Updated February 12, 2023
RV camping is a popular way to experience the beauty and wonder of America’s national parks. There’s nothing quite like waking up to the sound of birds and the sight of towering trees, and RV camping allows you to do just that, all while having the comforts of home close at hand.
In this complete guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best national parks for RV camping in the United States. From coast to coast, these parks offer a wide range of landscapes, activities, and amenities for RVers of all interests and skill levels.
Acadia National Park – Maine
Located on the rugged coast of Maine, Acadia National Park is a must-see destination for RVers. The park features over 120 miles of trails that wind through forests, along the shoreline, and up to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the East Coast.
One of the best RV camping options in Acadia is the Blackwoods Campground, which offers over 300 sites with electric and water hookups. The campground is open from late May through mid-October and is located just a short drive from the park’s visitor center and many of its top attractions.
Olympic National Park – Washington
Olympic National Park in Washington state is a true outdoor paradise, offering a diverse range of landscapes including coastal beaches, rainforests, and snowy mountain peaks. RV camping is allowed in several areas of the park, including the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort and the Hoh Rainforest Resort.
The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort is a popular RV camping destination, with over 50 sites that offer electric and water hookups. The resort is open from mid-April through mid-October and is located just a short distance from the park’s many hiking trails and hot springs.
The Hoh Rainforest Resort is another great RV camping option in Olympic National Park, offering over 100 sites with electric and water hookups. The resort is open year-round and is located in the heart of the park’s famous rainforest, making it a great base for exploring this unique ecosystem.
Yellowstone National Park – Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho
Yellowstone National Park is a true American icon, known for its stunning geothermal features and abundant wildlife. The park spans three states (Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho) and offers a range of RV camping options, including the Grant Village Campground and the Fishing Bridge RV Park.
The Grant Village Campground is a large RV campground located on the shores of Yellowstone Lake. It offers over 430 sites with electric and water hookups, as well as a dump station and a laundromat. The campground is open from mid-June through mid-September and is a great base for exploring the park’s many attractions.
The Fishing Bridge RV Park is another popular RV camping destination in Yellowstone, offering over 300 sites with full hookups. The park is open from early May through early October and is located in the heart of the park, near many of its top attractions.
Rocky Mountain National Park – Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado is a must-see destination for RVers, with its stunning mountain landscapes, abundant wildlife, and a wide range of recreational activities. The park offers several RV camping options, including the Moraine Park Campground and the Glacier Basin Campground.
The Moraine Park Campground is a large RV campground located in the heart of the park, near many of its top attractions. It offers over 250 sites with electric and water hookups, as well as a dump station and a laundromat. The campground is open from late May through early October and is a great base for exploring the park’s many trails, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
The Glacier Basin Campground is another popular RV camping destination in Rocky Mountain National Park, offering over 150 sites with electric and water hookups. The campground is open from late May through early October and is located in a peaceful, wooded setting, making it a great option for those seeking a more secluded camping experience.
Yosemite National Park – California
Yosemite National Park in California is a true wonder of the natural world, with its towering granite cliffs, waterfalls, and diverse ecosystems. The park offers several RV camping options, including the Upper Pines Campground and the Lower Pines Campground.
The Upper Pines Campground is the largest RV campground in Yosemite, with over 240 sites that offer electric and water hookups. The campground is open year-round and is located in the heart of the park, making it a great base for exploring Yosemite’s many attractions.
The Lower Pines Campground is another popular RV camping destination in Yosemite, offering over 60 sites with electric and water hookups. The campground is open from late March through late October and is located in a peaceful, wooded setting, making it a great option for those seeking a more secluded camping experience.
Arches National Park – Utah
Arches National Park in Utah is a true geological marvel, with over 2,000 natural stone arches and other unique rock formations. The park offers several RV camping options, including the Devil’s Garden Campground and the Slickrock Campground.
The Devil’s Garden Campground is the largest RV campground in Arches National Park, with over 50 sites that offer electric and water hookups. The campground is open from late March through late October and is located near many of the park’s top attractions, including the famous Delicate Arch.
The Slickrock Campground is another popular RV camping destination in Arches, offering over 20 sites with electric and water hookups. The campground is open from late March through late October and is located in a peaceful, secluded setting, making it a great option for those seeking a more peaceful camping experience.
