Best Lakeside Camping Destinations

Summer is prime camping season, but if you don’t pick the right destination you may find yourself sweltering in the heat instead of enjoying yourselves. That’s why finding a great campground near the water is key!

Lakes are wonderful for caming and most have some amazing campgrounds to choose from. You can build some wonderful memories with your family at a lake. So, pack up your swim suits, fishing poles, and kayaks and head to one of these fabulous lakeside campgrounds.

Davis Lakes Campground – Virginia

Even better than camping on one lake is camping on three! Davis Lakes Campground has it all: fishing, water sports, and plenty of activities for land lovers too. Located in Suffolk, Virginia this campground in only an hour away from Virginia Beach and Colonial Williamsburg, but you might have a hard time dragging yourself away from all they have to offer onsite.

For starters, the 25-acre Lake Neal is the primary fishing spot, but don’t miss the six-acre Catfish Lake stocked with blue gill, largemouth bass and catfish. If you’re looking for a sandy beach with a terrific swimming area, try the 18-acre Lake Helen which also boasts an Aquaglide with water trampolines, jungle gyms, and blasts bags.

Camp Chautauqua Camping Resort – New York

Since 1968 the Anderson family has been providing a summer retreat for the whole family at Camp Chautauqua Camping Resort. Located on the shores of the 17-mile long Chautauqua Lake in Western New York, this family resort has every amenity you could want including a pool, splash pad, playground, boat marina, and nature trails for starters.

They also have themed weekends with fun activities all summer long. One of our favorites is the Wet & Wild Weekend in July, which includes a cool twist on kickball, soaker hayride, and giant slip and slide.

Catherine’s Landing – Arkansas

Just five minutes away from Hot Springs, Arkansas Catherine’s Landing is aptly named as it features one mile of water frontage on beautiful Lake Catherine. Many sites are waterfront and there are beautiful woods all around. Each paved site has full hook-ups, a picnic table, BBQ grill, and fire ring.

The camp store will even deliver firewood right to your site. Rent a kayak or pontoon boat to explore the windy Ouachita River or stay at the campground and soak in saline pool while kids enjoy the splash pad. If you get adventurous they also have a zip line.

Be sure to head into town to visit Hot Springs National Park, which is the only national park we’ve visited that is in a city. While there are some nature trails, the main attraction is Bath House Row where you walk down the city streets and tour historic buildings that once housed medical spas. You can even book your own “bathing” experience that includes a private soak in the mineral waters, a steam bath, and a massage.

Neshonoc Lakeside Camping Resort – Wisconsin

Situated on the shores of beautiful Lake Neshonoc you will find family camping at its best! Neshonoc Lakeside Camping Resort offers spacious RV sites with two swimming pools, playground, and sports fields. The best part is the 600 acre lake perfect for swimming, fishing, and kayaking.

This campground is only 15 minutes from La Crosse, a terrific town on the banks of the Mississippi River. The area features a downtown trolley tour, paddle boat cruises, wineries, and farmer’s markets.

Wahweap Marina RV Park & Campground – Arizona

Enjoy this desert oasis in the southwest! Wahweap Marina RV Park and Campground is located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which manages the lake as well as a large 1.3 million-acre swath of Arizona and Utah. Lake Powell is one of the largest man-made lakes in North America. It is 186 miles long with 1,960 miles of shoreline and over 96 major side canyons.

The campground is a quarter mile from the lake, but set on a tiered hillside to provide fabulous views. They provide a shuttle to help you get around, and you can charter a boat or book tours on the lake as well.

Did we miss one? Let us know what your favorite lakeside camping resort is in the comments below.

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