While a significant factor, finding the perfect camper is only part of the ultimate camping experience. Many people dream of exploring the great national parks of the United States in an RV or with a travel trailer.
From the breathtaking view of the Grand Canyon to the exotic wildlife in Yellowstone, the national parks offer an endless source of beauty, enjoyment, and exploration for the adventurous soul,
With 429 national parks to choose from, it can be overwhelming to choose a park to start. To help you chart your exploration of the national parks, we’ve narrowed down a list of parks that are travel trailer-friendly.
Plus, we’ve provided essential details so you know what you need to pack and plan for your next trip.
Key Considerations for RV and Travel Trailer Camping in National Parks
Before we get into our favorite national parks for camping, we need to cover some of the criteria you need to factor into your search. Keep in mind that we’re primarily talking about the best National Parks as a whole.
While the campgrounds within them are a part of our selection process, they can vary quite a bit within the same park and offer vastly different experiences.
To ensure you pick a park and a campground that truly suits your needs, you should consider the following.
Accessibility
Some national parks are easier to reach than others, and the same is true for the campgrounds within them. Some you simply drive into, while others require off-roading.
You should make sure both the trailer and tow vehicle are up to whatever you’re planning. TAXA’s X-series features an upgraded suspension that allows you to explore more off the beaten path.
You also need to consider how easily you can be reached in an emergency and prepare accordingly.
Campsite Amenities
Campsites vary greatly in terms of amenities offered. You should pick one with the features you deem essential.
Some amenities to look for are RV hookups, dumpsites, showers, and bathrooms. That said, many of the parks below offer none of the above, making it essential to select a camper and bring supplies that can provide what you need if you plan to stay at them.
Size Restrictions
Some campsites have size restrictions on the campers that are allowed to stay. It's important to do your research ahead of time to ensure you can use your camper at the campsite you intend to visit.
Seasonal Considerations
Some campsites are seasonal, meaning you can only stay at them during certain parts of the year. This is typically due to weather conditions, with winter being the off-season.
You will want to keep this in mind as you plan your trip, and the National Parks Services does a great job of listing sites as seasonal to keep things clear. That said, camping in the winter is possible, so long as you pick a camper that can keep you warm in freezing weather.
Top National Parks for RV and Travel Trailer Camping
With these considerations in mind, our team of experts chose this list of national parks to visit based on their personal favorites and which ones are the most RV-friendly.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone–the world’s first national park–is a 3,471 square-mile national park spanning across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho and is a dream destination for many. It's home to many iconic landmarks, including Mammoth Hot Springs, Hayden Valley, and the famous Old Faithful Geyser.
Explore these sites and set up basecamp at any of the twelve campgrounds and over 2,000 campsites available. Reservations are required for any stay, with RV hookups being available at Fishing Bridge RV Park.
Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most well-known travel destinations in the world and is perfect for a long-distance trip in your TAXA trailer. It covers 1,902 square miles in Arizona and offers limitless breathtaking views.
There are a total of four campsites here, with reservations being required for all. Three of which require reservations to be made at the National Parks Service.
Alternatively, you can reserve the Trailer Village RV park at VisitGrandCanyon.org if full hook-ups are desired.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Bordering North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most-visited national park in the US.
It covers a total of 800 square miles and is the host of 10 campgrounds. There are no RV hookups available, and reservations are required at all campgrounds.
Rocky Mountain National Park
The Rocky Mountains National Park is among the highest in the country, with elevations reaching as high as 14,259 feet.
There are ten total campsites available, with reservations being required for Aspenglen, Glacier Basin, or Timber Creek Campground, which may need to be made six months in advance. Only Look Rock Campground has hookups available–all closed during winter.
Acadia National Park
The Crown Jewel of the Atlantic Coast, Acadia National Park, spans just 76.7 square miles in Maine. Still, it rivals the beauty and experiences of larger national parks with its dream-like setting, making it perfect for a New England expedition.
There are four campgrounds, with reservations being required for all. RV hookups are available at the Schoodic Woods Campground.
Glacier National Park
Locations like Saint Mary Falls, Jackson Glacier Overlook, and Road to the Sun put a visit to Glacier National Park on the bucket list of many travelers.
It spans 1,583 square miles of Montana wildlands and is the host of 13 campgrounds. Reservations are required for many sites, but not all, and no hookups of any kind are available.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is perhaps the most desired camping location in the country. Covering 1,169 miles of California, it's home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the country, including Half-dome and El Capitan.
There are a total of 13 campgrounds present, with no hookups of any kind. Some sites offer first-come-first-serve policies. However, since those sites fill up fast, it's best to plan ahead and make reservations.
Tips for Camping in National Parks with an RV or Travel Trailer
We're confident that the National Parks above will offer camping experiences you never thought possible.
All that's left for you to do is pick the right one to start with and get out there. But before you do, we want to share a few tips for you to keep in mind to help lock down a trouble-free camping trip.
Making Reservations Early
Don't wait until the last minute to book your reservations, and never count on first-come-first-serve policies. Camping is enjoyed by millions of Americans, with national parks being prime destinations.
By not planning ahead, the only thing you're guaranteeing is a hard time finding somewhere to park your camper, if not a quick end to your vacation.
Understanding Park Rules and Regulations
Don't count on common sense as your best guideline while staying anywhere. All national parks have rules in place you will need to adhere to, some being much stricter than others.
To ensure you don't run into any trouble, you should always refer to the rules set in place at the parks and campgrounds you visit.
Preparing for Limited Services
Many of the best camping sites offer little to no services. It's important to prepare accordingly with a camper and supplies to create the experience you need.
Power sources, a bathroom, and a kitchen should all be on the top of your list. You should also always plan for emergencies, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
Leave No Trace Principles
Pack it in, pack it out. It's that simple. Part of our enjoyment of the outdoors is making sure it's around for generations to come. Be respectful of nature and leave the trail and campsite as though you were never there.
The national parks listed above are among the best in the world and are sure to help you make memories that last a lifetime. With the right trailer and preparation, a visit to any of them could be an amazing experience that you will always cherish.
FAQs
How do I find campgrounds with full hookups in national parks?
The National Parks Services makes this information readily available on all of its sites for national parks. The same is true of any privately owned campsites and sites run by the owners.
Are there size restrictions for RVs and travel trailers in national parks?
Yes. All national parks will have unique restrictions and regulations in place. You should always refer to the National Parks Services site dedicated to the park of interest for those rules.
Do I need to make a reservation to camp in a national park?
Many national parks require reservations for camping. Some operate on a first-come-first-serve policy, but it is always best to plan ahead.
