5 Waterfront RV Campsites to Visit this Summer

Contributor

Lindsay McKenzie

Favorite Trip

Our favorite trip was when we first hit the road full-time and drove all the way up the coast of California and into Oregon. Our first 3 months as full-time RVers we drove the entire Pacific Coast Highway and camped at different beautiful beaches along the way. We then drove through the towering redwoods in Redwood National Forest and continued on through Oregon and Idaho on our way to Glacier National Park in Montana. There was so much stunning scenery and adventure around every corner that entire trip.

Home Base

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Favorite RV

We loved our Winnebago Navion 24D. It was nimble so we could park it pretty much anywhere but it still gave us a comfortable living space with the Murphy bed. We drove it all over the country!

About Contributor

Lindsay McKenzie travels full-time in her Winnebago Navion with her husband Dan and their 2 dogs. Originally from Colorado, they have been seeking adventure together for 10 years now and have done a lot of international traveling, including living in Costa Rica. They took the leap into full time RVing after experiencing life-altering news. They viewed the news as a life “detour” and started a travel and inspirational blog called Follow Your Detour. Lindsay has grown more passionate about pursuing her dreams and a leading a fulfilling life, while inspiring others to do the same. She loves that RVing allows her to be in nature and do more of what she loves. You can usually find her on the river fly fishing, hiking to sunset spots, or at a local brewery. (All photos by Lindsay McKenzie, except where noted.)

Are you craving some warm weather and beach time? Dreaming of an RV vacation? This time of year, aren’t we all? Well, the following five waterfront RV parks and campgrounds will have you ready to hop in your RV and go. They literally have me trying to figure out how to fit every one of them into my summer RVing plans. The even better news is that they are all part of the Good Sam network, which means if you’re a member you can get 10% off your stay.

1. Ocean Lakes Family Campground – Myrtle Beach, SC

Ocean Lakes Family Campground
Photo: Lindsay McKenzie

The Ocean Lakes Family Campground ranked in the top 1% out of 8,000 different parks! For good reason, too – as if the location and beach access weren’t enough, you won’t believe the amenities!

You can’t beat its location in Myrtle Location, which is known for its 60 miles of beautiful beaches, large selection of golf courses, excellent seafood restaurants, and endless entertainment and fun for the whole family. Ocean Lakes is the largest campground on the east coast and one of the largest in the country, with 210 oceanfront acres, almost a mile of beach, and 859 campsites. It’s a huge park with, as I mentioned, huge amenities.

There are 9 different beach accesses on-site, but you may have to be pulled away from the on-site Sandy Harbor Family Fun Center to even go to the beach. The center’s most notable feature is its water park, which has a mat racer, tube slide, lazy river, an additional kiddie pool, and a Splash Zone for kids. The family fun doesn’t end there though, you can enjoy a game center, a Mini-Golf Course, and an indoor/outdoor café. Guests will also love Ocean Lakes’ large playgrounds, workout stations, volleyball in the sand, shuffleboard, basketball, and can even rent bicycles to cruise around on. Find some shells on the beach? Take them into the Ocean Lakes Nature Center Discovery Lab, where they have 10,000 shells and fossils!

Ocean Lakes Family Campground Pool
Photo: Lindsay McKenzie

Along with all the fun that’s offered, Ocean Lakes also has a store and laundromat for your convenience. But get this, they also have an RV Center, with new and used RVs for sale, an RV supply store, and an award-winning service and parts department! You literally never have to leave the property if you don’t want to. They even thought of little details that make a huge difference, like having an express check-in so that once you arrive, the fun begins! Now pick your jaw up off the ground and go book your next RV vacation at Ocean Lakes Family Campground now. You can visit their website to book your stay.

