The Best Campgrounds on the Water
There are few things better than sunshine and a day camping when the weather is good. If you’re looking to enjoy the great outdoors and wake up to a picturesque body of water, here’s a list of campgrounds on the water crafted specifically to help you get there!
1. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Guadalupe River – Kerrville, TX
Body of Water: Guadalupe River
Nearest Airport: San Antonio International Airport
Water-Related Amenities: Fishing, hot tub, pool, waterpark
Taking home Campspot Awards in Top Campgrounds in the USA, Top Campgrounds for Families, and Top Camping Sites, it’s safe to say you can’t go wrong here. With the nearby Guadalupe River, you won’t have to go far to enjoy a relaxing weekend on the water. Of all the possible campgrounds on the water, this is one of the best places to beat the heat in the entire Lone Star State.
2. Oceanside RV Resort and Campground – Coos Bay, OR
Body of Water: Coos Bay, Pacific Ocean
Nearest Airport: Southwest Oregon Regional Airport, Eugene Airport
Water-Related Amenities: Fishing, waterfront
The Oregon Coast is one of the best places to be in summer. With moderate temperatures, even in the warmer weather, it’s an incredibly comfortable place to be. The lush greenery makes even the most mundane of drives feel like an adventure, and you’re not far from your choice of state and local parks. Did I mention this campground on the water came in number three in both Most Popular Campgrounds in the USA and Top Campgrounds with Views in this year’s Campspot awards?
3. Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort – Mt. Shasta City, CA
Body of Water: Lake Siskiyou
Nearest Airport: Redding Airport, Rogue Valley International Medford Airport
Water-Related Amenities: Beach, boat launch, canoeing/kayaking, fishing, waterfront, waterpark
Lake Siskiyou cracked the top 10 for Most Popular Campgrounds in the USA at the 2022 Campspot Awards, and for good reason. With picturesque views of Lake Siskiyou, Mt Shasta, and the Shasta Trinity National Forest, this campground on the water is a paradise for nature lovers and anyone looking to unplug without sacrificing creature comforts.
4. Pedder Bay RV Resort & Marina – Metchosin, BC
Body of Water: Pedder Bay, Matheson Lake
Nearest Airport: Victoria International Airport
Water-Related Amenities: Boat launch, canoeing/kayaking, fishing, waterfront
If you feel like traveling internationally, you won’t have to head too far. Just across the border from Washington State, you’ll be among some of the most beautiful parts of British Columbia and only a ferry ride from Olympic National Park! If you ever feel like taking a break from this picturesque waterfront, downtown Victoria is less than an hour away.
Book This Picture-Perfect Resort
5. Sun Outdoors Rehoboth Bay – Millsboro, DE
Body of Water: Rehoboth Bay
Nearest Airport: Salisbury Regional Airport
Water-Related Amenities: Beach, canoeing/kayaking, fishing, pool, waterfront
There’s no better place for first-time campers than Sun Outdoors Rehoboth Bay. That’s not just me saying that—it took home first place in this year’s Campspot Awards for Top Campgrounds for First-Timers! You’ll have everything you could need or want at this inviting, accessible resort. Whether you bring your RV or tent is up to you, but you’ll definitely want to check out the cottages they have available on site.
Book This Coastal Camping Spot
6. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Lakes Region – Milton, NH
Body of Water: Northeast Pond
Nearest Airport: Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, Portland International Airport at Pease
Water-Related Amenities: Beach, boat launch, canoeing/kayaking, fishing, hot tub, waterfront
When it comes to campgrounds on the water, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Lakes Region makes a strong case. This place really has it all, taking home the top spot in this year’s Campspot Awards for Top Camping Sites. With every type of campsite imaginable, from tents to luxurious cabins, you’re sure to find your home on the water.
7. The Hideaway Retreat – Navarre, FL
Body of Water: Santa Rosa Sound
Nearest Airport: Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport, Pensacola International Airport
Water-Related Amenities: Canoeing/kayaking, paddle boat, waterfront
Not far behind the Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Lakes Region is The Hideaway Retreat. Coming at #4 in this year’s Campspot Awards for Top Camping Sites, “retreat” is not just a marketing gimmick. This campground revels in the aesthetic of old Florida with a series of white gravel roads guiding you under the shade of the local oak and magnolia trees.
8. Fortland – Portland, ME
Body of Water: Casco Bay Harbor
Nearest Airport: Portland International Jetport
Water-Related Amenities: Canoeing/kayaking, fishing, waterfront
Probably the best name on this list, Fortland is more than just a unique moniker. It came in at #5 in the 2022 Campspot Awards for Top Campground Design. It is quite literally a fort, having been created to preserve the history of this Civil War-era fort. You’ll be able to enjoy the sunsets from the comfort of your yurt or canvas tent, both complete with electricity and luxury queen beds. When you’re ready to leave, you’ll have plenty to do including local museums, observatories, and of course, the obligatory duck tours!
