10 Great Waterside Camping Destinations for RVers Who Love to Fish

10 Great Waterside Camping Destinations for RVers Who Love to Fish
Lakes, rivers, and beaches to consider for your next RV trip!

By: GoLife Staff

Do you like to fish while you are on your RV camping trips? Here are some great destination ideas for camping near rivers, lakes, and beaches across the U.S. These places are all ideal for enjoying water activities or simply sitting back and enjoying the relaxing views!

New to boondocking out in nature? Read this guide. Plus read how modern campgrounds are prioritizing family fun and outdoor activities in this article.

Riverside & Lake-Side RV Camping Great for Fishing!

From kayaking and boating to fishing and swimming, camping by the water has great perks for families wanting to make the most of their summer. Whether you are aiming for a nature-focused digital detox or just want a quick weekend getaway from the city.

1. Lake Livingston State Park in Livingston, Texas

As one of the largest lakes in Texas, Lake Livingston is a great destination for RVers who want to pair camping and fishing. You can fish for bass, crappie, and catfish from a fishing pier or boat ramp, or take a trip out on a boat. Plus, there are multiple campgrounds in the state park that are on or near the lake with nearby nature trails to enjoy.

2. Lake Tahoe in California/Nevada

With forested RV parks near the lake that are perfect for camping, you can enjoy the iconic Lake Tahoe views while fishing for trout from the shore, kayak, or a boat. Learn more about fishing in Lake Tahoe.

3. Shenandoah River State Park in Virginia

If traveling through Virginia, Shenandoah River State Park offers campsites along the river. The "fish trap" access area near Shelter 3 is suitable for wade fishing, and freshwater fishing is available for those with a Virginia freshwater fishing license.

4. Lake of the Ozarks State Park in Missouri

As one of Missouri’s top fishing destinations, there are multiple RV campgrounds at Lake of the Ozarks with easy access to fishing areas for catching bass and crappie, or you can also rent a boat.

5. Flathead Lake in Montana

Flathead Lake in Montana is one of the cleanest lakes in the world and it has several campgrounds offering scenic camping with direct access to water recreation, including fishing.

6. Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Nevada/Arizona

Lake Mead has numerous campgrounds near the lake, offering water sports and plenty of space for RVs. You can also fish for bass, catfish, and trout in Lake Mead and the nearby Colorado River.

Beach-Side RV Camping with Water Recreation

Camping on or near the beach is a dream for many RVers. While it takes some additional preparation and consideration if you will be directly on the sand, it is very much doable in many types of RVs and makes for a memorable camping experience. (Learn more about beach boondocking.)

1. Fort De Soto Park in St. Petersburg, Florida

At Fort De Soto, the campground is nestled between beautiful beaches and waterways, perfect for fishing, kayaking, birdwatching, and water sports. 

2. Gulf State Park in Alabama

Gulf State Park has a great beach perfect for sunbathing and fishing, and the campground offers RV campsites with access to freshwater and saltwater fishing (license required that can be purchased online).

3. Charlestown Breachway State Park in Rhode Island

With saltwater fishing, kayaking, and RV camping within walking distance of the beach, Charlestown Breachway State Park is an ideal summer destination.

4. Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina

The Outer Banks of North Carolina is a unique destination to explore and Cape Hatteras National Seashore is specifically ideal, offering kayaking, surfing, and fishing along its miles of pristine beaches. Multiple campgrounds offer great RV camping options with easy beach access, but boondocking is also possible in the Outer Banks (read this guide).

BONUS: RVing & Fishing in Alaska!

An RV trip to Alaska is quite the undertaking, but it is an adventure many RVers rave about - especially those who love outdoor activities. Alaska is a top destination for hiking and wildlife viewing as well as fishing in rivers, lakes, and in the ocean.

Here are some of the go-to fishing spots in Alaska to consider:

• Homer offers halibut fishing in Cook Inlet and Kachemak Bay, and the Homer Spit offers shore-based fishing with RV camping nearby. There are multiple other campgrounds in Homer, including a KOA a short drive from town. Learn more about RVing in this area. 
• Seward is great if you prefer saltwater fishing and want to join a charter. The full-service Seward KOA Holiday is a top choice for RVers visiting the area.
• In Ketchikan, which is considered "the salmon capital of the world," you have multiple different camping options and access to boat tours offering spectacular views of the inside passage. 
• Kodiak Island is known for its world-class fishing as well as its giant brown bears, called Kodiak Bears. Buskin River State Recreation Site offers campsites for RVs of various sizes. However, it is important to be bear-aware while camping here. 

There are also many boondocking opportunities in Alaska as well as other off-the-beaten-path places to explore. (Learn more about visiting Alaska in your RV.) If you prefer for someone else to plan your trip to this epic destination, or would just like some additional companions, consider a Winnebago Outdoor Adventures group tour by Fantasy RV Tours.

Tips for Traveling with Fishing Gear in Your RV

Make sure your fishing gear is clean and dry before storing it in your RV to avoid bringing an odor into your rolling home or creating an opportunity for mold to grow. If you do need to store it before it is completely dry, storing it in your shower can be a good option. If fishing in saltwater, it is especially important to make sure everything is well rinsed to keep your gear working well.

Consider making a specific space to store your fishing rods so that they do not get damaged on the way to your waterside destination. Many RVers personalize their storage bays and gear garage to stay organized and keep their gear easily accessible. Telescopic fishing rods are a popular option if you don’t have a large, pass-through storage area to store longer fishing poles.

Read more tips for RVing in summer here, and check out this list of top gear for enjoying the beach and other activities in your RV.

What is your favorite waterside RVing destination? Please share in the comments!