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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4.8(6,385)Emerald Bay State Park
Landmarked in 1994 for its glacier-carved granite, this park features panoramic views of the lake.
4.8(2,055)Lake Ouachita State Park
Fishing, boating & swimming on a 40,000-acre lake, plus camping, cabins & historic springs.
4.8(546)Lake Chelan
Nature-lovers' resort destination in the mountains with water sports, hotels, hiking & local wine.
4.8(1,222)The Naperville Riverwalk
The "Crown Jewel" of Naperville, this 1.75-mile brick pathway follows the West Branch of the DuPage River past fountains, covered bridges, and outdoor sculpture. Built by community volunteers in 1981 for the city's 150th anniversary, highlights include Paddleboat Quarry, the Dandelion Fountain, a 72-bell Millennium Carillon in Moser Tower, and Centennial Beach — a historic swimming area with sand volleyball. Dogs welcome on leash; bikes and scooters are not permitted on the Riverwalk path.
4.8(2,728)Idaho Falls River Walk - Greenbelt Trail
Expansive green space on the banks of the river, offering benches, sculptures & views of the falls.
4.8(3,871)Riverwalk Park
Classic urban park offering a playground, ice rink, trails, horseshoe pit & a paddle boat pier.
4.8(1,978)Johnson Beach National Seashore
Part of Gulf Islands National Seashore on Perdido Key, Johnson Beach offers miles of pristine, federally protected shoreline near Pensacola. The park features seven accessible boardwalks, pavilions, lifeguards from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and the Perdido Key Discovery Trail — an accessible boardwalk through wetlands, forests, and dunes. One of the longest stretches of protected seashore in the United States, the beach is ideal for swimming, hiking, and birding, with beach wheelchair available upon request.
4.8(2,431)Dells of the Wisconsin River State Natural Area
Long gorge, formed during last ice age, where boaters can observe rock formations & cliffs by boat.
4.8(1,333)Riverbend Park Visitor's Center
The Potomac River cuts through this park which offers hiking, fishing, canoeing & other activities.
4.8(140)Crescent Lake
Hiking & biking on former logging railway routes around a lake with translucent water & campgrounds.
4.8(105)Allegheny Reservoir
Paddling, boating & angling around a lakeshore bordered by a forest laced with hiking trails.
4.8(6,871)San Clemente Pier
This long wooden pier extends into the ocean for sweeping views of the ocean & shoreline.
4.8(150)Rough River Lake
Hiking trails, disc golf, boating & bald eagle spotting around a vast body of water.
4.8(2,201)Morro Rock Beach
City beach featuring the iconic Morro Rock, plus sandy dunes & seasonal lifeguards.
4.8(74)Sharp Park Beach
Beyond its nature trails & coastal views, this scenic beach features a popular fishing pier.
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