8 Campervan Fishing Trips to Add to Your Bucket List

Bolsa Chica State Beach, California

With miles of shoreline and sandy beach, this location gives you that authentic Southern California vibe.  While this state beach is a popular spot for surfing (the waves are great year-round), water sports, and volleyball, it is also a prime spot for surf fishing.

You’ll find a nice variety of saltwater fish here, such as perch, California corbina, croaker, cabezon, shovelnose guitarfish, and sand sharks. During the summer, when the moon is full or new, a special opportunity for bare-handed fishing of California grunion arrives. This is a unique species that only spawns on the sandy beaches of Orange County.

Bolsa Chica offers 50 campsites with electric and water hookups, making onsite stays convenient. Fire rings and picnic tables are also available so that you can enjoy a real beachside camping experience.

Lake Tahoe, California

The Lake Tahoe recreation area has some of the best inshore fishing in the country all year round! There are numerous spots where fish gather from North and South Lake Tahoe, and it’s a fun location for trout fishing.

Whether you prefer pier fishing, offshore fishing, or fishing charters, there’s something at Lake Tahoe to tickle your fancy. A pro tip is that the best fishing is found in deep water from a boat – so it’s the perfect opportunity to go boating. You can fish several introduced freshwater species like lake trout (mackinaw), brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and occasionally largemouth bass in the lake.

There are numerous activities like swimming, kayaking, or just relaxing by the water for the rest of the family.

Have a comfortable stay in the nature of Lake Tahoe at Tahoe Valley Campground, where you’ll find RV sites with full hookups and a suite of amenities, including tennis courts, playgrounds, and WiFi. All the creature comforts!

Elephant Butte Lake State Park, New Mexico

Elephant Butte Lake is the largest body of water in New Mexico and is famed for housing record-breaking bass, walleye, catfish, crappie, white and black bass, and stripers in its waters. If you’re an enthusiast who enjoys some competition, fishing tournaments are held throughout the year.

This area is a gorgeous outdoorsy destination for campers and water lovers. Thanks to the range of RV parks and watercraft rentals. You can find boat rentals of all kinds – houseboats, jet skis, and ski-boats are available at both Elephant Butte marinas.

Kayaking, canoeing, and floating the river are especially popular activities in summer.

Make the most of this peaceful lakeside retreat at Elephant Butte Lake RV Resort. Its beautiful landscaped sites are equipped with full hookups and various amenities, including hot showers.

Roosevelt National Forest, Colorado

A rugged forest of 800,000 acres near Fort Collins, Roosevelt National Forest, is a great way to escape from the hustle and bustle. In addition to hiking trails, rock climbing and mountain biking experiences are plentiful. Within the forest, Cache La Poudre River is popular amongst those who enjoy water activities.

The river is a perfect site to do some fly fishing. However, you’re not limited to just river fishing. Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests offer ice-fishing (in winter) and lake/pond fishing opportunities.

There truly is no shortage of activities in this part of Colorado. When you’re ready to settle down with your camper for the evening, head over to KOA’s Fort Collins/Lakeside RV campsite just a short drive away. Here you’ll find full hookup sites and an array of on-site entertainment.

Yampa River State Park, Colorado

Yampa River State Park is a fantastic destination, especially in the summertime. Take inflatable rafts down parts of the 172 miles of river or get a tan by the banks. There are several safe swimming areas.

For hikers who would like to explore the land, you can also find hiking trails in the surrounding Duffy Mountain and Juniper Canyon.

For the fishermen, you’ll no doubt want to get your fishing rod ready.

This location offers excellent trout fishing, as well as smallmouth bass and pike. Huge pike over 20 pounds have been caught in these waters, and brown trout weighing up to 7 pounds. Maybe it is time to set a new personal record?

The state park offers several boat ramp access points, making things easy for boating and fishing.

The campground in the area has 35 RV sites with electrical hookups and proximity to Highway 40, so it is really easy if you’re in a campervan. Tent camping is also available.

Jordanelle State Park, Utah

Close to Salt Lake City, Jordanelle State Park is a favorite amongst local anglers, thanks to the variety of fishing opportunities and serene surroundings. The park is split into 3 areas, namely Hailstone, Rock Cliff, and Ross Creek.

Hailstone is ideal for campers seeking out convenient amenities like marinas, boat launch ramps, and cleaning stations right by the reservoir lake. If you’re seeking something more off the beaten path, Rock Cliff is more remote. In these waters, varieties like largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and rainbow trout are waiting for you.

The state park has over 224 campsites, from backcountry primitive camping to furnished cabins. For campervans, there are several full hookups and partial hookup sites to fit your needs.

Portland & Tillamook Bay, Oregon

With the number of nearby rivers, Portland is a haven for avid anglers. The Willamette and Columbia rivers are popular, thanks to the availability of chinook salmon and sturgeon. Smaller tributaries carry steelies and springers in the winter and summer, along with coho and chinook salmon in autumn.

Out east, there’s Columbia River Gorge for steelhead, sturgeon, and salmon, as well as walleye and smallmouth bass. To the west is Tillamook Bay, fed by five principal rivers: the Wilson, Trask, Miami, Tillamook, and Kilchis. At the bay, you’ll also find excellent salmon and steelhead fishing. It’s no surprise the area draws many visitors every year looking for their next catch.

Thanks to the proximity to Portland, you’ll have no issue finding great accommodation for you and your campervan. In the Tillamook Bay area, Tillamook Bay City RV Park is a good choice with full hookups, picnic tables,  and fire rings. Plus, they even have yurts!

Mossyrock Park, Washington

Mossyrock Park has direct access to Riffe Lake in Lewis County. It is a very popular campground, especially among families. It provides the best of both worlds for anglers: a boat launch at Riffe Lake and the nearby Swofford pond. The two offer excellent fishing opportunities.

At Riffe Lake, landlocked coho and Chinook salmon can be found and a variety of trout, including the rainbow, cutthroat, and the occasional large brown trout. Other species present include brown bullheads, as well as a few bluegill and crappie.

The park has numerous RV sites available with 30 amp electrical and water hookups, and each site also comes with a picnic table and fire ring. Stay at the Cascade Loop Campground for scenic views of Riffe Lake.

Photo via Discover Lewis Country

If you’re set to head off on your next fishing getaway, rent a campervan at any one of Travellers Autobarn’s locations in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, or San Francisco, and be on your way to your next catch.