Fishing is one of America’s greatest summer pastimes. This country offers endless opportunities for anglers to cast their rods surrounded by crashing waves, flowing rivers, and calm lakes. Any fisherman will tell you that patience is key, and it’s best to plan a camping trip, to give yourself ample time to enjoy the scenery and catch your prize fish. Purchase your fishing license and follow our lead to discover a great state park campground for your summer fishing trip.
Plan the perfect summer fishing camping trip at these state parks.
1. Brown County State Park, Indiana
Summer Catches: Bass, crappie, bluegill
The ultimate summer fun awaits Brown County State Park. Nicknamed the “Little Smokies”, Brown County encompasses nearly 16,000 acres of rugged hills, ridges and ravines. Indiana’s largest park is a traditional fishing hot spot, with anglers able to cast out for bass, bluegill and more on both Ogle Lake and Strahl Lake. Take your pick at the campground, with camping options ranging from electric, to equestrian-friendly sites to non-electric primitive sites and more.
2. Elephant Butte Lake State Park, New Mexico
Summer Catches: Bass, walleye, catfish
The large lake at Elephant Butte Lake State Park has lots of great options to catch largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, and catfish, but it’s best known for white and striped bass fishing. The lake is an attractive options for boaters as it can accommodate watercraft of all styles and sizes. Take your pick at the campground from developed sites with electric and water hook-ups for RV’s, to primitive campsites right on the beach.
3. Lake Bob Sandlin State Park, Texas
Summer Catches: Trout, white bass, channel catfish
Even though the park is only about 640 acres in total, Lake Bob Sandlin is 9,400 acres, and is stocked with over 100,000 trout along with large amounts of white bass, catfish and redear sunfish. Heading out for a day on the lake is the most popular option here, but pier fishing is also available for visitors. Boat ramps, cleaning stations and hot showers are a few park amenities you’ll appreciate. Bring along the family for a day of swimming, kayaking and hiking on the multi-use trails around the lake. Of the 107 campsites offered, there are eight cabins, 70 electric sites and 16 primitive locations.
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4. Lake Scott State Park, Kansas
Summer Catches: Bluegill, saugeye, catfish
Before You Go: Purchase your Kansas fishing license.
Lake Scott, a stunning 115-acre lake set between steep canyons, is a must-visit fishing destination in Kansas. Explore the park’s many bays and coves to find bluegill, then set off for saugeye and catfish near the dam. The whole family can find fun here, with hiking trails, natural hot springs, birdwatching and wildlife sightings. The campground primarily offers 80 primitive sites for a rustic camping experience, in addition to a limited number of cabins and RV sites with full hook-ups.
5. Lake Waramaug State Park, Connecticut
Summer Catches: White catfish, bluegill, redbreast sunfish
Before You Go: Purchase your Connecticut fishing license.
In the northwest corner of Connecticut, nature lovers can find relaxation and outdoor recreation at Lake Waramaug State Park. The star attraction of the park is Lake Waramaug, a 650-acre freshwater lake that draws locals in the summertime. While swimming, boating and watersports are popular pastimes here, anglers seek out Lake Waramaug for the white catfish, rock bass, bluegill, redbreast sunfish, pumpkinseed sunfish and more species that reside under the water’s surface. The state park offers on-site boat rentals and a boat launch ramp, in addition to eight miles of shoreline. Visitors can stay overnight at the campground, that offers a variety of non-electric sites and cabins.
6. Yampa River State Park, Colorado
Summer Catches: Trout, smallmouth bass, pike
Before You Go: Purchase your Colorado fishing license.
The ultimate summer fun awaits at Yampa River State Park. Float down the river in an inflatable raft, sunbathe on the shore or wade in the water with your fishing rod. Yampa River spans 172 miles, and within the waters, pike have been known to top 20 pounds, with brown trout weighing up to seven pounds. The state park offers 13 boat ramp access points, in addition to safe swimming areas and hiking trails in the surrounding Duffy Mountain and Juniper Canyon. Bring your tent or RV to the 50-site campground, and wake up ready to explore the river.
7. Grayson Highlands State Park, Virginia
Summer Catches: Brown bass, rainbow trout
Not only is this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains wildly beautiful, it’s also the best spot in the state of Virginia to catch trout. If you’re willing to do a little hiking down the Appalachian trail, you’re likely to find a quiet, serene spot along the 10 miles of fresh water. The lower part of Big Wilson is known for brown bass, and the northern side is where you’ll find trout. In total, the state park spans 4,822 acres, offering a variety of fishing opportunities, plus boating, water sports and multi-use hiking trails. The campground can accommodate groups in bunkhouses, and also offers equestrian facilities, a limited number of yurts and a range of standard electric campsites.
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8. Jordanelle State Park, Utah
Summer Catches: Largemouth and smallmouth bass, rainbow trout
Located within close proximity to Salt Lake City and Park City, Jordanelle State Park is a local favorite with anglers for its big variety and calm atmosphere. The park is comprised of three areas, including Hailstone, Rock Cliff and Ross Creek. Campers opt for Hailstone when seeking fishing amenities like marinas, boat launch ramps and cleaning stations. For a more remote experience, Rock Cliff will offer less boat traffic and more peace and quiet. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and rainbow trout are common catches throughout the Jordanelle Reservoir. There are 224 campsites at Jordanelle, ranging from cabins and standard hook-up sites to primitive tent-only sites.
9. Ellacoya State Park, New Hampshire
Summer Catches: Smallmouth and largemouth bass, salmon, rainbow trout
While rainbow trout and salmon are stocked in the 45,000-acre Lake Winnipesaukee annually, this New Hampshire hotspot is known for a large amount of smallmouth and largemouth bass in the summer months when the weather warms up. Fishing from the shore and by boat are both popular activities here, with ramps available for boaters. Visitors also enjoy sunbathing on sandy beaches, swimming and hiking in the surrounding mountains. Campground options include RV hookups, a limited number of cabins and yurts, and pull-in sites with restrooms and showers.
Are you ready for an outdoor adventure? Plan your camping trip!
Check with your Local Government Organization
Many policies have been established to counter and control the coronavirus outbreak. State and local officials have been taking decisive action to stop the spread. The policies vary by state, sometimes to a great degree. When you book a reservation, make sure to review the park and state’s latest rules and regulations prior to your visit.
For COVID-19 updates, please visit our Impacted Park List and Reservation Guide for the latest information.