From hookups to views, RVers and campers pick favorite campgrounds for 2025

RVers looking for their next favorite spot will want to check out the just-announced 2025 Best Places to Camp Regional Awards from The Dyrt. The popular camping app—known for offering everything from state park listings to free campsites, RV parks, and millions of user reviews—has once again tapped into its vast community to highlight the top-rated campgrounds across the country. The list shows many favorite RV campgrounds across the U.S.

Each of the winning locations stands out for something special, whether it’s a remote forest with no hookups or a lakeside RV resort with full amenities and mountain views. And, yes, many of them are RV-friendly.

Multiple winners hit the list of favorite RV campgrounds

“It’s not just camping season, it’s Best Places to Camp season!” said Sarah Smith, founder of The Dyrt. “When the process is complete, I love looking at the 60 winners and seeing how, even though it’s all about camping, each one is so different. Some of these locations are up in the mountains, others are on islands in the South. We have campgrounds with zero amenities that certain vehicles can’t reach and we have campgrounds that are in vineyards or on berry farms. That’s why so many people love camping—because you can make it exactly what you want it to be.”

The Dyrt divided the U.S. into six regions for this year’s awards. Winners were chosen based on reviews and ratings from real campers—and many repeat favorites returned to the list.

For RVers, there are plenty of options to explore. In the Mountain Region, for example, Lost Lake Campground in Colorado offers first-come, first-served equestrian sites and scenic boondocking for rigs that can handle dirt roads. Meanwhile, Anchor Down RV Resort in Tennessee—the top pick for the Southeast—features 170 paved, full-hookup sites right on Douglas Lake, with postcard-worthy views of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Spoiler alert—Here’s a preview of some of the winners

Need to know more? Spoiler alert! We’re showing the top campground pick from each of those six regions. Here they come.

Central

The Wall — South Dakota
Location: Wall, SD

favorite RV campgrounds
Image: The Dyrt

What makes it great: Camping at “The Wall” is a singular and breathtaking experience for any camper. Located just south of the town of Wall, this free, dispersed camping area provides stunning views of Badlands National Park.

The sites are accessible via a dirt road and there is ample space for various types of camping setups, including RVs, vans and tents. While there are no amenities, campers are rewarded with unparalleled vistas and the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rugged landscape.

Midwest

Sandy Springs Campground — Ohio
Location: Stout, OH

Image: The Dyrt

What makes it great: Sandy Springs Campground has been named Best Place to Camp in the Midwest for two years in a row, and it’s easy to see why. With 40 full-hookup sites, cabins and camper rentals, guests can enjoy stunning views of the Ohio River, watching barges and tugboats pass by, or relax by the campfire under the stars.

The campground is equipped with modern amenities and a camp store and the hosts are known for their hospitality, making campers feel like part of the family. Activities are available for all ages, ensuring everyone has a memorable stay.

Watch the fog flow down the river from an Adirondack chair, gaze out at the foothills of Kentucky or retreat for a hike in the Shawnee State Forest. There are also planned events for the whole family all summer long.

From the Mountain States to the Northeast

Mountain

Lost Lake Campground — Gunnison National Forest — Colorado
Location: Paonia, CO

favorite RV campgrounds
Image: Mark Goss on google maps

What makes it great: Lost Lake Campground in the Gunnison National Forest is a serene alpine retreat where a camping trip almost feels like a reward just for becoming a camper. It features tent, RV and equestrian sites, all available on a first-come, first-served basis.

A lakefront site on a clear day with the mountains visible in the reflection of Lost Lake is a postcard come to life. Each site is equipped with picnic tables, fire rings and access to potable water, vault toilets and trash services. The campground has limited availability and only operates from mid-June through September, with a maximum stay of 14 days.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including fishing in Lost Lake and Dollar Lake, hiking the Three Lakes Trail and Beckwith Pass, and observing the vibrant wildflowers that bloom for just a few weeks in July and August. The area is also known for its breathtaking vistas of the Ruby Mountain Range.

