The Dyrt has announced its 2026 “Best Places to Camp: National Park Neighbors,” a curated list of campgrounds located near major United States national parks, aimed at providing alternatives to high-demand, often fully booked in-park sites.
The list, presented in partnership with Girl Camper, identifies 10 campgrounds situated within close driving distance of popular national parks, offering access to similar natural landscapes while addressing ongoing reservation challenges faced by campers.
Camping demand at national parks continues to exceed available inventory, with many sites reserved months or up to a year in advance. The Dyrt positions nearby campgrounds as a practical solution, allowing visitors to access national parks for day use while staying at alternative locations.
“The national parks in the United States are absolutely amazing, but it can be extremely difficult to reserve a campsite at many of them,” Kevin Long, CEO of The Dyrt, said in a press release. “Campers are online every year waiting for the moment reservations open up like they’re the hottest concert tickets in town.”
Long added that areas outside park boundaries often provide comparable outdoor experiences. “Of course, wildlife and landscapes don’t observe national park boundaries, and the areas just outside them are often gems in their own right, as well as a solid home base for day trips to the park,” he said.
The 2026 list includes Horsethief Campground in Utah near Arches and Canyonlands national parks; Big Creek Campground in Montana near Glacier National Park; Shenandoah River State Park Campground in Virginia; Smuggler’s Den Campground in Maine; East Portal Campground in Colorado; Maverick Ranch RV Park in Texas; Salt Creek Recreation Area in Washington; Jacob Lake Campground in Arizona; Atherton Creek Campground in Wyoming; and Mono Hot Springs in California.
According to The Dyrt, all selected locations are highly rated by its user community and offer distinct experiences beyond those found within national park boundaries.
The company also highlighted its reservation alert tool, which notifies users when campsites become available at fully booked campgrounds. The feature is included in its paid PRO membership.
Girl Camper, which presents the list, operates a national network focused on connecting women through camping events and outdoor experiences. The organization hosts hundreds of events annually, ranging from local meetups to multi-day trips, and recently introduced a membership model aimed at expanding access and participation.
Additional “Best Places to Camp” lists are expected to be released in the coming months, targeting specific camping experiences and destinations.
Featured image by The Dyrt