Exploring America’s Best National Parks by RV: A Journey through Natural Wonders
Traveling in an RV is a unique and rewarding way to experience the natural beauty of America’s national parks. It offers the flexibility to explore at your own pace, the comfort of having your home on wheels, and the joy of being close to nature. In this blog post, we’ll take you on a journey through ten of the best national parks for RV travel, highlighting the unique features of each park, the best RV facilities available, and tips for making the most of your visit.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!1. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho
Highlights: Geysers, hot springs, wildlife, scenic drives.
RV Facilities: Yellowstone boasts several campgrounds with RV facilities. Fishing Bridge RV Park is the only campground with full hookups, making it a convenient choice for RV travelers. Other campgrounds, like Madison and Canyon, offer more rustic accommodations with limited amenities but are perfect for those seeking a more natural experience.
Experience: Yellowstone is the world’s first national park, and its geothermal features are its crown jewels. Old Faithful, the park’s most famous geyser, erupts approximately every 90 minutes, a must-see spectacle. The Grand Prismatic Spring, with its vivid colors, and the Mammoth Hot Springs are other geothermal highlights. Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy spotting bison, elk, and possibly even wolves or bears. Scenic drives, such as the Grand Loop Road, offer breathtaking views and numerous opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Tips: Book your RV site well in advance, especially if you need full hookups. Be prepared for variable weather conditions, and always carry bear spray when hiking.
Learn more about visiting Yellowstone National Park.
2. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Highlights: Stunning canyon vistas, hiking trails, river rafting.
RV Facilities: Trailer Village offers full hookups and is conveniently located near the South Rim. Mather Campground, also on the South Rim, accommodates RVs but has no hookups.
Experience: The Grand Canyon’s immense size and its intricate, colorful landscape are awe-inspiring. Visitors can explore the South Rim, which is open year-round, and offers numerous viewpoints, hiking trails, and visitor services. The North Rim, open from mid-May to mid-October, provides a more secluded and rugged experience. Hiking the Bright Angel or South Kaibab trails offers a closer look at the canyon’s geology and ecosystems. For an unforgettable adventure, consider a rafting trip on the Colorado River.
Tips: Arrive early to find parking at popular viewpoints, and consider using the park shuttle to reduce congestion. Stay hydrated and be mindful of the elevation and dry climate when hiking.
Plan your visit to Grand Canyon National Park.
3. Yosemite National Park, California
Highlights: Waterfalls, giant sequoias, iconic rock formations.
RV Facilities: Yosemite offers several campgrounds that accommodate RVs, including Upper Pines, North Pines, and Wawona. Upper Pines is open year-round and provides easy access to Yosemite Valley.
Experience: Yosemite is renowned for its stunning waterfalls, such as Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Fall, and iconic rock formations like El Capitan and Half Dome. The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is home to some of the oldest and largest trees on earth. The park’s diverse landscapes range from lush meadows to alpine peaks, providing a variety of outdoor activities. Hiking, rock climbing, and scenic drives, such as the Tioga Road, offer endless exploration opportunities.
Tips: Reservations for campgrounds are essential, especially during peak season. Utilize the park’s shuttle system to navigate the valley and reduce vehicle congestion.
Discover more about Yosemite National Park.
4. Zion National Park, Utah
Highlights: Towering sandstone cliffs, hiking, canyoneering.
RV Facilities: Watchman Campground is located near the park’s south entrance and offers RV sites with electric hookups. South Campground, also nearby, accommodates RVs but has no hookups.
Experience: Zion’s dramatic landscape is characterized by towering sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and the Virgin River that cuts through the canyon floor. The park’s hiking trails are world-famous, with Angels Landing and The Narrows offering thrilling and unique experiences. The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway provides stunning views and access to several trailheads and viewpoints.
Tips: Zion is extremely popular, so plan to arrive early or visit during the off-season to avoid crowds. Use the park’s shuttle system to access the main canyon and reduce traffic congestion.
Get ready for your Zion National Park adventure.
5. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
Highlights: Lush forests, diverse wildlife, historic buildings.
RV Facilities: Elkmont and Cades Cove campgrounds are popular choices for RV travelers. While these campgrounds do not offer hookups, they provide a rustic and immersive experience in the heart of the Smokies.
Experience: The Great Smoky Mountains are renowned for their biodiversity, with over 19,000 documented species. The park’s lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and mist-covered peaks create a serene and picturesque environment. Historic buildings, such as those found in Cades Cove, offer a glimpse into the region’s past. Popular activities include hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives, such as the Newfound Gap Road and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Tips: The weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for sudden changes. Bear sightings are common, so follow all safety guidelines to protect yourself and the wildlife.
Explore more about Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
6. Acadia National Park, Maine
Highlights: Rugged coastline, Cadillac Mountain, carriage roads.
RV Facilities: Blackwoods and Seawall campgrounds can accommodate RVs, though they do not offer hookups. Blackwoods is closer to Bar Harbor and many of the park’s main attractions.
Experience: Acadia National Park features a stunning mix of rocky coastline, dense forests, and granite peaks. Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the U.S. East Coast, offers spectacular sunrise views. The park’s network of carriage roads, built by John D. Rockefeller Jr., are perfect for biking and leisurely walks. Jordan Pond and the surrounding trails offer serene landscapes and excellent photo opportunities.
Tips: Summer is the busiest season, so consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of spring or fall for fewer crowds and vibrant foliage. Reservations are recommended for the popular sunrise drive up Cadillac Mountain.
Find out more about visiting Acadia National Park.
7. Glacier National Park, Montana
Highlights: Alpine scenery, wildlife, historic lodges.
RV Facilities: Apgar and St. Mary campgrounds have RV spaces, though amenities are limited. Apgar is located near the park’s west entrance and offers proximity to Lake McDonald and many trails.
Experience: Glacier National Park, known as the “Crown of the Continent,” features dramatic alpine landscapes, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. The Going-to-the-Sun Road is a must-drive, offering breathtaking views and access to numerous trailheads and scenic points. Hiking opportunities abound, from short nature walks to challenging backcountry trails. Keep an eye out for mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and grizzly bears.
Tips: The Going-to-the-Sun Road typically opens in late June or early July, depending on snow conditions, so plan accordingly. Make campground reservations well in advance, especially if you need an RV site.
Learn more about Glacier National Park.
8. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Highlights: High mountain peaks, alpine lakes, wildlife.
RV Facilities: Moraine Park and Glacier Basin campgrounds offer RV spaces, though hookups are not available. These campgrounds provide stunning views and easy access to the park’s main attractions.
Experience: Rocky Mountain National Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with over 350 miles of hiking trails, scenic drives, and abundant wildlife. Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the U.S., offers sweeping vistas and access to alpine environments. Popular hikes include Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, and the challenging Longs Peak. Wildlife such as elk, moose, and bighorn sheep are frequently seen throughout the park.
Tips: The weather in the Rockies can change rapidly, so pack layers and be prepared for sudden temperature drops. Arrive early at popular trailheads to secure parking and avoid crowds.
Plan your trip to Rocky Mountain National Park.
9. Joshua Tree National Park, California
Highlights: Unique desert landscapes, Joshua trees, rock climbing.
RV Facilities: Black Rock and Jumbo Rocks campgrounds accommodate RVs, though they do not offer hookups. Both campgrounds provide a unique desert camping experience.
Experience: Joshua Tree National Park is known for its otherworldly landscapes, dominated by the iconic Joshua trees and dramatic rock formations. The park is a haven for rock climbers, with numerous climbing routes and bouldering opportunities. Hiking trails, such as the Hidden Valley and Barker Dam trails, offer scenic views and opportunities to spot desert wildlife. The night skies in Joshua Tree are exceptionally clear, making it a prime spot for stargazing.
Tips: Summer temperatures can be extreme, so plan your visit during the cooler months of fall, winter, or spring. Bring plenty of water and be prepared for desert conditions.
Discover Joshua Tree National Park.
