These are the 10 hardest-to-book campgrounds in the country
Camping’s popularity is at an all-time high. More than 80 million Americans went camping last year, and 58.4 percent of campers surveyed in the 2023 Camping Report said they had difficulty finding a campsite to book because all reservations were taken.
But don’t just take their word for it. The 10 campgrounds in this list are all booked up at least 97 percent of the time. Slough Creek and Mammoth campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park top the list at 100 percent.
There are different reasons for the popularity of these places, but a common thread is natural beauty. Whether it’s taking in the panoramic views from high altitudes in the Rocky Mountains or relaxing lakeside in Tennessee, campers flock to these locations year after year. And oftentimes there will be wildlife waiting to greet them.
If you want to camp at one of these locations, chances are you'll need to watch for cancellations. To get cancellation notifications first, you can now use The Dyrt Alerts.
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COMING SOON
JULY 2022
The most popular campgrounds in the US
1. Slough Creek Campground, Yellowstone National Park, WY
2. Mammoth Campground, Yellowstone National Park, WY
4. Fruita Campground, Capitol Reef National Park, UT
5. South Campground, Zion National Park, UT
6. Piñon Flats Campground, Great Sand Dunes National Park, CO
7. Upper Coffee Pot, Caribou-Targhee National Forest, ID
9. Twin Lakes Campground, Inyo National Forest, CA
10. Signal Mountain Campground, Grand Teton National Park, WY
Photo from Alexey Kamenskiy
Location: Buffalo Ford, Wyoming / Yellowstone National Park
Number of campsites: 16
Percentage of year fully booked: 100%
Why it’s so popular: This campground is located creekside on the northern range of Yellowstone National Park. There is plenty of hiking and fishing in the area, including the nearby Slough Creek Trail.
Types of camping: Tents, small RVs
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“Fantastic campsite if you can book it. Had to book the second they opened up the reservations. Our site was a short walk to the creek. Fantastic and informative camp hosts. There was a bison in the middle of the campground!!” — Jeff S
“Absolutely the best campground in Yellowstone. Quiet (no generators), out of the way, and in the incredible Lamar Valley.” — Mike R
“What a great place to stay... but make sure you get there early because sites fill up quickly. The sounds of the creek are so peaceful and the starry night sky was incredible.” — Megan
1. Slough Creek Campground, Yellowstone National Park, WY
Booked 100% of the year
Location: Mammoth, Wyoming / Yellowstone National Park
Number of campsites: 82
Percentage of year fully booked: 100%
Why it’s so popular: Mammoth Campground is the only campground open year round in Yellowstone. There are many recreational activities available in the Mammoth Hot Springs area including hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing.
Types of camping: Tents, RVs
You should know: Mammoth Campground is closed until further notice due to flood damage sustained in June 2022.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“Woke up in the morning to an elk in my campsite eating off some trees, very cool way to be greeted.” — Grayson
“This campground is perfect for anyone who wants a guaranteed experience with wildlife. There is a large herd of elk that bed in the middle of the camp and it is absolutely breathtaking. “ — Hannah
“Really wonderful spot close to my favorite place in Yellowstone — the boiling river. Great place to catch the north side of the park. Wake up early and go see the wolves play in the Lamar Valley. Stay late in the boiling river.” — Anthony E
2. Mammoth Campground, Yellowstone National Park, WY
Booked 100% of the year
Photo from Kim L on The Dyrt
Location: Hermitage, Tennessee
Number of campsites: 61
Percentage of year fully booked: 99.1%
Why it’s so popular: Located in the green hills of Tennessee, Seven Points offers recreational activities on the lake and surrounding woods.
Types of camping: Tents, RVs
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“Lots of spacing between sites and very little noise from neighbors while we were there.” — Rick G
“i could go on and on about this campground. worst part, only had a night here (can see why it books up so much). LOVED our site.” — Journey
“This place is gorgeous. The lake view and night skies are amazing.” — Sean M
3. Seven Points, TN
Booked 99.1% of the year
Photo from Jessica N on The Dyrt
Location: Torrey, Utah / Capitol Reef National Park
Number of campsites: 65
Percentage of year fully booked: 97.9%
You should know: Fruita Campground is reservable March 1-Oct. 31. It is first come, first served November through February.
Why it’s so popular: Surrounded by historic orchards and the Fremont River, Fruita Campground is verdant in the summer and boasts colorful leaves in the fall.
Types of camping: Tents, RVs
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“The campground was well maintained, very close to the scenic route and multiple trailheads. We even shared a view with an old barn and three horses.” — Josie M
“Located amongst working orchards. This campground is nature forward. Deer and turkey may visit your campsite.” — John K
“From helpful camp hosts to spectacular views this campground exceeded our expectations. Great hiking trails from campground.” — Becbecandbunny O
4. Fruita Campground, Capitol Reef National Park, UT
Booked 97.9% of the year
Photo from Julie D on The Dyrt
Location: Springdale, Utah / Zion National Park
Number of campsites: 120
Percentage of year fully booked: 97.8%
Why it’s so popular: Located near the entrance of Zion National Park, South Campground is a short walk to the main visitor center and Zion Canyon Shuttle System, making the canyon and many of the park’s trails easily accessible.
