PORTLAND, Ore., June 25, 2026 — The Dyrt, the app to get the best campsites, built by the largest RVing and camping community in the U.S., has announced the 2026 Best Places to Camp Near Water Presented by Women Who Explore, a community dedicated to empowering women through outdoor adventure, connection and exploration.
Camping can be great regardless of location and terrain, but for some people there’s nothing better than setting up a tent or parking a rig right next to a crystal-clear lake or winding river. Leisure activities that a body of water makes possible are nearly endless — fishing, swimming, boating, kayaking, skipping rocks and enjoying the view are just a few. Water is the perfect camping companion as it can be the setting for the day’s main activities or just provide the backdrop for rest and relaxation.
For the purposes of Best Places to Camp Near Water we excluded oceans, so don’t be surprised to not find your favorite coastal beach campground on this list. These locations are on lakes, ponds, reservoirs and rivers, all of which play a major role in the appeal of these properties.
Best Places to Camp Near Water recognizes the top campgrounds in the country rated highly by The Dyrt Community that are located on a lake or pond or alongside a river. The bodies of water on this list all contribute greatly to the appeal and allure of these campgrounds.
Jenny Lake Campground in Grand Teton National Park is one of the most beautiful, picturesque places in the world. It was ranked No. 1 in The Dyrt’s very first Best Places to Camp in the U.S. list back in 2021. And Minnesota may be the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but the Temperance River is the reason why The North Star State is in the Top 3.
Glacier National Park in Montana is home to some amazing campgrounds set among one of the most naturally beautiful parts of the country, and Bowman Lake Campgrounds is its representative on this list. South Dakota is known for its great plains and wind-whipped badlands, but Sylvan Lake pours cold water on that reputation in the best way possible.
After you check out the photos and read all about the honorees from the Best Places to Camp Near Water Presented by Women Who Explore, take a look back at Best Places to Camp For Free, Best Places to Camp: National Park Neighbors and Best Places to Camp With Kids. Keep an eye out in the coming weeks and months for more Best Places to Camp awards for those looking for a very specific, once-in-a-lifetime camping adventure.
1. Jenny Lake Campground — Grand Teton National Park — Wyoming
Location: Moose, WY
What makes it great: Jenny Lake Campground in Grand Teton National Park sits directly along the shoreline of Jenny Lake, making it one of the most coveted waterfront camping experiences in the American West. Kayaking, swimming, fishing, boating and hiking draw campers to the forested terrain along the lake’s edge.
The stunning campground also has easy access to hikes around the lake as well as back into Cascade Canyon, where mountain streams and waterfalls add to the region’s remarkable water scenery. A short trail walk from certain sites leads to Jackson Lake, which has a nice grassy area with park benches and swimming available later in the season. Jenny Lake Campground is a paradise for anyone who wants to fall asleep to the sounds of nature and wake up steps from the water.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “We have stayed here two years in a row, once in a small utility trailer with a roof top tent, and the other in a larger travel trailer. Both times we loved our time and met the most amazing people. Plus the views are out of this world. The hikes are without a doubt some of the best in the country, and the wildlife is beyond anything else we have seen.” — Michelle T.
“You absolutely need to camp at Jenny Lake once in your life. Yes it’s tent only so you will be “roughing it.” But being lakeside at the base of the Grand Teton is nothing short of spectacular.” — Shane P.
Campground details
Price: $13-$58
Number of sites: 61
RV sites: No
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
2. Mistletoe State Park Campground — Georgia
Location: Appling, GA
What makes it great: Mistletoe State Park Campground sits on the shores of Lake Strom Thurmond, and the water is practically a next-door neighbor for most campers here. Almost every site is on the water, providing an abundance of lakefront camping. The 72,000-acre lake is clear and clean and great for boating, kayaking, fishing or swimming.
For paddlers, the park makes it especially easy to get on the water — kayak rentals are available, and you can rent one for 24 hours and keep it right at your site. Anglers are equally well served, with several fishing spots and places to launch kayaks, as well as three boat ramps throughout the park. Beyond the lake itself, the park offers about 17 miles of hiking trails through beautiful forested terrain, giving campers plenty to explore on land between their time on the water.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “Can’t go wrong with Mistletoe for water fun. More sites than not are on the water. Beautiful place to kayak, and you can rent one for 24 hours and keep it at your site.” — Glacia C.
“An absolutely commanding view of the lake! It lacked shade in late March but once the sun went down, it was perfect! Beautiful sunsets!” — Rebecca L.
Campground details
Price: $12-$190
Number of sites: 93
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
3. Temperance River State Park Campground — Minnesota
Location: Schroeder, MN
What makes it great: Temperance River State Park Campground is at one of the most spectacular intersections of river and lake on Minnesota’s North Shore. The Temperance River itself separates the upper and lower campgrounds, and the park features miles of trails and waterfalls to explore along the river, with trails accessible right from the campground that take you all the way to Carlton Peak. The river is not just a scenic backdrop — in early spring during “waterfall” season, you could hear the roar of the Temperance River from the campground, while in July the river returns to normal and is great for swimming and cliff diving.
