Lakeside Parks & Wilderness Campgrounds
US Lake Camping Guide: Lakeside State Parks & Campgrounds
Discover the finest waterfront tent sites, RV campgrounds, island wilderness camping, and state park recreation areas on lakes across the United States.
Lake Lanier
Georgia • Elevation: 1,071 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Lake Lanier Islands, Don Carter State Park, Buford Dam Park, Mary Alice Beach Park, Sawnee Campground
Recreation: Boating, Fishing, Swimming, Camping, Kayaking, Hiking, Sailing, Paddleboarding
Lake Tahoe
California • Elevation: 6,225 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Emerald Bay State Park, D.L. Bliss State Park, Ed Z'berg Sugar Pine Point State Park, Sand Harbor State Park
Recreation: Boating, Sailing, Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Fishing, Swimming, Hiking, Scuba Diving, Snow Skiing
Crater Lake
Oregon • Elevation: 6,178 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Crater Lake National Park, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Winema National Forest
Recreation: Scenic Touring, Hiking, Boat Tours, Scuba Diving, Snowshoeing, Photography
Lake Mead
Nevada • Elevation: 1,065 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Valley of Fire State Park, Spring Mountain Ranch State Park
Recreation: Boating, Fishing, Houseboating, Water Skiing, Kayaking, Camping, Scuba Diving
Lake Powell
Utah • Elevation: 3,600 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Rainbow Bridge National Monument, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
Recreation: Houseboating, Canyon Kayaking, Wakeboarding, Fishing, Canyoneering, Water Skiing, Camping
Lake Superior
Michigan • Elevation: 600 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Isle Royale National Park, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Recreation: Commercial & Sport Fishing, Sea Kayaking, Sailing, Scuba Diving (Shipwrecks), Lighthouse Touring, Coastal Hiking
Lake Michigan
Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana • Elevation: 577 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Indiana Dunes National Park, Illinois Beach State Park, Millennium Park / Chicago Lakefront Trail
Recreation: Sailing, Sport Fishing, Beachgoing, Kayaking, Cruising, Power Boating, Windsurfing
Lake Erie
Ohio • Elevation: 571 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Catawba Island State Park, Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, Presque Isle State Park, Cedar Point Beach
Recreation: Walleye & Smallmouth Bass Fishing, Boating, Ferry Touring, Sailing, Birding, Beachcombing
Lake Huron
Michigan • Elevation: 577 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Mackinac Island State Park, Tawas Point State Park, Port Crescent State Park
Recreation: Shipwreck Diving, Sport Fishing, Sailing, Lighthouse Touring, Camping, Kayaking
Lake Ontario
New York • Elevation: 243 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Chimney Bluffs State Park, Fair Haven Beach State Park, Fort Niagara State Park, Selkirk Shores State Park
Recreation: Trophy Salmon Trolling, Power Boating, Sailing, Kayaking, Camping, Apple Orchard Coastal Touring
Great Salt Lake
Utah • Elevation: 4,198 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Antelope Island State Park, Great Salt Lake State Park, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
Recreation: Birdwatching (Over 7.5 million migratory birds), Sailing, Wildlife Photography, Kayaking, Bison Viewing on Antelope Island
Lake Okeechobee
Florida • Elevation: 15 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail (LOST), Pahokee State Park, Fisheating Creek Outpost
Recreation: Trophy Bass Fishing, Airboating, Birdwatching, Cycling the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail, Duck Hunting
Flathead Lake
Montana • Elevation: 2,893 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Wild Horse Island State Park, Flathead Lake State Park (Wayfarers, Finley Point, Yellow Bay), Glacier National Park (45 miles north)
