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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4.9(619)Crescent Beach Overlook
Wooden viewing deck above the Pacific coast, with expansive sea views & whale sightings possible.
4.9(450)Partington Cove
Small, remote inlet & rugged beach reached by a dirt trail, wooden bridge & tunnel.
4.9(89)Lake Charlevoix
3rd largest lake in Michigan, with many public beaches, parks & activities like sailing & fishing.
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(71)Lake Lure
Surrounded by mountains, this manmade lake is popular for boating, swimming, fishing & hiking trips.
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(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(4,946)Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Scalable sandy bluffs sitting 450 feet above Lake Michigan, popular for panoramic views.
4.8(511)Norris Lake
Scenic reservoir with 809 miles of shoreline for boating, fishing, swimming, hiking & picnic areas.
4.8(234)Priest Lake
Mountain lake with beaches, parks & lodging, plus activities such as boating, fishing & hunting.
4.8(1,505)Vermilion River Reservation: Mill Hollow
Vast park with tree-shaded trails, water access, a settler's cabin with exhibits & a concert stage.
4.8(6,871)San Clemente Pier
This long wooden pier extends into the ocean for sweeping views of the ocean & shoreline.
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