25 Beautiful Lakeside Campsites

Lakeside camping is tough to beat.

By: Liam McNally + Save to a List

Camping is always a great time, even if the surroundings aren't exactly stunning. But there's something special about waking up with the sun and witnessing a perfectly calm lake in the early morning light. The best way to get a front row seat to one of nature's greatest shows is by camping lakeside and this list of 25 beautiful lakes where you can camp should be plenty of inspiration for you to start planning your next camping adventure.

1. Mono Lake

California | Car Camping | Learn more.

Photo: Gregg Boydston

2. Lake McDonald

Montana | Car Camping | Learn more.

Photo: Seth Langbauer

3. Spade and Venus Lakes

Washington | Backpacking | Learn more.

Photo: Jason Zabriskie

4. The Great Salt Lake

Utah | Car Camping | Learn more.

Photo: Prajit Ravindran

5. Russel Lake

Oregon | Backpacking | Learn more.

Photo: Erik Sanders

6. Lake Lovely Water

Whistler | Backpacking | Learn more.

Photo: Matthew Hosford

7. East Lake

Oregon | Car Camping | Learn more.

Photo: TJ Orton

8. Sawtooth Lake

Idaho | Backpacking | Learn more.

Photo: Dusty Klein

9. Granite Springs Reservoir

Wyoming | Car Camping | Learn more.

Photo: Whitney James

10. Cracker Lake

Montana | Backpacking | Learn more.

Photo: Dustin Wong

11. Lower Crystal Lake

Colorado | Hike In or Car Camping | Learn more.

Photo: Ryan McKinney

12. Tank Lakes

Washington | Backpacking | Learn more.

Photo: Mitch Pittman

13. Todd Lake

Oregon | Car Camping | Learn more.

Photo: Talia Touboul

14. Red Pine Lake

Utah | Backpacking | Learn more.

Photo: Sam Watson

15. Thomas Lake

Colorado | Backpacking | Learn more.

Photo: Mike Fennell

16. Crane Prairie Reservoir

Oregon | Car Camping | Learn more.

Photo: TJ Orton

17. Silver Lake

Utah | Backpacking | Learn more.

Photo: Michael Johnston

18. Sparks Lake

Oregon | Boat Camping | Learn more.

Photo: Whitney Whitehouse

19. Ibantik Lake

Utah | Backpacking | Learn more.

Photo: Colton Marsala

20. Heart Lake

Colorado | Car Camping | Learn more.

Photo: Whitney James

21. Ice Lake

Wyoming | Car Camping | Learn more.

Photo: Trent Sizemore

22. Red Castle Lake |

Utah | BackpackingLearn more.

Photo: Sam Watson

23. Jackson Lake

Wyoming | Car Camping | Learn more.

Photo: Ryan McKinney

24. Alice Lake

Idaho | Backpacking | Learn more.

Photo: Dusty Klein

25. Mirror Lake

Oregon | Backpacking | Learn more.

Photo: Roark Nelson

Don't see your favorite lakeside camping spot? Show us by creating an adventure!

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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