The Dyrt, the app to get the best campsites, built by the largest RVing and camping community in the U.S., has announced the 2026 Best Places to Camp: National Park Neighbors Presented by Girl Camper, a nationwide community that connects women through camping, outdoor experiences and events.
Camping near national parks offers a fantastic way to experience the great outdoors, but many national parks are highly sought-after and have limited availability — some being fully reserved many months or a year ahead of time. Staying at nearby campgrounds can provide an excellent, easier-to-book alternative for outdoor enthusiasts to visit an iconic park by day, and still have a fantastic setting to return to.
Best Places to Camp: National Park Neighbors explores some of the best nearby campgrounds that not only offer beautiful settings but also serve as an ideal base for days of wonder. Whether you’re seeking adventure or tranquility, these spots promise to enhance your camping experience while checking off that national parks bucket list.
Horsethief Campground tops the list. It’s located along the banks of the Colorado River in Utah and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding red rock formations. Its proximity to both Arches and Canyonlands national parks makes it a perfect choice for those who want to experience these stunning areas.
Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground in Virginia’s lush, gorgeous Shenandoah Valley is ideal for hiking and on-the-water fun and places third in the rankings. For campers who are seeking a limitless amount of outdoor activities, a reservation at East Portal Campground near Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, is both gettable and unforgettable. East Portal comes in at No. 5.
Each of these campgrounds is highly rated by The Dyrt Community and within a short drive of one of America’s beautiful national parks. They provide an excellent alternative to the often fully booked campgrounds located within national parks, but also offer unique experiences beyond what’s available in the park.
Now, if you really have your heart set on securing a campsite at a sold-out campground, The Dyrt Alerts scans the campgrounds and sends you a text when a site you want opens up. This feature is included with The Dyrt PRO membership.
Best Places to Camp: National Park Neighbors is presented by Girl Camper, which has built a rapidly growing national network through hundreds of events each year, from casual campground meetups to multi-day camping experiences. With a new membership model designed to support and connect women getting outside, the community is focused on making camping more approachable, accessible and social, regardless of experience level.
1. Horsethief Campground — Utah (Arches and Canyonlands national parks)
Photo courtesy of The Dyrt camper Kate B.
Location: Moab, UT
What makes it great: Horsethief Campground, located in the stunning landscape of Utah, is a fantastic destination for campers seeking both adventure and tranquility. Situated along the banks of the Colorado River, the campground offers breathtaking views of the surrounding red rock formations and allows visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of the desert. Horsethief is also particularly close to the iconic Arches and Canyonlands national parks.
Reservations for campsites within these parks can be challenging to secure, especially during peak season, which makes Horsethief an excellent alternative. Visitors can enjoy kayaking or canoeing on the Colorado River, trails for mountain biking, and hiking trails offering stunning views. The welcoming vibe at Horsethief Campground enhances the overall experience, as the friendly staff and fellow campers create a sense of community.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “Best camping so far on our 5 month road trip. Loved this site, spacious, with amazing views MTB trails out of the campsite plus great hikes sunsets and star gazing just phenomenal. We started our Moab experience at Dead Horse SP but preferred Horsethief and stayed 9 nights – can’t recommend this site enough we will be sure to return.” — David N.
“A week earlier while visiting Canyonlands NP we decided to stop here to camp on our way back home from Yellowstone NP. We got in late and easily found a decent tent site. It’s quiet, clean and the star viewing was terrific. Sunrise was beautiful! After packing up, we drove around the campground to find better sites for our next visit. We’ll be back!” — Rod D.
Campground details
Price: $20
Number of sites: 88
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
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2. Big Creek Campground — Montana (Glacier National Park)
Photo courtesy of The Dyrt camper Drea M.
Location: Columbia Falls, MT
What makes it great: Big Creek Campground, located in the heart of Montana’s breathtaking wilderness, provides an exceptional camping experience for outdoor enthusiasts. Nestled alongside the pristine Big Creek, this campground offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lush forests, creating a serene atmosphere perfect for relaxation. One of the key advantages of staying at Big Creek Campground is its proximity to Glacier National Park, a renowned destination famous for its dramatic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and extensive hiking trails.
