Summary
Florida boasts the longest coastline in the United States, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Straits of Florida. The majority of the state is situated on a peninsula at sea level, with Britton Hill being its highest point at 105 meters. In fact, Florida is recognized as the flattest state in the nation.
The Florida peninsula is primarily composed of karst limestone sitting atop bedrock, featuring numerous springs, sinkholes, and underwater caves. Additionally, the state is home to a multitude of lakes and reservoirs, many of which drain into surrounding rivers and bodies of water.
Let us examine the most notable lakes in Florida:
1. Lake Kissimmee
Situated in the Lake Kissimmee State Park, Lake Kissimmee is renowned for its exceptional wildlife. Species such as white-tailed deer, bald eagles, ospreys, bobcats, and alligators inhabit the park and the expansive 141-square-kilometer lake.
This lake is well-regarded for its outstanding birdwatching opportunities, in addition to offering some of the premier fishing experiences in Florida. Fishing and leisure boating enthusiasts will find multiple boat ramps around the lake, alongside numerous campsites.
A variety of recreational options are available for visitors, including equestrian trails, hiking trails, picnic tables, and playgrounds, as well as restroom facilities. While Lake Kissimmee is a sought-after wedding venue, the wildlife remains its primary attraction.
2. Lake Tohopekaliga
Commonly known as Lake Toho, this lake is famed for its birdwatching and fishing opportunities, being a habitat for waterfowl and trophy bass. A variety of alligators, turtles, and other local wildlife can also be found here.
The west end of the lake features playgrounds and picnic tables, along with a marina for launching and storing boats. Additionally, a hiking trail is available for those wishing to explore the natural surroundings.
Lake Tohopekaliga is the largest lake in Osceola County, covering approximately 92 square kilometers, making it one of the largest lakes in all of Florida.
3. Lake Harris
Stretching across 55 square kilometers, this lake is the largest in the Harris Chain of Lakes within the Upper Ocklawaha River Basin, despite its irregular shape.
The Leesburg International Airport is located on the northeastern shore of Lake Harris, surrounded by scenic sand hills and cypress, enhancing the lake’s picturesque setting.
Lake Harris is a favored destination for boating and fishing, particularly water skiing, and it is flanked by campgrounds and recreational areas.
4. Lake Eola
Lake Eola is located in Downtown Orlando within Lake Eola Park. Several attractions, including the Disney Amphitheatre, a Chinese pagoda, and a playground, line the lake’s 1,369-mile shoreline.
This small lake is particularly known for its fountain, which is illuminated at night, creating a breathtaking display. Visitors often enjoy paddle boating during the day and evening when the fountain adds to the ambiance.
Established in 1888 by Orlando resident Jacob Summerlin, the surrounding park has expanded over time to include a paved patio, wide sidewalks, a welcome center, and a gift shop.
5. Lake Okeechobee
Known colloquially as the ‘Big O’, Lake Okeechobee is the largest freshwater lake in Florida, spanning over 700 square miles. The lake extends across five counties and showcases breathtaking scenery throughout.
The term Okeechobee derives from Hitchiti words meaning water and big, dating back to the 16th century. Today, this vast lake is a renowned fishing destination, especially for largemouth bass and crappie.
Lake Okeechobee is situated along the Florida National Scenic Trail, offering excellent opportunities for hiking and cycling. It is also a popular vacation spot featuring cottages for rent and campgrounds for tent or RV stays.
6. Lake Talquin
Encircled by rolling hills and ravines, Lake Talquin is a picturesque lake that supports a diversity of wildlife, including squirrels, wild turkeys, alligators, bald eagles, and whitetail deer. It also serves as a favored location for fishing, yielding largemouth bass, crappie, and pickerel.
Lake Talquin is associated with the Florida State University Crew Club, and its shoreline includes the Lake Talquin State Forest and Rock Bluff Recreation Area, making it ideal for boating, sailing, and canoeing amidst stunning landscapes.
Located approximately 15 kilometers west of Tallahassee, Lake Talquin was established in 1927 alongside the construction of the Jackson Bluff Dam, with much of the lake now dedicated to recreational use.
7. Lake Istokpoga
Lake Istokpoga, located in Florida’s Highlands County, is a freshwater lake favored for fishing and boating, with numerous fish camps dotting its periphery.
This rectangular lake is the fifth largest in the state, although it is relatively shallow. Nevertheless, boaters find joy in navigating its waters, with bass and pontoon boats being the preferred choice for cruising.
Surrounding Lake Istokpoga are five boat ramps, two parks, and several camping grounds, making it an excellent destination for an extended stay. Various rental houses offer additional comfort for visitors.
