The Prettiest Lake Towns in the South You’ve Never Considered

The South is full of stories. You can find them in the drawl of a gas station clerk, in the scent of fried catfish by the water, or in the crumbling columns of an antebellum mansion. But some of the South’s most captivating stories unfold in its lake towns—especially the ones that don’t make the headlines.

While travelers flock to big names like Lake Lanier or Lake Travis, there’s a quieter, more picturesque version of Southern lake life waiting to be discovered. From mountain lakes surrounded by waterfalls to historic towns built along shimmering reservoirs, these are the prettiest lake towns in the South you’ve probably never considered—but should.

Highlands, North Carolina — Lake Sequoyah & Lake Glenville

Tucked high in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Highlands is already a favorite summer escape for those in the know. But even seasoned visitors often overlook the two pristine lakes that grace this mountain town: Lake Sequoyah and Lake Glenville. These serene waters bring an added dimension to Highlands, offering the kind of peaceful beauty that postcards barely capture. Think cozy cabins with porches that open onto still waters, framed by rhododendron blooms and the distant murmur of waterfalls.

Highlands is where cool air lingers even in July, making it the perfect retreat from the Southern heat. Summer days are made for pontoon rides on Lake Glenville, where hidden waterfalls cascade right into the lake. Autumn brings a firework display of foliage reflected on the water. With upscale restaurants, charming inns, and nature trails leading to secluded swimming holes, Highlands is as romantic as it is wild. This is where you go to recharge, to breathe mountain air, and to paddle into a corner of the South that feels almost Alpine.

Eufaula, Alabama — Lake Eufaula

Known to anglers as the “Big Bass Capital of the World,” Eufaula, Alabama hugs the banks of Lake Eufaula—a sprawling 45,000-acre reservoir that glows gold in the afternoon sun. But beyond the water’s edge, this town is a visual feast of preserved antebellum homes, azalea-lined streets, and a downtown that oozes Southern elegance. Its Seth Lore Historic District, perched on a bluff above the lake, offers panoramic views and the kind of old-world architecture that makes you feel like you've stepped into a period film.

Spring is when Eufaula is at its prettiest. The gardens bloom in full force, and the annual Eufaula Pilgrimage draws visitors from across the Southeast to tour the grand, columned mansions that line the streets. Yet even in the quiet of fall or the warmth of summer, the town invites you to slow down. Sit on a wraparound porch, walk the historic streets, or cast a line into the glassy lake—Eufaula is Southern charm, untouched and utterly captivating.

Burnside, Kentucky — Lake Cumberland

Kentucky’s only true lakefront town, Burnside sits on the edge of the vast and winding Lake Cumberland, a place that’s both rugged and welcoming. While its neighbor Somerset gets most of the buzz, Burnside is where lake life feels personal. There’s a rustic, back-to-nature vibe here that’s hard to fake—one that invites you to leave your phone behind and spend the day drifting through hidden coves or watching the stars from a floating cabin.

Lake Cumberland itself is massive, with over 1,200 miles of shoreline that snake through forested cliffs and deep inlets. Burnside is the perfect base for exploring it all, whether you’re kayaking into a shaded bay, hiking the bluffs, or renting a houseboat to sleep right on the water. Late summer and early fall are prime times to visit—crowds thin, the lake stays warm, and the sun sets in soft waves of color over the water. This is Kentucky’s version of a coastal town, minus the salt and crowds.

Hot Springs, Arkansas — Lake Hamilton

You might know Hot Springs for its iconic bathhouses and historic spa district, but take a few steps out of town and you’ll find Lake Hamilton—an often-overlooked stretch of lakefront that turns this quirky mountain town into a true summer playground. The lake winds like a ribbon through pine-covered hills, lined with retro motor lodges, classic boat docks, and homes that practically float over the water.

