Looking to get closer to nature and linger longer at a US national park? RV camping is the perfect way to experience the majestic wide-open spaces of the US national parks.
Camping in an RV within a national park provides a comfortable base to immerse yourself in a park’s beauty from sunrise to sunset (and beyond for great stargazing). National park campsites also create a fun sense of community between RV campers, who share everything from vehicle advice to travel tips, BBQ recipes, and s’mores around the campfire.
The national parks listed below are top destinations not only for the quantity and quality of RV campsites within the parks but also for the access that RVs have to tour the parks on wide, paved roadways with key park attractions within roadside viewing distance.
1. Acadia National Park, Maine
Number of RV campsites: 3 campsites with 160 total RV spots
The most scenic RV route through the park: The 27 miles of Park Loop Road unveils a spectacular vista of mountains, ocean, lakes, and forests, with plenty of nearby trailheads for hiking. Acadia National Park becomes quite crowded in summer; therefore, consider a fall visit to avoid the heaviest traffic and enjoy prime Maine leaf-peeping.
2. Arches National Park, Utah
Number of RV campsites: 1 campground with 51 sites
The most scenic RV route through the park: Arches National Park’s Main Park Road traces 18 miles from the entrance with multiple pull-outs showcasing the park’s epic rock arches. After your visit here, you can explore nearby southern Utah attractions, making it an epic Utah national parks RV road trip.
3. Denali National Park, Alaska
Number of RV campsites: 3 campsites with 207 total spots
The most scenic RV route through the park: The only RV route is the first 15 miles of Denali Park Road, providing spectacular sweeping views of Denali’s mountainous landscape.
4. Everglades National Park, Florida
Number of RV campsites: 173 spots in 2 campgrounds
The most scenic RV route through the park: Take the 40-mile road from the Eastern Homestead Entrance to appreciate the rich biodiversity within Everglades National Park.
5. Glacier National Park, Montana
Number of RV campsites: 5 campsites with 631 RV spots
The most scenic RV route through the park: Although Glacier National Park’s famed Going-to-the-Sun Road is closed to vehicles more than 20 feet long, RVers can enjoy Highway 2 at the park’s edge. Enhance your sightseeing by heading to Many Glacier Road for breathtaking glacier views.
6. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Number of RV campsites: 4 campsites with 519 spots available for RVs
The most scenic RV route through the park: The 23 miles of Desert View Drive offers stunning views of the canyon with various pull-out points for photographs and short trails.
7. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina & Tennessee
Number of RV campsites: 9 campsites with 924 RV spots
The most scenic RV route through the park: Newfound Gap Road traverses 31 miles between Tennessee and North Carolina, providing a dramatic change in forest types along the way.
8. Joshua Tree National Park, California
Number of RV Campsites: 8 campsites with 495 spots open to RVs
The most scenic RV route through the park: Driving along Park Boulevard will showcase plenty of the park’s iconic trees and landmarks like Skull Rock and Jumbo Rock formations.
9. Yellowstone National Park, Montana & Wyoming
Number of RV campsites: 12 campsites with 2147 spots (often fully booked)
The most scenic RV route through the park: Grand Loop Road passes key attractions and takes about a full day to drive, so it’s best explored in segments.
10. Yosemite National Park, California
Number of RV campsites: 9 campsites with 1231 spaces welcome RVs
The most scenic RV route through the park: Tioga Road offers stunning views over 46 miles while traversing through Yosemite’s highlights.
Top Tips for RV Camping at US National Parks
- Most national parks use Recreation.gov for campsite reservations. Each park has its own quirks regarding timing and processes, so check specific rules prior to booking.
- Make reservations well in advance. National park RV campsites can fill up quickly, particularly during summer and holiday weekends.
- Research length restrictions and utilities for your RV campsite to avoid unpleasant surprises upon late-night arrivals.
- If you can’t secure an RV campsite within a national park, commercial RV campsites outside often provide more services and easier reservations.
- Bringing bicycles or a towed car can greatly expand your exploration options. Consider using park shuttle services where available.
This article was first published on March 25, 2022, and updated on August 21, 2024.
