Hidden Gems for Your Tiny House Camping Journey

While sprawling RV parks and traditional campgrounds might dominate the outdoor living scene, tiny house camping has carved out its own special corner of the travel world. These compact homes on wheels let you experience destinations differently – combining the comfort of a real house with the freedom to park in places regular RVs can’t access.

From remote mountain hideaways to beachfront spots that welcome alternative dwellings, here are 20 destinations across the globe that cater perfectly to tiny house adventurers looking to set up camp somewhere new.

Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota, USA

Roll into the Black Hills National Forest, where your tiny house will feel right at home among towering ponderosa pines and granite peaks. This sprawling forest offers more than 30 campgrounds designed to welcome campers of all sizes, from cozy spots tucked between the trees to open areas with mountain views. Park your tiny home at Sheridan Lake Campground, where you can spend your days fishing for trout or hiking the nearby trails. Just a short drive away, you’ll find Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial, making this forest the perfect base camp for exploring South Dakota’s most famous landmarks.

Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park feels like nature’s playground come to life. This mountain paradise draws outdoor enthusiasts year-round with its crystal-clear lakes, snow-capped peaks, and endless trails that wind through dense pine forests. Unlike many other national parks, Banff combines raw wilderness with small-town charm – you can spend your morning hiking past glaciers and waterfalls, then head into Banff town for a hot chocolate and poutine. Thanks to its well-maintained campgrounds and RV-friendly infrastructure, tiny house travelers find plenty of spots to park and connect with nature. The park’s wildlife residents – elk, bighorn sheep, and sometimes even grizzly bears – often make surprise appearances, turning your morning coffee outside your tiny home into an impromptu wildlife watching session.

Lake District National Park, UK

The Lake District is one of those places that feels like it was pulled straight from the pages of a storybook. This sprawling national park in northern England draws tiny house enthusiasts with its mix of gentle valleys, glassy lakes, and rolling hills that seem to go on forever. The narrow country roads wind past old stone walls and sheep-dotted fields, leading to perfect spots to park your tiny home for the night. While the weather can be unpredictable – pack your raincoat – the changing skies only add to the charm of this landscape that inspired poets like Wordsworth. It’s not just about the views though – the small villages scattered throughout the park offer cozy pubs and friendly locals who are always ready to share stories about life in the Lakes.

Moab, Utah, USA

Nestled between towering red rock formations in southeastern Utah lies the adventurous town of Moab. Like other outdoor destinations in the American West, Moab offers hiking trails and campgrounds, but what sets it apart is the raw, otherworldly landscape that surrounds it. Just listen to the hum of mountain bikes and off-road vehicles cruising through town, and you’ll get a sense of the energy here. Because of its location between Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Moab has become a natural hub for tiny house travelers seeking both solitude and adventure, with plenty of designated spots to park your small home among the red rock wilderness. The town’s history as a uranium mining outpost has given way to a laid-back vibe where rock climbers, river rafters, and stargazers now gather at local brewpubs to swap stories about their latest desert explorations.

Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia

Get your beach fix in Byron Bay, Australia’s famous coastal paradise known for its laid-back surf culture and beautiful shoreline. Park your tiny house at one of the beachfront camping spots where you can wake up to the sound of crashing waves and spot dolphins playing in the distance. Take a short walk into town to explore the bohemian shops and cafes, or join a morning yoga class on the beach. For the best views in town, follow the walking trail up to Cape Byron Lighthouse, where you might catch sight of migrating whales between May and November. The mild climate makes this spot perfect for year-round camping, and the friendly locals will make you feel right at home.

Dordogne Valley, France

Experience the French countryside at its best in the Dordogne Valley, where tiny house camping meets old-world charm. Park your home-on-wheels along the winding river, surrounded by limestone cliffs and medieval villages that look like they’re straight out of a fairy tale. You can spend your mornings exploring ancient castles perched on hilltops, then head to local markets to pick up fresh bread, cheese, and wine for a riverside picnic. For a memorable afternoon, take a canoe down the Dordogne River, passing under stone bridges and getting a unique view of the châteaux above.

Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

Experience west coast wilderness at its finest on Vancouver Island, where you can park your tiny home among ancient rainforests and rugged coastlines. The island offers several well-maintained campgrounds that welcome tiny houses, from the surf town of Tofino to the quiet shores of Campbell River. You can spend your days watching whales breach off the coast, hiking through Cathedral Grove’s towering old-growth forest, or exploring charming coastal villages. For a taste of city life, head to Victoria, where you’ll find cozy teahouses and the famous Butchart Gardens just a short drive from your camping spot.

Sedona, Arizona, USA

Park your tiny house among the iconic red rock formations of Sedona, where desert beauty meets spiritual energy. The area offers several RV parks and campgrounds that welcome tiny homes, all nestled close to the famous vortex sites that draw spiritual seekers from around the globe. Take a short drive to Cathedral Rock for sunrise yoga, or venture out on the hundred-plus hiking trails that wind through the rust-colored cliffs. After dark, the lack of light pollution makes it perfect for stargazing right from your tiny home’s deck.

Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina, USA

I first visited the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina during a fall camping trip in 2019. Running along the western edge of the state, this segment of the Appalachian range offers some of the most scenic mountain views in the Southeast. Small mountain towns like Asheville and Boone dot the landscape, while winding roads like the Blue Ridge Parkway connect the region’s hidden valleys and peaks. The area comes alive in autumn when the forest canopy turns to shades of red and gold, making it an ideal time for tiny house camping. Several dedicated campgrounds nestle among the hills, offering both privacy and easy access to hiking trails, waterfalls, and local craft breweries. The mild climate and four distinct seasons make this stretch of mountains a year-round destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat in nature.

