With such a vast array of waterways to choose from, it can be difficult whittling down exactly where to stay with your RV in the US. Luckily for you, we've selected some incredible lakeside spots in every state, from RV resorts with private lakes to campgrounds perched on the edge of rushing rivers. Whether you want to go kayaking, take part in some shorefront fun or simply enjoy the view, read on for some of the best places to park up.

This RV campground has a gorgeous lakeside location on the banks of Neely Henry Lake, in northeast Alabama. The site offers full RV hook-ups, Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, playgrounds and even a giant jumping pillow to launch onto. As a bonus, it's also pet-friendly. Once you've finished fishing, boating and swimming for the day, stock up on supplies at the on-site general store for a well-earned alfresco dinner.

With 98 lots, there's no RV size limit at South Rolly Lake Campground in Nancy Lake State Recreation Area, so families of all sizes are well-catered for. The recreation area combines lakes, wetlands and forests so you're in with a good chance of spotting local wildlife – look out for beavers and waterfowl in the summer months. You can go boating and fishing here, plus there are plenty of picnic sites to soak up your wild surroundings.

Wahweap Marina’s RV site is ideal for those seeking the best of the outdoors. This dreamy RV spot is located along Lake Powell, a freshwater reservoir which straddles the scrubland border between Utah and Arizona. There are water toys, electric hook-up sites, showers and shops, plus delectable restaurants within walking distance. As well as striking views across the lake, the surrounding landscape is made up of mighty canyons and colourful striped rock formations.

Love this? Follow our Facebook page for more travel inspiration

While Ozark Campground is a back-to-basics site, it more than makes up for it with its lakeside location, reachable via a three-mile (5km) rugged gravel road. There are 31 RV lots on the riverbank of Buffalo National River, each with its own picnic table, fire ring and lantern hook. This campground is ideal for last-minute plans as lots are only available on a first-come-first-served basis. Once you've settled in, make the most of direct water access, featuring caverns and a swimming hole.

Offering incredible views stretching across to Mount Shasta and the Shasta Trinity National Forest, this bustling campground is a hive of activity. As well as an on-site restaurant, bar and store selling ice, firewood, cold drinks, ice cream and everything else you need for a fabulous day, there's also a fishing bait shop, bike hire, plus stand-up paddle board and kayak rentals. Choose from water, electric and full hook-up RV lots or rent a retro trailer instead – and if you're here in summer, head down to the lake for the incredible, inflatable Splash Zone.

With a stunning, 350-acre reservoir, the crystal-clear waters of Rifle Gap State Park is an ideal spot to pull up in your RV; there are five campsites to choose from. Adrenaline-junkies can have a go at water-skiing, jet-skiing and boating, but sailing and windsurfing is also popular here. The Lakeview Campground is particularly RV-friendly with full hook-ups, picnic tables and fire rings. As its name suggests, you'll enjoy stunning views of the reservoir and mountainside from this hilltop campground.

While it's slim pickings for RV spots actually within Lake Waramaug State Park, there are a couple of RV-friendly campgrounds nearby, so you won't be far from stunning views of mirrorlike Lake Waramaug (pictured). The Cozy Hills Campground is a good shout for RVers as they have full hook-ups, a shower block and basketball court. Did we mention the outdoor laser tag and drive-in cinema?

Nestled on the shores of Little Assawoman Bay (pictured) lies Treasure Beach RV Park and Campground. This family-run resort has operated since the 1970s, so you know you'll be well looked after. Each RV lot has a concrete drive, patio, outdoor furniture and a firepit, with a range of bayfront and lakefront spots to pull into. Hang out by the pool, listen to occasional live music and head out to the fishing and crabbing piers for the ultimate lakeside experience.

Positioned on the northern tip of Lake Okeechobee in central Florida, this pet-friendly RV resort pulls out all the stops with a waterfront swimming pool, tiki huts with picnic tables, a billiards area and spacious shower rooms. The RV resort offers full hook-ups; try to nab a lot along the riverside for uninterrupted views over the water and across to the scenic walking trail on the other side.

With over 60 miles (96km) of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, Fort Mountain State Park is one of the best places to park your RV. Located near the Cohutta Wilderness in the foothills of the Appalachians, the campground features full hook-up RV lots, a laundry station and washroom facilities. There’s also easy access to a trail network winding through blueberry thickets. For more outdoor pursuits, you can go swimming in the lakes or simply sit back on the beach, with boat, canoe and paddleboat rentals also available. There isn’t any internet access, giving you the chance to switch off from the rest of the world for a night or two.

