Camping and hiking are neighbors in nature. If you plan a hike to an amazing trail, you might then look for a campground to stay at near that trail. If you book an awesome campground, you might do the opposite and look for some popular hiking trails nearby. Together they form a complete outdoors experience: According to The Dyrt’s 2026 Camping Report Presented by Toyota Trucks, camping and hiking are the third and fourth most popular outdoor activities for Americans behind only walking and swimming.
To honor the peanut butter and jelly of the great outdoors, The Dyrt, the only camping app that has every kind of campsite, the most useful tools to plan your trip, and the largest community of campers helping campers, selected the 2026 Best Places to Camp for Hiking presented by Obōz Footwear, maker of premium, trail-ready footwear. This list recognizes the top campgrounds in the country that serve as perfect base camps for hiking adventures.
Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground in Tennessee comes in at No. 1. The nearly 30,000-acre park on the Cumberland Plateau is home to, as you can infer from its name, multiple waterfalls, including one of the tallest in the eastern United States. Hickory Ridge Campground in Virginia is second on the list due in large part to its trail network, which you can reach right from the campground. Grayson Highlands State Park has 18 trails ranging from a third of a mile to three miles, including a 2.5-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail.
The Dyrt has already recognized some of the best places to camp in niche categories: National Park Neighbors, With Kids, For Free, Near Water, Near Cities and the Top 9 for K-9s. The Dyrt also handed out the annual Glampy Awards and Best Places to RV, as well as the Top 10 Best Places to Camp in each region of the country and the Best Places to Camp: Top 10 in the U.S.
Winners were chosen based on reviews and ratings from The Dyrt’s community of campers, and hikers. Without further ado, here are The Dyrt’s Best Places to Camp for Hiking presented by Obōz Footwear:
1. Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground — Tennessee
Location: Spencer, TN
What makes it great: Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground is an optimal base camp for hikers. The park is one of Tennessee’s largest, covering roughly 29,800 acres of the Cumberland Plateau. The biggest draw for hikers is how easy it is to get to the park’s seven signature waterfalls from the campsites.
At 256 feet, Fall Creek Falls is Tennessee’s highest waterfall and one of the tallest in the eastern United States. Campers say the base hike at the falls is well worth the effort. Other trails range from easy to moderate, but the side trails to overlooks can be steep and rocky. Crossing a suspension bridge on the hike to Piney Falls is one of the unique highlights. In the warmer months, there are great swimming spots at the Cascades and George Hole near the camping area. There are also easy trails around the campground loops that work well for walking dogs.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “The camping areas are great for walking dogs and just getting out, deer tend to live in the campsite areas as we kept seeing the same does with their fawns daily. The hiking is top notch and we did a different trail every day.” — David P.
Campground details
Price: $8-$32
Number of sites: 252
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
2. Hickory Ridge Campground — Grayson Highlands State Park — Virginia
Location: Mouth of Wilson, VA
What makes it great: Staying at Hickory Ridge Campground is like getting a head start on the big hike, as the campground is located in the mountains at about 4,300 feet above sea level. The trail network, which can be reached right from the campground, consists of 18 trails ranging from a third of a mile to more than three miles, including a 2.5-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail. There is also access to the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail.
The mile-plus Rhododendron Trail climbs to open ridgelines where the park’s famous wild ponies roam, a herd first brought to the highlands in 1974. Massie Gap is another popular trailhead for spotting ponies and joining the AT, and the 1.7-mile Cabin Creek loop leads to a waterfall. Hikers who want a bigger challenge can follow park trails into the surrounding Jefferson National Forest toward Mount Rogers, Virginia’s highest peak.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “We did 3 hikes and they were all fantastic. Hiked to the highest point in Virginia, saw ponies and followed a beautiful river. We saw cool trees and rock formations. We really loved it.” — Anne F.
