Unique outdoor stays for your next national park road trip

There’s nothing better than finding the perfect campsite—one with privacy, scenery, and just the right amenities. But when you’re looking for a place to stay near a popular national park, finding that perfect site can seem like an adventure on its own. Using apps like Hipcamp can help you find and book a spot that meets your needs and is close to parks and other major attractions throughout the U.S. Plus, you get access to thousands of one-of-a-kind outdoor stays, from RV camping on a blueberry farm to yurt glamping in the desert.

Promo Code

Roadtrippers readers can take $10 off their first Hipcamp stay by using the exclusive code below

Use ROADTRIPPERS10 to take $10 off your next Hipcamp stay

Here’s a roundup of some of the most unique Hipcamp sites near national parks, for all types of outdoor enthusiasts.

---

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Woodlands, waterfalls, and mountain vistas draw hikers to the Shenandoah Valley, and with more than 500 miles of trails (including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail), you’ll likely never get bored. Challenge yourself to summit Old Rag Mountain, fish for wild trout in the mountain streams, or visit in spring to admire the wildflowers. Fall is another favorite time to visit—a scenic road trip along Skyline Drive is leaf-peeping gold. 

Where to stay

For tent campers: Llama Paradise at Lower Sherwood Farm

The resident llama herds are the stars of the show at this farmland Hipcamp, which offers llama hikes, stargazing, and rolling pastures. Pitch your tent by the pond or amid the hayfields, bring your horse (stalls available), or snag the one full hookup RV site (available for RVs up to 40 feet).

For RVers: Blue Quartz Winery and Brewery

Drink in the vineyard or sip your way through the wine and beer list in the tasting and taproom at this hillside campsite on the edge of Shenandoah. There’s RV-only camping for rigs up to 45 feet (no hookups) and a backdrop of Old Rag Mountain.

For glamping: Off-Grid Cabin: Views, Stars, Goats

Enjoy stargazing in the Southwest Mountains at this cozy glampsite within easy reach of Shenandoah and Lake Anna State Park. The perfect spot to disconnect, the off-grid cabin is solar-powered, dog-friendly, and complete with an outdoor fire pit and rocking chairs.

Related 15 unique campsites near popular national parks in the western U.S.

---

Olympic National Park, Washington

Snow-hatted mountains, Pacific Ocean beaches, and old-growth rainforest stretch over almost a million wild acres in western Washington. Fairy-tale landscapes await in the moss-covered Hoh Rain Forest, after which you can spot bald eagles and puffins along the Olympic Peninsula beaches, fish for endemic trout at Lake Crescent, relax with a hot spring soak, or hit the winter ski slopes at Hurricane Ridge.

Where to stay

For tent campers: Cedar + Fern

Pitch your tent or park your campervan amid towering trees along the banks of the Little Quilcene River at this serene forest campground. On the eastern edge of the national park, there’s also easy access to Dosewallips State Park and Kitsap Memorial State Park.

For RVers: Miniature Horse Farm

With just one 32-foot RV site up for grabs, this farmland campsite promises a warm welcome, both from your hosts and their equine family—a herd of adorable miniature horses. Mountain views and cute pony pics are guaranteed, along with electric and water hookups.

For glamping: Linford-Shire Hobbit House on Bainbridge

Bring your Tolkien-inspired fantasies to life with a night in a pint-sized hobbit house—fire pit and s’mores sticks provided.

---

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

Whether hiking to Cades Cove, admiring the views from Clingmans Dome, or seeking a secluded backcountry campsite—it’s easy to see why the Great Smokies are the most-visited national park in the U.S. Misty mountain peaks rise up from wildflower meadows, creeks and streams snake through forest-blanketed valleys (fall foliage views are epic), and there’s always the chance of spotting a black bear or stumbling across a hidden waterfall.

Where to stay

For tent campers: Mountain Soul Waterfall Site

Set between the Great Smoky Mountains, Cherokee National Forest, and Pigeon Forge (Dollywood is within day-trip distance), this scenic spot provides back-to-nature camping by a waterfall. Bring your tent, campervan, or car (no RVs allowed) and fall asleep to the sounds of the stream.

For RVers: Rusty Acorn Farm RV Camper Site

With just one RV campsite and one tent site, you’ll escape the crowds at this farmland Hipcamp. Here you’ll find water, electric, and sewer hookups, along with a private fire pit and views of the Smokies.

For glamping: Wilderwood Smoky Mountains Tiny House

Choose between a heated and air-conditioned tiny house, four glamping domes, and a barn apartment at this farm glampsite. When you’re ready to explore, it’s just a 15-minute drive to the national park’s Cosby entrance.

---

Yosemite National Park, California

With its waterfalls, granite cliffs, and alpine lakes, Yosemite’s landscapes are every bit as mesmerizing as you might imagine. Bucket-list-worthy challenges like climbing El Capitan or hiking Half Dome are the big draws for seasoned mountaineers, but you can also enjoy family-friendly day hikes and mountain biking through the valley, or cut your teeth on beginner rock climbing routes. Don’t miss the views from Glacier Point and the Mist Trail to Nevada Fall. 

Where to stay

For tent campers: Canyon Ridge Camp at Yosemite’s Colfax Spring

If whitewater rafting through the Tuolumne River Canyon sounds like your idea of fun, this Hipcamp, hosted by a family-run rafting company, is a good place to pitch your tent. Campervans up to 20 feet are also permitted, but hookups are unavailable.

For RVers: Mountain View RV Camping at Paradise Shores Camp

Smaller rigs (up to 28 feet) are welcome at this Eastern Sierra camp, where the focus is on campfires, starry nights, and a community atmosphere. Full hookups and WiFi are provided in addition to tent sites and rental campers.

For glamping: Paradise Shores Sierra Stream Camper

Just a short stroll from the shores of the Bridgeport Reservoir, this remodeled Airstream sleeps two, but there’s space to pitch an extra tent outside too. Glamping comforts include a queen-size bed, fireplace, and fully equipped kitchen—plus magnificent lake views.