Staying at Big Creek allows campers to explore the Glacier’s stunning features, such as its iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road and picturesque hiking trails, while enjoying the tranquility of the campground at night. At Big Creek, anglers can take advantage of excellent fishing, while hikers can explore nearby trails.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “Great campground. Spacious and private spots. Easy access to Glacier from the rare, unused Flathead river entrance. Close to North Fork area of park as well and great hiking in surrounding Flathead Forest outside of park. Extremely clean campground.” — Dirty E.
“Really nice camp right on the water and not far from Glacier. Moose lake nearby is good for 6 to 8 inch cutthroat. Camping hosts were really great.” — Todd J.
Campground details
Price: $22-$325
Number of sites: 22
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
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3. Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground — Virginia (Shenandoah National Park)
Photo courtesy of The Dyrt camper Tana S.
Location: Bentonville, VA
What makes it great: Andy Guest Shenandoah River State Park Campground, located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, offers an exceptional camping experience for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The campground is set against a stunning backdrop of rolling hills and lush forest, providing a peaceful retreat for campers.
Andy Guest’s neighbor is Shenandoah National Park, a popular destination renowned for its breathtaking vistas and extensive hiking trails. In addition to its convenient location, Shenandoah River State Park offers trails for hiking and biking, many of which provide access to beautiful river views and opportunities for fishing and kayaking. The nearby river is perfect for swimming and canoeing, making it an ideal spot for families looking to engage in water activities.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “Virginia has the best state park campgrounds. Water and electric. Large sites. The bathrooms are clean with separate shower rooms. Nice hiking in the park. Near SNP. Responsive and friendly rangers.” — Adam and Suzanne B.
“There is biking and hiking directly from the campsite. the bathrooms and showers are very clean, and there is a laundry room which we did not use. this campground is really close to Shenandoah national park. We chose to stay here instead because there are water and electric hook ups and a dump site on premise.” — Nancy M.
Campground details
Price: $27-$384
Number of sites: 34
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
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4. Smuggler’s Den Campground — Maine (Acadia National Park)
Photo courtesy of The Dyrt camper John
Location: Southwest Harbor, ME
What makes it great: Smuggler’s Den Campground, located in the picturesque landscapes of Maine, offers an exceptional camping experience for outdoor enthusiasts. Set among lush trees and rolling hills, this campground provides a tranquil setting that allows visitors to unwind and immerse themselves in nature. Smuggler’s Den has very similar attributes to Acadia National Park, one of the most popular national parks in the United States and the only national park in the Northeast.
Staying at Smuggler’s Den allows campers to easily access Acadia’s breathtaking landscapes during the day while enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the campground at night, making it an ideal base for exploration. The campground features amenities such as hiking trails, fire pits, and picnic areas. Nearby, campers can explore the beautiful coastline, go kayaking, or take scenic drives to experience the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “This campground is amazing. Great space, easy hookups, plenty of grass and trees. They have a pool, 2 bathhouses, laundry. Great location. The island is very beautiful.” — Jon P.
“We had a great experience here. Our tent site was wooded and level, not too close to neighbors. Checkin was easy and staff was friendly. The bathhouse near us was large, modern, and extremely clean. Campground is close to Acadia and it was easy to head back for a nap when the park got too crazy busy.” — Casey L.
Campground details
Price: $35-$175
Number of sites: 80
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
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5. East Portal Campground — Colorado (Rocky Mountain National Park)
Photo courtesy of The Dyrt camper Steve G.
Location: Estes Park, CO
What makes it great: East Portal Campground sits amidst the stunning scenery of Colorado and offers an exceptional camping experience for those seeking both adventure and tranquility. Located along the banks of the East River, this campground provides picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and lush forested areas. East Portal can stand alone among the best, but its proximity to the iconic Rocky Mountain National Park bumps it up another level. East Portal guests can easily access the park for day trips, without the stress of limited availability.
