Categories: CampingDestinations

15 Unique Campsites Near Popular National Parks in the Western US

Whether you’re camping in a tent, RV, or are looking for a glamping getaway, these Hipcamp sites will put you near some of the top national parks in the US.

As camping and RVing continue to grow in popularity, so does the struggle to book a campsite—especially if you’re seeking a site near popular US national parks. But that’s not to say that you should let booking woes keep you from planning an epic adventure. Hipcamp helps you find and reserve tent, RV, and glamping sites without the hassle of booking months in advance or betting on first-come, first-served campgrounds.

Plus, when you combine Hipcamp with the Roadtrippers Plus app, not only do you have access to Hipcamp’s unique stays, but you also get RV-friendly driving routes, trip planning tools that let you save and share your trip with friends, live traffic conditions, road trip inspiration, and more—all at your fingertips.

Check out these unique Hipcamp stays near popular US national parks, and start planning your next adventure with Hipcamp and Roadtrippers.

Photo by Kayla V. at Eco-Ranch Sustainable Living Center, Texas

Big Bend National Park, Texas

With its sky-scraping canyons and desert plains stretching from the Chisos Mountains to the Mexican border, Big Bend National Park always provides a camping adventure. Hop in your RV for a wild road trip through the Chihuahuan Desert, go canoeing or rafting along the Rio Grande, or hike along mountain bluffs and canyons. Whether you choose a campground, glampsite, or backcountry camping, don’t turn in too early—this International Dark Sky Park is a stargazing hotspot. And if you need to borrow some wheels, check out RVshare’s RV rentals near Big Bend.

Where to stay

For tent campers: Coyote Crossing

This rustic, dispersed campsite is the perfect blend of backcountry wilderness and campground comforts. Campers have access to basic amenities, including a dumpster and a WiFi and device charging zone, but tent and RV sites have no electricity.

For RVers: Eco-Ranch Sustainable Living Center

Reconnect with nature at this off-grid eco-ranch within 25 miles of Big Bend. The 20 sites accommodate self-contained RVs up to 20 feet, four of which have 15-amp solar hookups. Campers are welcome to visit the farmyard animals and purchase fresh eggs and seasonal produce. 

For glamping: Ramblers’ Glamping Tent

About 30 miles from Big Bend, this cozy glampsite has a queen-size bed, fire pit, and serene mountain backdrop. The 13-foot canvas bell tent sleeps two, but if you’re bringing friends (or the kids), there’s space to pitch an extra tent next door.

Photo at A-Lodge Boulder, Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

With some 4.7 million annual visitors, Colorado’s Rocky Mountains National Park is one of America’s favorite parks. Mountain hiking and rock climbing don’t get much more impressive than the Rockies, with more than 60 peaks towering over 12,000 feet and the highest, Longs Peak, reaching a dizzying 14,259 feet. Prefer to drive up? Join the convoy of RVs along the impossibly scenic Trail Ridge Road—the views make it worth braving the crowds. And try out RVshare if you you want to try an RV rental for your Rocky Mountain trip.

Where to stay 

For tent campers: A-Lodge Boulder

Just a short stroll from the mountain lodge, tent campers can enjoy all the amenities provided to lodge guests, including free wifi and access to the common areas, bar, and beer garden. Or, if you prefer DIY dining, fire pits and grills are available.  

For RVers: The Brooker Farm

Rocky mountain vistas, starry skies, and resident alpacas are just some of the highlights at Brooker Farm. The 10 pull-through RV sites have cell service and wifi, and generators are permitted. However, no hookups are available.

Photo by Amy B. at Home on the Range at Silent P Ranch, Colorado

For glamping: Home on the Range at Silent P Ranch

Boyd Lake State Park, Roosevelt National Forest, and the Rocky Mountains are all within reach of this quirky glampsite where you can spend the night in a repurposed sheep wagon, complete with a comfy mattress, electric heater and fan, and a mini-fridge.

