The United States is home to some of the most breathtaking national parks in the world. I’ve been RVing for a while and I’ve visited some amazing parks. My favorite parks are not always on the top of the list of others but all National Park offers beauty. RVing is a great way to experience these national treasures and explore the great outdoors. Here is a list of my favorites:
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Yellowstone National Park
Located primarily in Wyoming, Yellowstone is the first national park in the world and a must-visit destination for RVers. It was established in 1872 as the first national park in the United States and is widely considered the world’s first national park. The park spans an area of over 2.2 million acres and features diverse landscapes, including hot springs, geysers, forests, canyons, and mountain ranges. Yellowstone is also home to a large variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk. The park is a popular destination and receives millions of visitors and RVers each year. It is known for its unique geothermal features, including the famous Old Faithful geyser, as well as its breathtaking scenery and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Yellowstone is a protected natural area and efforts are made to minimize human impact and preserve its delicate ecosystem. With its diverse landscapes, including geysers, hot springs, and impressive wildlife, Yellowstone is a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
The park has campgrounds but it fills up quickly. There are places for boondocking outside of the park.
Grand Canyon National Park
This iconic park in Arizona is known for its stunning views of the Grand Canyon, a 277-mile-long gorge carved by the Colorado River. The Grand Canyon National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Arizona, United States. It is widely known for its stunning landscape, which features a 277-mile long, up to 18-mile wide, and over-a-mile-deep canyon cut by the Colorado River. The Grand Canyon was formed over the course of millions of years through erosion and geological uplift.
The park has two campgrounds that can accommodate RVs, Trailer Village, and Mather Campground. Trailer Village, located near the South Rim, is the only campground in the park that has full hookups for RVs. Mather Campground, located near the South Rim, has partial hookups and can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet in length. It’s recommended to make reservations for these campgrounds during the busy summer months, as they fill up quickly. There are also several private RV parks located near the park if the campgrounds are full. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hiking, and ranger-led programs while camping in their RVs at the Grand Canyon.
Visitors to the park can take in the breathtaking views from the rim, hike into the canyon, or take a river trip down the Colorado River. The park also offers opportunities for camping, backpacking, and wildlife viewing, including the chance to see California Condors, Desert Bighorn Sheep, and various other species of animals and plants that are unique to the area.
The Grand Canyon is also considered to be a significant cultural resource, with evidence of human habitation in the area dating back over 12,000 years. The park is home to numerous Native American cultural sites and tribal lands and has a rich history that includes the story of the Ancestral Puebloan people and other Native American tribes who have lived in the region for centuries.
RVers can take in the views from scenic overlooks, hike down into the canyon, or even take a mule ride.
Yosemite National Park
This California park is famous for its towering cliffs, waterfalls, and meadows. Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, United States. It was established as a national park in 1890 and covers an area of over 1,200 square miles. The park is known for its stunning landscapes, including towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and rolling meadows, as well as its rich diversity of wildlife.
One of the park’s most famous landmarks is Yosemite Valley, which is surrounded by soaring granite cliffs and is home to some of the park’s most iconic attractions, including Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls. Visitors to the park can hike and backpack through the wilderness, go rock climbing, or take scenic drives through the park to take in the stunning views.
Yosemite is also known for its diverse ecosystem, which ranges from the high Sierra Nevada Mountains to subalpine forests and includes habitats for animals such as black bears, mountain lions, and deer. The park is also home to a large number of sequoia trees, including the Mariposa Grove, which is one of the largest collections of sequoia trees in the world.
Visitors to Yosemite National Park are inspired by its natural beauty, and many are drawn to its opportunities for adventure, recreation, and exploration. The park is a popular tourist destination, receiving millions of visitors each year, and is considered a national treasure, both for its ecological significance and its cultural and historical significance.
RVers can hike to Half Dome, visit Yosemite Falls, or go rock climbing in El Capitan.
Acadia National Park
Located on the coast of Maine, Acadia is a popular destination for RVers looking to experience the natural beauty of the northeastern United States. Located on the rugged coast of Maine, United States. Established in 1916 as the first national park east of the Mississippi River, Acadia covers over 49,000 acres and is known for its diverse landscapes, including rocky shorelines, dense forests, and rolling hills.
One of the park’s most famous landmarks is Cadillac Mountain, which is the highest point on the East Coast of the United States and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The park is also home to a number of historic landmarks, including the Bass Harbor Head Light, which is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country.
Acadia is popular for its recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, camping, and boating. The park features over 120 miles of trails, including the Precipice Trail, which is a popular hike that takes visitors to the top of Champlain Mountain, and the Jordan Pond Path, which is a scenic 3-mile loop that takes visitors around a serene mountain pond.
Visitors to Acadia National Park are drawn to its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and rich history. The park is a popular tourist destination, receiving over 3 million visitors each year, and is considered an important cultural and ecological resource. The park’s diverse landscapes and habitats support a wide variety of wildlife, including moose, bald eagles, and harbor seals, making it a valuable conservation area.
