31 Must-Visit Waterfront Campgrounds and the Essentials to Take With You

For those keeping score at home, the groundhog did not see his shadow, so warmer weather should be just around the corner. But even if the folklore eludes us, it’s always nice to start thinking about that summertime escape.

To help with your preparation, we’ve prepared a list of waterfront essentials as well as a compilation of 31 campgrounds that are sure to make a splash.

Summertime Essentials

With all the targeted ads and viral fads making the rounds, sorting through the noise and finding the proper accouterments for an outdoor adventure can be challenging. So, without breaking the bank, here’s a quick curated rundown of highly-rated gear for use in, around, and on the water.

Water Bottle

Hydration is key, and a durable water bottle helps the environment while helping your wallet when you factor in the amount you’d spend on single-use bottles.

Portable Speaker

Whether you’re floating in the river, relaxing by the side of a pool, or just hanging around a campfire, music can really augment the experience. Carrying around a portable speaker can go a long way – especially if it’s waterproof.

Sunscreen

An obvious entry on the list? Sure. But still, it’s all too easy to forget the importance of sunscreen. If you will be hanging outside for any length of time, make sure you stock up.

First Aid Kit

The best offense is a good defense (so to speak). And while you can’t necessarily anticipate everything that could go wrong on a trip, you can be prepared at the very least. Take it upon yourself to research any potential hazards, wildlife, poisonous plants, or weather-related risks that could affect your vacation, and stock up with a first aid kit carrying the essentials.

Insect Repellent

How many times has a perfectly pleasant evening out on a patio or around a campfire been stymied by mosquitos? Stock up on some insect repellant for an uninterrupted good time.

Utility Wagon

If you’re traveling with a larger crew and hauling gear around, you would do well to invest in a collapsable wagon. These carts are easy to pop open and stow away with ease, and they will undoubtedly save you additional trips back and forth.

Waterproof Phone Case

It never hurts to play it safe if you’re going anywhere near the water. Quell unnecessary anxiety with a waterproof case. Your wallet will thank you in the long run.

Portable Charger

When you’re out and about, charging your phone can be an afterthought that could eventually become a big problem. Bringing a portable power bank might just stave off a bad situation.

Inflatable Paddleboard

Whether venturing out to the ocean or the lake, paddleboarding is a blast, and having an inflatable option makes packing easier. It’s a bit of an investment, but when you factor in that an hourly rental runs around $15, purchasing one will likely pay for itself by the end of summer.

Kindle e-Book Reader

Are you trying to catch up on some reading? If so, a Kindle is a great investment. These devices have a warm light that’s friendly to your eyes, hold a charge for ten weeks at a time, and give you access to over two million books.

Backpack Cooler

If you’re the one carrying the cooler, you’re pretty much the source of the party. You also have to inconveniently drag it around or find a buddy to help share the load. Fortunately, the backpack cooler makes transporting drinks way easier.

Waterfront Campgrounds

The TLDR is there are plenty of fantastic spots to camp near the water, and while this is by no means an exhaustive list, it’s a pretty helpful start.

Antelope Point Marina RV Park
Page, AZ
928-645-5900
jschebesta@apmlp.com

Keller’s Kove Cabin and RV Resort
Elizabeth, AR
870-488-5360
Kellerskove@yahoo.com

​​Cachuma Lake Campground
Santa Barbara, CA
805-568-2460
reservations@sbparks.org

Stateline Campresort & Cabins
East Killingly, CT
860-774-3016
camp@statelinecampresort.com

Bay Bayou RV Resort
Tampa, FL
813-855-1000
info@baybayou.com

Boardwalk RV Resort
Homestead, FL
305-248-2487
boardwalkrv@gmail.com

Chokoloskee Island Resort
Chokoloskee, FL
239-695-2414
Chokoloskee@CoveCommunities.com

Jolly Roger RV Resort
Marathon, FL
305-289-0404
email@jrtp.com

Road Runner Travel Resort
Fort Pierce, FL
772-464-0969
frontdesk@roadrunnertravelresort.com

Tamiami RV Park
North Fort Myers, FL
866-573-2041
reservationist@tamiamicommunity.com

Upriver RV Resort
North Fort Myers, FL
239-301-3551
info@upriver.com

Yacht Haven Park & Marina
Fort Lauderdale, FL
954-583-2322
reservations@yachthavenpark.com

Black Bear Campground
Salisbury, MA
978-462-3183
bbcamping@aol.com

Martha’s Vineyard Family Campground
Vineyard Haven, MA
508-693-3772
info@campmv.com

Indian Springs Ranch Golf & RV Resort
Eureka, MT
406-899-6912
rvresort@indianspringsmontana.com

West Glacier RV Park & Cabins
West Glacier, MT
844-868-7474
glacierpark@pursuitcollection.com

Camp Hatteras RV Resort & Campground
Rodanthe, NC
252-987-2777
camping@camphatteras.com

Frisco Woods Campground
Frisco, NC
252-995-5208
Reservations@thefriscowoodscampground.com

Hatteras Sands Campground
Hatteras, NC
888-987-2225
hatterassandscg@gmail.com

Apache Family Campground & Pier
Myrtle Beach, SC
800-553-1749
info.camping@apachefamilycampground.com

Myrtle Beach Travel Park
Myrtle Beach, SC
800-255-3568
reservations@mbtravelpark.com

NMB RV Resort and Dry Dock Marina
Little River, SC
844-777-5727
fun@nmbrvresortanddrydock.com

Palmetto Shores RV Resort
Summerton, SC
803-478-6336
Info@palmettoshoresrvresort.com

Chesapeake Campground
Chesapeake, VA
757-485-0149
chesapeakecampground@gmail.com

Lake Gaston Americamps
Bracey, VA
434-636-2668
Reservations@lakegastonamericamps.com

Monroe Bay Campground Paradise Lake Family Campground
Colonial Beach, VA
804-224-7418
cpc1932@verizon.net

Picture Lake Campground
Dinwiddie, VA
804-861-0174
contactus@picturelakecampgrounds.com

Tom’s Cove Park
Chincoteague Island, VA
757-336-6498
tomscovepark@verizon.net

Friends Landing RV Park
Montesano, WA
360-861-8864
friendslanding@portgrays.org

Grant County Fairgrounds & RV Park
Moses Lake, WA
509-765-3581
camping@grantcountywa.gov

MarDon Resort on Potholes Reservoir
Othello, WA
509-346-2651
info@mardonresort.com

Ready to Make the Most of Your Summer?

With over 2,000 campgrounds and RV parks across North America, Good Sam has plenty of summertime “hot spots” to get you out on the water. And don’t forget, members save 10% when they stay – helping you get the most out of your trip.