Most RVers know about Niagara Falls along the New York and Canadian border. It’s a stunning natural wonder that draws millions of visitors annually. But did you know that there are other “Niagaras” across North America? It’s true! And each location has its own unique charm and splendor.
These lesser-known waterfalls—dubbed the “Niagara of the North,” “Niagara of the West,” and two “Niagaras of the South”—are well worth adding to your RV itinerary. Let’s dive into these awe-inspiring destinations and explore nearby camping options for RVers.
“Niagara of the North”: Kakabeka Falls, Ontario, Canada
Kakabeka Falls, located in Ontario, is a breathtaking cascade of water plunging 131 feet into the Kaministiquia River. Kakabeka Falls is surrounded by lush forests and is a great spot for nature enthusiasts.
Often referred to as the “Niagara of the North,” this waterfall is the second highest in Ontario and is easily accessible year-round. Visitors can enjoy viewing platforms, hiking trails, and fascinating geological history, including fossils embedded in the rock layers.
RV camping nearby:
• Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park Campground: This park offers several choices for campers. Most are within walking distance of the falls. Whispering Hills offers electrical hookups, clean restrooms, and a serene environment. It also has some pull-through sites, laundry facilities, and showers.
• Trowbridge Falls Campground: Located about 20 minutes from Kakabeka Falls, this campground in Thunder Bay offers scenic campsites and access to hiking trails along the Current River.
“Niagara of the West”: Shoshone Falls, Idaho
Often overshadowed by its famous eastern cousin, Shoshone Falls in southern Idaho is a magnificent sight to see. At 212 feet tall, Shoshone Falls is actually higher than its famous namesake, Niagara Falls in New York.
Located on the Snake River near the city of Twin Falls, this natural wonder is surrounded by dramatic basalt cliffs and is especially stunning during spring when water flow peaks. A park overlooking the falls offers picnic areas, scenic viewpoints, and a visitor center.
RV camping nearby:
• Twin Falls/Jerome KOA Journey: This full-service RV park is just a short drive from Shoshone Falls. It offers amenities like pull-through sites, Wi-Fi, and a pool.
• Thousand Springs State Park: About 30 minutes away from the falls, this park provides scenic camping options along the Snake River and opportunities for kayaking and fishing.
“Niagara of the South”: Cumberland Falls, Kentucky
Nestled in the Daniel Boone National Forest, Cumberland Falls is a captivating 68-foot waterfall known for its unique phenomenon: the moonbow. On clear nights during a full moon, the mist from the falls creates a rainbow visible in the moonlight—a rare natural occurrence found in only a few places worldwide.
RV camping nearby:
- Cumberland Falls State Resort Park Campground: This well-maintained campground offers electric and water hookups, shaded sites, and easy access to the falls and park amenities.
- Falls Creek Cabins and Campground: Located a few miles from the falls, this campground caters to RVers with full hookups, spacious sites, and a peaceful setting.
Another “Niagara of the South”: Tallulah Falls, Georgia
Located in the heart of Georgia, Tallulah Falls is part of Tallulah Gorge State Park and is often called the “Niagara of the South” for its series of stunning waterfalls cascading through a 1,000-foot-deep gorge.
The park features multiple hiking trails, including one that takes visitors across a suspension bridge with breathtaking views of the falls below. Adventure seekers can also enjoy kayaking and rock climbing within the gorge, while history buffs can explore the area’s rich cultural significance.
RV camping nearby:
- Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground: This campground offers sites with electrical hookups, restrooms, and close proximity to the park’s trailheads and visitor center.
- River Falls at the Gorge RV Resort: Just minutes from the state park, this RV resort provides full hookups, a pool, and a relaxing riverside setting.
Plan your “other Niagaras” RV trip
Whether you’re drawn to the rugged beauty of Kakabeka Falls, the towering majesty of Shoshone Falls, or the mystical moonbow of Cumberland Falls, these “other Niagaras” promise unforgettable experiences.
Each of the “other Niagara Falls” offers unique features and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure. Each makes a perfect stopover or destination for your next RV journey. So, pack your gear, hit the road, and discover the hidden wonders that rival the original Niagara Falls itself.
Do you know about any other “Niagara Falls”? Tell us about them in the comments below.
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##RVT1200
Thanks Gail we will need to try and visit these in our travels this is what RVing is all about new things new destinations
I couldn’t agree more! Enjoy!
Great article, Gail! Thanks!
What makes Niagara Falls so stunning isn’t the height of the Falls, but the sheer volume of water going over them regardless of the time of the year. Just think, all of the Great Lakes except Lake Ontario drain over the Falls via the Niagara River into Lake Ontario and eventually out into the Atlantic Ocean. That is why Niagara Falls is so special over other “beautiful and spectacular” waterfalls.
Thank you for the information, Gail! We were at Cumberland Falls last summer. The falls are impressive. We’ll shoot for the ones in north Georgia next. Have a great week and safe travels!
And here is another Niagara Falls in British Columbia Canada, but you will need a boat or seaplane to visit: https://www.worldwaterfalldatabase.com/waterfall/Niagara-Falls-2351
Great camping and wilderness at the “Junction” on Quesnel Lake, if you don’t mind 50 Km of gravel road.