Hiking Campgrounds

Experience the best of both worlds with camping that puts you right at the heart of incredible hiking opportunities. Direct trail access and stunning mountain vistas.

20+ Campgrounds4.6★ AverageBest: Late Spring through Fall (May-October)

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Hiking Campgrounds by State

Explore 29 state guides with curated campgrounds

Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

4.7

(691)

Jenny Lake Campground

Grand Teton National Park
Moose, WY

Trailheads launch directly from your tent into the Tetons' most iconic routes—from the easy Jenny Lake loop to the challenging ascent through Cascade Canyon toward Lake Solitude and Hurricane Pass.

Inyo National Forest
Lone Pine, CA

The trailhead to America's highest peak sits just half a mile away, where switchbacks climb through granite corridors toward the 14,505-foot summit of Mt. Whitney.

Devils Garden Campground

Arches National Park
Moab, UT

Step from your tent directly onto Broken Arch Trail, beginning your day's adventure without ever leaving camp. Choose your challenge among sculpted sandstone landscapes—gentle loops around Balanced Rock at sunrise or the steep, rewarding climb to iconic Delicate Arch.

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About This Activity

Hiking campgrounds give you trailhead access right from your site. Look for campgrounds in or near National Parks, National Forests, or State Parks with well-maintained trail systems. Check trail difficulty, elevation gain, and current conditions before you go.

Best Time

Start by 6-7 AM to beat afternoon thunderstorms. Ideal hiking temp is 50-65°F. Avoid noon-3 PM in summer. Fall offers best visibility and fewer crowds.

Activity Highlights

Direct trail access
Mountain and forest settings
Backpacking base camps
Scenic wilderness views

More Hiking Campgrounds

Discover 17 additional top-rated hiking campgrounds

4.7

(578)

Kipahulu Campground

Haleakalā National Park
Hana, HI

Trailheads begin just steps from your tent, including the legendary Pipiwai Trail that winds through towering bamboo groves to thundering Waimoku Falls.

White River National Forest
Minturn, CO

The legendary Colorado Trail starts just steps from your tent, delivering everything from gentle valley strolls to an ambitious 11-mile climb toward Kokomo Pass.

Standing Indian Campground

National Forests in North Carolina
Franklin, NC

Trailheads radiate directly from camp into Standing Indian Basin, connecting you to the Appalachian Trail and a network of well-maintained paths threading through 5,000-foot peaks.

Junction Creek Campground

San Juan National Forest
Durango, CO

Trailheads for the legendary Colorado Trail and Logchute Trail System begin steps from your tent, launching you into diverse terrain that climbs from subalpine forests through wildflower meadows to windswept alpine ridgelines.

Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground

Canyonlands National Park
Moab, UT

Trailheads radiate directly from camp into the remote Needles District, where sandstone spires and slot canyons frame hikes from easy nature walks to challenging 10+ mile backcountry adventures.

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Headquarters
Elko, NV

Trailheads launch directly from your campsite, winding past cascading waterfalls and wildflower-studded meadows before climbing into a dramatic glacial cirque surrounded by Ruby Mountain peaks.

Hearts Content Recreation Area

Allegheny National Forest
Bradford, PA

Trailheads radiate from camp into rare old-growth forest, where towering ancient trees shade routes ranging from 6.4-mile Wheeler Loop to the challenging 13-mile Hickory Creek Wilderness traverse.

Channel Islands National Park
Ventura, CA

Trailheads fan out from camp toward windswept beaches and rugged peaks, delivering everything from leisurely coastal strolls to challenging scrambles up volcanic slopes.

Inyo National Forest
Lone Pine, CA

Trailheads fan out directly from camp, connecting you to the legendary Whitney Portal route and deep into John Muir Wilderness where alpine lakes and granite spires await.

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Campground Locations

Showing top 20 campgrounds near Hiking Campgrounds Nationwide

Map of campgrounds near Hiking Campgrounds Nationwide

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Map Key

Jenny Lake Campground

Whitney Portal

Devils Garden Campground

Kipahulu Campground

Camp Hale Memorial

Standing Indian Campground

Junction Creek Campground

Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground

Thomas Canyon

Hearts Content Recreation Area

Santa Rosa Island

Lone Pine

Mather Campground

Collegiate Peaks

Turkey Run State Park

Point Reyes National Seashore Campground

North Pines Campground

Paso Picacho & Cabins

Bandy Creek

Smokemont Group Campground

View all 20 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Day hiking on maintained trailsBackpacking and multi-day treksPeak bagging and summit attemptsWaterfall hiking and photographyWildlife observation and trackingWildflower identification walks

Tips & Recommendations

1Research permit requirements well in advance, as popular trails like Mt.
2Whitney require lottery permits months ahead, while many National Park campgrounds operate on competitive reservation systems opening exactly 6 months before arrival dates.
3Invest in quality hiking boots broken in before your trip, and pack layered clothing regardless of season—mountain weather changes rapidly.
4Bear canisters or bear-proof storage are mandatory at many campgrounds; check regulations before arrival.

20 campgrounds ranked

Based on real camper reviews

Curated for Hiking Campgrounds

Hiking Campgrounds FAQ

Great hiking campgrounds have direct trail access or are located near trailheads. Consider the difficulty of nearby trails, scenic viewpoints, elevation gain, and whether you want loops or out-and-back hikes.

Permit requirements vary by location. Many wilderness areas and popular trails require day-use or backcountry permits. Check with the managing agency (National Forest, National Park, or State Park) before your trip.

We list 20+ hiking campgrounds across the USA. Find campgrounds near world-class trails, from easy nature walks to challenging summit hikes.