Recreation: Boating, Sailing, Cherry Picking, Island Exploration, Trophy Trout Fishing, Kayaking, Camping
Lake Chelan
Washington • Elevation: 1,100 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Lake Chelan State Park, Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park, North Cascades National Park, Lake Chelan National Recreation Area
Recreation: Boating, Wine Tasting (Lake Chelan AVA), Water Skiing, Kayaking, Hiking to Stehekin, Fishing
Lake Pend Oreille
Idaho • Elevation: 2,062 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Farragut State Park, City Beach Park, Round Lake State Park
Recreation: Boating, Sailing, Trophy Kamloops Rainbow Trout Fishing, Kayaking, Hiking, Scuba Diving
Lake Champlain
Vermont • Elevation: 98 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Grand Isle State Park, Button Bay State Park, Cumberland Bay State Park, Ausable Point State Park
Recreation: Bass Fishing Tournaments, Sailing, Sea Kayaking, Historic Fort Touring, Island Biking, Swimming
Lake of the Ozarks
Missouri • Elevation: 659 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Lake of the Ozarks State Park (Missouri’s largest state park), Ha Ha Tonka State Park (Castle ruins & natural bridge)
Recreation: Power Boating, PWC / Jet Skiing, Bass & Crappie Fishing, Lakeside Dining, Waterfront Golf, Houseboating
Lake Ouachita
Arkansas • Elevation: 578 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Lake Ouachita State Park, Ouachita National Forest, Hot Springs National Park (15 miles east)
Recreation: Striped Bass Fishing, Scuba Diving (Clear water dive trails), Houseboating, Island Wilderness Camping, Kayaking, Hiking the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT)
Lake Texoma
Texas • Elevation: 617 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Eisenhower State Park (TX), Lake Texoma State Park (OK), Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge
Recreation: Striped Bass Guided Fishing, Sailing, Power Boating, Island Camping, Equestrian Trails, Water Skiing
Yellowstone Lake
Wyoming • Elevation: 7,732 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park (south)
Recreation: Scenic Boating Tours, Kayaking (West Thumb & backcountry), Fly Fishing for Cutthroat Trout, Geothermal Basin Walking, Wildlife Viewing
Lake George
New York • Elevation: 320 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Adirondack Park Forest Preserve, Lake George Battlefield Park, Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway
Recreation: Island Camping, Historic Steamboat Cruises, Speed Boating, Scuba Diving (Historic shipwrecks), Parasailing, Hiking Black Mountain
Lake Winnebago
Wisconsin • Elevation: 748 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: High Cliff State Park, Menominee Park & Zoo, Lakeside Park
Recreation: Winter Sturgeon Spearing, Walleye Tournaments, Sailing, Windsurfing / Kitesurfing, Ice Boating, Power Boating
Kentucky Lake
Kentucky • Elevation: 359 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Kenlake State Resort Park
Recreation: Crappie Fishing, Bass Tournaments, Sailing, Cruising the Great Loop, Camping, Bison Viewing at LBL
Lake Cumberland
Kentucky • Elevation: 723 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, General Burnside State Park, Daniel Boone National Forest
Recreation: Houseboating, Striped Bass Fishing, Cliff Jumping / Diving, Wakeboarding, Cove Raft-Ups, Camping
Lake Hartwell
South Carolina • Elevation: 660 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Lake Hartwell State Park (SC), Sadlers Creek State Park (SC), Tugaloo State Park (GA)
Recreation: Bassmaster Tournament Fishing, Boating to Clemson Football Games, Wakeboarding, Camping, Sailing, Kayaking
Lake Norman
North Carolina • Elevation: 760 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Lake Norman State Park, Jetton Park, Ramsey Creek Beach, Beatty’s Ford Park
Recreation: Sailing & Regattas, Wake Surfing, Bass Tournaments, Waterfront Dining, Kayaking, Paddleboarding
Toledo Bend Reservoir
