Go Camping America

Top 9 Campgrounds Near Waterfalls in the U.S.

Imagine arriving at your destination, setting up your campsite, and being just a few steps or a short drive away from a breathtaking waterfall.

Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure? Picture this: hiking through lush forests, surrounded by the soothing sounds of cascading waterfalls. It's an experience that will leave you in awe of nature's beauty.

Imagine arriving at your destination, setting up your campsite, and being just a few steps or a short drive away from a breathtaking waterfall. From the East Coast to the West Coast, there are thousands of accessible waterfalls throughout the U.S., and reserving a campsite right nearby offers the perfect opportunity to fully immerse yourself in their rejuvenating power.

To help you plan your epic waterfall experience, we've curated a list of our top 9 campgrounds near these enchanting waterfalls. So, pack up your camping gear, lace up your hiking boots, and prepare to be amazed.

Kaaterskill Falls, New York

Kaaterskill Falls is a unique two-tiered waterfall located in the Catskill Mountains of New York. Known for its monumental beauty, it’s one of the Catskills' most sought-after natural attractions. The waterfall cascades down a total height of 260 feet, making it the tallest waterfall in New York. Its upper tier drops into a rocky pool, while the lower tier flows into a picturesque pool surrounded by greenery. Kaaterskill Falls has been a popular destination for waterfall hikes and artists for centuries, inspiring countless works of art and literature like Allegra Goodman’s novel Kaaterskill Falls. There are multiple trails for different types of hikers. The easiest one will lead you to the viewing platform above the waterfall so you can experience Kaaterskill Falls in all its wonder. For a longer, moderate hike, take the trail all the way to the bottom of the falls - but tread carefully as the rocks can be slippery!

Where to Stay

Conveniently situated in the Hudson Valley, Interlake RV Park & Campground provides an ideal base for those looking to explore Kaaterskill Falls and the surrounding area. This lakeside campground offers a range of amenities to enhance your stay, including HD TV, free WI-FI, and a camp store to replenish your supplies. Families will appreciate the playground, rec hall, and spacious swimming pool complete with a kiddie pool, while fishing enthusiasts can enjoy the nearby lakes and ponds. With the historic town of Rhinebeck and the scenic Hudson River just minutes away, Interlake is the perfect setting for rest and relaxation after a waterfall hike.

Havasu Falls, Arizona

Havasu Falls, situated within the Havasupai Indian Reservation in the Grand Canyon, is a breathtaking natural wonder known for its turquoise waters and remote location. To reach this hidden gem, visitors must take on a challenging 10-mile hike (one-way) through the canyon landscape. The trail to Havasu Falls offers breathtaking views, taking hikers through desert terrain before descending into the oasis of the Havasu Creek area. While the hike is strenuous, the reward is worth it, as Havasu Falls and its sister waterfalls offer a unique and unforgettable experience in the heart of the Grand Canyon.

Where to Stay 

For an amazing camping experience while exploring Havasu Falls, Kaibab Camper Village at the Grand Canyon North Rim is your top choice. Offering full RV hookups, including accommodation for large rigs, as well as tent sites and cozy cabins, it caters to all kinds of travelers. Situated in the tranquil North Rim area, it's just 45 miles from the canyon rim, accessible via the scenic North Rim Parkway. Surrounded by the Kaibab National Forest, and overlooking Jacob Lake, it provides a peaceful retreat after your adventures. 

Blackwater Falls, West Virginia

Imagine Blackwater River’s amber-colored waters which cascade dramatically, plummeting five stories before going through an eight-mile-long gorge. What makes this view most captivating is the river's dark tone, a result of tannic acid from fallen hemlock and red spruce needles. Surrounded by forests, the park offers a variety of scenic overlooks, making it easy for visitors to take in the landscape and solidifying its status as one of the best waterfall hikes in West Virginia. 

Where to Stay

Just Plane Adventures is a unique lodging experience in the mountains of West Virginia. Located just a short drive from Blackwater Falls State Park, this campground offers a peaceful setting where you can relax after hiking the falls. This campground is run by The Pennington Family who offer a variety of flight training and aerial photography services as well. They offer an array of accommodation options, including cabins, RV sites, and tent sites. 

Yosemite Falls, California

Yosemite Falls, standing proudly at a height of over 2,425 feet, ranks among the tallest waterfalls in North America, making it a breathtaking spectacle for nature enthusiasts. This waterfall offers several unique experiences throughout the year. In the winter, keep an eye out for the ice cone at the base of the upper fall, while the spring and early summer months herald a thundering flow of water. The waterfall consists of three distinct falls—Upper Yosemite Fall, the middle cascades, and Lower Yosemite Fall. This natural wonder can be seen from various points around Yosemite Valley. For the adventurous at heart, taking on the strenuous 8-hour hike to the summit of Yosemite Falls promises amazing views. To see the Yosemite Falls live in action, check out their live webcam!

Where to Stay

Nestled in the heart of the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains, Granite Mountain Resort invites you to experience an escape just minutes away from Yosemite National Park. Whether you're seeking adventure at Yosemite Falls or visiting the sequoias, this resort's prime location caters to every outdoor adventurer.

Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado

Bridal Veil Falls is the tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado, attracting visitors from across the world and standing proudly at 365 feet. This breathtaking cascade is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, four-wheel driving, and more. The trail leading to the waterfall's base is rocky, so sturdy hiking footwear is a must, and for creek crossings, an extra pair of socks is recommended.

Where to Stay

Ouray Riverside Resort in the scenic San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado is the picture-perfect setting for waterfall camping. Take in scenic views at every camping spot with convenient access to Million Dollar Highway (U.S. Route 550) along the Uncompahgre River. The resort has all the essential amenities like an onsite store, pet-friendly Cafe and steakhouse, jeep wash, fuel stations, and high-speed fiber-optic WiFi, ensuring a hassle-free stay. 

Bushkill Falls, Pennsylvania

Located in the Pocono Mountains, Bushkill Falls is known as "The Niagara of Pennsylvania". Bushkill Falls boasts a series of eight beautiful waterfalls within a forested landscape, all accessible via a network of hiking trails and bridges that allow viewpoints of the falls and the surrounding wilderness. The crown jewel, the Main Falls, drops a dramatic 100 feet, while the entire descent from the top of the first falls to the lower gorge spans 300 feet. Experienced hikers can take on the challenging two-mile Red Trail, which showcases all eight falls, including Bridal Veil Falls, Bridesmaid's Falls, Pennel Falls, and the Lower Gorge Falls. 

Where to Stay

For those seeking to create lasting memories amidst the natural beauty of the Pocono Mountains while exploring the renowned Bushkill Falls, stay at Pocono Point RV & Campground. With one-of-a-kind views overlooking the Delaware Water Gap, Pocono Point RV & Campground caters to travelers of all kinds, whether embarking on their first camping adventure or full-timers seeking their next annual tradition.

Ruby Falls, Tennessee

Unlike the rest of the waterfalls on this list, Ruby Falls is a uniquely underground cascading cave waterfall situated deep within the heart of Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga. Discovered by Leo Lambert in 1928, this underground treasure was lovingly named after his wife, Ruby, and opened to the public in 1929. It is known for being the tallest and deepest underground waterfall accessible to the public in the United States and one of the best waterfalls in Tennessee. Visitors can descend 26 stories by elevator into the hidden cavern, then embark on guided tours along a scenic path to witness the waterfall. 

Where to Stay

Located in Lookout Valley, Raccoon Mountain Caverns & Campground serves as an ideal base camp for those who want to explore the waterfall wonders of Chattanooga. Positioned conveniently for visits to the renowned Ruby Falls, guests can take on a day of adventure and return to the tranquility of the campground in the evening. Nature lovers can explore the scenic trails and panoramic vistas of Lookout Mountain, while history buffs can delve into the rich heritage of the area by visiting attractions like the Battles for Chattanooga Museum or the Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park. 

Cumberland Falls, Kentucky

Cumberland Falls, known as "the Niagara of the South," stands as the crown jewel of Kentucky's many majestic waterfalls. With its dimensions of approximately 68 feet in height and 125 feet in width, this natural wonder never fails to leave visitors in awe. The cascade of 3,600 cubic feet of water per second creates a mesmerizing spectacle, whether witnessed during the day or beneath the night sky. For those seeking adventure, a thrilling whitewater rafting trip below the falls adds the perfect adrenaline touch to this natural escape.

Where to Stay

The Point Campground & Farm beckons adventurers seeking a delightful camping retreat. With spacious and well-maintained campsites catering to both campers and RVs, this kid-, family-, and pet-friendly campground ensures an enjoyable stay for everyone. As a year-round RV destination, it offers a welcoming environment for creating cherished memories with loved ones. This family-owned campground's warm hospitality and accessibility have made it a beloved choice in the area. 

Upper Whitewater Falls, North Carolina

Whitewater Falls in North Carolina's Nantahala National Forest holds the impressive title of being the tallest waterfall east of the Rockies, cascading an astonishing 811 feet. The Upper Falls alone is 411 feet. For the most spectacular vantage point, visitors can go down 154 wooden steps to a lower overlook, offering breathtaking views of this natural wonder. As with any waterfall hiking trail, it is vital to follow safety guidelines and stick to the designated trail. Energetic hikers can continue down a half-mile spur trail to reach the Whitewater River and Foothills Trail, a perfect spot for swimming and relaxation. The sight of a rainbow created by the mist and the perfect angle of the sun often graces this remarkable waterfall. 

Where to Stay

Stay at Ash Grove Mountain Cabins & Camping for a gateway to a paradise of outdoor adventures, natural marvels, and cultural experiences. Exploring the region's abundant 250 waterfalls transforms any camping trip into an exciting adventure, whether you're hiking, biking, or taking a leisurely drive along the picturesque Blue Ridge Parkway. For those seeking serene waterfront recreation, fly fishing awaits in the Davidson River or the French Broad. This campground provides a perfect base camp for adventurers looking to explore the majestic Whitewater Falls and all the natural wonders and cultural treasures that this area has to offer.


Prepare for the adventure of a lifetime as you embark on some of the best waterfall hikes in the U.S. with Spot2Nite! Our platform offers the most efficient way to reserve camping accommodations near these awe-inspiring natural wonders. Book your camping trip with Spot2Nite today.