8. Crescent Lake
Nestled in North Central Florida, Crescent Lake is a largely undeveloped freshwater lake that features stunning natural beauty. This long and narrow lake is bordered by palm trees and cypress swamps.
Crescent Lake is recognized for its black crappie, making it a sought-after fishing destination. Other species, including catfish, striped bass, and black bass, inhabit the waters, while various bird species such as eagles, egrets, ospreys, and herons are frequently observed around the area.
Fishing camps offer facilities that include boat ramps and lodging, establishing Crescent Lake as a prime vacation location. The east side of the lake is home to the Alligator, a steamboat that sank in 1909.
9. Lake Eustis
Lake Eustis is a spring-fed lake located just west of the city of Eustis in Central Florida. This scenic lake is surrounded by several communities, including Los Vegas, Haines Creek, and Tavares.
Notably home to the Lake Eustis pupfish, a species classified as a special concern by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the lake also supports a diverse range of bass, making it a popular fishing venue.
Sailing is a prominent activity at Lake Eustis, which is home to a sailing club that conducts annual regattas and provides lessons as well as camping facilities.
10. Lake Seminole
This freshwater lake ranks as the second largest in Pinellas County, covering just under three square kilometers. Originally an estuary, the lake transformed in the 1940s when the upper section of Long Bayou was closed.
Activities such as water skiing, jet skiing, fishing, and boating are popular among visitors to Lake Seminole. A county park connected to the lake offers year-round access.
Families and nature enthusiasts frequently visit the lake, which features a hiking trail, volleyball courts, a softball field, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and restroom facilities. A boat ramp is also available within the county park.
11. Newnans Lake
Newnans Lake is a protected area known for its rich wildlife, including fox, otters, white-tailed deer, and various snake species. It is also home to an array of birds, making it a favored location for birdwatchers.
The historic Lake Pithlachocco Canoe Site is located on the northeast shore, while the surrounding area offers opportunities for hiking, cycling, picnicking, and horseback riding. Fishing is another popular activity at Newnans Lake.
This two-kilometer-wide lake is situated just east of Gainesville in North Central Florida and is easily accessible by road, featuring multiple parking areas, including a boat ramp in its southern region.
12. Blue Cypress Lake
Blue Cypress Lake, measuring nearly nine square kilometers, is the largest lake in Florida’s Treasure Coast region. It is known as the starting point of St. John’s River and is home to the well-known Middleton’s Fish Camp.
Middleton’s Fish Camp, the sole fish camp at Blue Cypress Lake, offers boat rentals and ramps, in addition to cabins, camping facilities, and a picnic area, complemented by a bait shop and snack shop with public restrooms.
Initially named Lake Wilmington, Blue Cypress Lake is located 18 kilometers west of Fellsmere and is easily reachable by road, with the nearby city of Palm Bay enhancing its accessibility.
13. Lake June in Winter
Located on the west side of Lake Placid, Lake June in Winter is a kidney-shaped lake bordered by the Lake June in Winter Scrub State Park. The park occupies the entire west side of the lake and features trails and shaded picnic spots.
A sports complex, softball diamonds, and a public beach are located within the park, as well as a boat ramp for visitors with their own boats or canoes. Additionally, H.L. Bishop Park, located on the opposite side, includes picnic tables, a boat ramp, and a fishing dock.
Two canals connect Lake June in Winter to nearby lakes, including Lake August, with Lake Henry and Lake Lachard also in close proximity.
14. Lake Parker
Lake Parker ranks as one of the most frequented lakes in Lakeland for recreational activities. Fishing and boating are prevalent pursuits at this lake, teeming with bluegill, largemouth bass, and crappie.
As the largest lake in Lakeland, Lake Parker lies to the northeast of the city and is surrounded by parks and green areas, serving as the starting point of the Lake-To-Lake Trail, which concludes at Lake John.
There are three boat ramps along the lake’s shoreline, in addition to a city ramp situated on the western shore of the 8.8 square kilometer lake. It holds ecological significance, as it drains into the Peace River and Saddle Creek.
15. Lake Iamonia
Dating back to the Early Pleistocene, Lake Iamonia is a remarkable body of water formed through glacial retreats. Numerous fossils, including those of ancient horses, dogs, and camels, have been discovered both in and around the lake.
Located in the Red Hills region of North Florida near the Georgia state line, Lake Iamonia is flanked by the Tall Timbers Research Station and Land Conservancy to the north, while several developments occupy the southern side.
This lake is a refuge for a wide array of wildlife, including beavers, coyotes, red foxes, nine-banded armadillos, snapping turtles, and alligators. It also contains numerous fish species, making it an appealing location for fishing.