Discover the most charming lakeside town in every state

RV camping on Hawaii is tricky, but rent a camper van and your options open up. You'll still need a permit to park up your home on wheels, but there's a selection of relaxing spots to choose from. For instance, take in the watery views at the kiawe-tree-shaded Papalaua Wayside Park (we know it's not lakeside, but the sea is just as good in this part of the world). Plan wisely – there’s no camping on certain weekdays and there aren’t any washrooms – but the beach barbecues and West Lāhainā Pali Trail over the volcanic Maui landscape makes it worth the hassle. 

Whether you want to join a guided trail walk, rent a canoe or kick back and take in the lakeside views, there's a variety of campsites to park up in at Ponderosa State Park. There are 50 lots at the RV group campground, with gorgeous settings extending across Payette Lake (pictured). Each lot comes with electric and sewer hook-ups, a fire ring and picnic table, while the bathhouse is conveniently located in the centre of the campground. In the long summer afternoons, play a classic game of horseshoe by borrowing a game set from the visitor centre.

This full-service campground is fun for all the family. There's a range of RV lots to choose, from basic to luxury, but the waterfront electric and water hook-up sites guarantee you the best views. Once you're settled in, take in your leafy surroundings before hitting the large outdoor pool, mini golf course and kayak-friendly lake. Want to kick back with a local drink? The Mississippi River Distilling Company is just eight miles (13km) away.

The most adorable small town in every US state

Just because Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph is located in 'America's Christmas Hometown' – it's called Santa Claus, if you're wondering – that doesn't mean you can only visit at winter (although the road names are all Christmas themed). Mostly catering for RVs, the lower cluster of the site – just off Candy Cane Lane – is as close to Lake Rudolph as you can get, where there's a dock, beach volleyball and paddleboard rental. Across the rest of the site you'll find aqua attractions such as the Blitzen Bay Pool, Dasher Splasher Splash Pad and Kringle Bathhouse.

Centred around a large fishing lake, a stay at Sleepy Hollow RV Park and Campground could see you going for a dip in the pool, frolicking on the beach area and battling it out with friends and family on the volleyball and basketball courts. A number of RV lots line the fishing lake (excluding pull-thrus), and the site is complete with Wi-Fi, a camp store, games room, playground and community firepit.

How to avoid these common RV mistakes

Spread out along the edge of the water, Spring Lake RV and Camping Resort is ideal for keen fishers. Venture away from the water, though, and this camping resort offers full hook-up sites and fire rings, plus a swimming pool, walking trails and mini golf, all spread across its sprawling 93 acres. There's even a barn-style stage for live performances, which entertain guests throughout the summer.

Set within the Daniel Boone National Forest, lakefront lounging is essential at the pet-friendly Zilpo Campground by the 8,270-acre Cave Run Lake. There are standard electric and standard non-electric RV sites mere moments from the lake, but it's also worth following the forest trails into the mountains before hunkering down for the evening with a wholesome campfire cookout. 

Lakeside RV Resort by Rjourney forms a horseshoe around a private lake, with pretty waterfront views from the full hook-up RV lots. Each lot has paved parking and comes with a firepit, picnic table and Wi-Fi. To enjoy the sun, rent one of the floating aquabanas – inflatable cabanas that mean you can sunbathe and dive straight into the lake. Next to the welcome office is a swimming pool, while basketball and volleyball courts, a games room and communal campers' lounge are dotted around the lakeside. 

Roll into Beaver Dam Campground for some quintessential New England camping. While some spots are tucked away in the woodland, others are perched on the banks overlooking the site's large pond. Offering full, partial or non-hook-ups, each spot comes with a picnic table and fire ring. Spend the afternoon out on the water in a kayak or paddleboat, go fishing from one of two docks or dive head-first into the swimming pool. A lively events calendar is likely to keep you entertained, with everything from free ice cream socials to water toss tournaments.

Although it's technically located between two bays, lake-vibes abound at the BayShore Campground on Chesapeake Bay, with its elevated position right on the Chesapeake Bay waterfront. Come for the awesome sunset views and s'mores, but stay for the amenities: few of the seasonal RV lots overlook the beach, while the rest of the park offers basketball and volleyball courts, a dog park and two ponds. 

Check out these stunning US spots to relax in your RV

In northwest Massachusetts, a stone's throw from Windsor Lake (pictured), lies Historic Valley Campground, an ideal location for RVers with lakeside (and wilderness) RV lots and all the standard facilities, including a playground. Along the lakefront you'll find Windsor Beach, where you can go swimming, boating and fishing, and don't miss the fun organised activities; popular summer concerts are also held here.

