Nestled within America’s national parks are some of the most pristine fishing waters you’ll ever encounter. From crystal-clear mountain streams teeming with trout to expansive lakes holding trophy-sized catches, these protected lands offer anglers experiences that combine the serenity of nature with the thrill of the catch. National park campgrounds provide the perfect basecamp for fishing adventures, allowing enthusiasts to wake up just minutes from prime fishing spots. Whether you’re a fly fishing purist or prefer casting from a boat, these campgrounds offer exceptional access to diverse aquatic ecosystems while providing the chance to disconnect from daily life and reconnect with nature. Let’s explore the top national park campgrounds that should be on every fishing enthusiast’s bucket list.
Slough Creek Campground – Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Nestled in the remote northeastern corner of Yellowstone, Slough Creek Campground is a fly fisher’s paradise with limited sites that ensure a peaceful experience. The campground provides direct access to Slough Creek, renowned worldwide for its population of native Yellowstone cutthroat trout that can reach impressive sizes in the creek’s meadow sections. Anglers will appreciate the three distinct meadow areas accessible via hiking trails, with the first meadow being just a 45-minute walk from camp, while more adventurous fishers can trek further to find less pressured waters. The sites are primitive with no hookups, but the trade-off is worth it—you’ll be camping in prime grizzly and wolf habitat with chances to observe wildlife between fishing sessions, creating a true wilderness experience that combines exceptional fishing with Yellowstone’s famous ecosystem.
Apgar Campground – Glacier National Park, Montana
Situated on the shores of Lake McDonald, Glacier National Park’s largest campground offers anglers easy access to both lake fishing and nearby stream action in one of America’s most spectacular mountain settings. Lake McDonald supports a variety of fish species including lake trout, bull trout, rainbow trout, and mountain whitefish, providing diverse fishing opportunities just steps from your tent. Beyond the lake, anglers can explore numerous nearby creeks and rivers, including McDonald Creek and the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, which borders the park and offers excellent cutthroat trout fishing. Apgar’s amenities include flush toilets, potable water, and a nearby village with a camp store for supplies, making it comfortable for extended fishing trips while serving as an excellent base for exploring Glacier’s alpine landscapes when you’re not casting a line.
Flamingo Campground – Everglades National Park, Florida
For a completely different fishing experience, Flamingo Campground at the southern tip of mainland Florida offers saltwater and freshwater fishing opportunities unlike anywhere else in the national park system. Anglers can target legendary saltwater species like tarpon, snook, redfish, and snapper in Florida Bay, or fish for largemouth bass and exotic species in the freshwater environments just inland. The campground provides boat ramps for easy water access, and fishing from the shoreline and nearby canals is also productive, especially during seasonal migrations when fish concentrate in channels. Kayak fishing is particularly popular here, allowing anglers to navigate the labyrinth of mangrove tunnels and shallow flats where motorboats can’t reach, while the campground’s amenities include bathroom facilities with showers and a marina store for last-minute supplies or guided fishing excursions into the park’s 1.5 million acres of wetland wilderness.
Kintla Lake Campground – Glacier National Park, Montana
For anglers seeking solitude with their fishing experience, Kintla Lake Campground in the remote northwestern corner of Glacier National Park delivers spectacular wilderness fishing with minimal crowds. This primitive campground requires navigating unpaved roads to reach it, naturally limiting visitation and preserving the peaceful atmosphere of this glacial lake known for its population of lake trout and bull trout amid breathtaking mountain scenery. The lake’s crystal-clear waters allow for sight fishing in some areas, while trolling deeper waters can produce trophy-sized lake trout that have thrived in this isolated environment. With only 13 sites available, anglers should arrive early during peak season, but those who make the journey will be rewarded with starry nights, pristine waters, and fishing experiences unmarred by the crowds found in more accessible areas of the park system.
