Waves lapping on shore, boats bumping together, fishing catching flies—there’s something magical about being near water. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful moment or an adrenaline-filled experience on the water, you can find the full spectrum of adventure in the National Parks. Bring your floaties, paddleboards, kayaks, and sense of adventure to these 10 breathtaking landscapes in the U.S., considered the best national parks for watersports.
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Hot Springs National Park – Arkansas
We’re going to start slow with Hot Springs National Park, which doesn’t typically rank as a “best national park for watersports” like kayaking or rafting. Instead, it’s known for its relaxing aquatic experience across 47 thermal springs flowing from Hot Springs Mountain’s southwestern slope. The soaking pools are the main attraction and have been used for centuries.
What to do: Head to Bathhouse Row, a collection of historic bathhouses, to soak in the healing mineral waters. Hike popular trails like the Hot Springs Mountain Trail and the West Mountain Trail for picturesque vistas. Take a scenic drive and stop at all the overlooks.
Where to camp: Gulpha Gorge Campground has 44 RV and tent campsites within the park. Prior reservations are required. Here are some alternative camping options.
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Channel Islands National Park – California
Located off the coast of Southern California, Channel Islands National Park comprises five islands: Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara. Watersports enthusiasts can enjoy kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving, paddleboarding, sailing, and boating in the ocean environments surrounding the land. This best national park for watersports is only accessible by park concessionaire boats or private boats, but you can RV camp nearby.
What to do: Paddle popular spots like the Painted Cave on Santa Cruz Island, one of the largest sea caves in the world, for an immersive experience. Dive into some of the best underwater habitats off the West Coast from sites including Scorpion Anchorage and Anacapa Island. Hike the Cavern Point Loop on Santa Cruz Island or Torrey Pines on Santa Rosa Island.
Where to camp: If you’re RV camping and want to enjoy a day trip to Channel Islands National Park, consider staying at Los Padres National Forest or Point Mugu State Park.
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Yosemite National Park – California
Perhaps more well-known for its rock climbing and hiking, Yosemite National Park is just as deserving as being a watersports paradise. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls or looking for a scenic paddle, spring and early summer are ideal for water-related activities because of the snowmelt, but water flows year-round.
What to do: Raft the Merced River. Paddle Tenaya Lake or Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. Swim in the South Fork of the Merced River at Wawona. Fly-fish the Tuolumne River, Merced River, and alpine lakes. Tour Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls, Sentinel Falls, and the other top waterfalls. Hike in the valley for sounds of the river, mist from the falls, and views of the water.
Where to camp: Come stay with us at Outdoorsy Yosemite, where we have RV sites and glamping cabins. We’re only a 10-minute walk from Bass Lake, so bring your kayaks and paddleboards, fishing rods, and bathing suits.
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Biscayne National Park – Florida
Protecting coral reefs, islands, and mangrove forests, Biscayne National Park in southern Florida is one of the few national parks primarily focused on marine ecosystems. The park is mainly accessed by boat, including guided tours, rentals, and snorkeling trips. Some activities, such as fishing and camping, may require permits.
What to do: Snorkel the clear waters looking for the coral reefs teeming with life, like parrotfish, angelfish, and sea turtles. Hire a dive guide to plunge underwater, from shallow reefs to deep shipwrecks. Paddle the park’s mangrove forests and islands, like Elliot Key and Boca Chita Key. Keep an eye out for endangered species, including the West Indian manatee and smalltooth sawfish.
Where to camp: Tent camping is available in the park, but for RV camping outside the park, check out Larry & Penny Thompson Memorial Park and Campground, Boardwalk RV Resort, Miami Everglades RV Resort, and Southern Comfort RV Park.
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Dry Tortugas National Park – Florida
Located about 70 miles west of Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park is considered quite remote—though entirely worth the visit for its seven islands and stunning blue waters, lively coral reefs, and 19th-century fort. Only accessible by ferry, private boat, or seaplane, this park is exceptional for watersports. Camp in Key West, where operators leave from.
