11 Must-Visit Camping and Fishing Spots for Anglers

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If you love camping and fishing, combining the two is a no-brainer! They go together like marshmallows and campfires!

But where’s the best place to set up camp and cast your line? Take a tip from the pros and start hanging out around avid anglers who’ve made the wilderness their playground.

Over the past 20 years, I’ve been camping and fishing with lifelong fishermen from the rugged terrains of Alaska to the diverse environments of Arizona, Maine, and Vermont. Believe me, not every location is a hit.

That’s why I’ve handpicked the best camping and fishing spots across the US and beyond, ensuring you can enjoy a wilderness adventure that ticks all the right boxes. From mountain lakes to national parks, these are my top picks for the most perfect places to pitch your tent and cast a line!

My father-in-law fishing in a river in Alaska. He's just caught a fish. The yellow fall foliage is beautiful in beautiful in the background with the deep green black spruce trees.

Camping and Fishing Spots in North America

Imagine kicking back in nature’s lap, where your biggest decision is whether to cast a line or toast another marshmallow. North America’s packed with these perfect getaways.

From lakes where the fish practically jump onto your hook, to campsites where the stars are your only ceiling – it’s all about the chill vibes and great catches while enjoying time outdoors.

So, grab your gear, and let’s explore the best spots that make tent camping and fishing the ultimate duo!

1. Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida

A white sea plane with blue and red stripes sits in the water at the edge of a strip of sandy land at Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida. The water is a deep turquoise.

Dry Tortugas National Park is a fort 70 miles west of Key West. It’s also the most remote
location on the list since you can only access it by ferry, private boat, or plane.

Garden Key Campground is set amidst the historic Fort Jefferson, and it’s very basic, so you need to be prepared to be almost off-grid. Although there are composting toilets and showers, you need to take your own water, food, tents, and all other supplies—and you need to take your trash home with you, too.

This camping and fishing spot only has limited availability, so you need to book
several months in advance. You’ll need to obtain a camping permit—either online or via phone
beforehand, and campsites are limited to six people. This is the BEST if you prefer solitude and
silence.

The fishing at Dry Tortugas is incredible, and it’s made even better by the warm turquoise water
(that’s great for a swim and a snorkel, too). You can catch grouper, snapper, and tarpon from the
shore, and there are charter fishing services available if you’ve got good sea legs and want a guided experience.

If a remote camping and fishing trip gets you excited, booking a spot in Garden Key Campground is well worth the wait.

2. Katmai National Park in Alaska

Three brown bears are on the edge of a waterfall looking for salmon on the Brooks River in Katmai National Park in Alaska.

Welcome to Bear Country! There are LOTS of brown bears here, but there’s also outstanding fishing and great camping, plus the park rangers do a great job keeping you safe and ensuring everyone gets to enjoy the park, bears included.

Katmai National Park has an abundant trout and salmon population during the fishing season which runs from early June to mid-Septembe. You can set up camp in the designated areas just a few steps from the beach, and there are some awesome semi-private spots.

Camping here is in high demand, especially during peak bear viewing times from late June through July and September. It is quite cushy as there’s cold potable water, pit toilets, and a gear and food cache, so you’re not entirely roughing it.

Fishing enthusiasts are spoiled with choices here as there’s both river and lake fishing. Both are fantastic depending on how many people are in the park at any time. Just don’t forget to pack for the Alaskan wilderness. You need the right gear and, most of all, bear-resistant containers!

3. Thousand Island Lake in California

Thousand Islands Lake is epically beautiful and the reflection of the rocky gray and orange-hued mountain in the lake is crystal clear.

If you like hiking or backpacking then this is the insanely scenic camping and fishing spot for you! I love the location of Thousand Islands Lake because it’s situated in Ansel Adams Wilderness. Yes, the area was named after the famous landscape photographer so you know it’s going to be quite picturesque.

But getting there takes some effort as it’s a very long hike (the campsite is at mile 42 of 80 of the overall trail), so you need to be in excellent shape and pack well. Make an adventure out of it and spend five days backpacking with a full day of fishing!

The lake is popular for trout fishing as it has pristine clear waters, and the campsite is stunning, especially with the Ritter Mountain Range and the lake as a backdrop. It can get a bit buggy though, so bring your spray along even in the colder months.

Camping at Thousand Islands Lake does require a permit from the Inyo National Forest website so don’t set off without one, it’s a loooong way back!

4. Twin Lakes Reservoir – Colorado

Twin Lakes pristine water ripples in the breeze and the gray rounded mountains and evergreens tower in the backdrop on a cloudy day.

If easy walks appeal more than hiking, Twin Lakes Reservoir in the beautiful Eastern Sierra region is the perfect serene setting for you to go camping and fishing. It’s a favorite spot for a relaxing getaway and the camping spots are well dispersed. They work on a first-come, first-serve basis.

If you’re camping and cooking in an RV most of the campsites are dry, so check this beforehand. The roads are also not always paved, so be prepared for bumps.

This lake is full of gorgeous rainbow trout, largemouth bass, yellow bullhead, and yellow perch fishing. You can rent a kayak if you want to fish further from the shore or explore the waterways. Just ensure you stick to Colorado fishing regulations, as they are very strict here.

The stunning Rocky Mountain views make for a jaw-dropping backdrop in what’s definitely one of the more leisurely locations on my list.

5. Sturgeon Bay Provincial Park – Canada

Rich in biodiversity, and ideal for nature lovers, campers, and fishing enthusiasts, this Canadian park is one of my top picks over the border. This idyllic spot in Ontario has a whopping 81 campsites, most with electrical hook-ups.

Amenities include flushing toilets, a laundromat, the Sturgeon Bay Park store, and canoe rentals, so it’s more on the cushy side. But be warned, the spots are quite small and it can get extremely busy.