It's not hard to see why this family-owned site on Lake Huron is an award-winning campground. Set in a rugged landscape and filled with wildflowers, it's been in the family for decades and offers wonderful views across to Mackinac Island. There are over 200 full hook-up lots, which include numerous lakefront RV spots. On site you'll find a heated pool, natural swimming beach, miniature golf course and full-size basketball court, plus you can also board a free shuttle ferry to historic Mackinac Island.

America's most beautiful islands you can visit

The Pines of Kabetogama Resort is on the doorstep of Voyageurs National Park in the northern reaches of Minnesota. Spanning 54 acres, most of the full hook-up RV sites offer amazing views of Lake Kabetogama – the most lavish of these include an electric or gas golf cart to whisk you down to the boating marina.

Wendy Oaks RV Resort sits in a picturesque setting overlooking an eight-acre lake. Full hook-up lots include 12 large pull-thrus (two with concrete pads) and six large back-in sites offering lakefront views. Most sites include a firepit and picnic table and there’s free Wi-Fi across the resort. Although you can’t go swimming in the lake, you can go boating, fishing, kayaking and paddleboarding, while dry-land activities include a swing, a horseshoe pit and cornhole lawn games. Think you'll get bored? Think again – there are numerous vintage flea markets in the area to shop in.

Nestled along the Osage River (pictured), this well-maintained RV resort is less than five minutes' drive from Lake Ozark and Osage Beach, although there's plenty to keep you occupied at the peaceful resort itself. All sites at Ozarks Landing RV Resort are full hook-ups, while most spots have water-based views, either looking towards the Osage River, creek or even their very own private riverbank. The pond is stocked with fish and campers fish for free, but if you'd prefer to simply swim, there's a sun-drenched outdoor pool.

Feel inspired by America's best RV trips

Enjoy a home away from home at this rural park on the shores of Flathead Lake, not far from Glacier National Park. Described as Montana's top-rated motorcoach resort, Polson Motor Coach and RV Resort covers a pristine expanse with immaculately-landscaped lots, a gym plus sleek shower facilities, with Polson Bay a five-minute walk away. When the sun goes down, the camp comes to life with social activities, from potluck dinners to singalongs. The full hook-up sites can accommodate vehicles over 30 feet long (9m), for Class A motorcoaches only.

These are the best national parks in every state

Home to its own private lake, I-80 Lakeside Camping offers full hook-ups for RVs of all sizes, a community shower house and laundry facilities. You'll barely have time to notice there's no Wi-Fi here, as you can go fishing on their well-stocked lake (catch and release only), rent watercraft (kayaks, canoes, rowboats) and enjoy a leisurely spot of volleyball. 

This RV resort is set around its very own lake, so RVers can gaze across at the dock, boats and even a waterfall. Offering full hook-ups, each lot has a concrete patio and free Wi-Fi. For entertainments, there's more than enough: the snazzy resort also features nine-hole frisbee golf, an outdoor amphitheatre, lovely swimming pool and spa (including a hot tub). As you're in Nevada, there's the Lakeside Casino floor, which has over a hundred machines to play.

RVs are well accommodated at The Beach Camping Area with lots offering views of the Saco River or along their private beach. Its riverside setting is key, with rope swings, kayaking, canoeing and rubber tubing being the most popular activities (or simply catch some rays on the sandy beach). Out of the water, there's a playground for kids and tax-free shops are just minutes away.

A Sun RV Resort, this comfortable Cape May site gets top marks for its amenities. Their 'VIP' lots overlook the fishing lake (catch and release only), with other spots overlooking the large outdoor swimming pool. Spacious RV lots offer full hook-up, with deluxe spaces also including an oversized concrete patio with a picnic table and wrought iron table. A packed roster of events and activities are typically on offer, from boat rentals to organised scavenger hunts.

This is the best place to stay with your RV in every state

Cochiti Lake, in the Cochiti Recreation Area (pictured), is nestled in the foothills of the Jemez Mountains. While here you might spot ospreys, deer and even the occasional bear. At Cochiti Campground, you can sail the day away on the lake, or spy the bird nesting sites. When you want to retreat to your RV, there are four loops with a range of fees: the Juniper Loop campsite is electric hook-up (and some water) only, while the Elk Run and Ringtail loops have non-electric hook-ups. If you need it all, the Buffalo Grove Loop provides full hook-ups. 