What to do: Snorkel the waters around Garden Key to see rays, tropical fish, and sea turtles. Paddle around the park’s islets, featuring secluded beaches, coral reefs, and mangrove habitats. Fish for snapper, grouper, and tarpon (permit required). Keep an eye out for seabirds and dolphins.
Where to camp: Fiesta Key RV Resort, KOA Key West, and Boyd’s Key West Campground are all good options for RV camping.
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Isle Royale National Park – Michigan
Looking for true and complete solitude? In the northwest corner of Lake Superior, Isle Royale National Park is another park only accessible by boat or seaplane. An archipelago made up of over 400 islands, the park’s pristine lakes, dense forests, and diverse wildlife are worthy of the logistics. But you can only visit between April 16 through October 31, so plan accordingly.
What to do: Sea kayak or canoe around the islands’ coves, bays, and cliffs. Popular routes include paddling across Siskiwit Lake and exploring the interconnected lakes of the interior. Fly fish for brook trout. Dive into historic shipwrecks like the SS America and the Algoma.
Where to camp: Ferries and seaplanes leave from Copper Harbor and Houghton, Michigan, and Grand Portage and Grand Marais, Minnesota. RV camp there and take a day trip to the park.
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Voyageurs National Park – Minnesota
Named after the French-Canadian fur traders who navigated its waters centuries ago, Voyageurs National Park offers 341 square miles, many of which are water, with opportunities to enjoy swimming, boating, and kayaking. The park is accessible by car, but many areas are best reached by boat.
What to do: Hop in a boat to explore Rainy Lake, Kabetogama Lake, Namakan Lake, and Sand Point Lake. You can even rent a houseboat. Or bring your canoe, kayak, or SUPs to paddle around. Take a cool dip in one of the park’s lakes. Fish for smallmouth bass and northern pike from a boat or the shore. Or take a hike on the Oberholtzer Trail or Locator Lake Trail.
Where to camp: Inside the park, Ash River Campground and Woodenfrog Campground both accommodate RVs. Check here for length limits.
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Big Bend National Park – Texas
Along the Rio Grande, Big Bend National Park is a rugged landscape that’s both dry and hot, and well hydrated. The river forms the park’s southern boundary and is known for its rafting, kayaking, and canoeing possibilities. Hire an outfitter to ride the whitewater rapids and venture out on multi-day trips through the remote canyon.
What to do: Go whitewater rafting with a guide. Fish for catfish, bass, and sunfish (permit required). Pick your route along 150 miles of hiking trails, ranging from short walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Notable trails include the Window Trail, Lost Mine Trail, and South Rim Trail.
Where to camp: Reservations are recommended for Rio Grande Village RV Campground, Rio Grande Village Campground, and Chisos Basin Campground. While you’re in Texas, extend your trip to check out Outdoorsy Hill Country five hours to the east.
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Olympic National Park – Washington
Temperate rainforests neighbor rugged coastlines and alpine lakes in the nearly one-million-acre Olympic National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its biodiversity. Water lovers will appreciate the convergence of multiple bodies of water: Paddle or swim in a pristine lake in the morning, head to the beach in the afternoon, fish in the river at dusk. And don’t forget about the waterfalls trickling down moss-frosted rocks.
What to do: Kayak or canoe on Lake Crescent, the park’s deepest lake. Explore sea caves, arches, and dramatic cliffs along the coastline. Fish for salmon and trout in the rivers and lakes. Cruise the Olympic Loop Drive for viewpoints, waterfalls, and trailheads. Raft the Elwha River with a local outfitter.
Where to camp: Sol Duc Campground and Kalaloch Campgrounds are the only two reservable RV-friendly campgrounds in the park. Other campgrounds, like Staircase Campground and South Beach Campground, are first come, first served.
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From the thrill of whitewater to the serenity of a still lake, now you know why these nine spots rank as the best National Parks for watersports. Rent an RV and head to the water.