Several sites are next to Lake Superior, with full lake views in the lower campground. Campers in the lower loop describe being just steps from the rocky shoreline. Even sites in the upper campground are far from removed from the water, with a short walk down a paved path to great views of the lake and the soothing sound of crashing waves carrying through the trees. There is also direct access to the Superior Hiking Trail for more adventurous visitors.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “Fantastic. This was one outstanding experience. A few steps to stairs that took you to stunning views of the lake.” — Lauri J.
“Loved how close we were to the water! Best place I have hiked in northern minnesota for sure! Would recommend to everyone! Had a variety of levels of hikes and some amazing views everywhere you turned.” — kasey
Campground details
Price: $24-$34
Number of sites: 60
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
4. Bowman Lake Campground — Glacier National Park — Montana
Location: West Glacier, MT
What makes it great: Bowman Lake Campground in Glacier National Park is one of those places that earns the label of hidden gem — and its setting on the water is the biggest reason why. The campsites are tucked away in a moody, dark forested area with near full shade, and there are a couple of paths directly to the lake, a 2-3 minute walk from anywhere in camp. The lake itself is the undisputed star of the show.
Campers can spend the day kayaking or paddleboarding in this serene, remote location, and reviewers have raved about taking kayaks out on the crystal-clear water with the mountain backdrop surrounding them. A trail runs directly along the lakeshore, and there are trailheads right next to the lake shore with varying distances and difficulties to choose from, including a 26.2-mile round-trip trail along Bowman Lake itself.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “We’ve camped all over…all over Glacier and all over the country, and this is hands-down one of our favorite campgrounds. 100% our fave national park campground! An authentic unplugged, quiet camping experience.” — Taryn S.
“This was my definitely one of my favorite places I’ve camped. The sites are huge so you’re not on top of your neighbors, lots of trees to hang a hammock etc. it was so quiet & peaceful. Lots of wildlife, the lake is a short 2 minute walk down a designated trail. You can kayak, paddle board or canoe on the lake. There are tons of areas to sit around the lake to relax or have a picnic.” — Patsy R.
Campground details
Price: $10-$15
Number of sites: 48
RV sites: No
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
5. Lake Ouachita State Park Campground — Arkansas
Location: Royal, AR
What makes it great: Lake Ouachita State Park Campground sits on one of the most spectacular lakes in the South, occupying a peninsula that extends into the lake. Walk-in tent sites are the most coveted spots right on the water’s edge; campers can swim right from their campsites.
Reviewers have marveled at being able to see small fish swimming below the surface, and one camper described kids sifting for quartz and crystals right in the shallows. For paddlers, the setting is extraordinary: the 40,000-acre lake has over 200 islands to explore, making it an amazing place for kayakers who enjoy calm, beautiful water. Hiking trails connect directly from the campground, eliminating the need to drive to trailheads, and the park also offers a boat dock, pier and playground for families.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “We visited the walk-in tent sites for 5 days in late June and had a wonderful time. These sites are out on a peninsula and although the weather brought us 104° for a few days in a row, with the breeze on the peninsula and the lake water, it was manageable and even pleasant. All of the sites are beautiful and there is a cart provided to transport your gear from vehicle to your reserved spot.” — Angela M.
“The water is crystal clear and we could swim right from our campsites! We also took a Ranger led sunset cruise on the water. Excellent $10 excursion!” — Shana D.
Campground details
Price: $30-$50
Number of sites: 105
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
6. Sylvan Lake Campground — Custer State Park — South Dakota
Location: Custer, SD
What makes it great: Sylvan Lake Campground in Custer State Park in South Dakota’s Black Hills earns its reputation as one of the best campgrounds in the region almost entirely on the strength of its namesake lake. Forested sites ring a granite-rimmed lake, with ponderosa pines providing natural screening between most camping areas, and the lake itself is a postcard-perfect jewel set among dramatic rock formations.
A trail leads directly from the campground down to the lake, with rental equipment available at the nearby lodge for swimming, kayaking and fishing. Beyond the lake itself, the campground’s overall setting makes it one of the most well-rounded spots in the Black Hills. Multiple hiking trails begin directly from the campground area, including the route to Black Elk Peak. Walk-in sites positioned among large granite boulders and mature trees offer views and seclusion that are unmatched.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “Some of the best views I’ve seen. The drive from Mt Rushmore to the campsite was incredible, and some great hiking just around the campsite. Sylvan Lake is also gorgeous.” — Lucas K.
“Does not get better than this. Beautiful scenery with loads to do. I wish I could have stayed a few more nights. The lake is gorgeous. The trails are clear. Endless fun.” — Ryan
Campground details
Price: $16-$34
Number of sites: 30
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
7. Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground — Arizona
Location: Show Low, AZ
What makes it great: Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground’s 150-acre lake 6,200 feet above sea level among the pines is the heart of the entire camping experience. The elevated setting means the lake serves double duty as a stunning scenic backdrop and a cool escape from the Arizona heat.
