8 Favorite Hikes in America and Where to Camp — Campspot x Keep Nature Wild

With hundreds of thousands of hiking trails in America, it’s nearly impossible to narrow down our favorites. Waterfalls and canyons, mountain tops and desserts - there seem to be breathtaking landscapes in every part of the country. With the help of our friends from Campspot, we’ve narrowed down our 8 favorite hikes and where to camp when you get there!

Thanks to Campspot, the camping industry’s newest online booking platform, finding available campsites is easier than ever. Search by dates, locations, amenities, site types, and more to instantly reserve your next outdoor getaway - all in one place! 

Use the list below to plan your next outdoor adventure. And with the help of Campspot, check out their recommended campgrounds which serve as a perfect home base for your next great adventure.

Skyline Trail Loop, Mt. Rainier National Park

• Cascading waterfalls, mighty glaciers, abundant wildlife, and meadows dotted with vibrant wildflowers await you on this 5.5 mile loop. Labeled as moderate difficulty, this hike is well worth it for both experienced and novice hikers alike. Be sure to pack a lunch and spend some time at the top of the trail to soak in the jaw-dropping views of Mt. Rainier before heading back down to civilization.

• Where to stay: A mere 15 minute drive from the Nisqually Gate entrance to Mt. Rainier National Park lies Elkamp Eastcreek. Nestled among a cathedral of trees at the foot of Mt. Rainier, their well-maintained and spacious campsites make this campground the perfect spot for relaxing, renewing, and reconnecting with nature.

The Beehive, Acadia National Park

• At 1.4 miles round trip, this hike is deceivingly difficult. One of Acadia’s most famous rung and ladder trails, hikers put their bodies through the test to walk, climb, and scramble up this majestic rounded peak. It is not without reward, however. At the top hikers can enjoy stunning views of Thunder Beach, the Gulf of Maine, and a seemingly endless horizon.

• Where to stay: Situated on the northernmost point of Mt. Desert Island, Hadley's Point Campground is a camper's haven. Located just above a public saltwater beach, you can be just minutes from Acadia National Park and downtown Bar Harbor. Enjoy a quiet, family-friendly campground where you can relax amidst the pines and explore the beautiful area. 

Delicate Arch, Arches National Park

• This arch is so famous it has a permanent residency on Utah’s license plates. Don’t let its popularity keep you from experiencing its splendor, though. The 65 foot arch is significantly more impressive in person, and the trail you take to reach it is reasonably easy at 3.2 miles with only 550 feet of elevation gain. 

• Where to stay: Whether you’re staying in one of the tent sites, pull-thru RV sites, or cabin rentals, you’re sure to enjoy some of the best Moab camping at Canyonlands RV Campground! Swim next to the red rocks at the gated pool area, or simply hike around the property and take in the sights - this campground has it all!

Hawksbill Loop, Shenandoah National Park

• A 2.7 mile loop trail will bring you to the highest point of the National Park which results in a stunning 360-degree view of the Shenandoah Valley, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Virginia Piedmont. Take a ride down Skyline Drive and enjoy all the wildflowers, fresh air, and wildlife this park offers.

• Where to stay: Stay at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort in Luray, VA for a campground that has room to play - and much more. Their 73 scenic acres feature mini-golf, a jumping pillow, pools, water slides, and so much more.  Book a spacious RV site, tent site, or cabin rental for a getaway you’ll never forget. 

General Sherman Tree Trail, Sequoia National Park

• If you think going to see the tallest tree in the world sounds like too much work, think again! This famous trail leads you straight to the General Sherman Tree where you can gaze up at its wonder and marvel at the diameter of its trunk. At only 1.2 miles, this “hike” is definitely worth stopping by.

• Where to stay: Only a 15 minute drive from the National Park entrance, Sequoia Campground and Lodge is a camper’s paradise with groves of Sycamore trees, sites along the rambling Kaweah River, and tons of amenities. Marvel at the beauty of nature and recharge.

Emerald Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park 

• Rocky Mountain’s Bear Lake Trailhead is the starting point for many hikes in the park. A steady climb through aspen pines and ponderosa groves, you’ll encounter no shortage of breathtaking views. And at the end, a pristine mountain lake awaits you. 

• Where to stay: A mere 15 minutes from the National Park’s Grand Lake entrance, Winding River Resort is beautifully situated under views of the mountains. This setting delivers an array of activities, including horseback riding, snowmobiling, and hiking. Plus, you’re minutes from Grand Lake, Lake Granby, and Shadow Mountain Lake for some water fun.

Pfeiffer Falls Trail, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

• Bixby bridge, the falls, the beach - Big Sur has it all! As you’re cruising down the coast, a must-see is the Pfeiffer Falls Trail. While you can’t climb down to see the falls up close, it’s just as beautiful a vantage point to look down from above! Short, sweet, and great views.

• Where to stay: Marina Dunes RV Park is your perfect home base for the Monterey peninsula. Enjoy miles of beachfront, a variety of amenities, and proximity to beautiful local attractions. Choose from a variety of lodging including RV sites, charming cottages, retro travel trailer, or their popular glamping tents.

Laurel Falls Trail, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

• Featuring an immense waterfall and good for all skill levels, Laurel Falls Trail is one of the park’s more popular hikes. Scramble over rocks, enjoy the lush scenery, and look out among the rolling hills for a hike that you won’t soon forget.

• Where to stay: Experience a Tennessee vacation at the gateway of the Great Smoky Mountains at Sun Outdoors Sevierville Pigeon Forge. Combining beautiful scenery with Southern hospitality, this camp-resort is a perfect getaway for any age. Splash in the pool, soak in the hot tub, and take advantage of the clean laundry facilities while you enjoy your stay. 

No matter where you are looking to travel, there is a great hike (and campground) waiting for you! Just be sure to explore responsibly and help keep nature wild. Check our more great tips from Campspot on their Camp Guide, and get ready to get outside.