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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
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All Lakeside & Riverside Camping

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Lake Anna4.6(717)

Lake Anna

Lake · Virginia
Camping nearby

Fishing, swimming, camping & water sports on a huge reservoir with a public beach.

San Buenaventura State Beach4.6(3,187)

San Buenaventura State Beach

State park · Ventura, California
Camping nearby

Family-friendly state beach with picnic sites, a parking lot, snack bar, bike paths & rental shop.

Shelving Rock Falls4.6(902)

Shelving Rock Falls

Tourist attraction · Fort Ann, New York
Camping nearby

A 50-foot cascade on the eastern shore of Lake George in the Adirondacks, Shelving Rock Falls is reached via an easy half-mile hike through scenic forest along Shelving Rock Creek. Additional small falls and cascades line the trail, with an impressive pool below the main falls. The hike can be combined with a climb to the Shelving Rock Mountain summit or swimming at nearby Shelving Rock Bay and Log Bay. Free parking at nine designated areas; best visited April through October.

Yorktown Beach4.6(2,077)

Yorktown Beach

Beach · Virginia
Camping nearby

A two-acre public beach on the south bank of the York River in historic Yorktown, where American independence was won in 1781. The 1,200-foot beach offers swimming within designated buoys, with free Mobi-Chair rentals for disabled visitors and ADA-accessible Mobi-Mats. Adjacent to Colonial National Historical Park, the beach provides a unique blend of recreation and Revolutionary War history. Metal detecting on sand is permitted, and the waterfront connects to Yorktown's shops, restaurants, and the Riverwalk Landing.

Burke Lake4.6(121)

Burke Lake

Lake · Virginia
Camping nearby

Wooded park around a dam with boat rentals & fishing spots, plus hiking on a lakeside loop trail.

Longview Lake4.6(333)

Longview Lake

Lake · Missouri
Camping nearby

Water sports & boating, plus swimming off sandy beaches with lifeguards, at a manmade lake.

Proud Lake Recreation Area4.6(2,376)

Proud Lake Recreation Area

State park · Commerce Township, Michigan
Camping nearby

State park with campsites, cabins & trails, plus boating & fishing on 2 lakes & the Huron River.

Mirror Lake4.6(39)

Mirror Lake

Lake · Columbus, Ohio
Camping nearby

Surrounded by woods, this celebrated lake is a popular destination for outdoor recreation & picnics.

El Capitán State Beach4.6(1,172)

El Capitán State Beach

State park · Goleta, California
Camping nearby

Beach with sandy shore & rocky tide pools, offering swimming, fishing & surfing.

Refugio State Beach4.6(1,481)

Refugio State Beach

State park · Goleta, California
Camping nearby

Serene stretch of coast & picnicking spot with a snug, basic campground & scenic views.

Seacliff State Beach4.6(4,777)

Seacliff State Beach

Public beach · Seacliff, California
Camping nearby

Versatile state beach offers a variety of outdoor activities such as camping & hiking.

Atwood Lake4.6(304)

Atwood Lake

Lake · Ohio
Camping nearby

Lake featuring a park with a campground & picnic areas, plus 2 marinas serving boaters & anglers.

Alder Lake Park4.6(1,979)

Alder Lake Park

Park · Eatonville, Washington
Camping nearby

Camping park by Alder Dam offering tent & RV sites, boat ramps, a dock & a protected swimming area.

Atsion Lake4.6(270)

Atsion Lake

Lake · Shamong, New Jersey
Camping nearby

Boating, swimming & fishing are popular at this big lake, along with hiking & cross-country skiing.

Park Lake4.6(1,174)

Park Lake

Lake · Santa Rosa, New Mexico
Camping nearby

Recreational lake featuring multiple traditional & bouncy water slides & swimming areas.

Ski Beach Park4.6(1,879)

Ski Beach Park

Park · San Diego, California
Camping nearby

Small island park offering a boat launch, playground, jogging path, picnic space & large grass area.

Rangeley Lake State Park4.6(265)

Rangeley Lake State Park

Park · Rangeley, Maine
Camping nearby

A popular camping destination, this lakefront park also offers hiking, fishing & winter sports.

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