Spanning over 120 acres, the Lake George RV Park is all about the fun. The Adirondack resort prides itself on its waterslide-packed pools, adorable dog park and free family theatre. To get between all these, there's a cute and complimentary trolley bus shuttle. In the event you want to leave the resort, it's within walking distance of two ponds, one of which is for bass fishing and the other for paddle boats. The park's own well-kept biking and hiking trails ribbon out into the wider Lake George area and the stunning French Mountain trail is a crowd-pleaser.

This gated RV campground has its own on-site marina on Lake James with 147 boat slips, so you could even bring your own boat with you. Tucked away in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains among pine and oak woods, there are 263 RV lots offering lakefront and forest views, with a laundry facility, swimming pool, beach, basketball court, picnic areas and bathhouse. Even if you don't manage to nab a lakefront spot, those further inland provide easy access to a brand-new scenic trail due to launch in autumn 2023. Swimmers will love it, too, with both a pool and a swim beach to pick from.

If you're itching for some fresh air and captivating scenery, then Theodore Roosevelt National Park is the place for you. Juniper Campground, situated on the banks of the Little Missouri River, is one of two campgrounds in the park. They accommodate RVs but there aren't any hook-ups and have few facilities, so if you're happy to go back to basics and enjoy the great outdoors, then you'll fit right in here. There's an inviting grassy picnic pasture, where bison can sometimes be seen resting their legs and lying down. Nearby are several hiking trailheads, so you can take in the bewitching badlands and spot local wildlife. 

Occupying a bucolic corner of eastern Ohio, Wood's Tall Timber Resort is at once a serene oasis and a family adventure hotspot. Zip wire across the water or through the woods, then hire paddleboats, buy fishing bait or play minigolf. When the sun goes down, the sound of local musicians fills the air. The park caters for RVs of all sizes, with immaculate hook-up sites including a picnic table and fire ring, and amenities including a showerhouse and laundry facility.

Discover the amazing history of RV-ing in America

Moments from the Neosho River (pictured) on the Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, this upscale resort has 70 fully-equipped RV lots across 10 acres of land, including firepits at every spot. With free Wi-Fi, a large playground, yard Yahtzee, a lively clubhouse, plus an outdoor swimming pool, there's endless fun to be had. Want to tee off? They also run a free shuttle service to the lakefront championship golf course nearby.

The fabulous Osprey Point RV Resort is located on Tenmile Lake (pictured), with 134 full hook-up RV lots overlooking the lake. There's a gentle one-mile (1.6km) nature walk which runs along the canal to the lake, while park amenities include boat rentals, a volleyball court and a cosy coffee house to snuggle up with a book when the weather's cold. At night, head to the 'Pub-n-Pizza' bar: as well as draught ales and comfy seats to watch sports matches, there's also a pool table and retro arcade games. 

Family-owned Keen Lake Camping has been running since 1954. With full hook-ups right by the water's edge, the site has an enviable spot in the Pocono Mountains, plus a vast lake popular for paddleboarding and rowing, as well as more unusual sports like aqua-cycling. Best of all, your dog can swim too, as there's a pet-friendly swim beach. To keep the kids happy, there are group games organised, as well as creative activities such as ceramics classes. 

Just a few short steps from Worden Pond lies this family-run campground, set on the southern stretch of the sprawling freshwater lake. Kids will have fun at the playgrounds, basketball and volleyball courts and a horseshoe pit, with other family-friendly activities and events including wacky golf cart parades and painting workshops. Offering a great base from which to explore Rhode Island's fine and fresh food scene, it's a popular spot for RVers, so make sure you book well in advance.

Palmetto Shores RV Resort sits on the water's edge of Lake Marion (pictured) with fun-fuelled activities both in the water and on land. There's a Lazy River and Splash Pad Playground for kids, while resort guests also have a private beach and private boat ramp access to the largest lake in South Carolina. Check out the free pickleboard court and giant chess game, if you're in the puzzle-solving mood. Choose from 93 spacious concrete- or gravel-paved RV lots (all full hook-ups) in leafy surroundings, plus there are well-situated bathhouse and laundry facilities.

You have to try these family-friendly US road trips

Sylvan Lake Campground is the highest campground within Custer State Park with an elevation of 6,200 feet (1,900m). This quiet spot is only suitable for RVs under 27 feet (8m) but this simply adds to its rustic-yet-comfortable charm, with spacious driveways and communal showers and toilets. A short walk leads to Sylvan Lake (pictured), the crown jewel of Custer State Park, where you can go swimming, rent a boat or canoe or go fishing. Wander just one mile (1.6km) to Sylvan Lake Lodge, where a hot meal, gift shop and amazing view of Black Elk Peak await.