The water activities at Fool Hollow Lake are plentiful and varied. The facility rents kayaks, canoes, paddle boards and boats, and also maintains several fishing piers and a boat launch. Fishing is a major draw, with catfish, walleye, trout and bass in the water and a hiking trail circling the lake.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “The entire Mallard loop has generous paved sites. There is a picnic table and nice fire pit. Plenty of paved space to set up. Pines surround each site and provide ample shade. Each site has easy access to the lake.” — Royce M.
“This was our first time taking out our camper and we were so happy we chose this camp site! We had a shared spot but we didn’t mind at all! The hookups were staggered so it didn’t feel too cramped at all. We had the most beautiful view of the lake and plenty of wide open space for my kids to explore!” — Madison S.
Campground details
Price: $25-$100
Number of sites: 110
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
8. Prospector Campground — Colorado
Location: Dillon, CO
What makes it great: Prospector Campground on Dillon Reservoir sits at 9,000 feet elevation in the White River National Forest. The campground spreads across multiple loops above the reservoir and the open terrain means that almost all sites have beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, and the combination of lake below and peaks in every direction makes for unforgettable sunrises and sunsets that campers mention again and again in their reviews.
A short trail leads down to Dillon Reservoir’s shoreline, where campers fish and access the 18-mile trail circling the lake. The campground’s location serves as a great base for exploring Copper Mountain and other Summit County destinations; Prospector is a quintessential Colorado mountain camping experience.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “Great views of lake dillon and each spot is tucked into trees so you don’t see neighbors even if you can hear them.” — Reagan M.
“By far one of, if not the most, gorgeous campsite I’ve had the pleasure to stay at.” — Claire B.
Campground details
Price: $27
Number of sites: 105
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
9. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Campground — California
Location: Crescent City, CA
What makes it great: Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Campground is one of the most extraordinary camping destinations in the country because of the Smith River. Nestled in the redwoods, the campsites are close to the river so you can walk there in no time. Some of the most coveted sites sit directly alongside the water — one reviewer described getting a campsite with a private little beach right on the river.
The river invites far more than just admiring glances. A large sand beach is carved out by a shallow portion of the river that is perfect for kids. Reviewers describe swimming in the clear water, dipping in the river after a hike through the forest, and spending long afternoons simply lounging on the banks. There is also a short nature walk of about 1.5 miles that leads through a breathtaking stand of ancient redwoods thousands of years old, and campers recommend taking the waterfall trail for some of the largest redwoods in the park.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “This campground must be the “first camp out” for so many Northern California kids, at least of my generation. It was the first time my family drove for HOURS (“are we there yet?” And then the result was spectacular. The river vibe, the rope swing, the ancient redwoods, the dappled sunlight, the bbq. And yes, there’s a store nearby in the middle of nowhere to pick up whatever you need.” — Susie B.
“Stunning. You camp in the redwoods, with the large and gentle smith river right next to you. There is a large sand beach by the river, it’s very shallow, perfect for kids.” — Michelle H.
Campground details
Price: $35-$100
Number of sites: 106
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
10. Ricketts Glen State Park Campground — Pennsylvania
Location: Benton, PA
What makes it great: The large loop of Ricketts Glen State Park Campground sits on a peninsula jutting into Lake Jean, with many of the sites providing direct lake views. Some sites are even close enough that campers launch kayaks directly from their sites. Reviewers have raved about watching sunsets over the lake each evening and taking short strolls to the water’s edge after dinner. Lake Jean offers a sandy swimming beach about half a mile walk from most campsites, plus kayak rentals and boat launches.
The other defining water feature at Ricketts Glen is its extraordinary collection of waterfalls — and they are the reason so many campers make the trek here year after year. The park’s main attraction centers on the Falls Trail, a demanding 4.1-mile loop featuring 22 waterfalls, some as high as 90 feet, with stone steps and steep sections throughout. Reviewers describe the experience as absolutely breathtaking, with the cascading water surrounded by ancient forest creating scenes that feel almost otherworldly, especially during fall foliage season.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “I visited Ricketts Glen State Park last year, and it was an incredible experience! The natural beauty of the park is breathtaking, especially with the waterfalls along the Falls Trail– a must-do hike for anyone visiting. … Lake Jean was also a highlight, with opportunities for kayaking and swimming.” — Aegon T.
“Escaping the Maryland summer heat, the cooler temperatures in Ricketts Glen State Park was perfect. This park offers a variety of activities. Hiking along the Falls Trail being a highlight. The Large Loop is closer and banks along the lake, where there are two separate beach areas perfect for swimming. Kayak rentals, fishing are some of the great water things you can enjoy.” — Emily C.
Campground details
Price: $20-$92
Number of sites: 120
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes