When it comes to camping in the United States, lakeside spots are some of the most beloved destinations. With their refreshing breezes, stunning views, and abundance of outdoor activities, lakes offer an ideal backdrop for camping. The allure of breathtaking sunsets and unforgettable sunrises only adds to the appeal. Moreover, for those who enjoy the camaraderie of camping, the popularity of lake camping makes it an attractive option.
However, not all lake campgrounds are created equal. If you have the luxury of choosing from a variety of lakes in your area, you'll want to ensure you pick the very best spot. Yet, with so many lakes to choose from across the country, it can be challenging to determine which ones truly stand out. Here we give you, what we think are the top 10 Lakes to visit with your RV.
Lakeside Campgrounds Near Me
One way to find lake campgrounds in your area is by searching for "top lake camping spots near me" or "lake campgrounds nearby". This search should provide you with a list of potential options, depending on your location. To narrow down your choices, you can read reviews from other campers to determine which options are unsuitable and which are the most desirable "lake campgrounds near me.
Lake Powell — Utah and Arizona
RVing at Lake Powell, which straddles the border of Arizona and Utah, is an amazing experience. This reservoir boasts over 2,000 miles of shoreline and is surrounded by stunning red rock formations that make for a beautiful backdrop. RV camping is available both on the lake itself and in nearby campgrounds.
One of the best things about RVing at Lake Powell is the variety of activities available. The lake is perfect for water sports, such as boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding. There are also plenty of hiking trails in the area, including some that offer panoramic views of the lake and surrounding landscape. For those who love fishing, Lake Powell is home to a variety of fish species, including bass, walleye, and trout.
Another highlight of RVing at Lake Powell is the opportunity to explore nearby attractions, such as the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park. Plus, the town of Page, Arizona, is located nearby and offers a range of amenities and attractions, including restaurants, shops, and museums.
RV Campgrounds at Lake Powell - Bullfrog Marina RV & Campground - Lake Powell Campground - Wahweap RV Park & Campground
Lake Mead - Nevada
Lake Mead, located on the Colorado River in southern Nevada, is a popular destination for RVers looking to enjoy water sports, outdoor activities, and stunning desert scenery. The lake, which is the largest reservoir in the United States, offers more than 820 miles of shoreline and plenty of opportunities for recreation.
Several RV camping options exist in and around Lake Mead National Recreation Area, including the Boulder Beach Campground, the Las Vegas Bay Campground, and the Lake Mead RV Village. These campgrounds offer RV sites with electric and water hookups, as well as amenities like showers, restrooms, and dump stations.
Activities on the lake include swimming, boating, fishing, and water skiing, with plenty of boat rental options available. The area around the lake offers hiking and biking trails, scenic drives, and opportunities to see desert wildlife like bighorn sheep and coyotes.
One of the main attractions at Lake Mead is the iconic Hoover Dam, which forms the lake and generates hydroelectric power for the region. Visitors can take tours of the dam and learn about its history and engineering.
RV Campgrounds at Lake Mead - Boulder Beach Campgrounds - Lake Mean RV Village - CallVille Bay RV Park
Crater Lake - Oregon
RVing at Crater Lake National Park is an unforgettable experience. The park is located in southern Oregon and is home to one of the most stunning natural wonders in the United States - Crater Lake. The lake is the deepest in the country, and its pristine blue waters are surrounded by towering cliffs and forests.
There are two RV-friendly campgrounds in Crater Lake National Park, Mazama Village and Lost Creek. Both offer stunning views of the lake and easy access to hiking trails and other outdoor activities. Mazama Village has full hookups, and Lost Creek is a more rustic option with no hookups.
Hiking is the most popular activity in the park, and there are several trails that offer breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding landscapes. The most popular hike is the Rim Trail, which takes visitors around the edge of the lake and offers stunning views of Wizard Island, a cinder cone volcano in the middle of the lake.
Visitors can also enjoy ranger-led programs, boat tours of the lake, and stargazing events at night. During the winter, the park offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.