Joshua Tree National Park – California
Joshua Tree National Park in California is a true desert paradise, with its iconic Joshua trees, rock formations, and abundant wildlife. The park offers several RV camping options, including the Jumbo Rocks Campground and the Cottonwood Campground.
The Jumbo Rocks Campground is a large RV campground located in the heart of the park, near many of its top attractions. It offers over 100 sites with electric and water hookups, as well as a dump station and a laundromat. The campground is open year-round and is a great base for exploring the park’s many hiking trails and rock climbing routes.
The Cottonwood Campground is another popular RV camping destination in Joshua Tree, offering over 100 sites with electric and water hookups. The campground is open from late October through late May and is located in a peaceful, secluded setting, making it a great option for those seeking a more peaceful camping experience.
Grand Canyon National Park – Arizona
The Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic and breathtaking natural wonders in the United States, and RV camping is a great way to experience it. The park offers several RV camping options, including the Trailer Village RV Park and the Mather Campground.
The Trailer Village RV Park is the only RV park located within the park boundaries, and it offers over 200 sites with full hookups. The park is open year-round and is located just a short distance from the park’s many top attractions, including the South Rim and the North Rim.
The Mather Campground is another popular RV camping destination in the Grand Canyon, offering over 300 sites with electric and water hookups. The campground is open from early April through late October and is located just a short distance from the park’s visitor center and many of its top attractions.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Tennessee and North Carolina
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a true gem of the southern Appalachians, with its breathtaking mountain vistas, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural history. The park offers several RV camping options, including the Elkmont Campground and the Cosby Campground.
The Elkmont Campground is a large RV campground located in the heart of the park, near many of its top attractions. It offers over 200 sites with electric and water hookups, as well as a dump station and a laundromat. The campground is open from late March through late October and is a great base for exploring the park’s many hiking trails and scenic drives.
The Cosby Campground is another popular RV camping destination in the Great Smoky Mountains, offering over 150 sites with electric and water hookups. The campground is open from early March through late October and is located in a peaceful, secluded setting, making it a great option for those seeking a more peaceful camping experience.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park – Ohio
Cuyahoga Valley National Park may not be as well-known as some of the other national parks on this list, but it is a true gem of the Midwest. The park is located just outside of Cleveland, Ohio, and offers a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, and picnicking. The park offers several RV camping options, including the Stanford Campground and the Brandywine Falls Campground.
The Stanford Campground is a large RV campground located in the heart of the park, near many of its top attractions. It offers over 100 sites with electric and water hookups, as well as a dump station and a laundromat. The campground is open from late April through late October and is a great base for exploring the park’s many trails and scenic drives.
The Brandywine Falls Campground is another popular RV camping destination in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, offering over 50 sites with electric and water hookups. The campground is open from late April through late October and is located in a peaceful, secluded setting, making it a great option for those seeking a more peaceful camping experience.
In conclusion, the United States is home to a wide range of national parks that offer RV camping options for travelers of all interests and skill levels. From the rugged coast of Maine to the desert landscapes of California, there’s a national park out there for everyone. So pack up your RV and hit the road, and experience the beauty and wonder of America’s national parks in a whole new way.
FAQ
Can I bring my pet with me on my RV trip to a national park?
Yes, many national parks allow pets in their RV campgrounds, as long as they are kept on a leash and under control at all times. However, it’s important to check the specific rules and regulations of each national park, as some parks may have stricter policies regarding pets.
Are there shower facilities available in national park RV campgrounds?
Yes, most national park RV campgrounds have shower facilities available for use. However, it’s a good idea to check the specific amenities of each campground before you go, as some may have limited or no shower facilities.
Can I reserve an RV campsite at a national park in advance?
Yes, many national parks allow you to reserve an RV campsite in advance. This is especially important during peak season, as campsites can fill up quickly. It’s a good idea to book your campsite as far in advance as possible to ensure that you get the site you want.
Are there any age restrictions for RV campers in national parks?
There are no age restrictions for RV campers in national parks. However, some national parks may have specific rules or regulations for RVs, such as size or weight limits, so it’s important to check the specific rules of each park before you go.
Can I have a campfire at my RV campsite in a national park?
Yes, many national parks allow campfires at their RV campsites. However, it’s important to check the specific rules and regulations of each park, as some parks may have stricter policies regarding campfires, or may not allow them at all due to fire danger.