Summer is officially here and there’s no better way to beat the heat and commune with nature than a waterside campground. Here’s our guide to some of the best family-friendly campgrounds in North America situated right on the water. Now get outside and chill out!
El Capitan Canyon, Santa Barbara, California
Nestled between the picturesque Santa Barbara mountains and the vast Pacific Ocean, El Capitan Canyon offers families 300 acres of camping, cabineering and luxurious yurts perfect for adventure and relaxation. Read more about this campground at Examiner.com!
Twin Lakes Campground, Mammoth Lakes, California
Twin Lakes Campground in Mammoth Lakes, California offers family tent camping at its best. Boating, biking, hiking, fishing; it has everything an active family could ask for and is also perfect for just sitting around and doing absolutely nothing. Read more about this campground right here on MommyHiker.com!
Leo Carrillo State Park and Campground, Malibu, California
Located 28 miles northwest of Santa Monica, Leo Carrillo State Beach is unique with a protected cove toward the north and rocky tide pools that can be explored at almost any time of day (low tide obviously allows for more wildlife). It’s a great family beach and with the Leo Carillo State Beach Campground just a stroll away, it can also be a great place to stay. Read more about this campground at Mountain Mom and Tots!
Carpinteria State Beach Campground, Carpinteria, California
With 200 sites, Carpinteria State Beach Campground is busy place. Reservations are snatched up the moment they become available (six months in advance) so make sure you’re on the ReserveAmerica website early if you want a spot. Read more about this campground at Mountain Mom and Tots!
Highland Lakes Campground, Arnold, California
Escape to the California Sierras, to Highland Lakes for a more rustic car-camping experience with the beauty of lakes and lovely mountain peaks. Read more about this campground at Chasqui Mom!
Sand Hollow State Park, Hurricane, Utah
Camping with close access to National and State parks, slot canyons, plus crystal blue water and cliff jumping out your tent door! Check out Sand Harbor State Park in Utah. Read more about this campground at Kid Project!
Payson Lakes Campground, Salem, Utah
Payson Lakes Campground is situated on the Nebo Loop Scenic Byway near Payson, Utah. Payson Lakes is known as a fisherman’s getaway since the series of three alpine lakes are a great place to paddle, fish or swim. Read more about this campground at Mountain Mom and Tots!
Preston Valley Campground, Logan, Utah
All the campgrounds in Logan Canyon are right off the main road which leads to a lot of road noise at night. The benefit is that it’s also right by the river which allowed us some short fun kayaking runs. Read more about this campground at Mountain Mom and Tots!
Primrose Landing Campground, Seward, Alaska
Primrose Campground is located the shores of Primrose Creek and Kenai Lake – a great base for a fishing adventure. The campground has 8 sites, no hookups and is within a short drive of Seward. Read more about this campground at Mountain Mom and Tots!
Exit Glacier Campground, Seward, Alaska
Exit Glacier Campground is unlike any other campground. Being a tent only, walk in campsite there are no reservations, no individual parking spaces and no picnic tables for each site. A communal cooking and storage area has three picnic tables and space to put food overnight. Read more about this campground at Mountain Mom and Tots!
Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, Parksville, BC, Canada
For gentle waters to wade and paddle, head to Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, Parksville. This family-friendly park is conveniently located near Parksville and is a short drive from the Departure Bay ferry terminal. At low tide, the beach is about a kilometre long! Read more about this campground Play Outside Guide!
Green Point Campground, Pacific Rim National Park, Ucluelet, Canada
Enjoy epic beach walks along Long Beach, learn to surf, or hike in the coastal rainforest while camped at Green Point Campground, Pacific Rim National Park. Recent upgrades have made the campground better than ever – there are showers (finally!) and walk-in sites now have fire rings, so you can stay longer and more comfortably. Read more about this campground Play Outside Guide!
Wya Point Walk-In Campground, Ucluelet, Canada
If you like getting away from it all, you will love the private, secluded beach at Wya Point Walk-In Campground, Ucluelet. Although this is a walk-in campground, it has the amenities of a front country campground (showers, dishwashing sinks, flush toilets). Not prepared to walk-in camp? Stay at the lodge or seaside yurts! Read more about this campground at Play Outside Guide!
Two Jack Lakeside Campground, Banff, Canada
This extremely popular campground in Banff has no power sites for RVs so expect a natural camping experience. Reservations can be made early in the season and are absolutely necessary if you want to camp here during the summer season. Read more about this campground at Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies!
Interlakes Campground, Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada
This beautiful campground is located right on the Lower Kananaskis Lake with approximately half of the 48 sites situated right next to the lakeshore. To get a site here in summer you’ll have to come mid-week because reservations are not accepted in advance. Read more about this campground at Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies!
Crimson Lake Campground, Alhambra, Alberta Canada
This campground has 173 sites with power for RVs and all are reservable in advance which really helps families planning ahead. There are bike trails, hiking options, and other fun things to do in the Rocky Mountain House area. Read more about this campground at Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies!
Writing-on-Stone Campground, Aden, Alberta, Canada
There are 19 unserviced sites and 45 sites with power for RVs. There are also two group campgrounds and several comfort camping units. All sites accept reservations in advance. There is a great beach with sand and families can float the river in tubes from one end of the campground to the other on a hot day. Read more about this campground at Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies!
Surveyors Lake Campground, Wasa, BC, Canada
The campground has approximately 100 sites but note that there are no power sites here for RVs. It is located just outside the mountain town of Fernie in British Columbia and is extremely popular! Plan to make a reservation well in advance if you want to get a site here in the summer. Read more about this campground at Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies!
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