Are you looking for the perfect way to experience nature and spend quality time with your family and friends? Camping and fishing are the perfect combinations for a memorable outdoor adventure. From the national parks of the United States to stunning lake views, there are plenty of stunning locations for you to spend a weekend.
This guide will cover everything you need to know before planning your next camping trip, from picking the perfect spot to having the necessary equipment and licenses. So grab your camping gear and fishing rod and get ready to explore some of the best lake campsites for fishing.
1. Gull Lake Recreation Area
The Gull Lake Recreation Area offers a fantastic lake campground experience for those looking to go fishing. It is located close to a variety of ice-fishing destinations, making it the perfect spot for winter camping. The campground is small yet provides all the necessary amenities, such as electrical hookups, a shower house, a playground, a boat ramp, picnic tables, and firepits. The grounds are set in a beautiful wooded area, allowing visitors to connect with nature and take in scenic views. The lake is home to a variety of fish, including rainbow trout, and offers the perfect opportunity for visitors to go swimming, fishing, and even panning for gold. The nearby Curlew Lake State Park is also worth exploring due to its wide range of lake activities and wildlife-watching opportunities. Ultimately, The Gull Lake Recreation Area is a great lake campground for fishing with plenty of nearby recreational activities and amenities.
2. Cave Lake State Park
Cave Lake State Park is a great lake campground for fishing due to its 32-acre reservoir, situated at the height of 7,300 feet and five miles southeast of Ely. The park’s facilities include campgrounds, picnic areas, hiking trails, and a boat launch, offering outstanding scenic views and spectacular natural scenery. With plenty of trout in the waters of the reservoir, visitors can bring their fishing poles and enjoy a day out on the lake. There is also plenty of room for boats and other water-based activities. Add in the convenient access via US Highway 93-Success Summit, and you have everything you need for a great lake camping experience.
3. Jenny Lake Campground
Jenny Lake Campground is a great lake campground for fishing due to its proximity to Jenny Lake in the Grand Teton National Park. Located within walking distance of the lake, the campground features 49 individual tent campsites and ten sites designated for hikers and bicyclists, all of which have picnic tables, fire pits, and nearby flush toilets. The Grand Teton National Park offers magnificent landscapes, perfect for outdoor recreational activities such as camping, hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, bird and wildlife watching, and mountaineering. Additionally, fishing is a popular activity at Jenny Lake. With 310,000 acres of park to explore, visitors have the opportunity to find the perfect spot for angling, with a variety of fish species available in the lake, such as Cutthroat Trout, Mountain Whitefish, and Kokanee Salmon. With its convenient location and stunning natural scenery, Jenny Lake Campground is perfect for a fishing getaway.
4. Willow Tree Resort and Campground
Willow Tree Resort and Campground is one of the best lake campsites for fishing as it offers 110 RV sites with full hookups, providing plenty of space to comfortably accommodate large groups of anglers. The resort is located on the South Carolina coast, making it the perfect destination for anyone who wants to be close to the beach. In addition to its convenient location, the resort also offers several amenities to make the fishing experience even more enjoyable, such as swimming pools, a playground, a game room, nature trails, a fitness center, a dog park, a bathhouse, and several outdoor games. Plus, the resort features a water park floating in the lake, giving fishing enthusiasts a chance to cool off during the hot summer days. With many features and amenities, Willow Tree Resort and Campground is the perfect destination for an enjoyable and stress-free fishing vacation.
5. Elephant Butte Lake State Park
Elephant Butte Lake State Park, located near Elephant Butte in New Mexico, is a great lake campground for fishing. The lake covers an area of over 20,000 acres, making it the largest lake in the state, and it has an abundance of different species of fish, including carp, bass, and catfish. The lake also has an impressive depth of up to 80 feet, which makes it a great spot to fish for the more elusive species. The campground offers a variety of amenities, including electric and water hookups, a boat launch, designated picnic areas, and several hiking trails that offer stunning views of the lake and the surrounding area. Elephant Butte Lake State Park has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a peaceful campground or an exciting fishing spot.
6. Lake Havasu State Park
Lake Havasu State Park is an ideal lake campground for fishing due to its proximity to the lake, its vast array of amenities, and its range of fishing opportunities. With 47 campsites on the lake’s shore, this park offers breathtaking views and easy access to the lake for boating, fishing, and kayaking. The park also features picnic areas with tables and fire rings, restrooms with hot showers, flushing toilets, drinking water, and a dump station.
Lake Havasu is home to many different types of fish, such as largemouth bass, panfish, and catfish. The nearby Mohave Sunset Trail offers breathtaking views of the shoreline and the lowland desert, and the Arroyo-Camino Interpretive Garden showcases the park’s diverse flora and fauna. With such a wide range of amenities and recreational opportunities, it’s easy to see why Lake Havasu State Park is an excellent destination for fishing.