This is beyond a shadow of a doubt the finest Campsite/Vacation spot for families. – Good Sam Member Review

2. Blue Water RV Resort – Freeport, TX

Blue Water RV Resort
Photo: Lindsay McKenzie

Called the most scenic RV Resort on the Gulf of Mexico, you’ll find Blue Water between Surfside and Galveston Beaches at the Blue Water RV Resort. In addition to the 360-degree beach and wetland views and tropical landscaping featured along the property, the resort has an impressive list of amenities that will surely make you feel like you’re on vacation.

Staying at this gated RV resort, you’ll have immediate access to 11 miles of the beach, which includes a dog-friendly area! You’ll also be able to enjoy a Discovery Trail for hiking along the canal. Getting on the water is easy from Blue Water Resort because of its private boat ramp and docks. You can even rent a kayak or a paddleboard right on-site. If you have your own boat or water toy, you can bring it and dock it for the weekend at one of their Pier Sites.

After your time at the beach and on the water, you’ll have an outdoor shower to rinse off before plunging into their sparkling swimming pool surrounded by shady pavilions and picnic tables. Or, you can play a game of basketball, pickleball, or ping pong! Lastly, be sure to catch a meal at their on-site restaurant and bar, which is a great spot for sunset.

Staying at Blue Water RV Resort will also put you close to all the that Galveston has to offer, like Pleasure Pier Amusement Park, Schlitterbahn Water Park, Moody Gardens Golf Course & Aquarium, The Strand, and plenty of seafood restaurants. So, what are you waiting for? Head over to their website and book your next RV vacation.

A fisherman’s paradise! – Good Sam Member Review

3. Campland on the Bay – San Diego, CA

Campland on the Bay
Photo: Lindsay McKenzie

You can’t beat Campland on the Bay‘s location in sunny San Diego! You’ll be camped right along the shores of Mission Bay while being close to SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo, and everything else that this beautiful area has to offer. Campland on the Bay has received several recognitions, including “10 Most Amazing U.S. Campgrounds Beloved by RVers” by Travel Awaits and “Top 10 Urban Campground” by USA Today.

Campland offers one-of-a-kind camping, which they call a “Legendary Beachfront Playground Retreat”. They have their own beach where many campers bring their own floats, kayaks, and paddleboards and along with beach volleyball courts, campers tend to play at the beach all day. They also have a 124-Slip Marina and boat launch, swimming pools and spas, a gym, bike and e-bike rentals, and a sports court for playing basketball, pickleball, and even dodgeball! There is definitely no shortage of things to do on-site.

In fact, Campland on the Bay is the perfect campground for kids. They recently added a skatepark, have a large playground area, and daily activities like scavenger and treasure hunts, crafts, kickball, and four square. But don’t worry, adults have activities, too, and can enjoy yoga, bocce ball, and pickleball. Or, sit back and enjoy the cantina and live entertainment while the kids play.

My husband and I had the pleasure of staying at Campland and primarily used it as a launching pad for exploring San Diego. While we didn’t get to enjoy all the amenities, we will always have a special place in our hearts for this park, as we experienced one of the most breathtaking sunsets just steps from our RV. Campland on the Bay is the perfect place year-round whether you’re trying to escape the heat of summer or the cold of winter, Don’t wait! Book your stay today! 

We never left camp, everything we needed was at the property. – Good Sam Member Review

4. Camping on the Gulf – Destin, FL

Camping on the Gulf
Photo: Lindsay McKenzie

It’s hard to find a better beach in the country than Miramar Beach! The white sand and turquoise waters are absolutely stunning and you can’t camp any closer to this slice of heaven than at Camping on the Gulf. While you don’t need much more than being steps away from the beach and having ocean views from your RV window, guests at Camping on the Gulf can enjoy pool time as well. They have an upper pool with a hot tub and a lower pool that boasts a large water slide! The park’s amenities are clean, modern, and continually improving.

While staying in Destin, if you can pull yourself away from your own little RV oasis, you’ll have so many things to do that the whole family will enjoy. From theme parks, zoos, and museums, to golfing, scuba diving, and fishing. I personally love walking along the HarborWalk at sunset, seeing dolphins, strolling through the lights, stopping in shops, and then grabbing dinner at one of the restaurants. Destin is calling you! Book your beach RV vacation here!

Literally the only bad thing is leaving, and maybe the sand you bring home. – Good Sam Member Review

5. Windemere Cove RV Resort – Langston, AL

Windemere Cove RV Resort
Photo: Lindsay McKenzie

Alabama may not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of an RV vacation, but I’ll convince you otherwise. The Windemere Cove RV Resort is located on the shores of Lake Guntersville, which is truly one of the most beautiful lakes I’ve seen in the country after five years of RVing all over the U.S. This is the perfect spot for a relaxing getaway.

Langston is one of the top 10 fishing towns in America, so one of the most obvious appeals of Windemere Cove RV Resort is the fishing access it offers. With its own private boat launch and a pier, getting on the water or just throwing a line in will be convenient. But you don’t have to be a fisherman to enjoy the resort. They have a saltwater swimming pool, a communal fire pit, a private clubhouse, and fun games like shuffleboard.

Lake Guntersville is 69,000 acres so there’s plenty to do in the surrounding area as well. You can find plenty of shopping and dining and even a local theater. The area also hosts a variety of events and fun festivals throughout the year for its visitors to enjoy. Lake Guntersville State Park has 36 miles of multi-use trails so whether you prefer hiking, biking, or horseback riding, you can explore the 6,000 wooded acres of Lake Guntersville State Park.

Honestly, though, the lake is so scenic that you won’t need to do much to enjoy your time. Just sitting back and taking in the views during your morning coffee or peacefully reading a book by the shore will make it an enjoyable RV vacation. Ready to book your stay at Windemere Cove RV Resort? You can do so right here!

Overall, if you’re looking for a nice peaceful and quiet park on a nice lake, this is it. – Good Sam Member Review

I hope you make your way to one of these fabulous waterfront RV parks this summer and enjoy your time, whether you’re at the ocean or the lake! When you can take your RV anywhere, why not head to the water and enjoy the views? Happy travels to you!

  • Comment (8)
  • Gene Bock says:

    Why go south in the heat lots of beautiful campgrounds up north to beat the heat and head south in the winter

  • Brian Hopkins says:

    No beautifull Canadian parks to mention?

  • Edward M Pate says:

    You missed some amazing sites along the Great Lakes.

  • Barbara Gale Bowman says:

    Beautiful places to visit. Which would be the best for someone that has to use a scooter and walker?

  • Brad Cowan says:

    Hi, Barbara! I would check the details and listings of each campsite before traveling to ensure they’re able to meet your needs. Many campsites accommodate scooters, walkers, and more.

  • Brad Cowan says:

    Hi, Edward! There are so many amazing sites, especially along the Great Lakes, that we simply couldn’t mention them in one post. We chose a select few for this one, but we’ll share more in future posts.

  • Brad Cowan says:

    Hi, Brian! There are so many beautiful parks, including Canadian parks, that it would be impossible to mention them all in one post. We chose a select few for this one, but others will get the spotlight in future posts.

Leave Your Comment

Shop By RV Type

Your Adventure Awaits

Join our email list and stay up-to-date on the latest news, product innovations, events, promotions, and lots of other fun updates.
By checking this box, you expressly authorize Camping World to send you recurring automated promotional marketing text messages (e.g. cart reminders) to the telephone number entered, which you certify is your own. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Reply HELP for help and STOP to cancel. Msg. frequency varies. Msg. & data rates apply. View Terms & Privacy.
By checking this box, you expressly authorize Camping World to send you recurring automated promotional marketing text messages (e.g. cart reminders) to the telephone number entered, which you certify is your own. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Reply HELP for help and STOP to cancel. Msg. frequency varies. Msg. & data rates apply. View Terms & Privacy.
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Scroll to Top