Louisiana • Elevation: 172 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: North Toledo Bend State Park, South Toledo Bend State Park, Sabine National Forest (TX side)
Recreation: Trophy Bass Fishing (Lunker Program), Crappie Fishing, Duck Hunting, Boating through Marked Boat Lanes, Camping
Lake Sakakawea
North Dakota • Elevation: 1,837 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Lake Sakakawea State Park, Fort Stevenson State Park, Garrison Creek Recreation Area
Recreation: Walleye & Northern Pike Fishing, Sailboating, Badlands Camping, Salmon Trolling, Water Skiing
Lake Oahe
South Dakota • Elevation: 1,607 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Oahe Downstream Recreation Area, West Whitlock Recreation Area, Cow Creek Recreation Area
Recreation: Trophy Walleye Fishing, Salmon Downrigging, Camping along Prairie Bluffs, Hunting Waterfowl, Boating
Lake Mille Lacs
Minnesota • Elevation: 1,250 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Father Hennepin State Park, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park (National Historic Landmark)
Recreation: Winter Ice Fishing & Ice House Towns, Championship Smallmouth Bass Fishing, Walleye Trolling, Kiteboarding, Snowmobiling
Lake Minnetonka
Minnesota • Elevation: 929 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Lake Minnetonka Regional Park, Big Island Nature Park, Gale Woods Farm
Recreation: Cruising & Raft-Ups at Cruiser’s Cove, Sailing Regattas (Minnetonka Yacht Club), Bass & Muskie Fishing, Lakeside Fine Dining, Paddleboarding
Lake Havasu
Arizona • Elevation: 450 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Lake Havasu State Park, Cattail Cove State Park, Havasu National Wildlife Refuge (Topock Gorge)
Recreation: High Performance Power Boating, London Bridge Touring, Bassmaster Tournaments, Cliff Diving in Copper Canyon, Houseboating, PWC Racing
Lake Winnipesaukee
New Hampshire • Elevation: 504 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Ellacoya State Park, Weirs Beach, Abenaki Tower Preserve
Recreation: Historic M/S Mount Washington Cruises, Lake Regattas, Island Exploring, Smallmouth Bass & Salmon Trolling, Water Skiing, Winter Ice Fishing
Elephant Butte Reservoir
New Mexico • Elevation: 4,407 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Elephant Butte Lake State Park, Caballo Lake State Park (south)
Recreation: Boating, Striped Bass & Catfish Fishing, Sandy Beach Camping, Jet Skiing, Sailing, Geologic Hiking
Lake McConaughy
Nebraska • Elevation: 3,265 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area, Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area
Recreation: White Sand Beach Camping, Trophy Walleye Fishing, Windsurfing / Kitesurfing, Sailing, Power Boating, Birding for Piping Plovers
Bear Lake
Utah • Elevation: 5,924 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Bear Lake State Park (Utah), Bear Lake State Park (Idaho - North Beach), Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Recreation: Raspberry Shake Touring (Garden City), Boating & Water Skiing, Winter Cisco Dipping, Paddleboarding, Scuba Diving
Lake Clark
Alaska • Elevation: 220 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Lake Clark National Park & Preserve, Katmai National Park (south)
Recreation: Brown Bear Viewing, Floatplane Fly-In Fishing, Wilderness Kayaking, Backpacking, Cabin Retreat (Richard Proenneke Historic Cabin)
Lake Crescent
Washington • Elevation: 580 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Olympic National Park, Olympic National Forest
Recreation: Kayaking & Canoeing, Hiking the Marymere Falls Trail, Historic Lake Crescent Lodge Stays, Scenic Driving on Highway 101, Trout Catch-and-Release
Lake Guntersville
Alabama • Elevation: 595 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Lake Guntersville State Park, Buck's Pocket State Park, Cathedral Caverns State Park
Recreation: Bassmaster Tournament Angling, Eagle Watching Weekends, Waterfront Golf, Boating & Water Skiing, Duck Hunting
Summersville Lake
