It’s no surprise that the US National Park System is an incredible resource for travelers. From the big names like Yosemite and Yellowstone to local favorites like Acadia, there’s something for everyone in the national park system.
But what about those of us who are looking for a little more adventure? Well, this list is for those intrepid souls who want to see some of America’s most beautiful natural wonders from behind the wheel of their RV!
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| RVing is a great way to explore national parks and experience the outdoors. |
| Many national parks offer RV-friendly campsites with amenities such as electric and water hookups. |
| Planning ahead is crucial for a successful RV trip to a national park, including researching park rules and regulations, making reservations, and packing essential gear. |
| Some national parks offer hidden gems and less-traveled areas that are perfect for RVers seeking solitude and unique experiences. |
| Sustainable and eco-friendly practices, such as reducing waste and conserving resources, are important considerations for RVers visiting national parks. |
Here are our favorite parks specifically geared toward RVers:
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park is a United States National Park located approximately 60 miles (97 km) northwest of Denver.
The park, known for its pristine alpine environment, includes the Continental Divide and spans an area of over 400 square miles (1,035 km2). The park boasts more than 300 lakes and 1,600 different species of plants.
The variety of wildlife found in Rocky Mountain National Park is astounding. Mammals native to the park include elk, mule deer, moose, black bear and bighorn sheep. Birding enthusiasts will delight in watching hawks soar high above the trees or catching sight of a bald eagle perched on a rocky ledge.
RVing is a great way to explore the outdoors, but it can be overwhelming for beginners. That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on RVing 101 to help get you started on your journey.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone is one of the most popular national parks in the US, and for good reason. In addition to being home to Old Faithful geyser and hundreds of other geothermal features (including Grand Prismatic Spring), Yellowstone is also home to a variety of wildlife including bison, grizzly bears and wolves.
The park’s popularity makes it one of the least secret gems on this list, but that doesn’t mean you should skip it if you’re planning an RV trip through Yellowstone National Park. Here’s what we recommend:
Hiking – With over 10,000 miles worth of hiking trails throughout the park, there are plenty of options for getting outside while camping in Yellowstone.
These include trails like Canyon Trail (which leads from Artist Point down into Shoshone Lake) or Bechler Meadows Trail (which passes through wetlands before reaching Bechler Meadows). If you’re going during peak season between late June and early September expect crowds!
Wildlife viewing – Bison are everywhere within Yellowstone National Park so keep your eyes peeled for them when driving around town as well as along roads leading into other areas within the park like Mammoth Hot Springs area where bison often congregate near thermal springs due to their warmth(!).
You’ll also see prairie dogs here too – these little rodents have been known to bite people who get too close because they don’t want humans disturbing them while they’re eating!
Zion National Park, Utah
The most popular activities at Zion National Park are hiking and photography.
If you’re drawn to trails, head to the Angels Landing Trail or Cable Mountain Trail. Both are strenuous but rewarding and they offer incredible views around every bend in their paths. The
Narrows is another great option for adventurous hikers; it’s best explored after heavy rainfalls or snowmelt when water levels rise high enough for hikers to wade through canyons deep into the park! If you prefer shorter hikes with an easy-to-follow path, check out Riverside Walk or Wildcat Canyon Spire Trail (both rated “easy”).
Zion is also known for its wildlife sightings visitors frequently spot mule deer, bighorn sheep and coyotes among other animals wandering around its trails so keep your eyes peeled while walking through this national park!
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most-visited national parks in the United States.
The park is home to more than 800 species of flowering plants and includes over 100 different types of trees. It’s also a popular destination for hikers, photographers and birdwatchers—in fact, more than 12 million people visit each year!
If you’re not into hiking or nature photography, there are still plenty of other activities available at Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
For example, you can take a scenic drive along Newfound Gap Road or stop by Cades Cove for a guided tour around an old settlement area (or just cruise through if you want).
If you’ve ever wanted to experience life on the frontier during America’s past glory days, this is your chance!
If those aren’t enough options for you they definitely weren’t enough for me! you can also visit Clingmans Dome Visitor Center or enjoy some live music at The Oconaluftee Visitor Center Amphitheater every summer Saturday night from June–August.
Acadia National park, Maine
This is one of the most underrated parks in the country. It’s a beautiful park that has a variety of activities and scenery.
It offers breathtaking views, hiking trails and much more! There are plenty of places to camp in Acadia National Park as well as some great spots to RV camp too.
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Glacier national Park , Montana
Glacier National Park is one of the best parks for RVers in the United States. It has fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities, superb hiking trails and spectacular scenery that will blow you away. It’s also good to know that you can enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities like photography, boating or kayaking.
Glacier National Park is located in Montana, right at the Canadian border. The park covers an area of over 1 million acres (4,000 km²) and includes over 700 lakes as well as countless waterfalls and streams among its many attractions.
There are several different types of glaciers including the Blackfoot Glacier which is one of the most accessible ones because it can be reached by car or on foot from nearby Lake McDonald Lodge (read more about this lodge later).
If you want to get closer than just seeing them from afar then take a boat tour on Flathead Lake which takes guests up close so they can see these massive frozen rivers up close!
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is a national park and preserve located in the San Luis Valley, in Montezuma County, Colorado, United States.
The park contains the tallest dunes in North America. The dunes were formed from sand and soil deposits of the Rio Grande and its tributaries, flowing through the San Luis Valley.
Joshua Tree National Park California
Joshua Tree National Park is a United States National Park in southern California. The park is named for the Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia) native to the park.
It covers a land area of 790,636 acres (1,250 square miles), making it larger than the state of Rhode Island. There are more than 1 million visitors each year.
The geography of this area includes rock formations that are billions of years old and unique vegetation zones found nowhere else on earth!
Joshua Tree National Park is located in southeastern California, near Palm Springs. The park is named after the yucca brevifolia trees that grow there which were used by Native Americans as food and medicine prior to European settlement in 17th century America (the same way we use bananas today).
Traveling doesn’t have to harm the planet. Our article on 15 simple ways to make your travel more eco-friendly offers easy-to-implement tips for reducing your environmental impact while exploring new places.
Mount Rainier national park Washington state
While Mount Rainier is an active volcano with a peak of 14,411 feet, there are no roads or trails to the top.
While it may seem impossible to get to the top of Mount Rainier without any roads or trails, it is possible if you have strong legs and a love for hiking. The only way up this mountain is by foot!
While it’s not easy to get up there, there are plenty of beautiful views along the way. You will see some amazing lakes and streams along your hike as well as many different kinds of trees and plants that grow in such harsh conditions.
And don’t forget about those breathtaking views from high above–you can see snow-capped peaks everywhere you look!
Grand Teton national park ,Wyoming
Grand Teton National Park is a spectacular place for camping and hiking. It’s also home to some of the most breathtaking views in America.
This national park protects an area that was once home to Native Americans, explorers and wildlife like elk and moose.
The park offers over 200 miles of hiking trails as well as camping sites at Colter Bay and Signal Mountain campgrounds, which allow you to get up close with nature without being bothered by crowds of other people.
If you want more privacy or solitude when exploring this majestic place then consider staying at one of its backcountry campsites where some are only accessible by boat or foot (depending on the season).
Arches national park , Utah
Arches national park is a great place to visit. It’s located in Utah, which means that it’s going to be hot during the summer and dry all year round.
Despite these factors, Arches is one of the most popular parks in America and one that you shouldn’t miss out on.
The park has over 2,000 natural stone arches there that are spread throughout the entire area. This makes for some incredible views from above or below ground level depending on what you want from your trip.
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Conclusion
I hope that you’ve enjoyed learning about some of the best national parks for RVers. I know that planning a trip can be stressful, but these tips should help you make an easy decision on which park is right for your family. If you have any questions or comments please leave them below!
Further Reading
For more information on RVing and national parks, check out these resources:
Best National Parks for RVing in Solitude: This article offers insights on the best national parks for those who seek solitude and tranquility during their RV trips.
National Parks for RV Camping: This comprehensive guide provides tips and tricks for RV camping in national parks, including what to expect, how to prepare, and which parks are best suited for RVers.
The Manual’s Best National Parks for RV Camping: This guide offers a curated list of the best national parks for RV camping, with details on each park’s amenities, camping options, and nearby attractions.
FAQs
What is RV camping?
RV camping involves traveling and camping in a recreational vehicle (RV) rather than a traditional tent or camper. RVs can range from small campervans to large motorhomes, and offer amenities such as sleeping areas, kitchens, and bathrooms.
How do I find RV-friendly national parks?
Many national parks have designated campgrounds that can accommodate RVs. It’s important to check each park’s specific rules and regulations, as some may have restrictions on RV size, length of stay, and other factors.
What should I pack for an RV camping trip?
In addition to standard camping gear such as tents, sleeping bags, and cooking supplies, RV camping requires some additional items such as leveling blocks, sewer hoses, and electrical cords. It’s important to create a packing list based on the specific needs of your RV and trip.
How do I prepare my RV for a national park camping trip?
Before embarking on an RV camping trip in a national park, it’s important to perform a thorough inspection and maintenance check on your RV. This should include checking tire pressure, brakes, fluids, and other mechanical components, as well as ensuring that all appliances and systems are in working order.
What are some tips for RV camping in national parks?
To make the most of your RV camping experience in national parks, it’s important to plan ahead, follow park rules and regulations, and respect the environment and other campers. Other tips include arriving early to secure a campsite, minimizing your impact on the environment, and being mindful of wildlife and natural hazards.
I am Hellen, I’ve been passionate about sustainability for as long as I can remember. It’s something that my mom taught me from a young age, and it’s something that has shaped my life in so many ways.