Top 10 Places in the U.S. You Can Camp By A Waterfall

The United States is a huge country with plenty of natural wonders to explore.

If you're looking for an outdoor adventure, consider camping by one of the many waterfalls in the U.S.

Scroll down for our guide to the top 10 places in the U.S. you can camp by a waterfall.



Waterfalls are one of the most beautiful natural features on Earth.

The sound of the water rushing over the rocks can be soothing, and the sight of the water tumbling down is simply majestic.

Camping by a waterfall will certainly be an experience you'll never forget.



The United States is home to waterfalls of all shapes and sizes.

There are many different types of waterfalls, from those that are tall and narrow to those that are short and wide. 

Here are ten amazing places to consider for your next camping adventure:

1. Gooseberry Falls State Park, Minnesota

One of the most popular state parks in Minnesota, Gooseberry Falls is also one of the best places to camp by a waterfall.

The park is just a short drive north from the North Shore of Lake Superior.

There are three waterfalls at Gooseberry, including the 30-foot high Upper Falls. The Middle and Lower falls have a combined height of 60 feet.

There are over 70 campsites in the park, as well as hiking and biking trails.

The best time to go is in the spring or fall when the leaves are changing color.



2. Rainbow Falls State Recreation Area, Oregon

This state recreation area is located in the Siuslaw National Forest and is home to the impressive Rainbow Falls.

The falls get their name from the rainbow that can often be seen in the mist at the base of the falls.

There are 30 RV-friendly campsites in the recreation area, as well as hiking and biking trails.

The best time to visit is during the summer when the weather is warmest.



3. Custer State Park, South Dakota

One of the largest state parks in South Dakota, Custer State Park is home to six different waterfalls.

The most popular of these is the 67-foot high Seven Falls.

The park also has over 1,300 campsites, as well as hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails.

The best time to visit is in the summer when the weather is warmest.



4. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the United States, and for good reason.

The park is the site of Old Faithful, one of the most famous geysers in the world.

But Yellowstone is also home to many waterfalls, including the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River. 

The Lower Falls is 308 feet high.

There are also over 2,000 campsites in the park, as well as plenty of hiking and biking trails.

The best time to visit is in the summer when the weather is warmest.



5. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is another one of the best places to camp by a waterfall, simply because there are so many!

The park has over 100 waterfalls, including the 80-foot-high Laurel Falls.

There are many different types of campsites throughout the park, as well as plenty of hiking and biking trails.

The best time to visit is in the spring or fall when the weather is cooler and the forest leaves are changing.



6. Yosemite National Park, California

One of the most popular national parks in the United States, the park has over 800 waterfalls, including the 2,425-foot-high Yosemite Falls.

There are 13 different campgrounds in the park with a variety of campsite options, as well as plenty of hiking and biking trails.

This vast national park is home to many other beautiful attractions as well, including:

  • El Capitan - a vertical rock formation in Yosemite National Park that is a popular destination for climbers. At 3,000 feet high, it is one of the largest monoliths in the world.

  • Half Dome -  another popular Yosemite destination, Half Dome is a granite dome that rises over 8,800 feet above the sea level. It is one of the most recognizable natural landmarks in California.

  • Glacier point - one of the best places to get a view of Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point has an elevation of over 7,214 feet.

  • Tunnel viewpoint -  this well-known vista offers a beautiful view of Bridalveil Fall, Half Dome, and El Capitan.



7. Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio

Hocking Hills State Park is one of the best places to camp by a waterfall in Ohio.

There are many waterfalls throughout the park, including:
  • Cedar Falls
  • Rockbridge Falls
  • Ash Cave
  • Old Man's Cave
  • Cantwell Springs

There are also 169 campsites in the park, as well as plenty of hiking and biking trails.

It's a gorgeous area with mild weather, so it's great to visit anytime from early spring to late fall.



8. Ricketts Glen State Park, Pennsylvania

Ricketts Glen State Park is another one of the best places to camp by a waterfall in Pennsylvania.

There are 21 waterfalls throughout the park, including:
  • Ganoga Falls - the tallest waterfall in the park at 94 feet
  • Sheldon Reynolds Falls - the second tallest waterfall in the park at 85 feet
  • Ada Cascades - a series of seven waterfalls

The Falls Trail in the park takes you past many waterfalls and takes about 3 an a half hours on average to complete.

There are also 120 campsites in the park so plenty of space for everyone!



9. Letchworth State Park, New York

Letchworth State Park is home to 107-foot high Middle Falls as well as many others with over 50 waterfalls totals throughout the park.

There are 270 campsites in the 14,227-acre state park.

Renowned as the 'Grand Canyon of the East', Letwchworth is one of the most scenically magnificent areas in the eastern U.S.

The Genesee River roars over three huge waterfalls through the gorge between cliffs, as high as 600 feet in some places.

Hikers can choose among 66 miles of hiking trails amongst the lush forests surrounding it.



10. Niagara Falls State Park, New York

One of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, Niagara Falls State Park is home to the world-famous Niagara Falls.

Niagara falls consists of 3 waterfalls: the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls.

This one is a must-see to top your US waterfalls camping list!



Waterfalls are one of nature's most beautiful creations and a sight to behold.

If you're looking for an exciting outdoor adventure, be sure to check out these 10 places in the United States where you can camp by a waterfall.

From the towering waterfalls of Yosemite National Park to the small but enchanting falls of Hocking Hills State Park, there's a waterfall camping destination for everyone.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next camping trip today!


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