Summer campers prefer destinations where they can cool off. If you're looking for a campsite near the beach or beside the lake, consider one of these popular hot spots. Be prepared for full campgrounds, and try to plan your arrival for mid-week to avoid the crowds.

• AL - Gulf Coast - Check out Alabama's 32 miles of sandy beaches on the Gulf of Mexico.
• AR - Hot Springs - Here you'll find three sparkling blue lakes for all your water sports.
• CA - San Diego and Vicinity - A guide to some great campsites and choice outdoor family fun spots in sunny southern California.
• DE - The Coast - Delaware beach communities make great camping destinations.
• FL - Camping and Diving - If you like camping and scuba diving, Florida has facilities that cater to both activities.
• GA - Cumberland Island - Primitive camp in solitude on the serene beaches of these barrier islands off the Georgia coast.
• IN - Indiana Dunes - These 13 miles of sandy shoreline along Lake Michigan offers plenty of recreational opportunities for campers.
• KY - Cave Run Lake - You'll find plenty of recreation at this great outdoor destination.
• MD - Assateague Island - Whether you're a canoeist or clammer, a hiker or biker, a bird watcher or fisherman, there's a choice of campsites on Maryland's sandy beaches.
• MA - Cape Cod - This popular summer destination has nearly every type of beach activity available for family fun.
• MI - Isle Royale - Accessible only by boat or floatplane, this Michigan destination offers pristine hiking and camping.
• MS - Gulf Coast - Explore the islands, study the history, go fishing, and stroll the beaches of Mississippi's playground of the south.
• MO - Lake of the Ozarks - Here's a popular Missouri destination that has lots to offer in the way of outdoor recreation.
• NJ - Cape May - Along the southern shore are 30 miles of clean, sandy beaches, pristine woods, and nice campgrounds.
• NC - Ocracoke Island - Follow my travelogue to North Carolina's Outer Banks.
• OR - Pacific Coast Scenic Byway - Find choice camping and view spectacular scenery along Oregon's coast of rain forests, beaches, and seaside cliffs.
• SC - Myrtle Beach - For a great family fun vacation, head to South Carolina's Grand Strand, The Seaside Camping Capital of the U.S.
• TX - Padre Island - Find miles of sandy beaches for primitive camping at this fun in the sun southern Texas getaway.
• WV - New River Gorge - Whitewater adventure and river-side camping awaits you

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