Attractive lakeside cottages and cabins

Lafitte's Landing Guest Quarters, Uncertain, Texas

There are five cottages featuring high ceilings and spacious bedrooms. Lafitte's is a certified Backyard Wildlife Habitat, so you don't have to go far for bird-watching. Explore the lake on a steamboat, or head to Caddo Lake State Park for night adventures such as Owl Nights and Bat Watches.

Rates: Summer nightly rates range from $559 to $1,899

Lake Placid Lodge, Lake Placid, New York

With 17 cabins sitting along the shores of Lake Placid, the arts-and-crafts-style Lake Placid Lodge offers an exciting summer lake experience. Lakefront cabins come outfitted with hand-built beds and stone fireplaces. Go for a hike, or hit the lake for swimming, fishing, or boating.

Rates: Rates are $120 per night for double occupancy; each additional person is $20 per night.

Lake Crescent Lodge, Olympic National Park, Washington

Its cottages and cabins are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Choose between one-and two-bedroom Singer Tavern Cottages, or stay in the always favored (and often booked) Roosevelt Fireplace Cabins. Spend your days hiking in the surrounding Olympic National Park, or exploring Lake Crescent by boat.

Rates: Nightly rates for cottages and cabins range between $317 and $398.

Tamarack Lodge Resort, Mammoth Lakes, California

It is on the peaceful shores of the Twin Lakes. Choose between recently built Deluxe Cabins and old wood-and-stone cabins. Swimming, fishing, boating, biking, and hiking are popular pastimes.

Rates: Summer cabin rates range from $369 to $999 per night.