It can be difficult determining the best lakes in a country as large as America. But the people have spoken, and it turns out, California is home to two. Big Bear Lake in San Bernardino County was voted the best lake in the United States by USA TODAY 10Best, in which an expert panel nominates their picks for readers to vote on. It’s a popular destination for visitors eager to get out on the water; Fishing, boating, waterskiing, paddleboarding and summertime swimming are just some of the ways people can enjoy the stunning lake located in the San Bernardino National Forest of Southern California. … But Big Bear Lake isn’t the only body of water in California to make the list of 10 best lakes in the nation. Coming in at No. 10 is the popular Lake Havasu, which straddles both California and Arizona.