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What are the best lakefront campgrounds in the area?
Some of the best lakefront campgrounds in the area include Lake George Islands Campgrounds in New York, Norris Lake Campgrounds in Tennessee, and Lake Cachuma Recreation Area in California. These campgrounds offer stunning lake views, recreational activities, and a peaceful camping experience amidst nature.
Here're the 9 best lake front campsites you should visit for your vacation
Grand Isle State Park, Lake Champlain, Grand Isle, VT
Lake Champlain is a large freshwater lake with shorelines in New York, Vermont, and Quebec, Canada. Of course, boating is extremely popular, and you can find various opportunities for water sports, fishing, and boat tours.
Lake Champlain has its mysterious creature nicknamed Champ, whose sightings are like those of the Loch Ness monster in Scotland. You can also find a variety of historical attractions, shopping, culinary experiences, and fun for families or adults.
Grand Isle State Park is Vermont’s second-largest campground. This waterfront camping destination offers 115 camping sites that can be used with RVs or tents. The park offers swimming, hiking, boating, nature programs, and more. In addition to a boat launch, the park offers kayak rentals.
Long Island Bridge Campground, Lake Winnipesaukee, Moultonborough, NH
Voted the best place to vacation in New Hampshire, Lake Winnipesaukee is a favorite family vacation destination for generations of families in the northeast. The Long Island Bridge Campground is one of the popular campgrounds on the lake.
In addition to lake activities like swimming and boating, you can hike, visit the Castle in the Clouds, ride the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, explore caves, check out local museums, and experience unique shopping and dining.
Otter Lake Camp Resort, Otter Lake, Marshalls Creek, PA
Otter Lake is a small private lake in the Poconos region of Northeastern Pennsylvania. The family-friendly lakefront campground Otter Lake Camp Resort offers a robust activity schedule. Kids will find plenty to do in the summer, including ceramics, archery, softball, baseball, firetruck rides, and more. You can swim, fish, and rent kayaks and paddle boats.
You can also visit nearby Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark, Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, Steamtown, and The Crayola Experience. The Delaware Water Gap area is just 5 miles away, offering hiking and whitewater rafting excursions.
Castle Rock Lakefront Mackinac Trail Campground, Lake Huron, St. Ignace, Michigan
St. Ignace, Michigan, is located on the shores of Lake Huron and the Straits of Mackinac. The Straits of Mackinac connect Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. The Castle Rock Lakefront Mackinac Trail Campground is one of our favorite lakefront campgrounds in Michigan.
In addition to swimming and enjoying the sand dunes along the shores of the lake, visitors can enjoy hiking and mountain biking in the area. For outdoor activities, you can visit a variety of historical sites on nearby Mackinac Island. Other popular activities include trips to Castle Rock, the Mackinac Bridge, the Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum, and Fort Michilimackinac.
Holiday Park Campground, Silver Lake, Traverse City, Michigan
The Silver Lake Sand Dunes separate Silver Lake from Lake Michigan in Traverse City, Michigan. The Holiday Park Campground offers a secluded beach, boat launch, boat rentals, a campground store, propane station, etc. You can explore the Silver Lake Dunes on foot, via 4*4 vehicles, or rent a sandboard. Visitors also love to visit the nearby Little Sable Lighthouse.
Monkey Island RV Resort, Grand Lake of the Cherokees, Afton, Oklahoma
Grand Lake of the Cherokees, also called Grand Lake, is a manmade lake at the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. The Monkey Island RV resort offers waterfront camping for families or couples. With over 1300 miles (about half the width of the United States) of shoreline, this large lake can accommodate various types of boats.
Visitors can also enjoy golfing, swimming, four-wheeling, or riding the Grand Lake Queen riverboat. Adults can enjoy the local casinos and wineries in the area.
Jellystone Park Camp-Resort, Lake Michigan, Sturgeon Bay, WI
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park offers over 75 camping resorts throughout the United States and Canada. Door County, Wisconsin, is a popular vacation destination for water and nature lovers in the Midwest because of its location between Green Bay and Lake Michigan.
At the Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin location, you can enjoy “Door County Maritime Museum, Ahnapee Ranch, The Farm, Potawatomi State Park, water sports and fishing, shopping, and more for adults and children.”
