The allure of the great outdoors is calling to Americans, with a record number embracing camping in 2023. An estimated 84.8 million people traded city lights for starry nights, making camping more popular than ever. This surge in popularity has led to a new challenge for campers: securing campground reservations. The Dyrt’s 2024 Camping Report, sponsored by the All-New Toyota Tacoma, reveals that a staggering 45.5% of campers faced difficulties booking campsites. To address this growing concern, The Dyrt has compiled a list of the Top 10 Hardest-to-Book Campgrounds in the U.S., highlighting the most sought-after destinations across the country.
The report emphasizes the increasing popularity of campgrounds within National Park Services (NPS) sites, which have seen a surge in visitation. While national parks are widely regarded as one of America’s best ideas, booking top campsites well in advance is becoming a close second. This is especially true for the campgrounds on The Dyrt’s list, which are typically booked solid for over 93% of the season. These coveted spots offer a compelling combination of natural beauty, proximity to must-see areas, essential amenities, and breathtaking scenery, making them repeat destinations for campers—if they manage to secure a reservation.
From an RV park nestled within the stunning Grand Tetons to rustic sites along pristine lakeshores and a city-adjacent reservoir, these campgrounds offer a diverse range of experiences. The Dyrt highlights the allure of these locations through camper testimonials. “This is the most amazing campground there is,” writes The Dyrt camper Marta S. in a review of Twelvemile Beach Campground at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. “Words cannot do the beauty of this campground and area justice. I dream of being back here … I had a blast of a time, and so did my dog.”
For those planning to camp at a National Parks Services site this summer but haven’t secured a reservation, The Dyrt offers a solution. Campers can utilize The Dyrt Alerts to track cancellations at fully booked campgrounds. “Last year’s hardest-to-book campground was full 100% of the season, while this year’s No. 1 comes in at just 99.4%”, jokes The Dyrt CEO Kevin Long. “But the fact is, even highly coveted sold-out campgrounds have cancellations. That’s why we created The Dyrt Alerts — to give more people a chance to book these life-changing outdoors experiences.”
