America’s 10 Best Campgrounds for Hikers

The best campsite for a hiker is the one where the trail starts at the picnic table. That is the idea behind the 2026 Best Places to Camp for Hiking from The Dyrt, the camping app, presented by Oboz Footwear. The ten winners were picked from reviews and ratings by The Dyrt‘s community of campers and hikers, and the top two are both in the Southeast, in Tennessee and Virginia.

Here is each one, what it costs a night, and where to start walking. Prices and site counts are The Dyrt’s.

1. Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground, Tennessee

Near Spencer, on the Cumberland Plateau, in one of Tennessee’s largest parks at roughly 29,800 acres. The draw is how easy it is to reach the park’s seven signature waterfalls from camp. Fall Creek Falls itself drops 256 feet, the highest waterfall in Tennessee, and campers say the hike to its base is worth the effort. Cross the suspension bridge on the way to Piney Falls; in summer, swim at the Cascades or George Hole.

$8 to $32 · 252 sites · RVs, fires and pets allowed

2. Hickory Ridge Campground, Grayson Highlands State Park, Virginia

At about 4,300 feet near Mouth of Wilson, so you start the day already high. Eighteen trails leave from camp, including 2.5 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Take the Rhododendron Trail up to open ridgelines where the park’s wild ponies roam; the herd was first brought here in 1974. Stronger hikers can push into Jefferson National Forest toward Mount Rogers, Virginia’s highest peak.

$27 to $98 · 64 sites · RVs, fires and pets allowed

3. Jenny Lake Campground, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

A small, tent-only campground a short walk from Jenny Lake, at the foot of the Teton Range. Some of the park’s most famous trails start here: the Jenny Lake Loop, Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, and on into Cascade Canyon. The paved Discovery Trail, about a third of a mile, is wheelchair-accessible.

$13 to $58 · 51 sites · no RVs · fires and pets allowed

4. Vogel State Park Campground, Georgia

Near Blairsville, at the foot of Blood Mountain in the Chattahoochee National Forest, and a natural stop on the Appalachian Trail. The four-mile Bear Hair Gap Loop is the favourite; the 13-mile Coosa Backcountry Trail is for experienced backpackers. The Lake Loop to Trahlyta Falls has recently been closed for dam repairs, so check before you go.

$30 to $290 · 90 sites · RVs, fires and pets allowed

5. Baptism River Campground, Tettegouche State Park, Minnesota

On Minnesota’s North Shore near Silver Bay, and open year round, with groomed cross-country ski trails in winter. The High Falls Trail crosses a suspension bridge to the 60-foot High Falls of the Baptism River. Continue to Shovel Point, about six miles return, for cliff views over Lake Superior. Some trails link to the Superior Hiking Trail.

$25 to $35 · 28 sites · RVs, fires and pets allowed

6. Catalina State Park Campground, Arizona

On the edge of Tucson, with 5,500 acres of foothills, canyons and saguaros climbing into the Coronado National Forest. Romero Canyon is the highlight. The park runs guided walks, including Catalina Nights, a one-mile after-dark hike for desert wildlife and stars. It is the only winner on the list where campfires are not allowed.

$50 · 120 sites · RVs and pets allowed · no fires

7. Table Rock State Park Campground, South Carolina

Near Pickens. The signature Table Rock Trail is a strenuous eight-mile round trip with about four miles of steep climbing; Governor’s Rock is the overlook on the way. For an easier day, the two-mile Carrick Creek Trail passes Carrick Creek Falls. The park connects to the 76-mile Foothills Trail.

$25 to $35 · 108 sites · RVs, fires and pets allowed

8. Davidson River Campground, North Carolina

Near Brevard in Pisgah National Forest. The Art Loeb Trail starts at the entrance; its 12.3-mile section is a serious challenge. Short drives reach Looking Glass Falls, Moore Cove Falls, Sliding Rock (a 60-foot natural waterslide) and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

$37 to $84 · 159 sites · RVs, fires and pets allowed

9. Deception Pass State Park Campground, Washington

Across Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands near Oak Harbor, with forest, lakes and saltwater beaches all walkable. About 10 miles of the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail run through the park, up to Goose Rock. Walk to North Beach or West Beach for sunset, or out to the Deception Pass Bridge.

$12 to $144 · 310 sites, the largest on the list · RVs, fires and pets allowed

10. Willow River State Park Campground, Wisconsin

Near Hudson, a little over half an hour from Minneapolis. Most trailheads start at the campground, and the favourite leads to Willow Falls and the Willow River Gorge. It is mostly downhill on the way out, so save energy for the climb back.

$25 to $90 · 163 sites · RVs, fires and pets allowed

Plan it

• Book early: popular national park sites like Jenny Lake fill fast. The Dyrt’s full list links to each campground.
• Shoulder seasons: the Appalachian picks (Fall Creek Falls, Grayson Highlands, Vogel, Table Rock, Davidson River) are strong in fall colour season.
• Winter option: Baptism River is open year round; Catalina’s desert trails suit winter sun.
• From Canada: Willow River is an easy add-on to a Minneapolis trip, and Deception Pass works as a road trip from Vancouver.

For advisors

• Who to sell it to: active families and couples on self-drive road trips, and clients who want a hiking base without a lodge price tag.
• What to build: a southern Appalachian loop linking Fall Creek Falls, Vogel, Table Rock and Davidson River, with hotels or cabins in gateway towns for clients who won’t camp.
• Where the money is: campsites are low-ticket; the money is in the car rental, flights and nearby hotel nights around them.
• Watch the closures: Vogel’s Lake Loop is closed for dam repairs; check each park before quoting.

Sources

• The Dyrt via PR Newswire, 8 Oct 2026
• The Dyrt, 2026 Best Places to Camp for Hiking