Skip to Content

5 Best Lake Campsites for Large Groups

5 Best Lake Campsites for Large Groups

Are you looking for the perfect campsite to accommodate your large group? Look no further! Here are 5 of the best lake campsites for large groups.

Camping is a great way to get away from it all and enjoy quality time with family and friends. But finding a campsite that can accommodate your large group can be challenging.

Here are 5 of the best lake campsites for large groups:

1. Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, Kentucky

Lake Cumberland State Resort Park is an excellent lake campground for large groups due to its many amenities and activities. The park includes a 4,000-acre state park and open space with a 32-acre reservoir in the Schell Creek Range, close to the Humboldt National Forest. For environment research and photography, it offers advantages, including exceptional beautiful views and breathtaking natural scenery, while offering facilities such as campgrounds, picnic areas, hiking trails, and a boat launch. The park is open year-round and offers activities for all seasons, such as boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, picnicking, camping in summer, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and ice and snow sculpting in winter. With 115 shaded campsites with electricity and water, two Rent-A-Camp sites, and secluded walk-in sites with scenic views of the lake, Lake Cumberland State Resort Park is perfect for large groups looking to explore the beauty of nature while enjoying the outdoors.

2. Lake Wenatchee State Park, Washington

Lake Wenatchee State Park is an ideal lake campground for large groups. It offers spectacular views of the North Cascades and three group campsites, each with a shelter with running water and lights, granite fireplaces, and picnic tables. The park is also situated along the Skagit River and nearby Goat Rocks Wilderness, providing plenty of opportunities for hiking and fishing. Plus, there are multiple playgrounds for kids to climb and swing on and lawn games and ranger programs for everyone to enjoy. And for added convenience, dogs are allowed as long as they’re on a leash. Lake Wenatchee State Park is an excellent choice for large groups, with a maximum capacity of 40 people and a reasonable price of $234-$326/night.

3. Lake George Islands, New York

The Lake George Islands in New York are a popular destination for camping, fishing, swimming, boating, and other recreational activities. The campground, which is close to Lake George’s hamlet, has significant historical value being the location of various military operations throughout the Colonial era. Campers can enjoy a range of activities, such as swimming and sunbathing at Lake George Beach, boating, fishing, and hiking. The self-guided historical interpretive path provides plenty of information about Battlefield Park. There is also a recycling center, trailer dump station, and restrooms with hot showers and flushing toilets.

4. Lake Hope State Park, Ohio

Lake Hope State Park is one of the best places for group camping by the lake. Located in Ohio, this state park offers a variety of amenities for groups, including breathtaking views of the lake, nearby waterfall hikes, ranger programs, and plenty of space for kids to play. Additionally, groups have access to an in-ground swimming pool, a catch-and-release fishing pond, play areas, and river access areas. There are also two modern restrooms and shower blocks, as well as free hot showers. The large group campsites are close to the restroom and shower facilities, and each site comes with its own private fire pit, picnic tables, and parking. With plenty of recreational activities to choose from and many family-friendly events throughout the camping season, Lake Hope State Park is the perfect destination for your next group camping adventure.

5. Lake Ouachita State Park, Arkansas

Lake Ouachita State Park in Arkansas is an ideal lake camping destination for large groups, offering plenty of space and a vast range of activities to keep everyone entertained. With over 9,000 acres of pristine water, Lake Ouachita provides plenty of room for swimming, boating, fishing, and other water sports. Additionally, the area is rich with hiking trails, including the Ouachita National Recreation Trail, the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail, and the Ouachita Mountains Trail, offering over 180 miles of challenging terrain that is perfect for exploration. The park is also home to numerous developed campgrounds for tent and RV camping, some of which remain open year-round. The sites have picnic tables, fire rings, and grills, and some have other amenities, such as electric and water hookups, showers, and flushing toilets. With a wide variety of activities and plenty of space for large groups, Lake Ouachita State Park is the perfect place for a fun and memorable lake camping trip.

Extended Family Group Camping By Lake

What to consider when planning a lake camping trip for a large group

When planning a lake camping trip for a large group, there are several considerations to take into account:

  1. Agree on the type of campground and amenities everyone wants, as well as the types of lodging or campsites ideal for the group.
  2. Create a schedule that includes time for group activities and lots of unplanned time. Also, discuss meal arrangements ahead of time so you know what to expect.
  3. Be mindful that you may need to bring your own linens and towels, depending on the type of accommodations you choose.
  4. Remember that the most crucial part of the experience is having fun, so stay flexible and appreciate the time spent with fellow campers.
Group of multiracial millennial friends using laptop on autumn camping trip to countryside, chatting

FAQ

How much does a group campsite cost?

A group campsite can cost anywhere from $20 per person per night to $25 per person per night, depending on the view and the time of year. There may also be additional fees, such as a reservation fee of $50 (non-refundable) and a 9% Maine lodging tax. Additionally, there is an additional person fee of $5 per person per night for each additional camper beyond 10 (including children). Tent rentals and meals may also be available for an additional cost. Finally, there is a pet fee of $10 per pet, with a maximum of two pets per campsite.

How far in advance do I need to reserve a campsite?

To ensure that you and your group have a campsite, it is best to make reservations six months in advance, if possible. However, you can make reservations for the same day of your arrival up to 11 months in advance. For specific group site reservations, you may need to contact the site directly to make the reservation. Remember that popular campsite fill up quickly, so you should book as early as possible.

How many people can typically be accommodated at the top lake campsites for large groups?

The top lake campsites for large groups can typically accommodate up to 100 people, though the exact number may vary depending on the specific site. Some sites have Adirondack shelters that can accommodate up to 6-8 campers, while others can accommodate up to 50 campers. Some sites can also accommodate camping trailers up to 20 feet, but this is on a case-by-case basis.