West Virginia • Elevation: 1,652 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Summersville Lake State Park (WV's newest state park), Battle Run Campground, New River Gorge National Park & Preserve (nearby)
Recreation: Scuba Diving (Submerged rock formations & wrecks), Rock Climbing & Bouldering (Deep water soloing), Cliff Boating, Kayaking Long Point, Whitewater Access to Gauley River
Blue Mesa Reservoir
Colorado • Elevation: 7,519 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Curecanti National Recreation Area, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (adjacent), Elk Creek Campground
Recreation: Boating, Kokanee Salmon Fishing, Lake Trout Trolling, Windsurfing, Camping, Hiking Dillon Pinnacles, Ice Fishing
Candlewood Lake
Connecticut • Elevation: 429 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Squantz Pond State Park, Candlewood Town Park, Lynn Deming Park
Recreation: Power Boating, Waterskiing & Wakeboarding, Tournament Bass Fishing, Sailing, Scuba Diving, Kayaking
Lums Pond
Delaware • Elevation: 52 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Lums Pond State Park, Go Ape Zipline Course, Swamp Forest Trail
Recreation: Canoeing & Kayaking, Stand-Up Paddleboarding, Bank Fishing, Rowboating, Camping, Zipline & Treetop Adventure
Lake Wawasee
Indiana • Elevation: 859 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Wawasee Wetlands Sanctuary, Conklin Bay Boardwalk, Lake Wawasee Yacht Club
Recreation: Boating, Sailing & Regattas, Water Skiing, Bass Fishing, Sandbar Socializing, Ice Boating & Ice Fishing
Lake Monroe
Indiana • Elevation: 538 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Hoosier National Forest, Paynetown State Recreation Area, Fairfax State Recreation Area
Recreation: Boating, Houseboating, Walleye & Bass Fishing, Camping, Hiking, Eagle Watching, Swimming Beaches
Spirit Lake
Iowa • Elevation: 1,400 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Mini-Wakan State Park, Elinor Bedell State Park, Pikes Point State Park
Recreation: Walleye & Muskie Fishing, Ice Fishing, Pontoon Boating, Sailing, State Park Camping, Biking Trails
Lake Red Rock
Iowa • Elevation: 742 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Lake Red Rock State Park, North Overlook Beach & Park, Cordova Park Observation Tower
Recreation: Boating & Sailing, Birding (White Pelicans & Eagles), Crappie & Catfish Fishing, Volksweg Biking Trail, Paddling Red Rock Water Trail
Milford Lake
Kansas • Elevation: 1,144 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Milford State Park, Milford Nature Center & Fish Hatchery, Steve Lloyd Refuge
Recreation: Trophy Catfishing, Power Boating & Jet Skiing, Sailboat Racing, Milford State Park Camping, Equestrian Trails, Hunting & Wildlife Observation
Moosehead Lake
Maine • Elevation: 1,024 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Lily Bay State Park, Mount Kineo State Park, Big Moose Mountain Scenic Area
Recreation: Wilderness Boating & Cruising, Steamship Katahdin Cruises, Trophy Salmon Trolling, Mount Kineo Hiking, Moose Safaris & Wildlife Photography, Floatplane Tours
Deep Creek Lake
Maryland • Elevation: 2,462 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Deep Creek Lake State Park, Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center, Swallow Falls State Park (nearby)
Recreation: Power Boating & Sailing, Wisp Ski & Golf Resort Access, Walleye & Bass Fishing, State Park Swimming Beach, Whitewater Course at ASCI (nearby), Paddleboarding
Quabbin Reservoir
Massachusetts • Elevation: 530 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Quabbin Observation Tower, Enfield Lookout, Quabbin Visitor Center (Belchertown)
Recreation: Regulated Motorboat Fishing (designated areas), Shore Fishing, Wildlife & Bald Eagle Observation, Hiking Forest Access Roads, Bicycle Touring Quabbin Tower
Ross Barnett Reservoir
Mississippi • Elevation: 297 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Lakeshore Park, Pelican Point Park, Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail
