Amphibious RVing – Some of the Best Camping near Lakes, Beaches, and Swimming Holes

Amphibious RVing might sound like a bit of an oxymoron, or at least some new million-dollar rig that doubles as both an RV and a yacht. Although the RV Boat or RV that can go in water is pretty cool, what we mean by the ‘amphibious’ phrase in this post is where to find some of the best RV camping options around that are near lakes, beaches, rivers, waterfalls, and any other sort of swimming hole. Those aquatic activity lovers out there know how much fun it can be to beach or lake hop and when paired with a stellar RV trip, what could be better?! There are so many options from coast to coast when it comes to amphibious RVing that it would be impossible to list all of them here but we will take a look at some of the favorites that this writer has been to or heard about. Make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and bug spray for these water bound endeavors and although some secret swimming holes might be clothing optional, be sure to bring a swimsuit and towel.

Inn Town Campground, California

The Yuba river near the California/Nevada border is a somewhat secret swimming spot that has been attracting locals and passers-by for years to find a quick respite for the summer heat in the area. The Inn Town Campground is located near the river in Nevada City and is a quirky and comfortable RV campground that also offers a few tent sites, glamping accommodations, and several old trailers for rent. The campground is worth a stop on its own but if you are looking for a quick dip in the nearby river, the hosts can direct you to several nearby swimming holes to enjoy a sunny afternoon picnic. There is also a shuttle bus that stops by the campground a couple of times a day that will pick you up, take you to the river, and drop you back off so you don’t have to worry about taking your RV on some of the winding roads down to the water.

Slide Rock State Park, Arizona

If you have never been to the Sedona, Arizona area, it is worth the trip. Upon navigating the steep twists and turns of Oak Creek Canyon (35’ and under rigs only!) you emerge to sites that some have only seen in Spaghetti Westerns. Red rock formations and sandstone bluffs pop up like some beautiful Martian garden and there are many great places to camp and soak in the scenery. Slide Rock State Park is a few miles upriver from the town of Sedona and it is a unique and wonderful swimming spot with the rolling river cutting smooth paths through the sandstone canyon that let visitors slip and slide downstream in a western version of nature’s waterslide. You can have a BBQ while visiting and there is a small gift shop and café with food options, but camping is not available at the park. Check out Rancho Sedona RV Park nearby to find ample accommodations for your rig and to spend a great night under the high desert stars.

Terwilliger Hot Springs, Oregon

Terwilliger Hot Springs, also called Cougar Hot Springs, are a great little off-the-beaten-path swimming hole located in the Willamette National Forest outside of Eugene, Oregon. There is a short hike from the parking area up to the springs but this small trek is well worth the warm reward found when you get to the top of the hill. There are 6 different soaking pools and even a natural cave sauna for those of us who don’t mind tight spaces. If you get your fill of hot water, Cougar Reservoir is right next to the springs and you can swim, soak, boat, or take a cliff jump into the cool waters below. Camping is available in several nearby developed campgrounds within Cougar Recreation Area surrounding the springs although you can sometimes boondock at the parking lot if it is not too busy. Come in the summer and enjoy fresh blackberries throughout the forest to add to your picnic.

Santa Rosa Blue Hole, New Mexico

This stunner of a swimming hole is set smack dab in the middle of the Land of Enchantment. The water is a stunning, inviting, and all around too good to pass up color that seems like it should be on some deserted island or man-made grotto. Santa Rosa Blue Hole is a geological wonder offering nearly 100 feet of visibility making it a hot spot for swimmers as well as scuba divers. The Santa Rosa Campground can be found nearby offering over 100 different campsites for RVers and tent campers alike. This campground is suitable for large RVs and has plenty of hookups and good Wi-Fi making it the perfect basecamp to explore the crystal clear waters of the Blue Hole nearby.

Cummins Falls, Tennessee

Cummins Falls has been a local swimming hole for generations and although the secret is more well-known now than ever before, it still makes for an amazing location to beat the summer heat or spend a lazy afternoon. The swimming hole itself is found within the boundaries of Cummins Falls State Park and is a fairly high trafficked area meaning there are rangers and restrictions in place to keep the area nice for current and future visitors alike. The actual falls are a solid hike from the parking area but if you’re up for an adventure, you’ll be rewarded with an absolutely amazing swimming spot fed by a 75-foot waterfall cascading over several limestone shelves. This location is picturesque, to say the least, and if you’re ever through Tennessee, be sure to put it on your must-do list. Old Mill Camp can be found just across the road from the entrance to the park and is a perfect spot for RV camping and a taste of that good ol’ southern comfort.