Best Camping Areas Near Waterfalls: A Guide to Scenic Campgrounds
Discover the best camping areas near waterfalls across the United States. Explore scenic campgrounds where you can camp by stunning waterfalls, enjoy hiking trails, and immerse yourself in nature.
Best Camping Areas Near Waterfalls
As someone who has always been drawn to the serene beauty of nature, I’ve often found myself seeking out new places to camp, especially those near waterfalls. There’s something magical about camping beside a cascading waterfall, where the sound of rushing water creates a soothing backdrop and the sight of a majestic waterfall adds to the natural beauty of your surroundings. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to explore several breathtaking camping spots near waterfalls across the United States, and I want to share some of my favorite destinations with you.
Whether you’re an avid camper looking for a new adventure or just someone who wants to experience the tranquility of nature, camping near waterfalls offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with the outdoors. In this guide, I’ll take you through some of the best camping areas near waterfalls, offering not only a chance to enjoy the beauty of these natural wonders but also an opportunity for hiking, swimming, and simply relaxing in some of the most beautiful settings you can imagine.
1. Yosemite National Park – California
When I think of camping near waterfalls, one of the first places that comes to mind is Yosemite National Park in California. Known for its iconic waterfalls, like the famous Yosemite Falls, which is one of the tallest waterfalls in North America, this park offers some of the most picturesque camping areas. During my visit, I was blown away by the breathtaking views of waterfalls surrounded by towering granite cliffs and lush forests.
Yosemite has several campgrounds that provide easy access to the park’s waterfalls. The North Pines Campground is one of the most popular spots, located along the Merced River. From here, you can hike to the base of Yosemite Falls or take a short drive to Bridalveil Fall, a stunning waterfall that plunges 620 feet. The sound of the water cascading down the rocks is truly mesmerizing, and having the opportunity to camp so close to these natural wonders was an experience I’ll never forget.
If you're into hiking, there are numerous trails to explore that lead to waterfall viewpoints, including the Mist Trail, which takes you to the base of Vernal and Nevada Falls. Just be prepared for some strenuous hiking, but the reward is worth every step.
2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Tennessee/North Carolina
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is another top destination for camping near waterfalls, and it holds a special place in my heart. The park, which straddles the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, is home to dozens of stunning waterfalls, each surrounded by lush forests and misty mountain landscapes. I’ve visited the park several times, and every time I find a new waterfall to discover.
The Elkmont Campground is a fantastic base for exploring the park's waterfalls. It's centrally located, making it easy to access popular falls like Laurel Falls and Abrams Falls. Laurel Falls is the park’s most visited waterfall, and its short, paved trail makes it an excellent option for families. For a more secluded experience, head to Abrams Falls, which is a little more challenging to reach, but the 5-mile hike is well worth it for the view of the 20-foot waterfall.
The park also has plenty of backcountry campsites for those looking for a more rugged experience. I remember camping at one of these sites, listening to the distant sound of waterfalls, and waking up to the mist rising from the surrounding streams. The Great Smoky Mountains truly offer some of the most scenic camping near waterfalls.
3. Havasu Falls – Arizona
If you're looking for a truly unique waterfall camping experience, I highly recommend Havasu Falls in Arizona. Located in the Grand Canyon’s Havasupai Indian Reservation, Havasu Falls is known for its striking turquoise water, which contrasts beautifully with the red rocks of the canyon. This is one of the most stunning waterfalls I’ve ever seen, and camping near Havasu Falls was an unforgettable experience.
To get to the falls, you’ll need to hike into the canyon, which is about a 10-mile trek from the trailhead. The hike can be challenging, but it’s incredibly rewarding once you arrive. After setting up camp, you can enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear pools at the base of the falls, or simply relax while taking in the view of the waterfall.
There are designated campsites near the falls, which offer a rustic but comfortable camping experience. The sound of Havasu Falls cascading into the pools below is soothing and will be the perfect backdrop for your camping adventure. Due to the popularity of this destination, reservations are required, so be sure to plan ahead.
4. Multnomah Falls – Oregon
Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge is home to one of the most famous waterfalls in the country, Multnomah Falls. This majestic waterfall, which stands at 620 feet, is the tallest waterfall in Oregon, and camping nearby offers the perfect opportunity to experience its beauty up close. I had the chance to camp at the nearby Ainsworth State Park, which is just a short drive from the falls and provides easy access to some of the best hiking trails in the region.
The park’s campground offers a peaceful atmosphere with plenty of greenery, making it the ideal spot to relax after a day of exploring the falls. The Multnomah Falls Trail is an easy hike that takes you to a viewpoint near the top of the falls. For a more challenging hike, consider the Wahkeena Falls to Multnomah Falls loop, which offers stunning views of several waterfalls along the way.
If you visit during the spring, you’ll be treated to the sight of Multnomah Falls in full flow, as the snowmelt causes the waterfall to flow at its peak volume. The beauty of the falls is enhanced by the surrounding forest and mist, making it a perfect spot for camping.
5. Silver Falls State Park – Oregon
Another Oregon gem, Silver Falls State Park, offers one of the best waterfall camping experiences in the Pacific Northwest. The park is known for its famous “Trail of Ten Falls,” a 7.2-mile loop that takes you past – you guessed it – ten stunning waterfalls, some of which you can walk behind! I visited this park on a hiking trip, and it was one of the most immersive waterfall experiences I’ve had.
The campground at Silver Falls State Park is conveniently located near the trailhead, making it easy to access the waterfalls. One of the most memorable parts of my visit was walking behind South Falls, a 177-foot waterfall that you can actually walk behind for a unique view. The park’s lush forest, tranquil streams, and breathtaking falls make it a perfect destination for nature lovers and camping enthusiasts alike.
Silver Falls is also home to diverse wildlife, and during my visit, I spotted several deer and birds while hiking along the trail. The combination of great hiking, stunning waterfalls, and peaceful camping makes this one of the top waterfall camping destinations in the U.S.
6. Falls Creek Falls State Park – Tennessee
Falls Creek Falls State Park in Tennessee is a hidden gem that offers some of the most picturesque waterfall camping in the region. The park is home to the stunning Falls Creek Falls, which drops 256 feet, making it the tallest waterfall in Tennessee. The park’s campgrounds are located in a beautiful forested setting, providing a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature.
I spent a weekend at the park, hiking along the trails that lead to the waterfall and exploring the surrounding area. The Falls Creek Falls Trail takes you on a relatively easy hike to the base of the falls, where you can take in the full grandeur of the waterfall. For a more challenging hike, try the Cane Creek Falls Trail, which offers views of both Cane Creek Falls and the park’s namesake waterfall.
This park is less crowded than some of the more famous waterfall destinations, so if you're looking for a quieter camping experience near waterfalls, Falls Creek Falls is a great choice.
Conclusion
Camping near waterfalls offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and experience the beauty of one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Whether you're visiting the majestic Yosemite Falls in California, hiking to Havasu Falls in Arizona, or exploring the serene Silver Falls State Park in Oregon, each destination offers its own special charm. From the sound of cascading water to the opportunity for hiking and swimming, these camping areas provide a perfect backdrop for making unforgettable memories. So, pack your gear, hit the trails, and enjoy the natural beauty of waterfalls while camping in some of the best spots the U.S. has to offer.