With its rocky coastline, dense forests, and stunning views, Acadia is a must-see destination for nature lovers.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park is a protected wilderness area located in southwestern Utah, United States. It covers over 229,000 acres and is known for its towering red cliffs, deep canyons, and diverse landscapes. The park is a popular destination for RVers.
Visiting Zion National Park by RV allows visitors to experience the park’s beauty and adventure in a comfortable and convenient way. RVs can be parked at the park’s South Campground, which offers electric and water hookups, as well as access to modern restrooms and showers. Additionally, there are several RV parks located just outside the park, offering full hookups and a range of amenities.
Visitors to Zion by RV can explore the park’s many hiking trails, including the popular Angels Landing, which takes visitors to the top of a narrow ridge with stunning views of the surrounding landscape, and the Narrows, a hike through a deep canyon that requires wading through the Virgin River. Additionally, visitors can take scenic drives through the park to take in the breathtaking views, or participate in ranger-led programs and campfire talks to learn about the park’s history and ecology.
Zion National Park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mule deer, and many species of birds, making it a great destination for wildlife viewing. With its stunning landscapes, rich history, and diverse recreational opportunities, Zion National Park is a must-visit destination for RV travelers and offers an unforgettable outdoor experience in one of America’s most beautiful wilderness areas.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico is a popular destination for RV travelers. The park offers an RV camping area with electrical and water hookups, as well as a dump station. It’s recommended to make a reservation in advance, especially during peak season, as spaces fill up quickly.
The park is best known for its network of limestone caves, including the famous Carlsbad Cavern, which is one of the largest cave chambers in the world. The park also features stunning desert landscapes, hiking trails, and wildlife, including bats, birds, and rattlesnakes. Visitors can explore the caves through guided tours, self-guided walks, or challenging spelunking expeditions. Carlsbad Caverns National Park was established as a National Park in 1930 and was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995.
Redwood National Park
Redwood National and State Parks in California is a beautiful destination for RV travelers. The park offers several RV-friendly campgrounds with varying levels of amenities, including electrical and water hookups, showers, and dump stations. It’s important to note that some campgrounds have size restrictions, so it’s recommended to check in advance to ensure your RV will fit.
While in the park, visitors can hike through old-growth redwood forests, go on scenic drives along the coast, spot wildlife such as elk and whales, and explore prairies and wetlands. There are also several picnic areas, beaches, and scenic viewpoints to enjoy. It’s a great way to immerse in the natural beauty of California’s North Coast.
Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park in Washington state is a stunning destination for RV travelers. The park offers several RV-friendly campgrounds with varying levels of amenities, including electrical and water hookups, showers, and dump stations. It’s recommended to make a reservation in advance.
While in the park, visitors can explore the park’s diverse landscapes, including old-growth forests, glacier-capped peaks, and the wild Pacific coastline. There are also several hiking trails to choose from, including the famous Hoh Rainforest and the Hurricane Ridge for panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains. Additionally, visitors can enjoy kayaking, fishing, and beachcombing along the coast. With so much natural beauty to take in, Olympic National Park is a must-visit destination for any RV traveler.
Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is a stunning destination for RV travelers. The park offers several RV-friendly campgrounds with varying levels of amenities, including electrical and water hookups, showers, and dump stations. It’s recommended to make a reservation in advance, especially during peak season, as spaces fill up quickly.
While in the park, visitors can enjoy scenic drives, take in panoramic views of the Teton Mountain Range, go on a hike, or enjoy water-based activities like fishing, boating, and rafting on nearby lakes and rivers. There are also several ranger-led programs, including guided hikes and wildlife viewing tours, to enhance the experience. Wildlife such as moose, elk, and bison can often be spotted in the park. With its stunning mountain scenery and wide range of outdoor activities, Grand Teton National Park is a must-visit destination for RV travelers.
Rocky Mountains National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is a national park located in northern Colorado, in the United States. It is a popular destination for RV travelers. The park has five campgrounds that can accommodate RVs, but it’s important to note that not all campsites have hookups. The five campgrounds are Moraine Park, Glacier Basin, Aspenglen, Longs Peak, and Timber Creek. Moraine Park and Glacier Basin are the largest campgrounds and have the most amenities, including flush toilets, potable water, and dump stations. Aspenglen, Longs Peak, and Timber Creek are more primitive and have limited amenities. It’s recommended to make reservations for the campgrounds during the busy summer months as they fill up quickly. There are also several private RV parks located near the park if the campgrounds are full. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and a variety of outdoor activities while camping in their RVs in Rocky Mountain National Park. The park is known for its stunning mountain landscapes and diverse wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, and moose. It features over 300 miles of hiking trails, including the famous Trail Ridge Road, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors can also enjoy scenic drives, picnicking, fishing, and camping. Established in 1915, Rocky Mountain National Park covers over 265,000 acres and attracts millions of visitors every year who come to enjoy its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
Each of these parks offers its own unique experiences, and RVing is the perfect way to see as much as possible. Whether you’re looking to hike, relax, or simply take in the beauty of these natural wonders, RVing is an excellent way to explore the best national parks in the USA.
Note: Before visiting any national park, it is always a good idea to check their official website for information on RV camping regulations and availability.
Last update on 2023-09-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