Photo by Hipcamp Photographer Tara S. at Round Top Retreat, Washington

Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

Watched over by the 14,410-foot Mount Rainier—the highest peak in Washington state—the landscapes of this national park make for spectacular hiking. Gaze out over glacial lakes and ice-capped peaks from Sunrise Point, stroll beneath ancient red cedars in the Grove of the Patriarchs, or walk the Skyline Trail in summer, when wildflowers blanket the valleys. Camping in winter? There are also trails for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding. And if you need an RV rental to house your family for the trip, check out RVshare.

Where to stay

For tent campers: Round Top Retreat

This cozy spot has two tent sites and one RV site, all just a short drive from the park entrance. For the ultimate tranquility, opt for the walk-in tent site by the waterfront and fall asleep to the sounds of the babbling creek.

For RVers: Onalaska Farm Sanctuary

A no-frills boondocking haven on a working animal sanctuary, this farmland camp makes the perfect pit-stop, just an hour from Mount Rainier. Three pull-through sites are available, suitable for self-contained RVs and campervans up to 30 feet. 

Photo at Larkin Place Treehouse with Panoramic Views, Washington

For glamping: Larkin Place Treehouse with Panoramic Views

Hidden away in the backwoods, this pond-side treehouse is the ultimate getaway, with woodland views and a private fire pit to toast up those s’mores. Glampers have everything they need to feel at home, including hot showers, free firewood, and a fully stocked outdoor kitchen.

Photo by Buford & Penelope B. at The Little Mossy Cabin, Montana

Glacier National Park, Montana

Montana’s Glacier National Park is all about driving beneath jagged mountain cliffs, hiking through fields of wildflowers, and paddling around azure-blue glacial lakes. A drive along the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road is a must, winding its way across the Continental Drive, after which you can choose from more than 700 miles of hiking trails, take a boat cruise, and look out for bighorn sheep and grizzly bears. If you don’t have your own wheels, try out RVshare.

Where to stay

For tent campers: Pine Needle Farm

Pitch your tent in the woods and hang your hammock from the trees at this off-grid homestead to enjoy back-to-basics camping. It’s a 1.5-hour drive from Glacier, but you’ll also have miles of hiking and mountain biking trails right on your doorstep.

Photo by Hipcamp Hosts Wade & Shannon H. at Perfect GNP Base Camp, Montana

For RVers: Perfect GNP Base Camp

You can’t get better positioning than this campsite, just over 3 miles from the park’s west entrance, and you can even zip down a back road to avoid the traffic. There’s just one RV site available, with water, sewage, and 20-amp hookups.

For glamping: The Little Mossy Cabin

This all-season cabin offers a woodsy experience with mountain trails, a boating lake, and local restaurants all within easy reach. Amenities are rustic—no hot showers or potable water—but there is a comfy queen-sized bed, small fridge, and porch seating area.

Photo by Bob & Cindy M. at Wild Burro Desert Retreat, Arizona

Saguaro National Park, Arizona

Named after the giant saguaro cacti (which can grow up to 40 feet) that dot the park’s mountain plains, Saguaro is the go-to destination for roadtrippers dreaming of the Wild West. Hike up Tucson Mountain, admire the Signal Hill petroglyphs, and watch the sunset over the desert from Javelina Rocks. Summers are sweltering at Saguaro, so snag a site with electric hookups so you can turn up the AC. RVshare has Saguaro RV rental options that pair well with these amenities.

Where to stay

For tent campers: Karla’s Hummingbird Ranch

Spacious tent pitches with mountain views are offered at this 4-acre horse ranch, where you can book a Western riding lesson, take a dip in the solar-heated pool, and make use of the microwave and fridge. 

For RVers: Wild Burro Desert Retreat

Self-contained RVs under 34 feet are welcome at this desert campsite on the edge of the Tortolita Preserve. Electric and water hookups are provided, while coyote sightings and picture-worthy sunsets are a bonus.

Photo by Hipcamp Photographer Katie C. at High Jinks Ranch Casita, Arizona

For glamping: High Jinks Ranch Casita

Looking out over the Galiuro Mountains, this cozy casita has two bedrooms and comfy patio chairs from which to watch the sunset over the desert. It’s an ideal stop en route to Catalina State Park, Saguaro National Park, or the Arizona National Scenic Trail.


For more unique stays near national parks, check out this roundup on Roadtrippers.

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