Susan Maphis

Before examining which United States counties have the most lakes, let's cover some background information. The National Association of Counties notes that there are 3,069 county governments within the U.S. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, as of 2022, there are 111,119 total lakes in the U.S. that are at least 2.5 acres in size and at least 3.3 feet deep.

A restorative weekend can take many forms across the South. Soak in the mineral waters of Berkeley Springs, browse galleries and pottery studios in Ocean Springs, or slow down beside the Beaufort River. Mountain towns such as Banner Elk offer cool air and scenic trails, while Fredericksburg pairs Texas Hill Country views with German cuisine and local wineries.

Spread across hundreds of thousands of freshwater lakes, glacial ponds, and winding river basins in the United States, the North American river otter thrives in numerous protected lakes and watersheds nationwide. They are not just found in protected areas, however. River otters have reclaimed dozens of isolated lake ecosystems across the country. River otters prosper in clean water, and favor clear, unpolluted lakes with a rich supply of fish, crayfish, and amphibians.