Water sports are a great way to enjoy the summer sun, whether you’re swimming, boating, fishing, or just relaxing on the shore. But if you want to really make a splash, why not combine your love of water sports with camping? Plenty of lakeside campsites across the United States offer easy access to all sorts of water-based activities.
Here are 12 of the best:
1. Oleta River State Park, Florida
Oleta River State Park in Florida is a great lake campground for water sports. Its beautiful location on Biscayne Bay provides crystal-clear, shallow waters perfect for kayaking, fishing, and boating. The park offers plenty of amenities, including a full-service marina, a boat launch, and a wide range of aquatic activities, such as fishing, windsurfing, and swimming. The park also features miles of trails, a playground, fishing piers, and picnic areas, making it a wonderful place to spend time outdoors. The Oleta River State Park is located in North Miami, Florida, and is accessible by car, bike, or boat from downtown Miami or South Beach. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful getaway or an exciting day of water sports, Oleta River State Park is the perfect lake campground for you.
2. Cave Lake State Park, Nevada
Cave Lake State Park in Nevada offers a unique camping experience with plenty of recreational activities for water sports enthusiasts. Located in the Schell Creek Range at an elevation of 7,300 feet, the park boasts a 32-acre reservoir and 4,000 acres of serene natural scenery. Highlights of the park include a boat launch, campgrounds, picnic areas, and hiking trails. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, swimming, boating, and other water sports. The scenic views and spectacular natural scenery make Cave Lake State Park an ideal spot for nature study and photography. Visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and snow sculpting in the winter. With its variety of activities, Cave Lake State Park is an ideal lake campground for water sports and outdoor recreation.
3. Chatfield State Park, Colorado
Chatfield State Park, Colorado, is a great lake campground for water sports, thanks to its close proximity to Denver (just 45 minutes away), its wide array of water sports activities, and its stunning views of the Rocky Mountain foothills. On the 880-acre lake, visitors can kayak, fish, boat, paddleboard, and canoe. Boat rentals are also available for those without their own watercraft. Those looking to stay the night can choose from four campgrounds, each with nearly 200 campsites for tents and RVs, complete with a picnic table, grill, and close proximity to the lake. In addition to water sports, visitors can enjoy horseback riding, hiking, biking, hot air balloon rides, and more, making Chatfield State Park the perfect destination for nature and water enthusiasts.
4. Thornhill Broome Beach Campground, California
Thornhill Broome Beach Campground is a great lake campground because it offers a unique combination of beach and primitive camping experiences. Located in Point Mugu State Park, this campground offers over 60 primitive camping spots with water spigots and vault toilets nearby. This campground is perfect for those who want to enjoy early morning surfing, swimming, or simply getting away. Guests will also appreciate the incredible views of the ocean and the sounds of the waves crashing against the shore. The campground is dog-friendly and is the perfect spot for a unique and peaceful getaway.
5. Bonaparte Lake Campground, Washington
Bonaparte Lake Campground is a great spot for water sports, located in north-central Washington in the Ross Lake National Recreation Area. It is situated close to the Canada and US border and offers stunning views of surrounding mountains and glaciers. This campground is ideal for those wishing to enjoy outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. It also has a boat launch, picnic areas, and fire pits. It is the perfect spot to relax and take in the stunning scenery. It is also close to hiking trails and other outdoor attractions.
6. Horsetooth Reservoir, Colorado
Horsetooth Reservoir in Colorado is an ideal lake campground for water sports. With 1,900 acres of public land, there is plenty of space for activities like boating, water skiing, and scuba diving. There are also more than 150 campsites around the lake, some of which are boat-in sites for those looking for an even more unique experience. The full-service marina means all your water sports needs are taken care of, and the 2,040 surface acres of water can accommodate all kinds of boats. The lake is also located just 15 minutes from downtown Fort Collins, so there’s easy access to all the amenities of the city. With its excellent facilities, Horsetooth Reservoir is the perfect place for a fun, safe, and convenient camping trip with lots of water activities.
7. Lake Anna State Park, Virginia
Lake Anna State Park in Virginia is a great lake campground for water sports because it offers a variety of activities to suit all interests and skill levels. The park has a large, 13,000-acre reservoir and a full-service marina and boat ramp, making it ideal for fishing, sailing, windsurfing, motor boating, and kayaking. Along the shore, there are over 400 campsites, many of which have direct access to the lake, allowing you to enjoy all the lake has to offer without having to leave the campground. In addition, there are several trails for hiking and biking and a beach for swimming and sunbathing, providing plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding area. The park also has a visitor center, a camp store, a gift shop, concessions, showers, and other amenities, making it a great place to happily spend your vacation.