Madison Campground – Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Strategically positioned near the confluence of the Gibbon and Firehole Rivers, Madison Campground places anglers at the birthplace of the legendary Madison River, one of the most famous trout streams in North America. This location provides access to three distinct fishing environments: the cool waters of the Gibbon, the geothermally-warmed Firehole, and the beginning stretches of the Madison itself, all holding abundant populations of brown, rainbow, and occasional native cutthroat trout. The campground’s central location in Yellowstone makes it an ideal base for exploring other park fishing destinations including Hebgen Lake just outside the park boundary, which is known for its large trout and excellent still-water fishing. Madison Campground offers amenities including flush toilets and potable water, with 278 sites accommodating everything from tents to RVs, making it suitable for fishing parties of all sizes and equipment needs.
Colter Bay Campground – Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Situated on the shores of Jackson Lake with the dramatic Teton Range as a backdrop, Colter Bay Campground gives anglers access to one of the most scenic lake fishing experiences in the national park system. Jackson Lake supports a healthy population of lake trout, brown trout, and native cutthroat trout, with many fish reaching impressive sizes in this deep, cold-water environment. The campground’s marina offers boat rentals and fishing supplies, making it accessible even for travelers who don’t bring their own fishing equipment, while kayak fishing the lake’s numerous coves and inlets provides intimate fishing experiences with unparalleled mountain views. Beyond the lake, anglers can take short drives to the Snake River and numerous smaller streams in the park, creating endless fishing opportunities while enjoying the campground’s substantial amenities including showers, laundry facilities, restaurants, and a grocery store.
Elkmont Campground – Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
Nestled alongside the Little River in America’s most visited national park, Elkmont Campground provides exceptional access to some of the finest wild trout waters in the eastern United States. The campground sits amid over 2,100 miles of streams within the park boundaries, with many holding native brook trout in their headwaters and brown and rainbow trout in lower elevations, creating diverse fishing opportunities for all skill levels. Little River itself is accessible directly from the campground, allowing anglers to wake up and be fishing productive pools within minutes of leaving their sites, while numerous smaller streams intersect nearby hiking trails for those willing to explore further from camp. Elkmont’s historical significance as a former logging community adds cultural interest to fishing trips, and its relatively large size (200+ sites) and amenities like flush toilets and drinking water make it comfortable for extended stays during the park’s long fishing season.
Fishing Bridge RV Park – Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Despite its name, Fishing Bridge RV Park no longer allows fishing from its namesake bridge (to protect spawning cutthroat trout), but it remains an outstanding base for fishing enthusiasts exploring Yellowstone Lake and the park’s eastern waters. This full-hookup RV park sits near the north shore of Yellowstone Lake, which at 136 square miles offers the largest high-elevation lake fishing opportunity in North America, holding native Yellowstone cutthroat trout along with non-native lake trout that provide different fishing challenges and techniques. Anglers can access the lake via nearby boat ramps or fish the productive Yellowstone River as it flows out of the lake, with guided fishing trips available from the nearby marina for those wanting local expertise. The campground’s amenities are the most developed in the park, featuring electrical hookups, a nearby general store, gas station, and visitor center, making it ideal for RV anglers seeking comfort while exploring Yellowstone’s eastern fishing destinations.
Moraine Park Campground – Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Set in a sprawling montane meadow surrounded by mountain views, Moraine Park Campground provides anglers with easy access to the Big Thompson River and its population of wild brown and brook trout. This picturesque stream flows through the campground vicinity, with numerous pools and riffles that are perfect for fly fishing, while more adventurous anglers can hike to numerous alpine lakes within the park that offer spectacular high-country fishing for native greenback cutthroat trout, Colorado’s state fish. Wildlife viewing opportunities enhance the fishing experience here, with elk frequently grazing in the meadow around the campground and trout feeding during evening insect hatches. The campground offers 244 sites with amenities including flush toilets during summer months, potable water, and regular ranger programs about the park’s ecology, making it both comfortable and educational for anglers who want to understand the mountain ecosystems supporting the fish they pursue.
