Best Freshwater Diving Spots Accessible by RV

August 26, 2024

Looking for freshwater diving spots in the USA? You’re in the right place! From beautiful lakes to hidden rivers, freshwater scuba diving offers a whole new world to explore—no need to deal with long flights or overcrowded beaches. Best part? You can do it all while enjoying the flexibility and comfort of your RV. In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the most beautiful freshwater sites in the country, making your next adventure both convenient and unforgettable. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!


We will cover these top freshwater diving locations:

Check Out These Freshwater Scuba Spots Across the USA.

Check out four popular freshwater diving destinations in the USA perfect for road-tripping underwater exploration pursuits. The following freshwater diving spots are ideal for RV camping and diving. Beginners, as well as seasoned divers, will enjoy exploring underwater vistas combined with RV travel. 

Beaver Lake, Arkansas

Prepare for an RV road trip and set out for Beaver Lake in Arkansas. This diver’s paradise is known for its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life. Freshwater scuba divers can explore submerged forests, rock formations, and remnants of old homesteads in the Dam Site Diver Area. Monte Ne Ruins, an underwater ghost town, is another popular diving site. Divers will swim with catfish, bass, crappie, and, occasionally, turtles or freshwater jellyfish.


Beaver Dam® Dive Shop and Resort is a prime diving destination, serving as the main hub for all your diving needs. Beginners can take their first plunge, or seasoned divers can refine their skills here as the dive shop offers comprehensive diving lessons tailored to all experience levels. The excellent instructors at Beaver Dam® will ensure a safe, educational, and thrilling diving experience. The Beaver Dam® Dive Shop is fully stocked with top-quality gear, so you can easily rent or purchase everything you need for your underwater adventure. 


To make your experience even better, Beaver Dam® Dive Shop and Resort offers RV-friendly campgrounds with excellent facilities. They provide easy access to the lake, full hookups, and amenities like picnic areas, boat ramps, and hiking trails. The diving sites and comfortable camping options anchored around the Beaver Dam® Dive Shop and Resort make Beaver Lake a must-visit destination for freshwater diving enthusiasts traveling by RV. 

Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada 

One of the USA's most adventuresome freshwater diving destinations is Lake Tahoe on both sides of the California and Nevada border. Lake Tahoe is the deepest lake in the US accessible to divers, and offers a remarkable diving experience combining natural beauty with historical intrigue. Explore enchanted granite arches and intricate boulder labyrinths that create a spellbinding underwater landscape. Numerous Native American relics discovered here will add a historical element to your dive. 


Discover the Maritime Heritage Underwater Trail of Lake Tahoe. Take in the thrill of exploring several historic shipwrecks and other submerged artifacts. The Tahoe Dive Center at Sand Harbor offers specialized altitude certification courses and guided dives ensuring safety and confidence to explore these high-altitude waters. The clarity and sparkle of the water here cause many divers to report: “It flees like diving under diamonds.”


Lake Tahoe offers several RV-friendly campgrounds with breathtaking lake views and excellent facilities. Zephyr Cove and Tahoe Valley Campground will give you easy access to the lake with full hookups and amenities like picnic areas, hiking trails, and boat ramps. Freshwater diving buffs traveling by RV will thoroughly enjoy Lake Tahoe. 

Blue Lake, Utah

Blue Lake, in the remote desert of western Utah, is a geothermal wonder that provides a unique freshwater scuba diving experience. The water temperature of Blue Lake is consistently warm maintained by the Earth’s crust, making it a diving destination year-round. A 12-foot Hammerhead shark made of metal near the bottom of the lake, and other artifacts, are fun discoveries for divers. Blue Lake is an excellent place to learn and hone diving skills in a controlled environment.


Novice and experienced divers will have a rewarding experience in the clear, deep waters of Blue Lake. Freshwater divers will encounter sunken treasures placed strategically to enhance their underwater adventure.


FYI: The bugs in summertime at Blue Lake can be overwhelming. It's much more pleasant to plan your visit in the fall after the bugs are gone.


Blue Lake is an excellent diving spot - but not so much for swimming. Because of the surrounding wetlands and lack of access points, swimmers may be unable to access shallow areas.

 

The RV camping options are more primitive here than other destinations, but the unique diving experience makes the trip worth it. RV campsites near Blue Lake, Utah, include Wendover KOA Journey and Welcome Station RV Park. 

Devil’s Den, Florida

Devil’s Den is a prehistoric underground spring located in Williston, Florida. Named for the steam that rises from its chimney-like opening on cold mornings, Devil’s Den offers a unique and thrilling underwater experience. The crystal-clear waters, constant 72-degree temperature, and amazing rock formations are captivating for freshwater scuba diving. Explore fossil beds, submerged passages, and geological formations. Divers of all skill levels will enjoy Devil’s Den. Diving courses; equipment rentals, airfills, and more are offered at the dive shop on-site.


