10 of the Most Popular Campsites in the World

A lush sea of starry nights, a bright full moon, mountains at your fingertips. These are only some of the things you will see while camping. Some campsites you can drive to without reservation, some are walk-up only, and some are booked weeks, months, years in advance. From amazing amenities to beautiful scenery, add these 10 campsites to your list.

Sahale Glacier Camp, Washington, U.S.A.

Placed at 7,600 feet up, nicknamed Sahale High Camp is the highest established backcountry campsite in North Cascades and is known as one of the most spectacular campsites you can visit. The hike to it is strenuous but that hasn’t kept it from appearing on numerous magazine covers. It is on many “to-do lists” and is thus a busy, crowded, and popular spot. You do need a permit to camp for the night, however, don’t be surprised if many guests walk through your site. It is best to have a free-standing tent with a smaller footprint and make sure that you do not forget your bear canister. It is also suggested to bring warm layers for the evening chill and for the higher elevation.

Tortuga Camping, Zakynthos, Greece

These campsites are nestled into a mountainside covered with olive trees overlooking a white pebble beach. Make sure to swim with the sea turtles while you go for a dip in the ocean. Hike through the island, pick some olives, and take a boat ride out to nearby island, Marathonisi. Although your campsite will feel totally private, you aren’t too far from a restaurant and grocery store. Eat at the restaurant or take it back to your tent, or get some groceries at the market and cook overlooking the ocean.

Denali National Park, Alaska, U.S.A.

Alaska, arguably the most wild and natural place in the United States, famous for beautiful glaciers, lush forests, and a magical bus where a recent college graduate left the world behind and went to live. Traveling to Alaska and getting into its National Park is a feat all by itself, but getting a campsite reservation is incredible. These are booked months and years in advance for those wanting to explore the land.

Mount Cook, New Zealand

The tallest mountain in New Zealand doubles as a UNESCO World Heritage Site—no wonder why this place is so popular. Hiking at the base of Tasman Glacier, frolicking through wildflowers, this place is the definition of “alpine.” This site also helped Sir Edmund Hillary develop his skills to later climb Mount Everest. People book these campsites in the national park far ahead of time, in order to see the incredible starry night, climb, hike, and enjoy all of the scenery.

Hossa National Park, Finland

Any of the campgrounds in the park will be booked months in advance. So plan wayyyyy ahead! Hossa gives you the chance to hike, bike, canoe, fish, swim, and explore rock paintings that are thousands of years old. From tent sites to rustic cabins, this national park offers something for everyone. The views include pine forests and canyon lakes, and the park offers accessible trails that are great for those who use wheelchairs and for beginner hikers/families who want to see the park without hiking a mountain! This is also a popular destination for wildlife photographers to come and add to their portfolio.

Jasper National Park, Canada

This National Park extends over 11,000 square km and is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. It is also part of UNESCO’s Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site. Makes sense why grabbing a campsite here is so difficult! There are five distinct regions with extensive trail networks. Don’t be afraid of the cold—in winter, this national park is so beautiful that it will knock your socks off. If you can grab a campsite or an accommodation outside the park, dip in the hot springs, explore the glaciers at Icefields Parkway, and boat on Maligne Lake.

Waldseilgarten Höllschlucht, German Alps, Germany

While there are traditional campsites, venture outside your comfort zone and go tree camping. Think of a traditional tent but hung from a tree. Located in the German Alps, these hanging tents offer unbelievable views of the Pfronten Mountains near the Austrian border. Don’t let your fear of heights or fear of falling get you down—these accommodations are safe and will give you an experience you will want to tell the grandkids.

Garden Route National Park, South Africa

Camping here is readily available, but that doesn’t mean you will easily get a spot. This beautiful park runs along the coast of South Africa with gorgeous 360-degree views of dramatic coastline, ocean, and mountains galore. The famous Otter Trail is nearby and is a worthy trail and campsite to check off your bucket list. The Otter Trail is strenuous and takes approximately 5 days to complete with an age limit of over 12 to no older than 65.

Yosemite National Park, California U.S.A.

Another great spot in the United States is Yosemite, a mecca for climbers to meet, train, set records, and push the limit of what the human race can accomplish. There are multiple campsites that are easily booked a year in advance. Hikers, climbers, and nature enthusiasts alike love to explore—in my humble opinion—the most beautiful National Park in California (although Joshua Tree is a close second).

EcoCamp, Patagonia, Chile

Patagonia is high on my list of to-do travel destinations. For those who want to splurge and glamp, the EcoCamp Patagonia is a worthy place. The geodesic domes are decked out with all the goodies and comfort items of home and based at the foot of the Torres del Paine National Park. Don’t go blind from the sparkling views of the glaciers, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, Southern Ice Field, and the lush mountain ranges!

These campsites are in demand and for good reasons. The views, the interesting accommodations (i.e. tree camping), the things to do! There is so much fun to have and so many gorgeous places to explore. If you are lucky enough to reserve a campsite, hit me up through my profile and let me know so I can come too!