Lewis Lake Campground – Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Located on the shores of Lewis Lake in the southern portion of Yellowstone, this less-crowded campground provides exceptional fishing access to both Lewis Lake and the nearby Lewis River. Lewis Lake contains lake trout, brown trout, and the park’s native cutthroat trout, offering diverse fishing opportunities from shore or by boat (with a boat ramp available at the campground). The Lewis River between Lewis and Shoshone Lakes presents one of the park’s most scenic fishing experiences, with clear waters flowing through lodgepole pine forests and opportunities to catch brown and rainbow trout in stunning wilderness settings. The campground’s relatively remote location means fewer crowds than northern Yellowstone locations, while still providing basic amenities including vault toilets and potable water during the operating season. For adventure-minded anglers, a backcountry permit allows fishing and camping along Shoshone Lake, the largest backcountry lake in the lower 48 states, accessible by paddling up the Lewis River Channel from Lewis Lake.
Sol Duc Campground – Olympic National Park, Washington
Nestled alongside the Sol Duc River in the northern section of Olympic National Park, this campground places anglers in the heart of one of the Pacific Northwest’s most productive river systems for salmon and steelhead. The Sol Duc River and its tributaries host seasonal runs of coho and chinook salmon, steelhead, and resident populations of rainbow, cutthroat, and bull trout, creating year-round fishing opportunities that change with the seasons. Beyond the river directly adjacent to camp, anglers can explore nearby Lake Crescent for trout fishing or venture to the park’s coastal sections for saltwater fishing opportunities, all within reasonable driving distance. The campground features amenities including flush toilets and potable water, while the nearby Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort offers a welcome soak for anglers after a day wading in the cool river waters. Dense old-growth forests surrounding the campground create a magical atmosphere, with moss-draped bigleaf maples and towering Douglas firs providing shade and ambiance unique to the Pacific Northwest.
Bridge Bay Campground – Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Situated near the west shore of Yellowstone Lake, Bridge Bay Campground offers anglers prime access to the largest alpine lake in North America, with 132 miles of shoreline to explore and fish. The adjacent Bridge Bay Marina provides boat rentals, guided fishing trips, and fishing supplies, making this an ideal base for serious lake fishing enthusiasts targeting the lake’s native cutthroat trout and lake trout in both shallow and deep-water environments. The campground’s 432 sites accommodate everything from tents to large RVs, with amenities including flush toilets, potable water, and an amphitheater with ranger programs about the lake’s ecology and fishing history that dates back to Native American use and early park visitors. Its central location in the park also allows day trips to other famous Yellowstone fishing destinations including the Yellowstone River, Lamar Valley streams, and Shoshone Lake, providing variety for anglers staying multiple days while enjoying spectacular sunrise views over the lake from many campsites.
Tips for Fishing in National Parks
Fishing in national parks requires special attention to regulations that often differ from surrounding state waters, with each park maintaining its own specific rules to protect native fish populations. Always purchase the required fishing permits, which are typically separate from state fishing licenses, and carefully review regulations regarding catch limits, bait restrictions, and seasonal closures that may vary even within different areas of the same park. Practice catch and release whenever possible, especially with native species, using barbless hooks and proper handling techniques to ensure fish survive after release with minimal stress. Pack out all fishing-related trash including line, packaging, and food waste, while being mindful of your impact on fragile shorelines and spawning areas that other wildlife also depend upon. Finally, research invasive species protocols before your trip, as many parks have strict requirements for cleaning boats and gear to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species that threaten the very fishing experiences these protected waters provide.
The national parks system protects some of America’s most pristine waters, offering fishing enthusiasts experiences that combine exceptional angling with unparalleled natural beauty. From the cutthroat trout streams of Yellowstone to the saltwater flats of the Everglades, these campgrounds provide direct access to diverse fishing opportunities while immersing anglers in protected landscapes. What makes these destinations truly special goes beyond just the fish—it’s waking up to misty mountain mornings, sharing stories around campfires, and creating memories against backdrops that have inspired conservation for generations. Whether you’re planning a dedicated fishing trip or hoping to cast a line during a broader national park adventure, these campgrounds offer the perfect combination of accessibility, natural beauty, and fishing opportunities that can’t be found outside these protected waters.