Wyoming has a knack for keeping things uncrowded, and that extends to its lakes. As one of the least densely populated states in America, it protects some of the cleanest, clearest water in the Mountain West — often framed by mountain peaks and set inside national parks, forests, and state parks. Drawing on water-quality data from sources like Lakequality.org and the USGS, eight lakes and reservoirs stand out for both clarity and recreation.

The headliner is Yellowstone Lake, sitting at 7,733 feet and ranking as the largest high-elevation lake in North America. Despite sitting on the Yellowstone Caldera with hydrothermal vents beneath it, the water stays remarkably clear — and there's boating, fishing, and backcountry sightseeing cruises on offer.

For pure rankings, Brooks Lake near Jackson Hole is hard to beat: Lakequality.org rates it the second-cleanest lake in the state. It's small at 234 acres, tucked into Shoshone National Forest in the Wind River Range, with the Pinnacle Buttes looming overhead and a forest campground onshore. Nearby, Fremont Lake — Wyoming's second-largest natural lake — remains largely undeveloped, a glacier-carved gem with more than 50 campsites between the water and the mountains. New Fork Lake, a twin lake linked by a narrow channel in the same range, has notably low phosphorus levels and easy access to Bridger Wilderness trails.

Reservoir lovers get options too. Flaming Gorge, straddling the Wyoming-Utah line across 42,000-plus acres, is the state's largest artificial lake and one of the cleanest reservoirs in the country, its blue water set against red rock canyon walls. Closer to the capital, Granite Springs Reservoir in Curt Gowdy State Park is roughly 30 minutes from Cheyenne and a favourite for trout and salmon fishing, with water quality improving in recent measurements. On the North Platte River, Glendo Reservoir offers a sandy swimming beach, perch, bass, and walleye fishing, birdwatching, and some 22,000 acres of state park shoreline. Alcova Reservoir, 36 miles southwest of Casper, pairs clear water with the multicoloured sandstone and limestone bands of Fremont Canyon — a striking backdrop for anglers and paddleboarders alike.

Why it matters: if your idea of a good holiday involves water you can actually see into, Wyoming delivers without the crowds of better-known lake destinations. Most of these spots combine swimming, boating, and fishing with serious hiking and camping, so one base can anchor a whole week. Anglers should target Glendo and Alcova; backpackers should look at the Wind River Range lakes; families wanting facilities and easy access will do well at Glendo or Curt Gowdy. Just pack for altitude — several of these lakes sit near 8,000 feet, where summer days are warm but nights bite.