There’s something magical about the thunderous roar of cascading water, the misty spray on your face, and that perfect Instagram shot with a rainbow dancing in the droplets!
As camping and RV enthusiasts, we’re always on the hunt for those jaw-dropping natural wonders that make the journey worthwhile. We’ve scoured North America to bring you some of the most spectacular waterfalls within a comfortable drive of KOA campgrounds.
Snoqualmie Falls, Washington
Let’s kick things off with one of the Pacific Northwest’s most famous cascades. Snoqualmie Falls drops an impressive 268 feet and gained serious fame as the backdrop for the TV series “Twin Peaks.” But trust us, this waterfall is far more spectacular in person than any Hollywood production could capture!
The falls themselves are easily accessible. A short, paved trail leads to multiple viewing platforms, and the observation deck offers wheelchair accessibility.
Nearby KOAs:
Ellensburg KOA Journey
Leavenworth / Pine Village KOA Holiday
Multnomah Falls, Oregon
No Pacific Northwest waterfall tour would be complete without Oregon’s crown jewel. Multnomah Falls plunges 620 feet in two distinct tiers, creating one of the most photographed waterfalls in America. We’re talking about a waterfall so stunning that it draws over two million visitors annually – but don’t let that scare you away.
Getting to Multnomah Falls is part of the adventure itself. The Historic Columbia River Highway winds through the Columbia River Gorge, treating you to spectacular views around every curve. The falls viewing area includes a visitor center, gift shop, and the famous Benson Bridge that spans the cascade at the base of the upper tier. For the more adventurous, a hiking trail leads to the top of the falls – but fair warning, it’s a challenging 1.2-mile climb with significant elevation gain.
Nearby KOAs:
Cascade Locks / Portland East KOA Holiday
Albany / Corvallis KOA Journey
Yosemite Falls, California
Yosemite Falls isn’t just California’s tallest waterfall – at 2,425 feet, it’s the fifth tallest in the world. This three-tiered giant consists of Upper Yosemite Fall (1,430 feet), the middle cascades (675 feet), and Lower Yosemite Fall (320 feet). The sheer scale of this natural wonder will leave you speechless.
Viewing the Falls is incredibly accessible from Yosemite Valley. Multiple viewing points offer different perspectives, from the classic Swinging Bridge view to the more intimate Lower Fall viewpoint accessible via an easy 1-mile loop trail. Spring visitors are in for a special treat when snowmelt creates maximum water flow, but even in drier months, the falls maintain their majesty.
If you’re planning your trip and wondering what else to do in Yosemite National Park, check out this detailed Yosemite itinerary for 3, 4, or 5 days. It includes top sights, scenic hikes, and insider tips to help you make the most of your Yosemite adventure.
Nearby KOAs:
Coleville / Walker KOA Holiday
McArthur-Burney Falls, California
Sometimes the stars align perfectly, and McArthur-Burney Falls is one of those magical moments.
Theodore Roosevelt called these “the eighth wonder of the world,” and after seeing the 129-foot cascade fed by underground springs, you’ll understand why.
Unlike many waterfalls that depend on seasonal rainfall, Burney Falls flows year-round at approximately 100 million gallons per day. The water emerges from the porous volcanic rock, creating a curtain-like effect that’s mesmerizing.
Planning a visit to Northern California? This Mount Shasta area travel guide is packed with tips on local attractions, scenic spots, and outdoor adventures to help you plan the perfect trip.
Nearby KOAs:
Burney Falls / Hat Creek KOA Holiday
Mt. Lassen / Shingletown KOA Holiday
Red Bluff KOA Journey
Mount Shasta City KOA Holiday
Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado
Colorado’s tallest free-falling waterfall deserves a spot on every waterfall enthusiast’s bucket list. Bridal Veil Falls drops 365 feet from a hanging valley, creating a stunning white veil against the red rock backdrop of the San Juan Mountains.
The falls are accessible via a moderately challenging 1.8-mile hike, but the payoff is incredible. The trail offers stunning views of Telluride and the surrounding peaks, culminating in an up-close encounter with this magnificent cascade. Visit during late spring or early summer when snowmelt creates maximum flow.
Nearby KOAs:
Ouray KOA Holiday
Montrose / Black Canyon National Park KOA Journey
Gunnison KOA Journey
Treasure Falls, Colorado
Sometimes the best waterfalls are the ones that surprise you and Treasure Falls definitely fits that category. This 105-foot cascade tumbles down a rocky cliff face in the San Juan National Forest, creating a picture-perfect scene that’s easily accessible for RVers.
Treasure Falls requires just a short 0.5-mile hike from the parking area, making it perfect for families or anyone looking for spectacular results with minimal effort. The trail is well-maintained and offers several viewing points as you approach the falls. The best photo opportunities come from the viewing platform at the base of the falls.
Nearby KOAs:
Alamosa / Great Sand Dunes KOA Journey
Ouray KOA Holiday
Niagara Falls, New York
We couldn’t create a North American waterfall guide without including the grandfather of them all. Niagara Falls isn’t just a waterfall – it’s a force of nature that moves 3,160 tons of water over the cliff every second during peak flow season.