What makes Hot Springs special is how seamlessly it blends history and recreation. In the morning, you can soak in thermal waters that once healed gangsters and presidents, and by afternoon, you’re tubing behind a boat or sipping sweet tea on a lakeside deck. Spring and early summer are especially beautiful here, when the dogwoods bloom and the lake begins to hum with activity. For a throwback experience, take a dinner cruise aboard the Belle of Hot Springs, a paddle-wheeler that glides past lakefront estates under the stars. It’s all vintage charm with a splash of lakefront luxury.

Natchitoches, Louisiana — Sibley Lake

Step into Natchitoches, Louisiana, and you’ll feel like you’ve wandered onto a movie set. It’s actually the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase, and it shows—from its brick streets and wrought-iron balconies to its famous meat pies and romantic riverwalk. Just beyond the town lies Sibley Lake, a cypress-lined reservoir that locals cherish for its peaceful fishing docks and reflection-perfect sunsets.

Unlike the bayous and marshes that dominate much of southern Louisiana, Sibley Lake offers a quiet contrast—more manicured, more intimate. You can kayak past bald cypress trees draped in moss, then walk into town for a plate of crawfish étouffée and a stroll beneath fairy lights. Winter brings the famed Natchitoches Christmas Festival, when millions of lights turn the lake and town into a Southern snow globe. But spring is just as lovely, with blooming magnolias and lazy lake days that stretch into slow, sultry evenings. If you love history with a side of still water, Natchitoches will steal your heart.

Dadeville, Alabama — Lake Martin

Lake Martin might be one of Alabama’s most beloved bodies of water, but its true soul lies in Dadeville, a quiet lake town where the shoreline feels endless and the weekends buzz with local energy. Dadeville doesn’t try to be flashy—it just is. The town gives you a front-row seat to 750 miles of pristine shoreline, where turquoise swimming holes, island picnics, and cliff-jumping at Chimney Rock are part of everyday life.

This is the kind of place where you can dock your boat at a lakeside diner, order a burger, and feed scraps to ducks under the dock. In summer, festivals bring live music and fireworks, but even in the off-season, there’s a calming stillness here. Families return year after year, claiming their favorite coves and cabins like generational treasure. And don’t forget Goat Island—yes, it’s real, and yes, it’s home to a group of friendly goats who have become local lake legends. Dadeville doesn’t just offer a lake—it offers a lifestyle.

Claremore, Oklahoma — Oologah Lake

Claremore may be best known as the hometown of humorist Will Rogers, but what really makes this northeast Oklahoma town shine is its proximity to Oologah Lake. Just a short drive away, this vast lake stretches into the prairie, its waters rimmed by red earth and rolling hills. Oologah doesn’t feel like a traditional Southern lake—it’s more open, more rugged, and wild in all the best ways.

Fall is arguably the best time to visit. As temperatures cool, bald eagles return to nest along the shoreline, and photographers flock to catch their silhouettes against sunset skies. The lake’s less-developed edges offer great hiking, secluded coves, and a front-row seat to the raw beauty of the Great Plains meeting the water. Claremore’s historic downtown is full of surprises too—from vintage bookstores to cowboy museums—and makes for a perfect base to explore one of Oklahoma’s most scenic stretches of shoreline.

Quick Glance: The South’s Prettiest Lake Towns You’re Totally Overlooking

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best time of year to visit Southern lake towns?

Spring and fall are ideal, with fewer crowds, mild temps, and vibrant scenery. Summer offers more water-based recreation, especially on larger lakes.

Are these lake towns good for families?

Absolutely. Most offer family-friendly rentals, outdoor adventures, and walkable downtowns perfect for all ages.

Can I rent boats or kayaks in these towns?

Yes, many of the lakes listed have marinas or rental shops where you can grab a kayak, paddleboard, or pontoon for the day.

Which lake town is best for a romantic getaway?

Highlands, NC is especially popular with couples thanks to its cozy cabins, waterfalls, and upscale dining.

Are these towns expensive?

These lake towns are generally more affordable than big tourist hubs, with a range of options from rustic cabins to boutique hotels.