Campground details
Price: $27-$98
Number of sites: 64
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
3. Jenny Lake Campground — Grand Teton National Park — Wyoming
Location: Alta, WY
What makes it great: The extremely popular Jenny Lake Campground puts campers and hikers at the foot of the spectacular Teton Range, just a short walk from the eastern shore of Jenny Lake. It’s a small, tent-only campground that is tranquil, quiet and all about enjoying the peace of the outdoors.
Some of Grand Teton National Park’s most famous trails start right here. Hikers can circle the water along the shoreline on the Jenny Lake Loop Trail or head to Hidden Falls and continue up to Inspiration Point for views over the lake. The trail continues into Cascade Canyon, a popular route into the backcountry with views of Teewinot Mountain and Mount St. John. The paved, wheelchair-accessible Discovery Trail runs about a third of a mile to the lake.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “The views are out of this world. The hikes are without a doubt some of the best in the country, and the wildlife is beyond anything else we have seen.” — Michelle T.
Campground details
Price: $13-$58
Number of sites: 51
RV sites: No
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
4. Vogel State Park Campground — Georgia
Location: Blairsville, GA
What makes it great: Vogel State Park Campground sits at the foot of Blood Mountain surrounded by the Chattahoochee National Forest. Hikers have options for every skill level right from the park. The most popular is the four-mile Bear Hair Gap Loop, a moderate trail that’s easy to reach from the campground.
Experienced backpackers can take on the 13-mile Coosa Backcountry Trail, the park’s most challenging route. Vogel’s location also makes it a natural stop along the Appalachian Trail. The park’s easiest hike is the Lake Loop, a gravel trail around 22-acre Lake Trahlyta that leads to Trahlyta Falls. (It’s recently been closed for dam repairs, so check before planning a trip.)
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “Hiking trails are exceptional for the adults. We chose a very strenuous trail that delivered on the promise of a beautiful vista looking down on the park and campground.” — Timothy B.
Campground details
Price: $30-$290
Number of sites: 90
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
5. Baptism River Campground — Tettegouche State Park — Minnesota
Location: Silver Bay, MN
What makes it great: Baptism River Campground is located close to many of Tettegouche State Park’s best trails on Minnesota’s North Shore. The campground is open year round, including for winter camping (groomed trails are open for cross-country skiing), and provides easy access to trails and waterfalls.
The High Falls Trail crosses a suspension bridge to the 60-foot High Falls of the Baptism River. Nearby, a descent of about 200 stairs leads to a viewing area at Two Step Falls. Hikers who want a longer trek can continue from the High Falls trail toward Shovel Point, about a six-mile round trip. Shovel Point has dramatic views from the cliffs over Lake Superior, and there are often rock climbers on the cliffs below. Some trails link to the Superior Hiking Trail for even longer trips.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “The hiking trails are gorgeous, unique, and challenging, with lots of roots and rocks to manage.” — Shannen E.
Campground details
Price: $25-$35
Number of sites: 28
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
6. Catalina State Park Campground — Arizona
Location: Tucson, AZ
What makes it great: Catalina State Park Campground is as close to great hiking trails as it is to the big city. The park’s trail network winds through 5,500 acres of foothills, canyons and streams and climbs into the Coronado National Forest, with thousands of saguaros along the way.
The trails are stunning and perfect for serious hikes and easy walks with wide-open desert scenery to enjoy. Romero Canyon is a highlight, with streamside grasses, trees and wildflowers that pop against a desert backdrop. Guided programs give campers even more ways to explore on foot. Catalina Nights offers a one-mile guided hike on the Nature Trail after dark to see desert wildlife and the night sky. The park also runs native plant walks that descend into Romero Canyon, Sunday geology walks about how the mountains formed, and guided bird walks of three to four hours.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “Super nice park. Peaceful, quiet, and some of the best hikes ever. The view is amazing each morning.” — Annette
Campground details
Price: $50
Number of sites: 120
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: No
Pets allowed: Yes
7. Table Rock State Park Campground — South Carolina
Location: Pickens, SC
What makes it great: Some of South Carolina’s best-known trails run through and around Table Rock State Park Campground. This 3,083-acre mountain park’s signature hike is the Table Rock Trail, a strenuous eight-mile round trip with about 4 miles of steep climbing to the summit. Along the way, overlooks like Governor’s Rock offer sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.