Recreation: Tournament Bass & Crappie Fishing, Power Boating & Sailing, Natchez Trace Parkway Scenic Drives, Paddling Pelahatchie Bay, Disc Golf & Waterfront Camping
Lake Hopatcong
New Jersey • Elevation: 924 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Hopatcong State Park, Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum, Byram Cove
Recreation: Power Boating & Sailing, Muskie & Bass Fishing, Wakeboarding & Waterskiing, Lakeside Restaurant Docking, Ice Fishing & Winter Sports, Historical Morris Canal Tours
Lake Eufaula
Oklahoma • Elevation: 585 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Lake Eufaula State Park, Arrowhead State Park, Carlton Landing Town Beach
Recreation: Boating & Cruising, Tournament Crappie & Bass Fishing, Sandy Beach Swimming, Houseboat Vacations, Lake Eufaula State Park Yurts & Camping, ATV Riding at Carlton Landing
Raystown Lake
Pennsylvania • Elevation: 786 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Seven Points Recreation Area, Ridenour Overlook, Hawn's Overlook, Trough Creek State Park (nearby)
Recreation: Striped Bass Trophy Trolling, Houseboating & Pleasure Cruising, Mountain Biking Allegrippis Trails, Cliff Overlook Hikes, Scuba Diving Submerged Structures, Seven Points Marina Watersports
Scituate Reservoir
Rhode Island • Elevation: 284 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Gainer Memorial Dam Overlook, Scituate Reservoir Watershed Forest, Peep Toad Contemplative Area
Recreation: Scenic Road Touring, Route 102 Bridge Overlook Views, Watershed Forest Birding, Foliage Photography
Reelfoot Lake
Tennessee • Elevation: 282 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Reelfoot Lake State Park, Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge, R.C. Donaldson Memorial Boardwalk
Recreation: Winter Bald Eagle Tours, Cypress Swamp Kayaking, Crappie & Bluegill Fishing, Airboat Eco-Tours, Waterfowl Hunting, Boardwalk Nature Walks
Norris Lake
Tennessee • Elevation: 1,020 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Norris Dam State Park, Big Ridge State Park, Chuck Swan State Forest
Recreation: Wakeboarding & Waterskiing, Trophy Smallmouth & Striped Bass Fishing, Houseboating, Norris Dam State Park Hiking, Cliff Jumping & Island Exploration
Smith Mountain Lake
Virginia • Elevation: 795 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Smith Mountain Lake State Park, Smith Mountain Lake Community Park, Bridgewater Plaza
Recreation: Striped Bass Guided Fishing, Power Boating & Wake Surfing, Sailing Regattas, Smith Mountain Lake State Park Camping, Lakefront Dining & Marina Hopping
Lake Waiau
Hawaii • Elevation: 13,020 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Mauna Kea Ice Age Natural Area Reserve, Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station
Recreation: High-Altitude Alpine Hiking (Humuʻula Trail), Mauna Kea Astronomy Research Corridor Observation, Cultural & Geological Appreciation
Lake Shasta
California • Elevation: 1,067 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area, Lake Shasta Caverns, Shasta Dam Visitor Center
Recreation: Houseboating & Floating Holidays, Lake Shasta Caverns National Natural Landmark, Wakeboarding & Waterskiing, Trout & Spotted Bass Trolling, Shasta Dam Tours
Lake Travis
Texas • Elevation: 681 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Mansfield Dam Park, Pace Bend Park, Windy Point Scuba Park, Hippie Hollow Park
Recreation: Sailing & Yacht Charters, Devil's Cove Social Rafting, Wakeboarding & Wakesurfing, Scuba Diving at Windy Point Park, Oasis Restaurant Sunset Viewing, Bass Fishing Tournaments
French Lake (English Mountain Quad)
California • Elevation: 6,660 ft
Parks & Campgrounds: Tahoe National Forest (Yuba River Ranger District), Grouse Ridge Non-Motorized Area (adjacent), Bowman Lake Recreation Area, English Mountain Trail & Lookout
Recreation: Wilderness Trout Fishing, Backcountry Camping, High-Clearance 4WD & OHV Exploration, Alpine Hiking & Summit Scrambling (English Mountain), Kayaking & Packrafting, Wildlife Photography