The Devil’s Den RV Park offers full hookups, clean restrooms, and easy access to the diving site. Devil’s Den is a popular diving destination for diving fanatics looking for adventure. 

How to Maximize Your Diving Experience on an RV Trip

Balance travel, relaxation, and diving activities to fully enjoy your RV adventures at the best scuba diving spots in the country. Here are some helpful tips to make it happen: 


Plan your Route and Dive Sites Ahead of Time 

  • Map out your diving destinations before taking off. Look for sites that offer RV-friendly campgrounds and facilities. 
  • Consider the best times of the year for diving at each location. 


Pack thoroughly 

  • Make a list of necessary diving gear and pack them. Investing in quality gear will enhance your diving experience and ensure safety. 
  • Remember to pack RV essentials like cooking supplies, bedding, and outdoor equipment to make your trip more enjoyable. 


Balance Diving with Relaxation 

  • Plan days for diving and other days for relaxation. Resting between dives will prevent fatigue and allow you to enjoy each dive fully. 
  • Take advantage of RV parks and campgrounds with amenities like swimming pools, hot tubs, and picnic areas for post-dive relaxation. 


Explore Local Attractions

  • Enjoying local attractions between dives will diversify your trip. Take a hike, or visit historical sites, and nature reserves to make the most of your trip. 
  • Complement your diving adventures with other water activities like fishing, paddle boarding, or kayaking. 


Make a memorable trip to the best scuba diving spots in the USA and enjoy the freedom of RV travel. 

Dive into Adventure: Plan Your Next RV and Diving Trip Today

Let your freshwater diving adventures begin! Combining the freedom of RV travel with the quest for the best scuba diving spots will make for amazing experiences. Each location offers its unique attractions. When you travel by RV, you can explore at your own pace, go on diving excursions, relax in RV-friendly campgrounds, and enjoy the amenities they offer.


The Beaver Dam® Dive Shop and Resort is your go-to destination for all diving needs. Comprehensive diving courses, expert instructors, and top-quality gear rentals are on-site. Park your RV; stay a while with easy access to the lake and enjoy plenty of amenities and surrounding attractions.


Are you itching for your next adventure? Visit the Beaver Dam® Dive Shop and Resort for more information or to book a diving course today!

Book Your Adventure!
A brick building in historic downtown Eureka Springs with a red awning on the side of it
October 19, 2024
Discover must-see sites and immerse yourself in the rich history of this enchanting town. Plan your visit today!
Kneale Ewing in a suit and tie is smiling in front of a black wall.
September 5, 2024
We sat down with some of our staff to learn more about their diving careers. Read on to find out more about Kneale Ewing!
A group of people are posing for a picture in front of a pool at the Georgia Aquarium.
June 26, 2024
Join Shawna Wright on an unforgettable adventure as she dives at the Georgia Aquarium with majestic whale sharks. Experience the thrill of swimming alongside these gentle giants and discover an underwater world like no other.
A collage of photos from Beaver Dam Dive Shop on Memorial Day in 2024
June 17, 2024
Beaver Dam Dive Shop celebrated Memorial Day in 2024 with a heartwarming and heartbreaking story about a sudden storm that brought their community together.
A man is taking a picture of another man while scuba diving.
March 4, 2024
Explore 6 effective ear equalization techniques to manage pressure during diving. Learn about the Valsalva Maneuver, Frenzel Technique, and more for a safer dive experience. Click for detailed strategies and tips.
A bunch of Nitrox cylinders are lined up on a wooden deck
By Kathy Shaw March 4, 2024
Dive deeper into the benefits of using Nitrox over traditional air with our comprehensive guide. Learn how Nitrox reduces decompression sickness risk, allows for extended bottom times, and what PADI's program offers for safe Nitrox diving practices. Start your adventure with less nitrogen and more possibilities.
A wooden table topped with a variety of healthy foods.
By Kathy Shaw March 4, 2024
Explore how nutrition affects diving with insights from DAN and Registered Dietitian Paula Wicklund. Learn about the importance of hydration, a balanced diet, and proper meal timing to enhance your diving experience and health.
A large school of fish are swimming in the ocean near a scuba diver.
By David Whitcraft February 5, 2024
If you are looking for a scuba diving destination that offers stunning coral reefs, thrilling wrecks, and diverse marine life, look no further than Nassau Bahamas scuba diving.
An aerial view of a campground with a lake in the background
February 5, 2024
Discover the most unique places to stay in Eureka Springs, with our Top 5 Resorts! Plan a perfect getaway with Beaver Dam Dive Shop & Resort’s guide to a cozy stay in this charming Arkansas town.
A bunch of scuba diving equipment including oxygen bottles
By Connor Welch February 5, 2024
Are you anxious to get back in the water? In preparation for the upcoming season, there are items that you can easily do now to ensure smooth diving this summer!
More Posts