BehOui

Looking for a good spot for a family vacation this summer. Families from MI and GA will be driving. Idea is to stay in one large house, preferably on a lake. Something quiet, but with a pool, wildlife and civilization (love cute towns) nearby. Struggling to hone in on an area between us. We've tried KY (Lake Cumberland) but aren't big on motorized water sports. Ludington, MI on Lake Michigan is wonderful but we're trying to make the drive from GA more manageable. (Plus, the water is cold!!) A national park nearby is bonus. We enjoy swimming (in the lake for sure, pool is bonus), canoeing, paddle boats, badminton, etc. Any ideas are much appreciated! Ages range from 1 yr to 70 yrs and focus is on relaxing and having fun together as a family. Thanks in advance, we're getting worried we'll miss our window and things will book up!

tomfuller

Look at Lake of the Ozarks MO. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g1...ri-Hotels.html
Plenty of choices and some have pools.

lolotravel86

What about Western NC? We stayed south of Asheville with my family last year. It has everything you are looking for - close to a national park, many quaint towns nearby, lakes, and good hiking/wildlife. We spent an afternoon canoeing on Lake Lure and loved it. Not sure how many vacation rentals are directly on the lake but there are SO many cabin rentals close by.

Gretchen

I know you didn't "say" this but what about the beach around Charleston. Houses available, wild life, great eating. Not a really bad trip from Michigan.

BehOui

Thanks, all! Gretchen, I LOVE Charleston but availability and price are iffy and it'd be a 14 hr drive for the MI fam. And lolotravel86, my husband and I love Asheville as well - Haven't visited any of the NC lakes. I will look into that now. Again, I appreciate it!

starrs

Look at VRBO for rentals on Lake Rabun or Lake Burton in north GA. Crystal clear water and all that you ask for.