The 6 Best Lakes in the United States for Camping

The United States is a rich country when it comes to natural gems and treasures! There are so many mountainous places, rivers, lakes, and natural parks that it would be impossible to see all of them over a lifetime! In any case, we are here to help you choose among some of the best places in the country!

This time we’ve prepared a list of the best lakes and campgrounds in the country on whose shores you can spend some days resting and enjoying the views – either by yourself or with your family. Whether you live in the area and want a weekend getaway or are on a road trip crossing through the states mentioned below, you definitely need to check out at least some of the campgrounds we’ve found! All of them feature multiple recreational facilities and spectacular natural views!

1. Lake Superior

Lake Superior is the United States’ largest lake. It represents 10% of the world’s surface freshwater. That’s incredible, isn’t it?!

People can access it from Michigan, Minnesota, and some parts of Ontario, so it’s a perfect destination if you’re either living in the area or are planning a road trip. There are numerous campsites where you can enjoy nature at its best! Here are some you should consider:

• Lamb’s Resort & Campground;
• Superior Times Resort & Campground

• Lake Superior State Forest Campground;
• Herbster Campground;
• Munising Tourist Park Campground;
• Thompson Beach;
• Sunset Bay RV Resort & Campground;
• Bay Furnace Campground;
• Rabbit Blanket Campground;
• Apostle Islands Area Campground.

These are only some of the campgrounds located around Lake Superior, so you definitely have plenty of choices, depending on what you plan to do, whether alone or with your friends, family, or pets. 

Munising Tourist Park Campground is one of the most popular in the area. Visitors say they had a great time there; the location is perfect, and the campsites are fantastic! Many travelers especially enjoyed the sunsets and sunrises over Lake Superior, which are of utmost beauty!

2. Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan is one of the Great Lakes of North America. It is the second-largest by volume and the third-largest by area. The lake is surrounded by Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. There are two national parks in the area managed by the National Park Service: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Indiana Dunes National Park. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is very popular among travelers. In 2011, Good Morning America called it the “Most Beautiful Place in America.” 

These two national parks feature campsites, both drive-in and hike-in. Many visitors come here for the kayak trail that takes them from the campground to Platte River Point. 

Ludington State Park and Campgrounds is another very popular destination around Lake Michigan. It has a swimming area, a beach house with concessions, bathrooms, changing rooms, multiple trails, fishing amenities, and many other activities visitors enjoy! One of the campgrounds in the park is a hike-in. There are also areas designated for tent camping. Visitors say that it’s clean and well-maintained.

Other places where travelers can find campsites include 

• Hiawatha National Forest;
• Manistee National Forest;
• Silver Lake State Park Campground;
• P. J. Hoffmaster Campground;
• Holland State Park – Macatawa Campground.

3. Lake Ontario

The Canadian province of Ontario borders Lake Ontario on the north, west, and southwest, while the U.S. state of New York borders it on the south and east. Its primary inflow comes from the Niagara River. Lake Ontario is one of the Great Lakes of North America and the only one not bordering Michigan. 

Here are some of the campgrounds located in New York, United States, that you can choose from to visit over the weekend or during your road trip:

• Sun Outdoors Association Island;
• Lake Bluff Campground;
• Daisy Barn Campground;
• Ontario Shores RV Park;
• Niagara Shores Campground and Conference Center.

The most popular among these is the Sun Outdoors Association Island, located in Henderson, New York. Visitors have been very pleased with the natural views, the friendly and helpful staff, and the new, well-maintained camping sites. The sunsets and sunrises alone make a trip to the Sun Outdoors Association Island worth a visit!

4. Lake Okeechobee

Lake Okeechobee is the largest freshwater lake in Florida and the eighth-largest in the United States. The Kissimmee River is the lake’s primary source. Numerous campgrounds and resorts surround Lake Okeechobee. However, if you choose to visit Lake Okeechobee, you need to know that it hosts over 3,800 species of insects and arachnids. Moreover, the lake is home to around 30,000 alligators. It’s not common for visitors to spot alligators, especially during summer, but if you aren’t really a wildlife enthusiast, you might want to consider other lakes for camping.

Visitors can check out the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail located around Lake Okeechobee, which can be accessed on foot, on bikes, or by car. There are camping sites too, but they’re more suitable for wildlife lovers, as they do not feature water or sanitation facilities.

If you’re looking for a more “maintained” campground, you can check out the Okeechobee KOA Resort, which features numerous campsites, two pools (one for adults and one for kids), and a playground. If you’re planning to walk a lot and enjoy the wildlife and the views, this is it! It is huge and has lots of beautiful places you’ll delight in!

Other popular campgrounds around Lake Okeechobee include:

• Butch’s Fishcamp & RV Park;
• Taylor Creek RV Resort;
• Zachary Taylor Waterfront RV;
• Silver Palms RV Resort;
• Water’s Edge Motor Coach & RV Resort.

5. Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is located in the Sierra Nevada of the United States and is the largest alpine lake in the country. It is famous for its clear water and stunning natural views. Recreational activity lovers have Lake Tahoe at the top of their must-see destinations. Visiting Lake Tahoe means enjoying winter sports, camping, water sports, motorcycling, golfing, hiking, biking, and even gambling.

Upper Eagle Point Campground is one of the top-rated campgrounds around Lake Tahoe, mainly because it provides its visitors with stunning natural views! Each camping site has fire pits, picnic tables, benches, grills, and bear boxes. Visitors say the campground is clean and well-maintained. Moreover, if you plan to take your furry friend along, Upper Eagle Point Campground is pet-friendly.

Other popular campgrounds around Lake Tahoe include:

• City of Lake Tahoe Campground;
• Tahoe Valley Campground;
• Eagle Point Campground;
• Camp Richardson Campground;
• Meeks Bay Campground;
• William Kent Campground.

6. Lake Powell

Lake Powell is a man-made reservoir on the Colorado River. It is a top-rated vacation destination in the United States, being visited by around two million people annually. It is located in both Utah and Arizona states. Lake Powell is the largest artificial reservoir by water capacity in the country. 

Lake Powell is a true natural gem, providing views of Glen Canyon Dam, Rainbow Bridge, Hite Crossing Bridge, and many other natural formations that are undoubtedly worth seeing! Recreational activities around the lake include fishing, waterskiing, jet-skiing, boating, and hiking. Each marina has campgrounds, but visitors can also rent houseboats or bring their tents. 

Wahweap RV & Campground is a unique destination around the lake, providing a stunning desert landscape to its visitors. Visitors say the area is clean and well-maintained and features restrooms and showers. Other facilities include fire pits, grill covers, and a store where visitors can buy essentials. If Wahweap RV & Campground does not suit your preferences, check out some other campgrounds you might enjoy:

• Lone Rock Beach Campground;
• Page Lake Powell Campground;
• West Canyon;
• Beehive Campground.

Summary of the 6 Best Lakes in the United States for Camping

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