Experience Niagara Falls by visiting at different times of day to experience the falls’ changing moods, from the powerful morning light to the spectacular evening illumination. Don’t miss the Maid of the Mist boat tour (seasonal) for an up-close encounter that’ll leave you soaked and exhilarated.
Nearby KOAs:
Niagara Falls / Grand Island KOA Holiday
Niagara Falls KOA Holiday (Ontario)
Niagara Falls North / Lewiston KOA Journey
Medina / Wildwood Lake KOA Holiday
Blackwater Falls, West Virginia
West Virginia’s Blackwater Falls offers a unique waterfall experience with its distinctive, amber-tinted water cascading 57 feet over ancient sandstone. The water gets its unique color from tannins leached from fallen hemlock and red spruce needles – a natural process akin to tea brewing!
Blackwater Falls State Park has excellent accessibility with a short boardwalk leading to multiple viewing platforms. The park also features numerous hiking trails for those wanting to explore beyond the main falls, including paths to other cascades and overlooks throughout the area.
Nearby KOAs:
Morgantown / Mylan Park KOA Holiday
Harrisonburg / Shenandoah Valley KOA Holiday
Flatwoods KOA Journey
Athabasca Falls, Alberta, Canada
Crossing into Canada opens a whole new world of waterfall adventures, and Athabasca Falls in Jasper National Park is spectacular. While not the tallest at 75 feet, this waterfall is incredibly powerful, carving dramatic channels through quartzite and limestone over thousands of years.
The falls are easily accessible via a short walk from the parking area, with multiple viewing platforms offering different perspectives of the cascading water and the dramatic rock formations it has carved. The surrounding hiking trails provide opportunities to explore the Athabasca River valley and spot local wildlife.
Nearby KOAs:
Hinton / Jasper KOA Holiday
Takakkaw Falls, British Columbia, Canada
British Columbia’s Takakkaw Falls will absolutely blow your mind with its 1,260-foot drop, making it Canada’s second-highest waterfall. The name “Takakkaw” comes from the Cree word meaning “it is wonderful” – and trust us, it absolutely is!
Reaching Takakkaw Falls requires a scenic drive up the Yoho Valley Road (open seasonally) followed by a short walk from the parking area. The falls are fed by the Daly Glacier, so water flow varies seasonally – visit during late spring through early fall for the most spectacular display.
Nearby KOAs:
Drumheller / Dinosaur Trail KOA Holiday
Cranbrook / St. Eugene KOA Journey
Ruby Falls, Tennessee
Located 1,120 feet underground in Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls offers a completely different waterfall experience! This 145-foot underground waterfall is illuminated by colorful LED lights, creating an otherworldly experience that you won’t find anywhere else.
The Ruby Falls experience includes a guided elevator ride deep into the mountain followed by a walking tour through the limestone caverns. The tour culminates at the waterfall viewing area where colored lights illuminate the cascade creating a truly magical experience. It’s perfect for any weather and makes a unique addition to your waterfall hunting adventures.
Nearby KOAs:
Lookout Mountain / Chattanooga West KOA Holiday
Chattanooga North / Cleveland KOA Journey
Blue Ridge / Toccoa River KOA Holiday
DeSoto Falls, Alabama
Alabama might not be the first state you think of when it comes to waterfalls, but DeSoto Falls will change that perception quickly. This 104-foot cascade drops into a pristine swimming hole surrounded by massive boulders and lush forest. It’s like discovering a hidden paradise!
DeSoto Falls requires a moderate 1.5-mile hike, but the trail is well-maintained and suitable for most fitness levels. The payoff is incredible – not only do you get spectacular waterfall views, but the swimming hole at the base is perfect for cooling off after your hike. Remember to pack your swimsuit!
Nearby KOAs:
Lookout Mountain / Chattanooga West KOA Holiday
Chattanooga North / Cleveland KOA Journey
Blue Ridge / Toccoa River KOA Holiday
Havasu Falls, Arizona
Arizona might conjure images of desert landscapes, but Havasu Falls will completely shatter those preconceived notions. This stunning 100-foot waterfall creates a tropical oasis in the middle of the desert, with brilliant turquoise pools that look like they belong in the Caribbean rather than the American Southwest.
Located in Havasupai Tribal lands within the Grand Canyon, Havasu Falls requires advance reservations and a challenging 8-mile hike to reach – but for serious waterfall chasers, it’s absolutely worth every step.
Fair warning: this isn’t a casual day trip. The hike requires backpacking gear and overnight camping in the tribal campground, but the otherworldly beauty of the turquoise falls against red canyon walls creates memories that’ll last forever. The unique mineral content in the water creates those incredible blue-green pools that have made this one of the most photographed waterfalls in the U.S.