9. American Sunset RV & Tent Resort – Westport, WA
Body of Water: North Bay
Nearest Airport: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Water-Related Amenities: Pool
This Washington coast getaway is open daily all year. With its water activities and proximity to some of the best hikes in Washington, this is the perfect place to stop on a trip to Olympic National Park. If you aren’t heading to the park, this campground is still an ideal getaway, nestled in the quiet central Washington coast.
10. Westward Shores Cottages & RV Resort – West Ossipee, NH
Body of Water: Ossipee Lake
Nearest Airport: Portland International Jetport, Manchester-Boston Regional Airport
Water-Related Amenities: Beach, boat launch, canoeing/kayaking, fishing, paddle boat, waterpark
If you’re looking through lists of campgrounds on the water for the perfect basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts, look no further. In picturesque New Hampshire, you’ll find the perfect mix of getaway and outdoor destination. If you’re looking to get on the water, the nearby marina gives access to great fishing and water-sports. If you’re looking for something more unique, head out to the nearby Lakefront Landing Marina and look for boat rentals!
Book This Boating-Centric Stay
11. Steamboat Park Campground – Jenison, MI
Body of Water: Grand River
Nearest Airport: Gerald R. Ford International Airport
Water-Related Amenities: Fishing, pool, waterfront
Just need a comfortable and enjoyable place to park your rig? While Steamboat doesn’t offer their own cottages, they cater well to travelers and RVers looking for a place to spend a relaxing night or weekend. You’ll have full hookups and all the waterfront views you could ask for.
12. Rodanthe Watersports and Campground – Rodanthe, NC
Body of Water: Pamlico Sound, Atlantic Ocean
Nearest Airport: Norfolk International Airport
Water-Related Amenities: Canoeing/kayaking, fishing, waterfront
If you like to save money on accommodations to spend it on adventure, Rodanthe is the place for you. Catering to families, Rodanthe is the destination for North Carolina travelers looking to keep things simple. You’ll be surrounded by water as you spend your days by the Pamlico Sound and the Atlantic Ocean.
13. Sun Retreats Cape Cod – Dennisport, MA
Body of Water: Cape Cod
Nearest Airport: Martha’s Vineyard Airport, Nantucket Memorial Airport
Water-Related Amenities: Beach, boat launch, canoeing/kayaking, fishing, hot tub, waterfront
Sun Retreats Cape Cod boasts the distinction of being the only campground with “its own private swimming 500-foot beach on the Nantucket Sound.” If that doesn’t entice you, I don’t know what will! With full hookups as well as cottage stays at this campground on the water, you can be as plugged in (or unplugged) as you’d like during your stay.
14. Sun Outdoors Key Largo – Key Largo, FL
Body of Water: Florida Strait
Nearest Airport: Miami International Airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
Water-Related Amenities: Beach, boat launch, canoeing/kayaking, fishing
When it comes to campgrounds on the water, this one means business. Venture to the diving capital of the world and explore the clear blue waters of the Florida Keys. Adventurers looking to nature will never be disappointed staying at Sun Outdoors Key Largo. This relaxing resort has proximity to Florida’s best outdoor destinations and provides all the amenities necessary to relax after a long day of exploration.
Book This Slice of Florida Keys Heaven
15. Camp Valhalla – Nakusp, BC
Body of Water: Summit Lake
Nearest Airport: West Kootenay Regional Airport, Kelowna International Airport
Water-Related Amenities: Beach, boat launch, fishing, waterfront
Valhalla is genuinely a perfect name to describe this British Columbia getaway. You’ll be treated to some of the most magnificent beach and mountain views all in one place. When you’re tired after a long day on the water, you’ll be able to come back to your RV or tent and enjoy all the amenities necessary to keep you well rested and ready for a new day.
Joe Coleman is a freelance travel and outdoor writer based in East Texas. His love for the outdoors started when living near Olympic National Park and has stayed with him ever since. Taking a respite from social media, you can reach him exclusively at joecolemanfreelance@gmail.com.
Photo credit in order of appearance: Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Lakes Region, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Guadalupe River, Oceanside RV Resort and Campground, Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort, Pedder Bay RV Resort & Marina, Sun Outdoors Rehoboth Bay, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Lakes Region, The Hideaway Retreat, Fortland, American Sunset RV & Tent Resort, Westward Shores Cottages & RV Resort, Steamboat Park Campground, Rodanthe Watersports and Campground, Sun Retreats Cape Cod, Sun Outdoors Key Largo, Camp Valhalla