Anglers can cast their lines into the East River, known for its excellent fishing opportunities, while hikers can explore numerous trails that wind through the surrounding forest and offer breathtaking views. The area is also ideal for mountain biking and wildlife watching. The combination of natural beauty, accessibility to Rocky Mountain National Park, and plentiful recreational opportunities makes East Portal an outstanding choice for campers.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “We loved this campground and it’s proximity to RMNP and Estes Park. The campground was clean, had a great playground and quiet hours were respected. The little store was nice and the camp hosts were friendly and helpful. We saw elk and mule deer in the campground on multiple occasions. Would definitely stay again!” — Elizabeth R.
“Nice campground nestled in the pines. Online reservation was easy as was the check in. The staff were helpful and friendly. Some reviews balked at the price and the tight spaces. Expected in this sort of prime location. Live with it!” — Steve G.
Campground details
Price: $45-$80
Number of sites: 25
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
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6. Maverick Ranch RV Park — Texas (Big Bend National Park)
Photo courtesy of The Dyrt camper Jennifer A.
Location: Lajitas, TX
What makes it great: Maverick Ranch RV Park, located in the heart of Texas, offers a unique and enjoyable camping experience for RV enthusiasts and outdoor lovers. Set amidst beautiful landscapes and surrounded by the stunning views of the Texas Hill Country, this campground provides a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Maverick Ranch RV Park is the perfect base camp for exploring Big Bend National Park, a stunning destination known for its dramatic landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and outdoor recreational opportunities.
Staying at Maverick Ranch allows campers to easily explore Big Bend’s breathtaking scenery during the day while returning to the comfort of the RV park at night. In addition to its convenient location, Maverick offers swimming in the park’s pool, relaxing in the hot tub, or participating in organized events and activities provided by the staff. The area is rich in opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and photography, allowing campers to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “This campground is awesome. It has beautiful views with hiking trails connected to it. Spots are spacious with full hookups. The staff are very friendly. WiFi is strong and is great. Golf resorts amenities are part of the reservation. For sure will be coming back.” — Brett D.
“Best RV Resort we’ve stayed at yet! This place was the crème de la crème imo. Nice big sites with full hookup, picnic table and fire ring. A really nice pool area with free towels provided and very nice bathrooms with hot showers. There was a huge laundry facility as well. The dog park has water and two picnic tables with sun shades.” — Jen
Campground details
Price: $40-$55
Number of sites: 100
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
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7. Salt Creek Recreation Area — Washington (Olympic National Park)
Photo courtesy of The Dyrt camper Colleen T.
Location: Port Angeles, WA
What makes it great: Salt Creek Recreation Area, located on the stunning coastline of Washington, offers campers an incredible experience surrounded by natural beauty and diverse landscapes. This campground is set amidst lush forests and scenic vistas overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.
By staying at Salt Creek, campers can conveniently explore Olympic National Park during the day while returning to the peaceful surroundings of the campground each evening. Salt Creek is known for its stunning coastal access, where campers can explore tide pools, go beachcombing, and enjoy kayaking or canoeing in the calm waters. The surrounding forest trails offer additional opportunities for hiking and wildlife spotting.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “We love this campground so much, I almost hesitate to write this review. … There’s lots of hiking within the park as well, from the short coastal path, to exploring the WWII ruins, and down to the sandy beach below the bluff on which the campground sits. Nearby Olympic National Park offers many recreational opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast, the hiking is particularly stunning there.”
“Great views over Straits of Juan De Fuca and Vancouver Island. Clean showers and toilets. Lovely opportunities to walk around the recreation area and onto the nearby beach. Easy to get down to the rocks for exploring tide pools.” — Abbegail
Campground details
Price: $45
Number of sites: 92
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
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8. Jacob Lake Campground — Arizona (Grand Canyon National Park)
Photo courtesy of The Dyrt camper Amy E.
