Best Lakeside & Riverside Camping in America
Find waterfront spots with a campground nearby — wake up steps from the water for swimming, fishing, and paddling.
All Lakeside & Riverside Camping
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5.0(24)Lower Saranac Lake
A scenic 2,285-acre lake connected to a river popular with canoeists, birdwatchers, hikers & bikers.
5.0(23)Comal Springs
Peaceful natural springs flowing up from the ground, forming pools for wading & swimming.
4.9(1,868)Whitewater Falls
Highest waterfall east of the Rockies, offering 2 overlooks & steep, rugged forest hiking trails.
4.9(4,946)Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Scalable sandy bluffs sitting 450 feet above Lake Michigan, popular for panoramic views.
4.9(76)Green Lake
Tree-lined glacial lake at Green Lakes State Park, with a golf course, swimming & boat rentals.
4.9(65)Lonesome Lake
12-acre mountain lake accessible by hiking trail, with a loop path & year-round hut for overnights.
4.9(619)Crescent Beach Overlook
Wooden viewing deck above the Pacific coast, with expansive sea views & whale sightings possible.
4.9(15)Malad River
The Malad River is a river located within Gooding County, and Oneida County, Idaho, United States, and is a tributary of the Snake River.
4.9(11)Put-in-Bay
Intimate waterside village with historic homes, a marina, shops & other tourist attractions.
4.9(27)Avalanche Lake
9-acre lake between 2 peaks, offering serene surrounding trails with plank bridges & large boulders.
4.9(14)Profile Lake
Small scenic lake with 2 beach launches offering a tranquil setting for kayaking & fly fishing.
4.9(144)Moonstone Beach
Relaxed, secluded beach with rocky tide pools, a boardwalk with scenic overlooks & sunset views.
4.9(15)Lovers Cove
This rocky cove with a tiny, narrow beach is a popular snorkeling & diving destination.
4.9(2,098)Burney Falls
President Theodore Roosevelt called it "the eighth wonder of the world" — Burney Falls is a stunning 129-foot waterfall fed by underground springs that produce 100 million gallons of water daily, maintaining its flow even in the driest months. Located in the 910-acre McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, the falls were designated a National Natural Landmark in 1954. The park offers camping, cabin rentals, boating and kayaking on Lake Britton, swimming, fishing, and 5 miles of streamside trails.
4.9(935)Dells of the Eau Claire River
A 190-acre nature preserve in Marathon County where the Eau Claire River carves through a dramatic rocky gorge of ancient Precambrian rhyolite, creating cascades, waterfalls, and sculpted potholes. Multiple nature trails follow both banks of the river, with a 1.5-mile bridge-to-bridge loop hike. A swimming beach is formed by an upstream dam, and natural swimming holes dot the gorge. Twenty-eight campsites, picnic areas, a playground, and connections to the Ice Age Trail are available. Rated 4.9 stars for good reason.
4.9(2,651)Lake of the Clouds Overlook
One of Michigan's most photographed locations, the Lake of the Clouds Overlook in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park offers a sweeping 180-degree view of the pristine lake nestled in the Upper Peninsula wilderness. Accessible via an extensive boardwalk system (including wheelchair-accessible ramps), the overlook is especially stunning during fall foliage season. The parking area serves as a trailhead for the Big Carp River, Escarpment, and Mirror Lake trails, with a steep path leading down to the lake itself.
Tips for Visiting Lakeside & Riverside Camping
Reserve campsites early — waterfront spots book out fastest in summer
Check whether the campground is first-come or reservation-only
Pack a bear canister where required and store food safely
Confirm potable water and fire-ban status before you arrive