Lake Camping in the United States: Best US Lake Campsites 2026

Camping by a lake in the United States gives you options—over 202,000, to be specific. You’ll find sites with toilets, showers, and plenty that welcome pets. The average night runs about $50, but you can snag a spot for as little as $5 if you’re quick. Top picks like Zion Wright Ranch Eco-Camp (2805 reviews), Finnon Lake Recreation Area (1225 reviews), and 5D RANCH (1190 reviews) get consistent praise for their access and setting. Expect swimming, horseback riding, and hiking to fill your days. Some lakes are tucked against canyon walls, others sprawl beside pine forests, and a few back right up to fishing docks. If you want to wake up to water views and easy access to trails, you’ll find your spot here.

96% (133.5K)

Top-rated campgrounds

81%

(42)

653 sites · Lowman, Idaho

You could say Boise National Forest is in the tri-forest area. It is surrounded on all sides by Payette, Salmon-Challis, and Sawtooth National Forests, it is situated conveniently close to both urban fun in Boise, and limitless wilderness adventures everywhere else. Alpine tundra is dotted with evergreen forest in the green rolling hills here, topped with snow, and anchored by sparkling valley waterways. The Payette River is great for rafting, while Banks Beach and Beehive Bend are just some of the prime access points on the forest’s 250 lakes and reservoirs (Arrowrock Reservoir has surprisingly primo salmon fishing for central Idaho). Hikers will find 500 trails, including some that lead to 360-panoramic views at fire lookouts. The ambitious should try 10,000-foot high Trinity Mountain, while more liesurely trekkers will get just as good a view at Silver Creek. As if that’s not all enough to keep you busy, there are also endless mountain biking trails, including a scenic route along Shafer Butte. You’ll have your hands full at this intersection of so many great parks!

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

11. Ashley National Forest

88%

(13)

1000 sites · Whiterocks, Utah

Choose some majestic highlights in this mountainous national forest.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

12. Tahoe National Forest

93%

(255)

1382 sites · Graniteville, California

Though the lake isn’t in the forest’s boundary, you can see it in panoramic views.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

13. Inyo National Forest

96%

(453)

2001 sites · Lone Pine, California

Explore ancient pine forests, curious rock formations, and massive peaks in this sprawling national forest.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

24 sites · in McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park

Stories from the community

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Steven

1 week ago

Tent

12 nights at Hideout Mountain Lodge

Awesome! Quiet! Relaxing! Thank you!

A

Angelica

2 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

The lake view was amazing. Nacho responds fast to messages and makes sure everything it’s okay. Thank you so much. It was my first time camping and it went smoothly.

skanda

2 weeks ago

16 ft car

2 nights at Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

Amazing views, Nacho was very helpful and let us change sites at the last minute. Restroom and shower clean and well maintained!

R

Ramon

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to By the Pond...

First time tent camping here and I loved it! Location was easy to find, site was clean and beautiful pond nearby. Also the owner the next day came by and introduced himself which was very nice. Will camp again!

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Laura

2 weeks ago

4 nights at Fruitdale Farm

We stayed for 5 days in the sugar shack cabin and it was the coziest experience ever!! Aimee is such a great host and made sure we had every we needed. The wood stove keeps the cabin really warm even in the middle of a snowy night, we accidentally made it too warm one night and went on a night hike in the snow, the most beautiful experience ever. Oh and if you see a little orange cat, that’s Aimee’s cat Tangie, he likes to say hi to the campers!

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Taelor

2 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

This was mine and my husband’s first time camping at Lake Olancha and we will definitely be back! The host Nacho was very good at communicating and making us feel welcome and comfortable. We camped at tent site #2 and it had a great view of the lake and mountains along with a picnic table, fire pit and electrical stations on for sides of the tent for charging. It was practically snowing late at night but we were able to plug in our heater so our tent was nice and cozy when we were in there. It was so enjoyable in fact, we originally only booked 2 nights but ended up staying a 3rd night bc we didn’t want to leave lol there is only one public restroom but to our surprise we never had to wait to use it. The water for the shower was hot there was a heater and the toilet paper was always stocked. For the price you really cannot beat the experience and I would definitely recommend to stay here if you’re considering it!

M

Mike

2 weeks ago

22 ft Class B

With kids

Weekend Trip to Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake

Communication was great. She helped us get situated late at night. Site was a short walk to stream water. Had plenty of firewood too. Great trip

Park your RV and step into riverside bliss, with exclusive access to the beautiful Medina River just 200 yards away

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Sam

2 weeks ago

25 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Sparrow Bend River Retreat

Really enjoyed our weekend here. All the RV hookups worked great and were easily accessible. Good fishing in the Medina!

J

Jennifer

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to 5D RANCH

My seven year old made friends with the owners white dog and gave him a huge hug. We went canoeing on the lake but left early because of the rain. We did have a wonderful camp fire and made s'mores the first night. Before we left my little one said this was the best camping trip ever and the best day in his life. This is not our first camping trip, but this place is his favorite place to go camping.

M

Margarita

3 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to 5D RANCH

Nice property very clean. First time visitor. Will return again.

D

David

3 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

3 nights at 5D RANCH

My family and all the friends we have taken to 5D ranch over the years all love it there. Site 23 is perfectly secluded from other sites with a gentle slope throughout, but 2 large tents fit on a reasonably level area. Trees provide excellent shade and wind break. The host family is amazing. We had a great time meeting other campers, and of course the resident dogs - they are very gentle and passive.

Carrie

3 weeks ago

14 ft pop-up camper

3 nights at 5D RANCH

We absolutely loved our stay! Site 24 was perfectly secluded and felt like we were the only ones there. The property is beautiful - we loved exploring all the trails and will definitely return! Julie and Charlie were wonderful hosts - highly recommend.

T

Taelor

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

This was mine and my husband’s first time camping at Lake Olancha and we will definitely be back! The host Nacho was extremely good at communicating and making us feel welcome and comfortable. We camped at tent site #2 which has a lake/Mountain View, picnic table, fire pit and two electric stations for charging on both sides of the tent. Even though it was borderline snowing late at night, we were able to use our heater so our tent was very warm and cozy the whole trip. So much so, we originally only booked two nights but ended up booking a 3rd night bc we didn’t want to leave lol there is only one shared restroom but surprisingly we never had an issue with having to wait to use it. The water for the shower was hot and the toilet paper was always stocked. This was a great experience and I would definitely recommend it if you’re considering staying here!

R

Rochelle

3 weeks ago

30 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Paulk Park's Peaceful Pond

The park was very clean and well kept. Enjoyed my stay there. Very convenient to stores. Would return.

k

kevin

3 weeks ago

18 ft Class B

With kids

4 nights at Musick Creek Falls by Shaver Lake

We loved camping here. We took our RV and Popo-Up camper. The hikes were fun and we did great at fishing Huntington Lake. Shaver Lake town is awesome and close.

A

Amber

3 weeks ago

25 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Paulk Park's Peaceful Pond

It is quiet and was the perfect spot to be near family during the holiday. This is a simple, no bells and whistle campground. Spots were level and roomy. We did not know to request a fire pit but we were able to use one anyways- you can also bring your own. My boys loved the pond, and watching the small aircraft take off. We look forward to utilizing it more when we come down to visit family. My only suggestion would be hooks or a spare bench in bathhouse for belongings when showering etc.

G

Gavin

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Sparrow Bend River Retreat

Great location! The river was awesome to fish and the property was pretty clean. Only complaint were dogs barking but it died down after sunset.

E

Ernesto

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Sparrow Bend River Retreat

My fiance and I stayed in Forest 2, it was our first time camping and we loved it. The spot was secluded and felt quiet, not far from the restrooms either. Deer would occasionally be around the site at night time while we slept, we didn't mind, but recommended to have food stored away properly and have the trash thrown. We also went fishing by the river and saw some nice fish, the water was nice and clear. Overall awesome experience.

K

Kirby

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Fruitdale Farm

Peaceful and beautiful! Enjoyed my stay in the Sugar Shack, it was just what the doctor ordered. A place to get away after the holiday craziness and just unwind. Will definitely be looking at trying to go back. 😎