Nearby KOAs:
Seligman / Route 66 KOA Journey
Zion National Park KOA Holiday
Grand Canyon / Williams KOA Journey
Williams / Exit 167 / Circle Pines KOA Holiday
Tahquamenon Falls, Michigan
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula holds some serious waterfall treasures, and Tahquamenon Falls is the crown jewel. The Upper Falls drops nearly 50 feet and stretches 200 feet across, making it one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. What makes this cascade truly special is its distinctive root beer color, caused by tannins leached from cedar, hemlock, and hardwood trees in the surrounding swamps.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park offers excellent accessibility with paved trails leading to multiple viewing platforms. The Upper Falls provides the most dramatic views, while the Lower Falls (about 4 miles downstream) offers a series of smaller cascades perfect for wading and photography. Don’t miss the brewery located right in the park – yes, you can grab a cold beer within sight of the falls!
Nearby KOAs:
Sault Ste. Marie KOA Holiday
Munising / Pictured Rocks KOA Journey
Devil’s Kettle Falls, Minnesota
Minnesota’s most mysterious waterfall will leave you scratching your head in wonder. Devil’s Kettle Falls on the Brule River splits into two streams – one flows downstream, while the other disappears into a massive pothole called the “Devil’s Kettle” and… nobody knows where it goes!
The hike to Devil’s Kettle Falls is a moderate 1.5-mile trek through Minnesota’s gorgeous North Shore forest. The trail follows the Brule River upstream, offering multiple smaller cascades and photo opportunities before reaching the main attraction. The mystery of the disappearing water adds an extra element of intrigue to an already spectacular natural wonder; a a real-life geological puzzle that’s stumped scientists for decades!
Nearby KOAs:
Thunder Bay KOA Holiday
Hayward KOA Holiday
Cumberland Falls, Kentucky
Kentucky’s “Niagara of the South” delivers big-time waterfall drama with its 125-foot-wide cascade dropping 60 feet into the Cumberland River. But Cumberland Falls has a secret weapon that sets it apart from every other waterfall on our list – it’s one of only two places in the Western Hemisphere where you can see a moonbow, a rainbow created by moonlight rather than sunlight.
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park offers excellent viewing opportunities with minimal hiking required. The main viewing area is just a short walk from the parking area, and multiple trails provide different perspectives of the falls. Time your visit during a full moon (and clear skies) for a chance to witness the incredible moonbow phenomenon – it’s absolutely magical and photographically challenging in the best possible way.
Nearby KOAs:
Corbin / Laurel Lake KOA Journey
Winona / New River KOA Journey
Russell Springs / Lake Cumberland KOA Journey
Shoshone Falls, Idaho
Idaho’s “Niagara of the West” delivers serious dramatic flair with Shoshone Falls plunging 212 feet over ancient rhyolite cliffs, creating one of the most spectacular waterfall displays in the American West. The Snake River provides the power for this incredible cascade, which actually stands 45 feet taller than Niagara Falls.
Shoshone Falls Park offers excellent viewing facilities with paved paths leading to multiple overlooks. The best water flow typically occurs during spring snowmelt season (April through June), when the falls display their full power and glory. During lower water periods, you can actually walk out onto the rock ledges for unique photo opportunities – just exercise appropriate caution around the slippery surfaces.
Nearby KOAs:
Twin Falls / Jerome KOA Holiday
Pocatello KOA Journey
Kaaterskill Falls, New York
New York’s tallest waterfall has been inspiring artists and adventurers since the Hudson River School painters immortalized it in the 1800s. Kaaterskill Falls drops 260 feet in two dramatic tiers, creating one of the most photographed waterfalls in the Catskill Mountains. The upper falls plunges 175 feet into a small pool, then cascades another 85 feet to the base.
The hike to Kaaterskill Falls is moderately challenging at about 1.4 miles round trip, but the payoff is incredible. The trail offers multiple viewing points, with the most spectacular views from the base of the falls, where you can truly appreciate the scale of this natural wonder. Be prepared for crowds during peak foliage season, as this is one of New York’s most popular waterfall destinations.
Nearby KOAs:
Catskill Mountains / Gilboa KOA Holiday
New York City North / Newburgh KOA Holiday
The Journey Continues
These spectacular waterfalls represent just a sampling of the incredible natural wonders waiting to be discovered across North America. Each cascade offers its own unique personality – from the thunderous power of Niagara to the delicate beauty of Bridal Veil Falls, the tropical paradise of Havasu Falls, and the moonbow magic of Cumberland Falls.
Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination. Take time to explore the scenic routes between waterfalls, discover local attractions, and connect with fellow travelers at your KOA campgrounds – some of the best RV memories happen in unexpected moments between planned stops!
Leslie is a freelance travel and health/wellness writer who gets butterflies from telling stories and sharing information with readers across the globe. Her voice comes from a place filled with passion and dreams.
With over 10 years of experience in crafting words and years of embarking on travels that have taken this Montana girl to some incredible places, Leslie loves the adventures of both body and mind that her writing takes her on.
To see what Leslie’s up to in the writing and design world, visit her website here.
