On the Water: Find Aquatic Bliss Camping on Lakes, Rivers, and Oceans
Find more at the shore by camping near the water
Image Caption:
There are many ways to rise and shine: maybe a hot cup of coffee, a hearty breakfast, or a brisk walk to get the blood flowing. But in the dawn light, there’s simply something special about camping on the water. However, with 3.5 million miles of riverfront, hundreds of thousands of lakes, and a couple of oceans to pick from in the lower 48 alone, deciding where to enjoy the waterfront views can be a challenge. Here are five of our favorites:
Strolling the beach in Wells. Photo: David Straight.
Southern Maine Coast, ME
Stretching from the border with New Hampshire to the city of Portland, Maine’s southern coast is the ideal New England locale when it comes to waterfront camping. There are miles of beautiful beaches to choose from, and a near-endless supply of maritime history and activities to enjoy. Take the small town of Wells, for example. The seven miles of shoreline make it easy to take in the oceanfront at your leisure — including a stunning sunrise at Wells Beach — while the wetlands and marshes of the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge encourage birdwatching and nature photography among incredibly scenic surroundings. For a slightly more bustling outing, head to the picturesque Marginal Way in Ogunquit, a 3.5-mile walking path that traces the rocky coastline and offers stunning views of the Atlantic. From there, day trips to see the mansions of Kennebunkport or savor a lobster on the pier in Old Orchard Beach await.
A wild pony on the Outer Banks. Photo: Cindie Hansen
The Outer Banks, NC
No mention of waterfront camping would be complete without a nod to the Outer Banks, the barrier islands off North Carolina’s Atlantic Coast that serve up star-filled skies and oceanfront fun. Featuring more than a hundred miles of shoreline, many of the campgrounds in the Outer Banks are just steps from both the waterfront and the rolling sand dunes that made the area famous in the early days of aviation. Head to Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills to learn more about the Wright Brothers’ early experiments in flight before tucking into some catch-of-the-day favorites at revered seafood joints like the ever-casual Pop’s Raw Bar in Buxton or Tortugas Lie in Nags Head. Back at your campground, you can relax the night away under the stars as the oceanfront laps at your toes.
Pogosa Springs. Photo: Alex Batchelor.
San Juan River, CO
The San Juan River runs for more than 383 miles through three states, but it’s the area near Pagosa Springs in Colorado that serves up something extra special. There are a handful of campgrounds in the area that make it easy to explore this river-centric town and its inimitable surroundings. From fly-fishing to hiking, there’s nowhere else in the U.S. quite like it. Anglers should head to the area just below the Navaho Dam, near the border with New Mexico, where the trout flourish the clean, cool waters. Closer to the town of Pagosa Springs itself, there are numerous opportunities for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and river floating, both guided and on your own. For a special riverside treat, head to the famed Hippy Dip Hot Springs, a local soaking hole just off Hot Springs Boulevard that’s heated by the runoff from nearby resorts and serves as a free and fun introduction to the world of backcountry hot springs. Waking up in this outdoors lover’s paradise is truly hard to beat.
Columbia River. Photo: Ben Vaughn
Columbia River, WA
If you like some mystery and ambience with your waterfront camping, look no further than the Long Beach peninsula and Cape Disappointment in the far southwestern corner of Washington State. Don’t let the name fool you! This stunning region where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean is truly one of the most breathtaking parts of the world. Look out for humpback whales plying the waters just off shore, while you relax on the thirty miles of shoreline and even more inlands lakes and streams. Cape Disappointment State Park plays host to one of the most iconic lighthouse views in the world, as well as miles of oceanside trails and the wonderful Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. The cliffside views from the center are astounding. The campgrounds in the area focus on quiet, relaxing getaways and beautiful views, so rest assured that you’ll be able to enjoy this unique corner of the country at your own pace.
Jet skiing on Lake Havasu. Photo: Susan Weber
Lake Havasu, AZ
We’ve talked some incredible oceans and rivers, but Lake Havasu in Arizona might actually be the waterfront campers ideal destination. This desert oasis is known for London Bridge, one of the Southwest’s grandest attractions, a fun-filled boating culture, and more than 400 miles of shoreline to explore. Though they might be busier than most of the other campgrounds on this list, the RV resorts on Lake Havasu are also right on the water making it extra easy to access the lake’s many charms. The nearby state park has white sand beaches and boat launches, not to mention trail heads that lead to some of the best views of the lake in all its shimmering glory. Kick your visit up a notch with a day trip to the Mohave mountains in the distance or simply enjoy lake life in town or on the water where the best parties in Havasu always come together.
Greg Donahue
James Donahue is a writer and outdoors enthusiast whose travels have taken him to 45 states and nearly as many countries around the world. When he's not hiking, biking, or fly fishing (or writing about all three), you can usually find him exploring the beaches up and down the East Coast with his wife and daughter.