Northeast

Town Hall Road — White Mountain National Forest — New Hampshire
Location: Chatham, NH

Image: The Dyrt

What makes it great: Camping along Town Hall Road offers a serene experience in the heart of the White Mountain National Forest. This free, dispersed camping area is perfect for those seeking solitude and natural beauty.

The road is well-maintained and navigable for most vehicles, including smaller RVs. Sites are generously spaced and privacy and seclusion are practically amenities. Many spots are nestled near Slippery Brook, offering the soothing sounds of flowing water and opportunities for wildlife viewing.

While man-made amenities are minimal—no restrooms, water or cell service—the pristine environment more than compensates. Campers can enjoy hiking trails and fishing holes in this true backcountry experience. Town Hall Road is a well-known hidden gem and a must-try for anyone looking for classic camping in New England.

Oceans from two sides—and more

Pacific

Alabama Hills Recreation Area — California
Location: Lone Pine, CA

favorite RV campgrounds
Image: Huiwen wu on google maps

What makes it great: Here in the Eastern Sierra, find the desert twin of the Sierra Nevada mountain range and its Yosemite crown jewel. Instead of the deep, cold waters of Lake Tahoe, there is the ultra-saline Mono Lake. It is known for its alien geology and a variety of brine shrimp found nowhere else in the world.

Change out towering redwoods for scrubby sagebrush, cacti and fossilized forests. Instead of climbers spending days ascending the faces of Yosemite, you’ll find the legendary bouldering grounds of Bishop. Alabama Hills is in the middle of this dry, windswept, and jaw-dropping landscape.

This formerly dispersed camping area, surrounded by and studded with granite monoliths, now has designated sites, so you’ll need to show up early.

Southeast

Anchor Down RV Resort — Tennessee
Location: Dandridge, TN

Image: The Dyrt

What makes it great: Anchor Down RV Resort offers a luxurious camping experience on Douglas Lake with picturesque views of the Great Smoky Mountains. The resort features 170 spacious, paved sites equipped with full hookups, picnic tables and fire pits.

Guests can enjoy a range of activities such as swimming—in the pool or the lake—kayaking, paddleboarding and fishing. Golf cart rentals are available for getting around the resort. It’s also an ideal location for boating and jet skiing.

The resort’s proximity to attractions like Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountains National Park make it an ideal base camp, but once you arrive at Anchor Down, chances are you’re going to want to … anchor down.

The Dyrt’s favorite RV campgrounds report says more

The Dyrt’s 2025 Camping Report Presented by Toyota Trucks also shows that interest in camping is still growing. About 81.1 million Americans camped in 2024—including 5.8 million first-timers. Since 2021, more than 25 million people have gone camping for the first time. That means more RVers than ever are out discovering new destinations.

So, whether you travel in a luxury Class A or a rugged camper van, The Dyrt’s 2025 list is a solid place to start planning your next RV trip. Here’s where you can find all the winners.

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Russ and Tiña De Maris
Russ and Tiña De Maris
Russ and Tiña went from childhood tent camping to RVing in the 1980s when the ground got too hard. They've been tutored in the ways of RVing (and RV repair) by a series of rigs, from truck campers, to a fifth-wheel, and several travel trailers. In addition to writing scores of articles on RVing topics, they've also taught college classes for folks new to RVing. They authored the book, RV Boondocking Basics.

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1 Comment

Neal Davis
1 year ago

Thank you for sharing the winners, Russ and Tina! it is always good to know where the “best” spots are, especially if “best” also implies “most popular.” As one who prefers less rather than more when it comes to people, this is valuable information. One comment about “The Wall.” We were at Badlands National Park and drove the dirt road in the Jeep in May of this year. We saw one towable RV with a chain attached to it on one end and a sign rquesting a tow on the other end. There also was a driveable RV towing a trailer that was stuck and blocking the road. We were thankful for 4-wheel drive. Probably unwise to attempt to camp at “The Wall” without 4-wheel drive if the weather is wet. Have a great weekend and safe travels!