront with easy access to hiking, kayaking, and views of the surrounding mountains.
10. Hideout (Jordanelle Reservoir)
Hideout is near Jordanelle Reservoir and combines lakeside living with mountain recreation, all within reach of Park City’s amenities.
These towns give access to the water—whether kayaking, fishing, paddleboarding, or mountain-biking along the shoreline. Each location pairs outdoor adventure with small-town charm, making them among Utah’s most desirable lakeside destinations.
Sources
(https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/7-most-charming-lake-towns-in-utah.html)
(https://www.redfin.com/blog/lakes-in-utah-to-live-on/)
(https://www.visitutah.com/places-to-go/parks-outdoors/utah-lakes-reservoirs)
(https://www.loveexploring.com/gallerylist/113979/the-most-charming-lakeside-town-in-your-state)
(https://www.reddit.com/r/Utah/comments/1fqahf0/can_you_rank_these_towns_from_most_beautiful_and/)
