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Best Lakeside & Riverside Camping in America

Find waterfront spots with a campground nearby — wake up steps from the water for swimming, fishing, and paddling.

659+ LocationsTop-Rated Only
CampingSwimmingFishingKayakingCampfires

All Lakeside & Riverside Camping

Page 14 of 28
Whalon Lake4.7(436)

Whalon Lake

Reservoir · Naperville, Illinois
Camping nearbyDog-friendly

Nature park featuring a quarry lake, prairie & wetlands, plus fishing, boating, trails & a dog park.

St. Louis Riverfront4.7(923)

St. Louis Riverfront

Tourist attraction · St. Louis, Missouri
Camping nearbyDog-friendly

Prominent city monument & symbol with a museum & a tram taking visitors 630 feet to the top.

Cobbs Hill Reservoir4.7(92)

Cobbs Hill Reservoir

Lake · Rochester, New York
Camping nearbyDog-friendly

This concrete reservoir on a hill features a fountain, a granite Greek Revival gatehouse & more.

Pier 26 at Hudson River Park4.7(1,654)

Pier 26 at Hudson River Park

Park · New York, New York
Camping nearbyDog-friendly

This pier on the Hudson offers free seasonal kayaking & separate dog runs for big & small pooches.

South Cove Park4.7(958)

South Cove Park

Bay · New York, New York
Camping nearbyDog-friendly

Dog-free waterfront park featuring walkways & quays with scenic harbor views & a relaxed atmosphere.

Washington Lake Park4.7(1,985)

Washington Lake Park

Park · Sewell, New Jersey
Camping nearbyDog-friendly

Green space with an outdoor amphitheater, skate park, dog park & golf course, plus sports fields.

Huntington Beach4.7(13,981)

Huntington Beach

Beach · Huntington Beach, California
Camping nearby

This 3.5-mile stretch of beach & pier draws crowds & hosts pro surfing & volleyball competitions.

St. Croix National Scenic Riverway4.7(2,119)

St. Croix National Scenic Riverway

National reserve · St Croix Falls, Wisconsin
Camping nearby

Scenic park offering camping & hiking plus canoeing, kayaking & fishing on 255 miles of river.

Tuscaloosa River Walk4.7(1,331)

Tuscaloosa River Walk

Park · Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Camping nearby

A 4.5-mile paved trail along the southern bank of the Black Warrior River near downtown Tuscaloosa, the Riverwalk features separate lanes for walkers and bikers, benches, gazebos, hammock-friendly trees, and well-lit street lamps throughout. Dog-friendly areas are scattered along the route, and a splash pad at the Bama Bell dock entertains children. Watch for egrets and University of Alabama rowing teams on the water, and catch a show at the adjacent Tuscaloosa Amphitheater.

Copper Creek Lake Park4.7(625)

Copper Creek Lake Park

Temp Closed
Park · Pleasant Hill, Iowa
Camping nearby

Large park with a lake for fishing & boating, a playground, a picnic/grill pavilion & forest trails.

Bishop’s Beach4.7(526)

Bishop’s Beach

City park · Homer, Alaska
Camping nearby

Natural shore with picnic areas, grills & an entrance to a tidewater trail & nearby visitor center.

Riverwalk4.7(979)

Riverwalk

Park · Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Camping nearby

The Wisconsin Dells Riverwalk follows the scenic Wisconsin River through the heart of "The Waterpark Capital of the World." This paved pathway offers stunning views of the river's famous sandstone formations and connects visitors to downtown restaurants, shops, and attractions. The riverwalk provides a peaceful contrast to the area's bustling waterparks and amusement rides, with benches along the route for taking in the natural beauty of the Dells gorge.

Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site4.7(2,766)

Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site

State park · Tolovana Park, Oregon
Camping nearby

Public area next to Cannon Beach with a playground, restrooms, picnic area & beach access.

Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier4.7(1,673)

Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier

Fishing pier · Pensacola Beach, Florida
Camping nearby

Angling for sailfish & sightings of dolphins from a paid-access pier across 2 gulf shore sand bars.

San Carlos Beach Park4.7(1,562)

San Carlos Beach Park

Park · Monterey, California
Camping nearby

2.87-acre city park offering footpaths, benches, landscaped turf & scenic bay views.

Tips for Visiting Lakeside & Riverside Camping

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Reserve campsites early — waterfront spots book out fastest in summer

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Check whether the campground is first-come or reservation-only

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Pack a bear canister where required and store food safely

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Confirm potable water and fire-ban status before you arrive