The Pinnacle Mountain Trail is another challenging climb that can be especially scenic in the fall and winter. For an easier hike, the two-mile Carrick Creek Trail follows a mountain stream past Carrick Creek Falls. Hikers can also take a moderate three-mile route from Carrick Creek that uses part of the Palmetto Trail to reach the Mount Laurel area, or walk the Lake Trail. Ambitious hikers will appreciate that Table Rock’s trails connect to the 76-mile Foothills Trail, which links several state parks for longer trips.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “Beautiful hiking trails. First time ever hiking and with 3 kids. Ages 6,4, and 1. They absolutely loved it. Highly recommend doing carrick creek trail (1.9mi) and the palmetto trail cutting across to mount laurel and then back through carrick. (2.9 mi) then definitely do the lake trail. We are definitely coming back and hitting the table rock hike.” — Brittney L.
Campground details
Price: $25-$35
Number of sites: 108
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
8. Davidson River Campground — North Carolina
Location: Brevard, NC
What makes it great: The sprawling Davidson River Campground opens campers up to a world of hiking in Pisgah National Forest, with trails starting right from the campground. The Art Loeb Trail begins at the entrance, and the 12.3-mile section is a serious challenge for experienced hikers. The 3.7-mile North Slope Trail is a good half-day hike, and a 1.5-mile walking trail along the Davidson River is an easy option for a morning stroll or jog.
Short drives from camp lead to even more classic Pisgah hikes. The campground is a wonderful base for visiting the area’s many waterfalls, including Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls, as well as Sliding Rock, a 60-foot natural waterslide over smooth boulders. Hikers can also take on the climbs to John Rock and Looking Glass Rock, or head up to the Blue Ridge Parkway for more scenic routes.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “I’ve been here a few times but just now writing a review. Every time I go, it’s always clean and quiet. Great place to just relax and have base camp to many hikes in the area.” — Justin S.
Campground details
Price: $37-$84
Number of sites: 159
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
9. Deception Pass State Park Campground — Washington
Location: Oak Harbor, WA
What makes it great: Deception Pass State Park Campground spreads across Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands, with forests, lakes and saltwater beaches all within walking distance. About 10 miles of the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail run through the park, and you can take it up to the summit of Goose Rock. Near Bowman Bay, the Lottie Point Loop and the Lighthouse Point Loop follow the rocky coast, with views of the lighthouse and the water.
Hiking out to the Deception Pass Bridge rewards with dramatic views and the forest trails around Hoypus Point are worth exploring. Short trails connect campsites to beaches on Puget Sound, so you can walk to North Beach or West Beach for the sunset. For an easy, accessible option, the paved Sand Dunes Interpretive Trail is a 0.8-mile loop with an observation deck.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “We keep returning here. Deception Pass State Park is an incredible place to camp. The scenery and hikes have a wow factor.” — Kim G.
Campground details
Price: $12-$144
Number of sites: 310
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
10. Willow River State Park Campground — Wisconsin
Location: Hudson, WI
What makes it great: Willow River State Park Campground sits among the rolling countryside in northwest Wisconsin, just over half an hour from Minneapolis. The park’s most popular hike leads to Willow Falls, and most trailheads start right at the campground. The Willow Falls trail is mostly downhill on the way out, but the climb back is fairly steep. At the falls, hikers get spectacular views of the cascades and the Willow River Gorge.
Beyond Willow Falls, the park has miles of well-kept scenic trails. Some are easy and flat, while others are hilly and challenging. Trails also pass through prairie remnants and along the river, and the nature center leads guided hikes on weekends.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “There are several hiking trails, some of which are marked better than others. The most popular one is the Willow Falls Trail, leading to Willow Falls (about a mile from the 300 Campground). It is so popular, in fact, that there is an established selfie station at the falls.” — Lee D.
Campground details
Price: $25-$90
Number of sites: 163
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes