We were coming off a rainy 4-hour drive as part of our first camping weekend of the season last April. By the time we pulled into our campsite, it was dark. I got out of the van and heard something nearby: the sound of rushing water. But just how close? A short footpath led me straight to the banks of a creek right behind my campsite at Cape Perpetua Campground in Southern Oregon. Not only was it soothing to fall asleep to the sound of the water, but the stream gave me a spot to cool off, wash my hands, fill a bucket for the campfire, and rinse my muddy socks. If only it was bigger, I could swim in it…
Upgrade a creek to a river, and you will have ample opportunities for enjoyment, from fishing to taking a dip to paddling around. With more than 250,000 rivers in the U.S., you don’t have to look too hard to find a camping spot at the water’s edge. Below, we’ll reveal some of the best summer camping spots near rivers.
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Why Camp Near a River?
When the temps rise in the summer, you’re going to be thankful you parked near water. Wade out or dive in to cool off immediately (as long as swimming is allowed). As for outdoor activities, watersports opportunities abound. You can fish easily from the shore or a boat (a fishing permit/license is probably required). Or you can launch your kayak, canoe, or stand up paddleboard in gentle waters to cruise around and sneak in a workout.
But even if you just stay on shore, the view of water is enough to draw you near. Watch the birds, the fish jump, the way the water moves, and the colors change throughout the day.
National Parks With Camping Near Rivers
You know we can’t publish a post without mentioning camping in and near National Parks. This time, we mean the 63 parks as well as 366 other federal park sites including national historic sites, national battlefields, national monuments, national seashores, and national recreation areas. To narrow down the search, the National Park Service offers camping at about 130 of these units (though not all have RV hookups). Reservations through recreation.gov are recommended, and length limits should be taken seriously. Here are a few we’d recommend:
-In Arkansas, Buffalo National River allows RV camping in the Ozark and Erbie campgrounds
-In West Virgina, New River Gorge National Park & Preserve has a small campground
-In Utah, Zion National Park’s Watchman Campground is open year-round and requires reservations
-In Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park’s campsites are booked well in advance, but worth it
-In Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore’s Platte River Campground is riverside
-In Minnesota, the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area has primitive camping if you’re up for an adventure
-In California, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks have camping near the Kings and Kaweah rivers
-In Texas, Big Bend National Park offers four campgrounds near the Rio Grande
State Parks With Camping Near Rivers
Maybe your best bet for camping near a river is within a state park. Benefits include being close to home, having numerous options with nearly 7,000 state parks in the U.S., and potentially experiencing less competition for campsites than the national parks. Every state has its own reservation system and RV limits, so be sure to check while you’re making plans. Here are a few worth checking out:
–Guadalupe River State Park in Spring Branch, Texas offers 85 RV sites with water and electric hookups
–Roaring River State Park in Cassville, Missouri has three campgrounds and family sites
-Utah’s Green River State Park campground is right on the banks of the river
–River Island State Park in Parker, Arizona has 37 tent and RV sites near the Colorado River
–Valley of the Rogue State Park in Oregon parallels the Rogue River
-In Florida, Ichetucknee State Park’s spring-fed rivers neighbor the campground
-California’s Navarro River Redwoods State Park has a first-come, first-served campground
–Letchworth State Park in New York is considered “the Grand Canyon of the East”
RV Parks With Camping Near Rivers
Privately-owned campgrounds can be the best hidden gems, welcoming to families and offering conveniences and comforts.
–Oakland Valley Campground in Cuddebackville, New York is located along the Neversink River
–Dos Rios RV Park in Mason, Texas sits at the confluence of the Mighty Llano and Majestic James Rivers
–American River Resort in Coloma, California has recommendations for whitewater guides
–Mississippi Riverwood RV Park in Otsego, Minnesota has sites on or near the water
–Spruce Park on the River in Kalispell, Montana is directly along the Middle Fork of the Flathead River
–Arizona Oasis RV Resort in Ehrenberg, Arizona is right on the banks of the Colorado River
–Suwannee River Bend RV Park in Old Town, Florida has 24 waterfront sites surrounded by lush tropical vegetation
–Salida RV Resort in Salida, Colorado is brand new along the Arkansas River
Don’t see a camping spot on your road trip route? Remember that these are only a handful of thousands of options. A quick search for “river camping near me” should reveal even more.
We have the perfect RV for your riverside adventure.
