Swimming Campgrounds

Beat the heat at campgrounds with pristine swimming spots. Lakes, rivers, beaches, and swimming holes just steps from your campsite.

20+ Campgrounds4.6★ AverageBest: Summer (June-September)

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Swimming Campgrounds by State

Explore 35 state guides with curated campgrounds

Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

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4.5

(288)

Manatee Springs State Park Campground

Manatee Springs State Park
FL

Crystal-clear water flows from a first-magnitude spring, maintaining a refreshing 72 degrees year-round and offering visibility that delights both swimmers and scuba divers.

Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
South Lake Tahoe (about 10 miles), CA

Sandy beaches meet Lake Tahoe's famously transparent waters right at your campsite, where kids can spot rocks on the bottom even in deeper sections. A roped-off swimming zone keeps younger swimmers safe while parents relax on the shore, watching the sun glint off the Sierra Nevada peaks...

Waterloo Sugarloaf Lake Campground

Chelsea, MI

The sandy beach slopes gently into Sugarloaf Lake's clear waters, creating a safe, supervised swimming area where kids can wade and play for hours. A convenient bathhouse sits steps from the shoreline, letting families rinse off and change without trekking back to their campsites.

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About This Activity

Swimming campgrounds feature designated swim areas, often with sandy beaches and gradual entries perfect for families. Look for campgrounds on clean lakes or rivers with marked swimming zones. Some have lifeguards during peak season; others are swim-at-your-own-risk.

Best Time

June-August for warmest water temps. Midday is warmest but busiest. Many beaches have lifeguards only Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Activity Highlights

Lake and river swimming access
Natural swimming holes
Beach and waterfront sites
Family-friendly swimming areas

More Swimming Campgrounds

Discover 17 additional top-rated swimming campgrounds

4.5

(459)

Brady Mountain Day-Use

Lake Ouachita
Hot Springs, AR

The dedicated swim beach provides crystal-clear water so transparent you can see straight to the bottom, earning frequent "paradise" comparisons from visitors. Families splash in Lake Ouachita's exceptionally clean waters while enjoying easy beach access and convenient pavilion facilities nearby.

4.6

(131)

Reeder Bay

Idaho Panhandle National Forests
Nordman, ID

The sandy beach opens directly onto Priest Lake's famously transparent waters, where swimmers can see clearly to the bottom while floating in refreshing mountain coolness. Families spread out along the shoreline, moving easily between shaded campsites and the inviting swimming area just steps away.

Alfred A. Loeb State Park

Brookings, OR

The Chetco River flows crystal-clear through the campground, creating warm swimming holes and natural pools that families return to year after year. Children splash safely in shallow riverside areas while parents relax on sandy banks beneath towering old-growth trees.

Grayton Beach State Park Campground

Grayton Beach State Park
FL

Swim in the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico, where sugar-white sand beaches stretch uncrowded along one of Florida's most pristine coastlines. Families splash in calm, clear waves while kids build sandcastles on shores that remain blissfully peaceful even during peak season.

Sam A. Baker State Park
Patterson, MO, MO

The St. Francis River and Big Creek carve cool swimming holes through forested hollows, where families wade into clear mountain water and kids splash along sandy-bottomed shallows.

4.5

(287)

Crystal Springs (Ar) Day-Use

Lake Ouachita
AR

The swim beach stretches along Lake Ouachita's famously transparent waters, where families can see straight to the sandy bottom while kids splash in the shallow areas.

4.5

(65)

Gunner Pool Campground

Ozark-St. Francis National Forests
.

Sylamore Creek flows directly through camp with cold, crystal-clear swimming holes perfect for spending entire summer days splashing and floating. The pristine water quality and natural creek-side access create an authentic swimming experience where families can wade, explore, and cool...

Anvil Lake Campground

Chequamegon-Nicolet NF
Eagle River

The expansive sandy beach meets crystal-clear lake water where families spend entire days swimming, building sandcastles, and wading in the shallows. Children safely splash near shore while stronger swimmers venture into the pristine depths, all under the watchful presence of soaring...

Devil's Lake State Park

Wisconsin State Parks, Wisconsin
Baraboo, WI

Crystal-clear spring-fed waters lap against two expansive sandy beaches, framed by dramatic 500-foot quartzite bluffs that create a stunning natural amphitheater.

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Campground Locations

Showing top 20 campgrounds near Swimming Campgrounds Nationwide

Map of campgrounds near Swimming Campgrounds Nationwide

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Map Key

Manatee Springs State Park Campground

Meeks Bay

Waterloo Sugarloaf Lake Campground

Brady Mountain Day-Use

Reeder Bay

Alfred A. Loeb State Park

Grayton Beach State Park Campground

1 Campground

Crystal Springs (Ar) Day-Use

Gunner Pool Campground

Anvil Lake Campground

Devil's Lake State Park

North Star

Hapgood Pond

Bayou Bluff Point Of Interest

Cannon Mountain Rv Park

Cavitt Creek Falls Recreation Site

Kisatchie Bayou Recreation Area

Sun Lakes State Park

Franklin Lake

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Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Swimming in natural springs, lakes, and riversBeach lounging and sunbathingPaddleboarding and kayakingSnorkeling in clear springs and lakesFishing from shore or boatHiking waterside trails

Tips & Recommendations

1Reserve popular swimming campgrounds well in advance—sites at destinations like Meeks Bay on Lake Tahoe and Manatee Springs in Florida often book out 6-11 months ahead for summer weekends.
2Bring water shoes for rocky entries, especially at natural spring and river locations where limestone or river rocks can be sharp.
3Pack reef-safe sunscreen to protect aquatic ecosystems, and bring shade structures since waterfront sites may have limited tree cover.
4Most swimming areas prohibit glass containers, so use plastic or metal for beverages.

20 campgrounds ranked

Based on real camper reviews

Curated for Swimming Campgrounds

Swimming Campgrounds FAQ

Great swimming campgrounds have designated swimming areas, sandy beaches, clean water, and lifeguards during peak season. Look for campgrounds on lakes with gradual entries perfect for families.

It varies. Some campgrounds have lifeguards during summer months, while others have unsupervised swim-at-your-own-risk areas. Always check water conditions and supervision status before swimming.

We list 20+ campgrounds with swimming access across the USA, from mountain lakes to ocean beaches.