Swimming Campgrounds in California

Swimming Campgrounds in California

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

12+ Campgrounds4.5★ AverageBest: Summer (June-September)
Find California CampgroundsSet Availability Alert

Swimming Campgrounds in Other States

AlaskaArizonaArkansasColoradoFloridaGeorgiaIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNew HampshireNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaSouth CarolinaTexasUtahVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
View all Swimming Campgrounds nationwide →

Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

1
Meeks Bay
Star
4.5
(415)
Meeks Bay
South Lake Tahoe (about 10 miles)
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

Sandy beaches meet Lake Tahoe's famous crystal-clear waters right at your campsite, where you can wade into refreshing alpine swimming without driving anywhere.

Tents
RVs
2
Gerle Creek
Star
4.7
(249)
Gerle Creek
Placerville
Eldorado National Forest

Crystal-clear waters of a motor-free reservoir create a tranquil swimming haven where families can safely paddle and play without boat traffic disrupting the peace.

Tents
RVs
3
Lindsey Lake Campground
Photo coming soon
Star
4.6
(40)
Lindsey Lake Campground
Nevada City
Tahoe National Forest

Crystal-clear alpine waters beckon swimmers to dive into this pristine Sierra Nevada lake, where motorboat-free tranquility ensures peaceful dips in refreshing mountain temperatures.

Tents
RVs

About Swimming Campgrounds in California

Swimming camping California offers an unparalleled diversity of aquatic experiences, from the crystalline alpine lakes of the Sierra Nevada to the pristine mountain creeks of the Shasta-Trinity wilderness and the warm coastal waters of Southern California. The Golden State's varied geography creates swimming opportunities at every elevation and climate zone, making it a premier destination for water-loving campers seeking both adventure and relaxation.

Best Time

The prime swimming camping season in California runs from late June through early September, when water temperatures reach their peak and mountain roads are reliably snow-free. Lake Tahoe and high Sierra destinations offer the best swimming from mid-July through August, when surface water temperatures climb into the comfortable 60s and 70s, though even summer swimming in alpine lakes requires tolerance for cold water.

Activity Highlights

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

Campground Locations

Showing top 12 campgrounds near Swimming Campgrounds in California

Map of campgrounds near Swimming Campgrounds in California
Explore Interactive Map →
Map Key
1
Meeks Bay
2
Gerle Creek
3
Lindsey Lake Campground
4
Convict Lake Campground
5
Ripstein Campground
6
Philbrook Campground
7
Golden Trout
8
Silver Fork Campground
9
Canyon Campground
10
Canyon Group Campground
11
Spanish Creek Campground
12
Brandy Creek Primitive Campground
View all 527 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Lake and reservoir swimmingCreek and river swimming holesBeach lounging and sunbathingKayaking and paddleboardingFishing from shore and boatHiking to remote swimming spots

Tips & Recommendations

  • 1Reserve swimming campgrounds well in advance through Recreation.gov for Forest Service and some state park locations, with popular Lake Tahoe sites requiring the maximum six-month advance booking window for summer weekends.
  • 2Bring multiple layers including warm clothing for mountain evenings, as temperatures can drop 30-40 degrees after sunset even during hot summer days.
  • 3Pack water shoes for rocky lake bottoms and creek beds, along with quick-dry towels and waterproof bags for wet gear.
  • 4Always supervise children closely near water and be aware that most campgrounds lack lifeguards—designated swimming areas indicate safer conditions but don't guarantee safety.
12 campgrounds ranked
Based on real camper reviews
Curated for Swimming Campgrounds in California

Swimming Campgrounds in California FAQ

We've ranked 12+ swimming campgrounds in California based on water access, swimming areas, safety, and user reviews. Top options include campgrounds on lakes, rivers, and beaches with designated swimming areas.
Swimming safety varies by location. Many campgrounds have designated swimming areas with lifeguards during peak season. Always check for posted warnings, water conditions, and currents before swimming. Never swim alone.
Summer (June-September) is the best time for swimming camping in California. Water temperatures are warmest and swimming areas are typically staffed. Some mountain lakes may be too cold for swimming even in summer.
Availability Alerts

Popular California Campgrounds Book Fast

The best swimming campgrounds in California book up quickly, especially during peak season. Set up free alerts to catch cancellations.

Checks every 2 min
SMS, email, push
150,000+ campsites

Outdoorithm

Just now

🎉 Site opened up!

Meeks Bay
Your preferred dates

Quick! This site typically books within hours.

Outdoorithm

Find Your Perfect California Campground

Create your free account to save favorites, set availability alerts, and get personalized recommendations.

  • Search 12+ swimming campgrounds in California
  • Set alerts for hard-to-book sites
  • Get personalized recommendations for your trip
  • Compare campground amenities
  • Check weather forecasts
Create Free AccountBrowse First

No credit card required. Every feature is free to use.