Snowdonia National Park, Wales

Ever dreamed of waking up to misty mountains and medieval castles? That’s daily life when you park your tiny home in Snowdonia National Park, where Welsh dragons once roamed (or so the legends say). This rugged slice of Wales offers some of the best wilderness camping in Britain, with valleys carved by ancient glaciers and peaks that pierce the clouds. Your tiny house will feel right at home among the park’s cozy villages, where you can warm up with a proper Welsh tea after hiking Mount Snowdon or mountain biking through dense forests. The park’s well-maintained camping areas welcome small dwellings, and you’ll find yourself neighbors with grazing sheep and wild ponies that roam the hillsides.

Cairngorms National Park, Scotland

Ever seen a red deer bound across misty highlands at dawn? It’s a daily occurrence in Cairngorms National Park, a wild stretch of Scotland that feels worlds away from Edinburgh’s busy streets. The UK’s largest national park is a paradise for tiny house camping, with peaceful spots tucked between ancient Caledonian pine forests and mirror-like lochs. You can hop on a mountain bike to explore over 40 peaks above 3,000 feet, or spot rare wildlife like golden eagles and red squirrels right from your doorstep. The park’s dark sky status makes it perfect for stargazing, and in winter, you might catch the northern lights dancing above your cozy tiny home.

Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon, USA

Just an hour east of Portland lies Mount Hood National Forest, a sprawling wilderness that’s perfect for tiny house camping adventures. This massive forest stretches across more than a million acres of Oregon’s most iconic landscape, where Douglas firs tower overhead and crystal-clear streams wind through the valleys. Unlike other popular camping spots in the Pacific Northwest, Mount Hood offers year-round accessibility and countless secluded spots to park your tiny home. Thanks to its mix of developed campgrounds and dispersed camping areas, you can choose between having basic amenities nearby or going completely off-grid. The forest’s connection to the Pacific Crest Trail and proximity to local wineries means you can spend your mornings hiking and your evenings sipping Oregon Pinot Noir from your tiny house porch.

Lake Garda, Italy

Lake Garda holds a special place among Italy’s camping destinations, especially for those traveling in tiny houses. This massive body of water – the largest lake in Italy – sits tucked between the rolling hills of Lombardy and the foothills of the Alps, creating natural spaces perfect for parking your small home. The shoreline stretches for over 90 miles, dotted with small towns and camping areas that welcome tiny houses while offering views across crystal-clear waters. It’s a spot where you can easily spend your mornings sipping espresso in medieval villages, afternoons swimming in calm waters, and evenings cooking dinner outside your tiny home as the sun sets behind the mountains.

Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, USA

I first visited Great Smoky Mountains National Park on a whim during a cross-country road trip in 2018. Straddling the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, this park holds the title of America’s most visited national park, yet somehow maintains its peaceful charm. Rolling mountains covered in old-growth forests stretch as far as the eye can see, while wildflower meadows and rustic pioneer cabins dot the valleys below. The Cades Cove area has become a favorite spot for tiny house campers, offering level grounds and easy access to hiking trails. The morning fog that creeps through the valleys creates a mysterious atmosphere, while the gentle calls of whip-poor-wills echo through the trees at dusk. Best of all, the park’s central location puts you within an hour’s drive of Gatlinburg’s attractions and Asheville’s craft beer scene.

Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Queensland, Australia

I first discovered the Sunshine Coast Hinterland on a road trip through Queensland in 2019. Just an hour north of Brisbane, this green pocket of Australia stretches inland from the coast, offering a perfect escape from the beach crowds. Small towns like Maleny and Montville dot the landscape, each one feeling like a hidden treasure among the rolling hills and rainforests. The Glass House Mountains stand guard over the region, their ancient volcanic peaks creating a natural backdrop for tiny house camping. Local farms and markets bring life to the weekends, while the numerous walking trails through Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve give campers plenty of space to spot native wildlife and take in views of the coast below.

Sierra Nevada Mountains, California, USA

If there’s one place that perfectly suits tiny house camping, it’s California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. This 400-mile mountain range offers countless spots to park your tiny home among towering pine forests and beside crystal-clear alpine lakes. The area draws people seeking to escape the busy coastal cities, with many choosing to set up camp in secluded spots near popular hiking trails or quiet fishing streams. It’s a four-season destination – you can spend summer days exploring Yosemite’s granite peaks, fall afternoons watching golden aspen leaves dance in the wind, or winter mornings waking up to fresh powder snow outside your tiny house windows. The Sierras aren’t just about natural beauty though – small mountain towns dot the range, offering friendly local communities and essential amenities for tiny house dwellers.

Bavaria, Germany

Bavaria is where fairy tales come to life, and I always tell tiny house travelers to park near the charming town of Füssen. Nestled in the foothills of the Alps, this region lets you wake up to views of Neuschwanstein Castle – the same castle that inspired Walt Disney’s iconic logo. The area offers several campgrounds where you can set up your tiny home while exploring medieval villages, hiking through the Black Forest, or sampling traditional German beer at local breweries.

White Mountains, New Hampshire, USA

When planning a tiny house camping trip in New England, the White Mountains of New Hampshire should be at the top of your list. Stretching across nearly a quarter of the state, this mountain range offers countless spots to park your mobile dwelling, from full-service RV resorts to remote forest sites. The area serves up four distinct seasons of outdoor fun – hiking and climbing in summer, leaf peeping in fall, skiing in winter, and maple syrup tasting in spring.