Types of camping: Tents, RVs
You should know: South Campground is closed for the 2023 season due to construction.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“It is very peaceful, the view is amazing, close to the hikes and the visitors center.” — Laurence H
“There are a few trails that start at the campground. But the views from the campsites are already great. There are nice bike lanes, and that is a great way to explore the park without using the shuttle.” — Robert
“You can't beat the views in this campground. The proximity to trails and the shuttle were also a big bonus.” — Julie D
5. South Campground, Zion National Park, UT
Booked 97.8% of the year
Photo from Herbster on The Dyrt
Location: Mosca, Colorado / Great Sand Dunes National Park
Number of campsites: 90
Percentage of year fully booked: 97.6%
Why it’s so popular: Located in Great Sand Dunes National Park, Piñon Flats Campground has easy access to hiking, sand sledding, wildlife viewing and photography of the diverse landscape.
Types of camping: Tents, small RVs
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“This place is SPECTACULAR! Basic facilities, but nice and clean. And THE VIEWS! Especially at sunset!” — Gee B
“Quiet campground with trees and a great view of the dunes.” — Heather K
“View of the Dunes National Park was incredible and trail led straight to them about 15 min walk from our spot.” — Andrew F
6. Piñon Flats Campground, Great Sand Dunes National Park, CO
Booked 97.6% of the year
Photo from Rebecca H on The Dyrt
Location: Island Park, Idaho / Caribou-Targhee National Forest
Number of campsites: 14
Percentage of year fully booked: 97.6%
You should know: Upper Coffee Pot is operating on a first-come, first-served basis for the 2023 season.
Why it’s so popular: World-class fishing and wildlife viewing make Upper Coffee Pot a desired destination. Henry’s Fork, a tributary of the Snake River, is a floatable stretch with outstanding scenery.
Types of camping: Tents, RVs
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“It was private and had great views of the river. There is a trail head by our site (site 3) that goes for miles (min elevation gain) along the river. Not to be missed. The bird watching in this location is amazing.” — Rebecca H
“I’ve been camping at the upper coffee pot campground for years, it’s nice and clean and is right on the river, great campsite to fish or float or you could go for a hike down to the coffee pot rapids.” — Sam C
“I am in LOVE with this campground!!! It has a gentle, slow moving river that runs right next to it.” — Hannah R
7. Upper Coffee Pot, Caribou-Targhee National Forest, ID
Booked 97.6% of the year
Photo from Lisa on The Dyrt
Location: Gallatin, Tennessee
Number of campsites: 42
Percentage of year fully booked: 97.3%
Why it’s so popular: Located on the shores of Old Hickory Lake, water recreation is the major attraction for lake-goers. Birding and wildlife photography are also abundant with migratory songbirds and waterfowl.
Types of camping: Tents, RVs
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“Great place for fishing. Really pretty sites with river view.” — Terri D
“So peaceful you’ll think you’re in a movie. We go every year.” — Robert S
“The bathrooms are very clean and the showers had good water pressure and hot water. Very quiet in the week leading up to Memorial Day weekend.” — Lisa
“The entire Old Hickory Lake has a lot of nice areas to enjoy your leisure pursuits.” — Shelly S.
8. Cages Bend, TN
Booked 97.3% of the year
Photo from Erin M on The Dyrt
Location: Mammoth Lakes, California / Inyo National Forest
Number of campsites: 94
Percentage of year fully booked: 97.2%
Why it’s so popular: Twin Lakes Campground offers lakeside camping with fishing, boating, waterfall views and hiking, all while in close proximity to the amenities in the town of Mammoth Lakes.
Types of camping: Tents, RVs
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“We always see bald eagles here! Fishing is really good!” — Taylor
“Twin Lakes and all of the surrounding Mammoth area is gorgeous. You'll have plenty of hikes to choose from, go fishing, or hit the slopes (biking during the summer and snowsports in the winter).” — Jonathan G
“I visit this site on a yearly basis. I have never had an experience that was unpleasant. It is absolutely beautiful and breathtaking. I can’t wait for this year’s trip.” — Ashley C
9. Twin Lakes Campground, Inyo National Forest, CA
Booked 97.2% of the year
Photo from Deanna C on The Dyrt
Location: Moran, Wyoming / Grand Teton National Park
Number of campsites: 79
Percentage of time fully booked: 97.1%
Why it’s so popular: Tucked into the pine forest near Signal Mountain Lodge, this campground has spectacular views of Jackson Lake, Mount Moran and the northern Teton Range.
Types of camping: Tents, small RVs
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“This campground is awesome. You have your own private view of the Tetons.” — Anthony
“If you’re not a fan of pristine panoramic mountain views mirrored off of the surface of a beautifully clear-watered lake that rests beneath pleasant nature-flavored pine air, then this is not the place for you. This is a mind-altering, pleasant-place experience.” — Justin S
“Some of the best views of the Tetons over Jackson Lake are to be had here. The campground stays pretty quiet and has some nice trails to the lake.” — Jeremy H
10. Signal Mountain Campground, Grand Teton National Park, WY
Booked 97.1% of the year