7. Lake Ouachita State Park
Lake Ouachita State Park in Arkansas is a great lake campground for fishing because of the abundance of fish and beautiful scenery. Visitors can enjoy fishing in the 40,000-acre lake, which is home to an array of fish species, including bass, walleye, catfish, crappie, and bream. The park also offers excellent angling opportunities from both the shore and from boats. Furthermore, the area is surrounded by stunning mountain vistas, making it even more enjoyable for nature lovers. There are plenty of campsites for both tents and RVs, many of which are equipped with hookups. Visitors can take advantage of the park’s amenities, such as picnic tables, grills, fire rings, and restrooms. Lake Ouachita State Park is an ideal spot for fishing, outdoor activities, and relaxation.
8. Lake Scott State Park
Lake Scott State Park is a great lake campground for fishing, thanks to its abundance of natural beauty and variety of activities available. The park is nestled within the Humboldt National Forest, offering stunning views of the Schell Creek Range. There are plenty of opportunities to explore the outdoors, from hiking trails to picnic areas. The 32-acre reservoir is stocked with rainbow trout, making it a popular spot for anglers. Boating, swimming, and even winter sports like ice fishing and snow sculpting are all available here. Visitors can stay overnight in one of the park’s campgrounds and enjoy the fresh air and starry night sky. With its combination of outdoor activities, spectacular scenery, and abundant fishing opportunities, Lake Scott State Park is an excellent place for a memorable camping trip.
9 Grayson Highlands State Park
Grayson Highlands State Park is an excellent lake campground for fishing due to its impressive natural beauty and numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation. Situated in the Appalachian Mountains in Virginia, Grayson Highlands features the high-elevation Chestnut Ridge Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the mountains and the scenic Laurel Lake and Kiser Lake State Parks. Fishing in Grayson Highlands is a great option, as the area has numerous lakes and rivers fully stocked with trout, bass, and other types of fish. The park also offers various other activities, such as camping, hiking, biking, and kayaking. With its stunning landscapes, peaceful atmosphere, and chance to catch some of the best fish in the region, Grayson Highlands State Park is a premier fishing destination in the Appalachian Mountains.
Lake Campsite fishing tips
- Book a spot early, as most popular campsites fill up quickly during summer.
- Look into renting a boat or other fishing gear, such as rods or tackle boxes.
- Consider shore fishing, although this may not yield the best results.
- If you have the skills and experience, try fly fishing.
- Take a tour or go out fishing with a guide to get the most out of your experience.
- Consider taking a fishing charter for big water fishing opportunities.
- If you’re worried about getting seasick, look for campgrounds with fishing opportunities near barrier islands and estuaries.
- Make sure to bring the proper safety gear and follow all local regulations.
FAQ
What amenities do campgrounds for fishing have?
Campgrounds with fishing opportunities nearby usually have a variety of amenities, including power poles or shore power connections, marinas, docks, boat rentals, bathrooms, showers, a cantina, RV sites, tent sites, activities for kids, and fishing piers, docks, and open areas for shore fishing. Some campgrounds may even offer packages with local marinas for discounted guided fishing trips. Additionally, they may have cabins, lodges, and resorts with rental units, offering a campground feel with the comforts of a home away from home.
How can I rent a fishing rod or boat at a campground?
1. Determine what type of campground you would like to stay at. If you prefer a more primitive setting with fewer amenities, you may not have access to boat rentals or fishing guides. However, you may have access to the fishing rod and boat rentals if you prefer a modern campground with more amenities.
2. Check with the campground to see what type of fishing rod and boat rentals they offer. If the campground doesn’t offer rentals, they may be able to refer you to a local marina or guide service that does.
3. Ask about package deals for discounted guided fishing trips. Some campgrounds may offer deals if you rent a boat from them or a package deal with a local marina.
Inquire about the type of boat and fishing rod rentals they offer. This can range from family-friendly pontoon boats to deep V fishing and ski boats.
Ask about the basics that are included with the rental, such as life jackets, fishing rods, and tackle boxes.
Make sure to ask if the campground offers any sort of insurance package for boat rentals.
What safety precautions should I take when fishing at a campground?
When fishing at a campground, it is essential to take certain safety precautions.
If you are planning on renting a boat, be sure to purchase the added insurance package they offer and wear a life jacket at all times. Before going fishing, checking the local rules and regulations and purchasing a fishing license are essential.
When fly fishing, bring the appropriate safety gear and have a basic understanding of the skills involved. Additionally, it is essential to be aware of the possibility of strong currents and your surroundings.
If you are taking a tour or fishing with a guide, make sure to adequately research the guide and charter and ask for recommendations from other anglers.
When fishing in saltwater, it is essential to check the weather forecast and know the local boating laws. It is also essential to be aware of the tides and how the currents can affect your fishing.
Finally, regardless of your fishing method, it is always essential to bring a communication device and a first aid kit in case of emergencies.