Just north of Chattanooga, Harrison Bay State Park splinters out on Chickamauga Lake with 40 miles (64km) of lake shoreline. The state park's campground is split into four zones, each with their own toilet and shower facilities and 128 RV lots with full hook-ups; they also accommodate a few larger-sized RVs (up to 65 feet/20m) too. There's a strip of waterfront lots to choose from – once you're settled in, canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals are available. Alternatively, explore the wider state park and improve your best par with two golf courses, or tackle a few decent hikes near the campground, including a 1.5-mile (2.4km) lakeshore loop.

An hour outside of Dallas, this award-winning park offers full RV hook-ups and even provides a complimentary RV concierge service. Trails zigzag through the resort's 200 leafy acres, dotted with ponds and laced with laid-back Texan charm. There's loads of outdoor fun to enjoy here, from a children's treehouse to two designer outdoor pools. In the rare event the weather isn't warm, put your feet up in the clubhouse and select from a range of movies, feel your muscles ease in the hot tub, or order in a bespoke pizza to save yourself cooking.

These are the best road trips to try in Texas this summer

Boat enthusiasts will love Great Salt Lake Campground, as it shares the space with a bustling marina. You might find yourself parked next to a row of dry-docked boats and you can enjoy incredible views across the finger pontoons, sprawling lake and surrounding majestic mountains from your very own picnic table. Take to the water in your own craft via the public boat ramp or take a private boat tour, plus you can go swimming and kayaking. Did you know the lake used to measure 20,000 square miles (51,800sq km)? Discover more about the area's fascinating geography in the visitor centre and small museum.

A peaceful park in central Vermont, Lake Champagne offers a mighty dose of New England charm. There's clean, crisp air and greenery as far as the eye can see, plus all the usual amenities (from full hook-up sites to laundry and bathroom facilities). The three-acre lake, with its little beach area, is at the centre of it all, with multi-sport courts and horseshoeing pits nearby. If you fancy venturing further out, make a beeline to the Ben & Jerry's ice cream factory.

Fall in love with Vermont's most charming small towns and villages

This quiet campground is the perfect place to rest up and take it easy. Located at the Blue Ridge Parkway's lowest elevation – just 649 feet (197m) above sea level – Otter Creek (pictured) winds through Otter Creek Campground. Several trails provide perfect exploration opportunities, including one that passes the 19th-century Battery Creek Lock, but wait until nightfall and you'll be treated to an unrivalled show of stars. The well-kept campground is equipped with grills, picnic tables, lantern posts and toilets, but the RV site is non-electric hook-up only. 

This Deep South road trip will bring you closer to Elvis

This upscale RV park on the shores of 13-mile (21km) Mayfield Lake has one hundred RV lots for both back-ins and pull-thrus – and all include Wi-Fi. A cluster of RV lots (full hook-up) overlook the lake and its boat docks, but even if you don't nab one with a lakefront view, there's still plenty of water fun to be had in the form of kayaking, waterskiing and fishing. This RV park is particularly good for large groups, as you can rent a party boat and cruise out onto the water in style.

This campground occupies a pretty spot along Stonewall Jackson Lake, with lots looking out onto the water plus full hook-ups and Wi-Fi. The wider resort, meanwhile, has an activity plaza and a state-of-the-art spa and outdoor and indoor pools which you can purchase access to. Kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards are available to rent and there are mooring posts (if you're lucky enough to have your own boat).

This scenic resort on the Lower Wisconsin River is bound to float your boat. Its Liza's Lagoon (a shallow pond) is perfect for younger years, while downriver tubing is a better fit for older kids (and adults too, obviously). If you'd rather stay dry, there are some gorgeous hikes and bike rides to follow, as well as a mini golf course, recreational area and playground on site. After a view of the water? There's a handful of RV lots overlooking the river or Liza's Lagoon, with plenty more wedged in between. Visit during the summer months (May-September) to listen to awesome live music.

As the name suggests, Wyoming's best RV park is located on the edge of the Platte River, just east of Casper. Not only is the upmarket site open year-round – come ski or summer seasons – but there are excellent facilities including a kids' playground, basketball court, full hook-up lots and Wi-Fi, with space for 94 RVs in total. You'll also have access to the river, where you can sit under a shaded terrace, or push the boat out and partake in high-quality trout fishing.

Now discover the most beautiful weekend road trip in every state