There are plenty of sturgeon and bass in Sturgeon Bay and Georgian Bay’s pristine waters. The
campsite is very fish-centric, and you can even reserve a boat slip on the docks in advance.

Other activities include bird watching (you can get a birding checklist at the gatehouse), biking,
boating, canoeing, and swimming, so you can take your non-fishing family or friends along too.

6. Grand Isle State Park in Vermont

If you like taking your dog along on your adventures, Grand Isle State Park is my idea of paradise and my dog agrees. We love to go here for a day trip on a summer day but camping here is even better!

Situated on South Hero Island in Lake Champlain’s clear waters, Grand Isle State Park has trout, bass, and panfish galore. Not only does the park offer a delightful blend of fishing, camping, and outdoor experiences, but it’s also got clean bathrooms, although you do pay extra for a shower.

You can enjoy the picturesque lakeside sites, hiking trails, and amazing sunsets without restrictions. Although, expect a visit from the park ranger if you’re still chatting after 10pm! Also keep in mind, pets are not permitted in swimming area.

Grand Isle is one of the most popular camping and fishing spots in my home state of Vermont, and its serene ambiance is definitely complemented by its well-maintained facilities.

7. Lily Bay State Park in Maine

Magical Maine has so much to offer and Lily Bay State Park gets my vote if you’re looking for a year-round camping and fishing spot. Just remember that there’s no water available in winter, so
you need to bring your own.

There’s also no power so you either need to do without or take a portable generator for camping, which you can only use during non-quiet times.

Located on the shores of Moosehead Lake, 9 miles north of Greenville, this 925-acre park has lush, wooded campsites that are nice and level and well-spaced. You can use the boat slips and launch sites to access the waters for motorized and non-motorized vessels.

However, small watercraft must stay near the shoreline as the winds on the open waters can come up quickly. The pristine waters are teeming with smallmouth bass, landlocked salmon, and brook trout, so there’s plenty of variety if you’re looking to target more than one species.

8. Johnson Lake in Alaska

A view of crystsl clear Johnson Pass and Upper Trail Lake. The clouds cover most of the blue sky.

Although on the smaller side, Johnson Lake in Alaska is a nature-lovers paradise with incredible fishing, camping, and outdoor recreational activities. This camping and fishing spot on the Kenai Peninsula is highly recommended for those with accessibility needs as the recreation area has ADA facilities.

The campground has 48 campsites, picnic areas, and day-use parking sites so there’s ample space. The fishing here is excellent, partly due to fish being placed here from hatcheries on a regular basis.

Catfish, bass, and panfish are in abundance and I love the fact that there are so many black and brown bears, moose, lynx, squirrels, and hares sharing the space, not to mention excellent bird-watching.

9. Rice Lake in Canada

Rice Lake is seen blurred through the background of this lovely tree-framed photo capturing the calming view in the early morning.

Rice Lake is the most densely fish-populated lake in Ontario, with more fish per acre than any other lake. You’ll find species like walleye and muskie, but beware of the pesky water weeds that want to trap and steal your bait! This makes for a trickier fishing experience.

The lakeside camping facilities here have very tranquil surroundings, although motorboats are allowed on the waterways during the day, so be prepared for this and choose your fishing spot wisely.

The campsites are well spaced and there are even artesian wells around the area to drink from, so you don’t need to bring your own drinking water! There are also little shops and restaurants in the area, so if you prefer to camp with a side of convenience, you’ll feel right at home.

10. Klutina River Copper Center Campground – Alaska

My husband, Matt, caught a gorgeous king salmon in the Copper River in Alaska.

Alaska has my heart, and Klutina River Copper Center Campground on the way to McCarthy is my idea of a fisherman’s paradise. They offer a blend of recreational activities in a setting so picturesque you’ll want to pinch yourself to make sure they’re real.

Their charters have expert guides dedicated to helping you catch Sockeye or King Salmon. The Klutina salmon runs are some of the best in the world.

The campground has rustic yet comfortable facilities, perfect for camping in the breathtaking Alaskan wilderness. There are also dry, electric, and full hook-up options for RVs and plenty of wide sites to park in.

The views of Wrangell St. Elias National Park and its towering ice-covered peaks are enough to make you want to return time and again, but it’s the salmon that really reels you in.

11. North Cascades National Park – Washington

This is North Cascades National Park. The pristine blue lake is surrounded by tall mountains and lush forests.

Last but not least on my list is North Cascades National Park. The pristine blue lake is surrounded by lush forests and alpine meadows so it is like something out of a travel magazine!

There are plenty of great spots to cast your line, and Kayak Guru’s interactive fishing map is an
excellent help if you’re new to the area and not sure where best to position yourself on the lake. Just be warned, mobile phone coverage is spotty in some places, although the roads are smooth so you can always drive until you get reception.

Trout species, steelhead, burbot, kokanee, and large- and smallmouth bass are just waiting to nibble on your line and the pristine glacier-fed waters are a sight to behold.

And another great part? The park and all the amenities (camping included) are FREE. They are closed in winter but for the rest of the year, you can enjoy what nature has to offer, without spending a dime.

This is my husband, Matt showing his grayling catch.

This is my husband, Matt showing his grayling catch as he kneels in the river in Alaska.

Conclusion

From Dry Tortugas’ isolated splendor to the wildlife-rich landscapes of Katmai, there’s a perfect spot for you. I hope you feel inspired to book a bucket list fishing and camping experience!

Whether you are seeking the thrill of an Alaskan adventure or the calm of a Vermont lakeside, these places promise not just a great catch, but an immersive experience in nature.

So, gear up, choose your next destination from this list, and head out on an unforgettable journey into the heart of the wilderness. The great outdoors awaits!