Zephyr Cove RV Park & Camp, Lake Tahoe, Zephyr Cove, NV
Described as a “clear, cobalt blue lake tucked into the snowy Sierra Nevada mountain range” by Tahoe.com, Lake Tahoe is an iconic lake destination. The largest Alpine lake, Lake Tahoe, is also the second deepest lake in the United States and is one of the oldest lakes in the world. The Zephyr Cove Resort’s RV Park & Campground offers RV sites with full hookups.
Enjoy swimming, fishing, horseback riding, parasailing, and more. Points of interest nearby include the Ehrman Mansion, Grover Hot Springs State Park, the Tallac Historic Site, and the Vikingsholm Castle.
Bullfrog RV & Campground, Lake Powell, Page, AZ
Lake Powell is a man-made reservoir between Utah and Arizona that was made by flooding Glen Canyon. The Bullfrog RV and Campground offers 22 RV sites with full hookups.
In addition to the stunning colors from the layers of rocks, you can see dinosaur fossil prints and Anasazi ruins in this area. Lake Powell also offers swimming, boat tours, wakeboarding, and more. You can also visit the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, take the Antelope Canyon Jeep Tour, or take a scenic air tour.
Of course, the United States has over 250 freshwater lakes over 10 miles or more. You could spend years just exploring the many lakefront campgrounds in Michigan. Waterfront camping is one of the joys of owning an RV instead of choosing a lake house permanently situated in one place. When camping in a waterfront campground, you can repeatedly return to the same place or choose somewhere new each trip.
Essential Tips for a Memorable and Safe Lakefront Camping Experience
Visiting a lakefront campground can be an enriching and enjoyable experience, offering a unique blend of nature, water activities, and relaxation. However, to ensure a safe and pleasant trip, here are some key points to remember:
- Check Campground Rules and Regulations: Before your visit, familiarize yourself with the campground’s specific rules, including quiet hours, pet policies, and regulations about campfires and grilling.
- Life Jackets and Water Safety: If you plan on engaging in any water activities like boating, kayaking, or swimming, always wear a life jacket and follow water safety guidelines. Never swim alone and be aware of any water currents or unique risks associated with the specific lake.
- Insect and Wildlife Precautions: Lakes can attract bugs, including mosquitoes and ticks. Bring insect repellent and consider clothing treated with permethrin. Be aware of wildlife in the area and keep a safe distance. Store food securely to avoid attracting animals.
- Weather Awareness: Lakeside weather can change rapidly. Pack for both warm and cool conditions, and check the forecast regularly. Be prepared for rain and potentially windy conditions, especially if you're in a tent.
- Water Quality: If planning to swim, check the local water quality advisories for any concerns about algae blooms or contamination. Avoid drinking lake water; bring sufficient drinking water or a reliable water filtration system.
- Leave No Trace: Respect the natural environment by following Leave No Trace principles. Dispose of waste properly, leave what you find, and minimize campfire impacts.
- Fishing Regulations: If you plan to fish, check local fishing regulations regarding licenses, catch limits, and size restrictions.
- Boating Permits and Rules: If bringing your own boat, or renting one, ensure you understand any permits required and abide by the lake’s boating rules.
- First-Aid Kit and Emergency Contacts: Always have a first-aid kit handy for minor injuries. Know the contact details for the nearest medical facility and have a plan for emergencies.
- Respectful Coexistence: Remember that you're sharing the space with other campers. Be mindful of noise levels, privacy, and general courtesy.
- Equipment and Supplies: Pack suitable camping gear, including waterproof gear, warm clothing, and sturdy footwear. A map of the area, a compass or GPS, and a reliable light source are essential.
- Campsite Selection and Setup: Choose a campsite wisely, avoiding areas too close to the water’s edge (due to flooding risk) and consider natural shelter from wind. Ensure your tent is properly anchored.
- Food Storage and Handling: Store food and trash securely to avoid attracting wildlife. If bear activity is noted in the area, use bear-proof containers or designated food storage areas.
- Recreational Gear: Depending on your interests, pack appropriate gear for activities like hiking, bird watching, photography, or water sports.
- Plan for Accessibility: If traveling with anyone who has accessibility needs, check in advance about the terrain and facilities of the campground to ensure they can be accommodated comfortably.
By keeping these points in mind, you can look forward to a fun, safe, and respectful camping experience at the lakefront.
