Affordable Lakeside Staycations

New data from vacation rental site Lake.com, is shining a light on the most affordable destinations for U.S. lakeside staycations. After compiling a list of 100 of the largest lakes in the nation, the company used January 2025 data to determine how much a one-night stay for two might cost in the nearest city which it defined as a city within a 25 miles radius of an eligible lake. To get an accurate picture of what travelers might expect to spend, the study used pricing data from Booking.com to determine the average cost of a mid-range, double occupancy room in each destination. Want to know the results? These are the most, and the least, affordable lakeside getaways in the U.S., according to Lake.com.

Most Affordable

Toledo Bend Reservoir, Louisiana

Situated just 23 miles outside Fort Polk South, Toledo Bend Reservoir was named the most affordable lakeside destination in the U.S. with the most affordable hotel stay coming in at $437. According to Lake.com, Toledo Bend is popular among fishermen and fans of fantastic scenery thanks to its world-class bass fishing and serene views.

Kentucky Lake, Kentucky

Coming in at number two was Kentucky Lake, a budget-friendly getaway located just over 23 miles from Paducah. According to the study, the average mid-range hotel stay in this area is $535 per night, and Kentucky Lake is a hot spot for boating, fishing and some good old-fashioned R&R.

Red Lake, Minnesota

Heading to the Midwest, Red Lake in charming Minnesota was named the third-most affordable lakeside escape for domestic travelers. Located eight miles from the city of Bemidji, Lake.com says travelers can expect to spend around $498 per night in this destination which they’ll love for its fabulous fishing and iconic Minnesotan wilderness.

Lake Dardanelle, Arkansas

With the average hotel stay costing $532 per night, Arkansas’ Lake Dardanelle was named the fourth most affordable U.S. destination for a lakeside staycation thanks to its close proximity to Russellville. In addition to its convenient location, Lake.com says Lake Dardanelle is great for families who love outdoor activities with a competitive edge as the region’s annual fishing tournaments are a must-do while in the area.

Grenada Lake, Mississippi

Finally, Lake.com found the fifth most affordable domestic lakeside escape was Grenada Lake, a scenic spot known for its crappie fishing and beautiful surroundings. Grenada Lake is located three miles outside the city by the same name, and the average one-night hotel stay is $549.

Least Affordable

Conversely, the study named the five least affordable U.S. lakeside getaways too, finding the following lakes to be the most expensive for a one-night retreat: Lake Martin in Alabama; Lake Tahoe in Nevada; Lake Pend Oreille in Idaho; Cedar Creek Lake in Texas and Lake George in Florida. According to Lake.com, the average visit to Lake Martin — the most expensive lake — comes in around $2,706 per night. Similarly, Lake Tahoe averaged $1,928 per night, Lake Pend Oreille $1,897 per night, Cedar Creek Lake $1,789 per night and Lake George $1,634 per night.

“The figures reveal a stark contrast in the affordability of lakeside getaways, highlighting how costs are influenced by location, amenities, and popularity,” said David Ciccarelli, CEO of Lake.com. “High-end destinations like Lake Martin and Lake Tahoe cater to affluent travelers with luxurious accommodations and expensive experiences, while more affordable options like Toledo Bend Reservoir and Kentucky Lake prove that breathtaking natural beauty and outdoor recreation don’t have to come with a hefty price tag. This variety ensures that lakeside vacations can cater to both luxury seekers and budget-conscious adventurers alike.”

Despite their high averages, each of the five most-costly lakes met the study’s proximity guideline as they’re all 25 miles or less from the nearest city with Lake Martin being 10 miles from Alexander City; Lake Tahoe 17 miles outside Carson City; Lake Pend Oreille 15 miles from Sandpoint; Cedar Creek Lake 21 miles from Athens and Lake George 23.9 miles from Palatka.