8. Clear Lake State Park, California
Clear Lake State Park in Kelseyville, California, is a great lake campground for water sports such as swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. The park offers 149 developed campsites, four campgrounds, two camping sites, a swimming beach with showers, and a marina with available boat launches. Additionally, the lake is 590 acres and has a “no wake” zone along the Cole Creek area and the nearby shorelines, making it perfect for kayakers and canoeists who want a peaceful, serene trip. Furthermore, the lake is surrounded by a stunning backdrop of nature with beautiful peaks, trees, and lush greenery, providing the perfect backdrop to any activity and giving campers the ultimate outdoor experience.
9. Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area, Nebraska
Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area is an ideal lake campground for water sports due to its stunning natural beauty and variety of recreational opportunities. The white sand beaches that surround the lake make for a perfect backdrop for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. The lake is also home to a number of boat ramps and docks, providing easy access to the lake’s crystal-clear waters. Additionally, the visitor’s center includes a theater that plays educational films about the lake and some aquariums, making it an excellent spot for visitors to learn more about the area. Moreover, the nearby campgrounds, Arthur Bay RV Park and Eagle Canyon Hideaway offer comfortable and convenient camping spots for those looking to spend more time in the area. This makes Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area an excellent lake campground for water sports.
10. Pickwick Landing State Park, Tennessee
Pickwick Landing State Park in Tennessee is a great lake campground for those looking to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors without sacrificing modern amenities. Located on the shores of Pickwick Lake, the park has a variety of campgrounds to choose from, including RV campsites, primitive sites, and sheltered sites. The campground features over 150 campsites, each equipped with electric and water hookups, a picnic table, and a fire ring. Guests can also enjoy a variety of recreational activities, such as swimming, fishing, and boating. Additionally, the park is located near various attractions, such as the Shiloh National Military Park, the Historic Rocky Springs Community, and the Natchez Trace scenic byway. With its convenient location, ample amenities, and abundant activities, Pickwick Landing State Park is the perfect spot for a family-friendly camping getaway.
11. Nevada Beach Campground, Nevada
Nevada Beach Campground is a great lake campground for water sports due to its convenient location on the shores of Lake Tahoe. With access to an array of amenities and facilities, this campground is perfect for those looking for a thrilling water sports adventure. From the Recreation and Swim complex, baseball fields, and an ice arena to children’s playgrounds, hiking and biking trails, a Visitor Center, and the Bijou Golf Course, there’s something for everyone. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, paddle-boating, hiking, and mountain biking all within one place. Furthermore, the campground provides full-hook-up sites with picnic areas, tables, fire rings, modern restrooms with hot showers, and RV dump stations for a comfortable camping experience. With all the incredible amenities and activities offered at Nevada Beach Campground, it’s no wonder why it’s such a great lake campground for water sports.
12. Temperance River State Park, Minnesota
Temperance River State Park in Minnesota is a great lake campground for water sports due to its numerous water-based activities and stunning scenery. The park is located along the breathtaking North Shore of Lake Superior, providing an ideal backdrop for a variety of water activities. Campers can take advantage of the park’s canoe launch, fishing pier, and boat launch to explore the lake’s waters. Visitors can also go swimming in the lake’s calm waters, and the lake is ideal for kayaking and canoeing. The scenic river also allows for tubing and snorkeling. Along with its range of water-based activities, the park also offers hiking and biking trails and a network of trails along the river. This makes Temperance River State Park an ideal destination for those looking for a great lake campground for water sports.
FAQ
What are some of the amenities offered at lake campsites?
At lake campsites, a variety of amenities are offered. Depending on the location, you can find full-hookup sites with picnic areas, tables, fire rings, and modern restroom facilities with hot showers. Additionally, there are often bodies of water nearby for swimming, boating, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boating. Other recreational activities may include hiking, biking, and mountain biking. In some cases, there are also playgrounds and other facilities such as a Recreation and Swim complex, baseball fields, and an ice arena. Check with the campground before booking to find out what amenities are available.
What types of hookups are available at lake campsites?
Lake campsites can vary in terms of the types of hookups they offer. Generally, you will find campsites with full hookups, which usually include electric, water, and sewerage services. Some sites may offer electric and water hookups and limited services such as picnic tables, fire rings, and RV dump stations. Some lake campsites offer luxurious amenities such as modern restrooms with hot showers, a camp store, a kitchen, laundry services, complimentary wireless internet, and organized activities. Ultimately, the type of hookups available will depend on the individual campground and the facilities it offers.
What types of activities are available at lake campsites?
Campgrounds near lakes offer a variety of activities, including swimming, boating, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, paddle-boating, hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, picnicking, and more. For a more serene experience, campers can also take in Colorado’s natural beauty and relax by the lake. Visitors can find campgrounds at public parks managed by state, county, or city, and each has its own set of rules.
Are there kayak and canoe rentals at lake campsites?
Yes, there are kayak and canoe rentals available at some lake campsites. For example, Beaver Lakes Campground has canoe and kayak rentals, and other water activities like swimming, fishing, and boating. Indian Lake Islands Campground also offers canoe and kayak rentals and amenities such as fire rings, picnic tables, and pit toilets.