We Found These Cool Campsites on TikTok
Why TikTok Can Be a Great Campsite Scout
If you’ve ever scrolled TikTok late at night and stumbled across a stunning campsite with waterfalls, mountain lakes, or mossy forests, you’re not alone. TikTok isn’t just for dance challenges and recipe hacks anymore. It can also be a discovery engine for off-grid travel. I decided to dive in, bookmark the most jaw-dropping campsites trending on TikTok, then research what it might look like to camp there (and how to do it well). This post is your guide to those campsites.
How We Picked “Cool Campsites” from TikTok
Before we dive in, here’s how we filtered down the list:
- High engagement: lots of views, saves, comments, meaning people care.
- Geographic spread: All across the US.
- Realistic accessibility: We looked for places that were still accessible by most cars.
- Scenic: waterfalls, alpine lakes, wild coastlines, old-growth forests.
- Camping possible (not just day-visit views): legal or permitted sites, or places people have camped.
🏕️ 7 TikTok-Worthy Campsites You Need to See
1. Bright Angel (Grand Canyon, AZ)
Often seen in dreamy golden-hour reels, Bright Angel lies beside the Colorado River and is "an oasis in the Grand Canyon, with cool flowing water, and shady cottonwood trees."
- Why TikTokers love it: river access, canyon walls, starry skies.
- What you’ll need: backcountry permit via lottery, descent via Bright Angel or South Kaibab.
- Best time to go: spring or fall (summer is scorching).
2. Kirk Creek (Big Sur, CA)
Incredible cliffside campsites overlooking the Pacific with waves crashing below.
- Why TikTokers love it: panoramic ocean views, coastal forest, dramatic sunsets.
- What you’ll need: reserve in advance (campgrounds are limited), 4WD recommended for the road in.
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Best time to go: late spring through fall (coastal fog in summer).
3. North Lake (High Sierra, CA)
High elevation, mirror-like waters, reflections of granite peaks, and insane fall colors.
- Why TikTokers love it: alpine serenity, mirror calm lakes, wildflower meadows.
- What you’ll need: A vehicle to drive dirt roads, possible snow in late spring, and lots of water or filtration.
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Best time to go: mid-summer (July–September).
4. Cathedral Lakes (Yosemite, CA)
Iconic rock spires reflected in crystal alpine lakes.
- Why TikTokers love it: quintessential Sierra landscape with backpacking trail access.
- What you’ll need: wilderness permit, hike-in (6–8 miles roundtrip), pack light.
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Best time to go: summer / early fall.
5. Onion Creek (Texas Hill Country)
Hill Country hidden gem, tranquil streams, wild flowers, oak groves.
- Why TikTokers love it: accessible yet wild, the perfect balance.
- What you’ll need: check for swimming conditions and prepare for limited facilities.
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Best time to go: spring & fall (avoid summer heat).
6. Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (Alaska)
Remote, dramatic, and as untouched as it gets.
- Why TikTokers love it: tundra landscapes, wildlife, and extreme remoteness.
- What you’ll need: This is the one where you'll need some serious logistical planning, a wilderness permit, a plane, or a vehicle prepared for a long overland trip. We thought it was still worth it to add.
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Best time to go: mid-summer (June–July).
7. Cumberland Island (Georgia)
Atlantic barrier island, wild horses, maritime forest, dunes.
- Why TikTokers love it: beach camping, untouched coastlines, and wild horses wandering around
- What you’ll need: a ferry reservation and a permit.
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Best time to go: spring, fall, or winter (milder temps).
A Few Tips When Visiting These Sites (Permits, Seasons, Access Tips)
- Always check permitting systems (e.g., Grand Canyon, Yosemite).
- Know the season window. Some routes are snowbound for much of the year.
- Check road conditions and whether 4WD or high clearance is required.
- Bring a map & offline navigation, cell signal often fails in remote spots.
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Respect wilderness regulations: fire bans, group size limits, stay-on-trail requirements.
How to Camp Smart
Leave No Trace & Minimal Impact
- Pack out what you pack in.
- Use existing fire rings and trails.
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Avoid fragile meadows; camp on durable surfaces.
Gear Strategy: Travel Light, Pack Right
- Prioritize multi-use gear.
- Only carry what you really need: water, first aid, emergency kit.
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Bring lots of water.
Cooking & Kitchen Setup in Remote Campsites
This is where Chuk Kitchen Box shines:
- Organized and accessible gear.
- Something durable to withstand weather and terrain.
- A level surface to cook and prep on.
- Easy to pack and deploy wherever you go.
❓FAQs
Q: How many of these TikTok campsites require advanced planning or permits?
A: Many do. Bright Angel, Cathedral Lakes, Cumberland Island, etc., often require reservations, wilderness permits, or transportation arrangements. Always research in advance.
Q: Are these campsites suitable for car camping?
A: Some are like Kirk Creek or Onion Creek for typical car campers. Others demand backcountry hiking or multi-leg travel. Always check the access type on an up-to-date trail map.
Q: Can I really bring a kitchen box (like Chuk) into these sites?
A: Yes, most of them. Chuk’s compact, rugged design is built to thrive where infrastructure is minimal. It folds down and carries well, even for remote sites.
Q: When are the best times of year to visit these spots?
A: Generally, summer to early fall (June–September) is safest for snow-free access in alpine areas; shoulder seasons work well for coastal or southern spots.
🧾 Key Takeaways
- TikTok has become a powerful discovery tool for hidden campsites, and many are worth the trip.
- Permits, seasons, and access logistics matter, so do your research ahead of time.
- Smart campers bring minimal, multi-use gear, and that’s where the Chuk Kitchen Box excels, especially in rugged or remote environments.
- Use these TikTok finds not just for inspiration, but use them strategically (off-season, less crowded, shareable) to find new places to adventure!
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