Boating Campgrounds

Launch your adventure from campgrounds with direct water access. Boat launches, marinas, and paddling opportunities await.

20+ Campgrounds4.6★ AverageBest: Spring through Fall (April-October)

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Boating Campgrounds by State

Explore 38 state guides with curated campgrounds

Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

A concrete boat ramp provides direct access to Enid Lake's expansive waters, launching anglers and pleasure boaters into one of Mississippi's premier fishing destinations.

Superior National Forest
Ely, MN

Launch directly into the legendary Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, where thousands of interconnected lakes and waterways await paddlers. Calm morning waters mirror the surrounding pines, creating glassy conditions that let canoeists and kayakers glide silently through one of North...

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
Springerville, AZ

Towering pines surround your launch point to 450-acre Big Lake, where crystal-clear alpine waters at 9,000 feet elevation create exceptional conditions for kayaking, sailing, and motorboating beneath vast Arizona skies.

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About This Activity

Boating campgrounds provide boat ramps, trailer parking, and often dock access or marina facilities. Check for horsepower restrictions and wake zones before you go—many lakes have limits. Confirm the ramp can handle your boat size and that there's adequate parking for your trailer.

Best Time

Early morning for glassy water. Check reservoir levels in drought years. Many lakes restrict motors during fish spawning (spring).

Activity Highlights

Boat ramps and launches
Marina access and dock space
Kayak and canoe rentals nearby
Calm water for paddling

More Boating Campgrounds

Discover 17 additional top-rated boating campgrounds

4.8

(332)

Cottonshed Park (Ar)

Millwood Lake
MINERAL SPRINGS, AR

Boaters launch directly into Millwood Lake's distinctive submerged timber forest, where drowned trees create a maze-like waterway beloved by bass anglers and kayakers seeking adventure.

Quartz Creek Campground

Chugach National Forest
Seward, AK

Quartz Creek flows directly into Kenai Lake's emerald waters, launching paddlers and anglers into Alaska's legendary turquoise wilderness where mountains plunge dramatically into deep, clear channels.

Mouth Of Two Hearted River State Forest Campground

Newberry, MI

Launch your boat where the famous Two-Hearted River meets Lake Superior's vast waters, creating rare access to both tranquil river paddling and open-lake adventures.

Greeson Lake
Kirby, AR

The on-site marina launches boats directly onto Lake Greeson's clear waters, where expansive coves invite exploration by powerboat, sailboat, or kayak. Launch your vessel at dawn and spend the day navigating tranquil bays, then return to dock steps from your waterfront campsite.

Rough River Lake
McDaniels, KY

Direct boat ramp access launches you onto Rough River Lake's expansive waters, where bass fishing tournaments and endless coves await exploration. Waterfront campsites line the shore, putting you steps from your kayak or boat while sunset views stretch across the glassy surface.

Hartwell Lake
Seneca, GA

Launch directly into Hartwell Lake's expansive waters from the convenient boat ramp and courtesy dock, where calm conditions invite sailors and kayakers to explore 70 miles of shoreline.

Center Hill Lake
Sparta, TN

The boat ramp provides direct access to Center Hill Lake's calm waters, where skiers carve wakes and canoeists explore nine miles of shoreline from a paddler's perspective. A swimming beach serves as your launch point for morning kayak excursions before the afternoon ski boats arrive.

Philpott Lake
Bassett, VA

Anglers and sailors launch directly from the campground into Philpott Lake's 100 miles of pristine shoreline, where calm waters wind through Blue Ridge Mountain coves.

John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir
Clarksville, VA, VA

The boat ramp provides direct access to 50,000 acres of open water on John H. Kerr Reservoir, where powerboats, jet skis, and kayaks share smooth conditions along miles of forested shoreline.

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Campground Locations

Showing top 20 campgrounds near Boating Campgrounds Nationwide

Map of campgrounds near Boating Campgrounds Nationwide

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Map Key

Wallace Creek

Fall Lake

Rainbow (Az)

Cottonshed Park (Ar)

Quartz Creek Campground

Mouth Of Two Hearted River State Forest Campground

Kirby Landing

Laurel Branch

Oconee Point

Ragland Bottom

Goose Point

Buffalo Park

Merrill Campground

Cape Fair

Ohaver Lake

Dam Site Lake Campground

Old Federal

Lakeview Park

North Sandusky Campground

Millers Ferry Campground

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Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Powerboating and water skiingKayaking and canoeingFishing from boats and shorelineSailing and windsurfingPaddleboardingSwimming and beach activities

Tips & Recommendations

1Research specific boating regulations for each waterbody, as requirements vary significantly—some lakes restrict motor size, enforce no-wake zones, or require invasive species inspections before launching.
2Obtain necessary permits in advance, including state park passes, Forest Service recreation passes, and fishing licenses if you plan to combine angling with boating.
3Pack essential safety equipment including properly fitted life jackets for all passengers, throwable flotation devices, fire extinguisher, sound-producing device, and navigation lights for vessels operating after sunset.
4Bring tie-down straps, fenders, and extra dock lines, as water levels fluctuate seasonally and may affect launch ramp accessibility.

20 campgrounds ranked

Based on real camper reviews

Curated for Boating Campgrounds

Boating Campgrounds FAQ

Look for campgrounds with boat ramps, dock access, marina facilities, and adequate parking for trailers. Check for horsepower limits and wake restrictions if you have a powerboat.

Requirements vary by state and boat type. Many states require boating safety courses for motorized vessels. Check local regulations and bring required documentation.

We list 20+ boating campgrounds across the USA with boat launches, marinas, and water access.