Location: Jacob Lake, AZ
What makes it great: Jacob Lake Campground, in the heart of northern Arizona, is a fantastic destination for campers seeking a blend of adventure and tranquility. Surrounded by towering ponderosa pines and the stunning landscapes of the Kaibab National Forest, this campground offers visitors a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Jacob Lake is perfect for hiking, with numerous trails that lead through the stunning Kaibab National Forest and provide access to breathtaking viewpoints. The campground’s close proximity to the North Rim and Grand Canyon National Park makes day trips convenient.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “A very well laid out facility, all very level spots, most are nicely treed and large enough for a sense of privacy. Great tasting communal water, well maintained vault toilets. The 30-mile drive to the Grand Canyon North Rim Park Entrance is nothing short of gorgeous, made even more thrilling by random deer, elk and a roaming herd of buffalo.” — Michael A.
“We stayed here four nights while visiting Grand Canyon National Park. The site was spacious, well separated from other sites, level, and directly adjacent to a network of easy hiking trails that we took our dog on every day.” — James B.
Campground details
Price: $8-$225
Number of sites: 51
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
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9. Atherton Creek Campground — Wyoming (Grand Teton National Park)
Photo courtesy of The Dyrt camper Megan L.
Location: Kelly, WY
What makes it great: Atherton Creek Campground, located in the beautiful Bridger-Teton National Forest in Wyoming, is a fantastic spot for campers seeking an authentic outdoor experience. Surrounded by towering pine trees and stunning mountain views, this campground offers a serene setting that allows visitors to unwind in nature. Staying at Atherton Creek puts campers in the shadow of Grand Teton National Park and the picturesque Teton Range.
Atherton Creek is perfect for hiking, with numerous trails that cater to different skill levels, while fishing enthusiasts can also take advantage of the nearby streams and rivers. With its stunning natural surroundings, close access to Grand Teton National Park, and a wealth of recreational opportunities, Atherton Creek Campground stands out as an excellent choice for those looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of Wyoming’s wilderness.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “Nice and peaceful by the lake.
Great option since I couldn’t find camping at GTNP. it is about 30 min from moose, the lake is nice and views are amazing. Bathrooms clean, no showers. Fire ring, picnic table and bear food storage on every site.” — Jose B.
“Perfect Hideaway while Visiting GTNP. This campsite has it all, the views, the level spots, and a lake! Good spaces for all sizes of rigs or tents or even groups. … I haven’t wanted to write a review for fear of everyone finding out about this amazing USFS camping area!”
Campground details
Price: $10-$40
Number of sites: 24
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
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10. Mono Hot Springs — California (Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia national parks)
Photo courtesy of The Dyrt camper Colleen C.
Location: Shaver Lake, CA
What makes it great: Mono Hot Springs is the hidden gem in the Sierra National Forest, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. The rustic charm of the area, coupled with the opportunity to soak in natural hot springs, makes it an ideal destination for relaxation and rejuvenation. Mono Hot Springs is close to several renowned national parks — Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia. These parks are incredibly popular and often have limited reservations, making Mono Hot Springs an excellent base camp of the Sierra Nevada.
Mono Hot Springs offers trails that range from easy strolls to challenging backcountry routes, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, pristine lakes, and even more secluded hot springs. Fishing, swimming, and wildlife watching are just a few of the activities that families and groups can enjoy.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “We’ll go back. Kaiser Pass was a bit of an adrenaline rush. It took 2 hours to drive 18 miles on a one lane road that is not in good repair. But WORTH it! The campground is nice, walkable and level.” — Chris M.
“This place is amazing! My boyfriend and I recently camped at the mono hot springs campground, and absolutely loved it. As far as the campground, you get a fire pit, bear bin and tent area. … Our campground was right next to the river, and hiking trails to lakes, meadows and hot springs run directly off of the campground. The host was wonderful, it was all around perfect.” — Colleen C.
Campground details
Price: $37-$78
Number of sites: 36
RV sites: No
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
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