Crater Lake National Park is also home to an abundance of wildlife, including elk, deer, bears, and a variety of bird species. Visitors can spot these animals on hikes and from the comfort of their RVs.
RV Campgrounds near Crater Lake - Lost Creek Campground - Mazama Village
Grand Lake - Colorado
RVing at Grand Lake, Colorado, is a fantastic way to experience the stunning beauty of the Rocky Mountains. The town of Grand Lake sits at the western entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, making it an ideal base camp for exploring the park's natural wonders.
There are several RV parks and campgrounds in and around Grand Lake that offer easy access to the lake's many recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding on the crystal-clear waters of Grand Lake, or take a hike through the surrounding forest and mountains.
In the winter, Grand Lake is a popular destination for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. There are also several ski resorts in the area, including Winter Park Resort and Granby Ranch, which offer downhill skiing and snowboarding.
The town of Grand Lake itself is a charming mountain town with plenty of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Visitors can stroll through the historic downtown district, attend a local festival or event, or take a scenic drive through the surrounding mountains.
RV Campgrounds at Grand Lake - Winding River Resort - Elk Meadow Lodge & RV Park - Green Ridge Campground
Lake Tahoe - California
RVing in Lake Tahoe is an incredibly scenic and popular way to experience the beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains and the crystal-clear waters of the lake. The lake is situated on the border of California and Nevada, and there are many RV parks and campgrounds located on both sides of the lake that offer stunning views and easy access to outdoor recreation.
There are many activities to enjoy around Lake Tahoe, including hiking, fishing, boating, kayaking, and swimming. The lake is surrounded by stunning mountain peaks that provide great hiking trails for all levels of experience. Visitors can also enjoy fishing for trout, bass, and other species in the lake's clear waters, or rent a boat or kayak to explore the many coves and beaches around the shoreline.
In the winter, Lake Tahoe is transformed into a winter wonderland, with several ski resorts located around the lake. Visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and other winter activities during the colder months.
There are also several scenic drives that offer breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. One popular route is the Lake Tahoe Scenic Drive, which takes you around the lake and through several charming towns and villages.
The area around Lake Tahoe is also known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, with many museums, galleries, and performing arts centers to explore. The area is also home to many excellent restaurants, breweries, and wineries that offer delicious local cuisine and beverages.
RV Parks around Lake Tahoe - Zephyr Cove RV Park & Campground - Camp Shelly at Lake Tahoe - Meeks Bay
Lake of The Ozarks - Missouri
RVing in Lake of the Ozarks offers an excellent opportunity to explore the stunning natural beauty of the area. The lake spans over 90 miles, and there are numerous RV parks and campgrounds situated alongside the shore, providing visitors with easy access to the water and all of the lake's attractions.
One of the biggest draws of Lake of the Ozarks is its vast size and the many recreational activities available. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, waterskiing, wakeboarding, and swimming, among other water activities. The lake's clear waters and sandy beaches also make it a great place to relax and soak up the sun.
Apart from the lake, the surrounding area boasts many other attractions and activities, including two state parks, hiking and biking trails, and numerous golf courses. Families with children will love the water parks, mini-golf courses, and the variety of live entertainment options available.
RV Campgrounds at Lake of the Ozarks - Mermaid Cove RV Park & Marina - Osage Beach RV Park & Campground - Cross Creek RV Park & Campground
Lake Michigan - Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin
RVing on Lake Michigan offers an incredible opportunity to explore one of the most beautiful regions of the United States. With over 1,600 miles of shoreline, Lake Michigan is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world, and it boasts numerous RV parks and campgrounds that cater to RV enthusiasts.
One of the most popular activities when RVing on Lake Michigan is exploring the lake's beautiful beaches. The sandy beaches and crystal clear waters of Lake Michigan make it a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports like kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing.
In addition to beaches, RVers can also explore the many charming towns and cities located along Lake Michigan's shoreline. These towns offer a wealth of cultural, culinary, and recreational experiences, including hiking, biking, and golfing. Visitors can also enjoy visiting museums, galleries, and other cultural attractions.
The lake and surrounding areas offer excellent fishing, hunting, hiking, and biking opportunities. In the winter months, visitors can also enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports.
RV Parks at Lake Michigan - Grand Haven RV Park 7 Campground
Moosehead Lake - Maine
RVing in Moosehead Lake, Maine offers an incredible opportunity to experience the beauty of Maine's wilderness. Moosehead Lake is Maine's largest lake, covering over 120 square miles and is surrounded by pristine forests and mountains.
RVers can choose from several campgrounds located around Moosehead Lake, many of which offer lakefront sites with stunning views. These campgrounds offer a range of amenities, including full hookups, laundry facilities, and recreational activities like hiking, fishing, and kayaking.
One of the main draws of RVing in Moosehead Lake is the opportunity to explore the surrounding wilderness. The lake is located in the heart of Maine's North Woods, which is home to some of the most spectacular natural scenery in the United States. Visitors can enjoy hiking along miles of trails, fishing in remote streams and lakes, and wildlife watching.
In addition to outdoor recreation, RVers can also explore the charming towns and villages located around Moosehead Lake. Greenville, the largest town in the area, offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, including a historic theater and several art galleries.
RV Parks at Moosehead Lake - Seboomook Wilderness Campground - Moose Creek RV Resort - Moosehead Campground
Lake Champlain - New York and Vermont
RVing at Lake Champlain is an exciting and picturesque way to experience the natural beauty and historic charm of this scenic region. The lake stretches between New York and Vermont, offering many opportunities to explore both states.
There are many campgrounds located around Lake Champlain that offer RV sites with varying levels of amenities, from basic tent sites with no hookups to full-hookup sites with all the necessary facilities. Many of these campgrounds are located right on the lake, providing easy access to water activities and stunning views of the lake.
The area around Lake Champlain is full of scenic drives that offer breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. One popular route is the Lake Champlain Byway, which takes you through historic towns, parks, and wildlife refuges. There are also many hiking and biking trails in the area, including the 14-mile Island Line Trail that takes you out on a causeway into the middle of the lake.
Lake Champlain is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including fishing, boating, swimming, and kayaking. There are many boat ramps and marinas around the lake that offer rental services and guided tours. The lake is also home to many historic sites, including the Fort Ticonderoga historic site in New York, and the Shelburne Museum in Vermont.
Lastly, the area around Lake Champlain is known for its farm-to-table cuisine, including fresh seafood, artisanal cheeses, and craft beer. Be sure to stop by local farmers' markets and roadside stands to sample the local fare.
RV Parks at Lake Champlain - Shady Oaks RV Park - Apple Island RV Resort - Lone Pine Campsite
Flathead Lake - Montana
Flathead Lake, located in northwest Montana, is a popular destination for RVers who love the great outdoors. The lake, which is the largest natural freshwater lake in the western United States, is surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery and offers plenty of recreational opportunities.
RV camping is available at several state parks around the lake, including Finley Point State Park and Big Arm State Park. These parks offer RV campsites with electric and water hookups, as well as amenities like showers, restrooms, and dump stations.
Activities on the lake include swimming, boating, and fishing, with plenty of opportunities to catch trout, salmon, and bass. The lake is also a popular spot for kayaking and paddleboarding, and there are several rental outfitters in the area.
In addition to the lake itself, the surrounding area offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. The nearby towns of Polson and Kalispell offer shopping, dining, and other amenities for visitors.
RV Parks at Flathead Lake - Finley Point RV Park - Glacier Grizzly Resort
RVing on the beautiful lakes of the US is an amazing experience for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. From the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe and Flathead Lake to the stunning geological formations of Crater Lake and Lake Powell, each lake offers a unique and breathtaking setting to explore. With a variety of outdoor activities available, including fishing, boating, hiking, and more, there is never a dull moment at any of these locations.
With stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and a range of activities, RVing on the lakes of the US is a must-try adventure for any travel enthusiast.
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