The 15 Best National Parks for RV Camping (According to RVers)

With 63 national parks, it can be tough to decide which to visit. For instance, should you check out the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone or the towering red rocks of Arches?

To help with this dilemma we went directly to the best source we know, fellow RVers, who’ve been there and done that. To find the best national parks for RV camping.

We’ll explore what makes each park great for RVers, which campgrounds can accommodate your rig (and which to avoid), and those insider tips you won’t find in the official brochures.

Plus, we’ll share the real scoop on reservation strategies, seasonal sweet spots, and how to make the most of your national park adventure.

Best National Parks for RV Camping:

1. Yellowstone National Park: America’s Original RV Destination

Quick Info:

• Address: 3305 Targhee Pass Hwy, West Yellowstone, Montana 59758 (West Entrance)
• Phone Number: 307-344-7381
• Website: www.nps.gov/yell/
• Number of Sites: Over 2,000 across 11 campgrounds
• Size Restrictions: Varies by Campground (25-95 feet max length)
• Hookups: Full hookups at Fishing Bridge RV Park Only (water, sewer, electric)
• Amenities: Dump stations, Potable Water, Restrooms, Food Storage Lockers

Yellowstone holds the title of America’s first national park, and it remains one of the best national parks for RV camping. This 2.2 million acres of nature offers dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and unique geothermal features you won’t find anywhere else on Earth.

From the reliable eruptions of Old Faithful to the colorful hot springs, every corner of this park delivers jaw-dropping moments and vistas.

For RVers, Yellowstone has several excellent campground options. Fishing Bridge RV Park is the only one with full hookups. Madison Campground provides a central location with easy access to Old Faithful and the geyser basins, while Bridge Bay offers amazing views of Yellowstone Lake.

Insider Tips:

• Reserve your campsite as early as possible (typically 6 months in advance) as spots fill quickly, especially during the peak summer season.
• Plan your drives strategically to avoid the midday crowds at popular attractions.
• Early mornings offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities in Lamar Valley, often called “America’s Serengeti.”
• Don’t miss the less-visited Norris Geyser Basin, which features some of the hottest and most active thermal features.
• Cell service is limited throughout the park, so download maps and information before arrival.

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2. Grand Canyon National Park: RV Camping at the Edge of Wonder

Quick Info:

• Address: 20 South Entrance Road, Grand Canyon National Park, AZ 86023
• Phone Number: 928-638-7888
• Website: www.nps.gov/grca/
• Number of Sites: 450+ (327 at Mather Campground, 123 at Trailer Village RV Park)
• Size Restrictions: Up to 30 feet at Mather Campground, up to 50 feet at Trailer Village
• Hookups: Full Hookups (Water, Sewer, Electric with 30/50 Amp) at Trailer Village Only
• Amenities: Dump Station, Showers, Laundry, Shuttle Service, Camp Store, Potable Water

Nothing prepares you for your first glimpse of the Grand Canyon, a mile-deep chasm carved by the Colorado River over millions of years.

For RVers, the Grand Canyon offers an amazing opportunity to wake up near one of America’s most iconic natural wonders.

Trailer Village RV Park is the best place for RVers to camp, as it’s the only in-park campground with full hookups. Its paved pull-through sites can accommodate even the largest campers up to 50 feet, and it’s open year-round. Also, the free shuttle bus stops every 15 minutes making it easy to explore the South Rim.

For those who don’t need hookups, Mather Campground offers more rustic camping under towering ponderosa pines with spacious sites that include a fire ring, picnic table, and parking for two vehicles.

Insider Tips:

• Book your Trailer Village reservation up to 13 months in advance as sites fill up extremely quickly, especially during the peak season from May through October.
• The South Rim is open year-round and offers the most comprehensive services and spectacular views.
• Early morning and late afternoon provide the best lighting for canyon photography and fewer crowds.
• If visiting in summer, take advantage of the park’s free shuttle.
• The ranger-led programs are also great and bring the canyon’s geology and history to life.

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3. Yosemite National Park: Camping in a Land of Giants

Quick Info:

• Address: Tioga Rd Hwy 120 & Hwy 140, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
• Phone Number: 209-372-0200
• Website: www.nps.gov/yose
• Number of Sites: 10 Campgrounds can Accommodate RVs Across the Park with Hundreds of Site
• Size Restrictions: 40′ Max for RVs, 35′ Max for Trailers (Limited Sites); Most Sites Accommodate RVs Up to 35′ or Trailers Up to 24′
• Hookups: No Hookups Available at Any Yosemite Campgrounds (Fresh Water and Dump Stations at Upper Pines Campground All Year)*
• Amenities: Restrooms, Potable Water, Fire Rings, Picnic Tables, Dump Stations

Yosemite National Park has some of the most awe-inspiring scenery and vistas, with its towering granite cliffs, majestic waterfalls, and ancient giant sequoias.

Camping within this natural cathedral provides an unforgettable experience, though it comes with some limitations as is typical with most best national parks for RV camping.

Upper Pines, Lower Pines, and North Pines campgrounds in Yosemite Valley offer the most popular spots for RVers, placing you steps away from iconic sights like Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls. If you need a spot for a large rig though only eight sites in the park can handle the maximum 40-foot length for RVs or 35-foot for trailers (six in Lower Pines and two in North Pines).

While no campgrounds in Yosemite offer hookups, dump stations with fresh water are available at Upper Pines (year-round) and near Wawona and Tuolumne Meadows (summer only).

Insider Tips:

• Reservations are mandatory and available 5 months in advance on the 15th of each month at 7 am Pacific Time through Recreation.gov.
• Set calendar reminders and be ready at your computer when reservations open, they often fill within minutes.
• Visit in spring for amazing waterfall views or in fall for cooler temps and fewer crowds.
• Take advantage of the free shuttle as it allows for easy exploration of Yosemite Valley.

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4. Great Smoky Mountains National Park: America’s Most Visited Park

Quick Info:

• Address: 107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
• Phone Number: 865-436-1200
• Website: www.nps.gov/grsm
• Number of Sites: 900+ across 10 campgrounds (Varying Seasonal Availability)
• Size Restrictions: Varies by Campground; Many Accommodate Standard Size RVs
• Hookups: Limited (Only Look Rock Campground Offers 10 sites with Electric/Water)
• Amenities: Flush Toilets, Drinking Water, Fire Grates, Picnic Tables, Dump Stations at Several Campgrounds

Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, offering a stunning landscape of ancient mountains shrouded in their distinct blue haze.

As America’s most visited national park, it’s also one of the best national parks for RV camping, thanks to its biodiversity and scenic drives. The park’s diverse ecosystems support thousands of plant and animal species, making it a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For RVers, the three largest and most reliable campgrounds for RV camping are Cades Cove, Elkmont, and Smokemont, with Cades Cove and Smokemont operating year-round.

Smokemont, located near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in the park’s South District, offers 44 designated RV sites. Cades Cove, set in a picturesque valley surrounded by mountains, provides a popular base for exploring the historic homesteads and scenic 11-mile loop road. While most campgrounds don’t offer hookups, dump stations with potable water are available at Cades Cove, Cosby, Deep Creek, Look Rock, and Smokemont campgrounds.

Insider Tips:

• Reservations are mandatory and can be made through Recreation.gov.
• Visit Cades Cove early in the morning to spot wildlife like black bears and white-tailed deer.
• The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail near Gatlinburg offers a scenic drive accessible to most RVs.
• Peak fall foliage occurs in mid-October at higher elevations and late October to early November in the valleys.

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5. Zion National Park: RV Camping Among Red Rock Cathedrals

Quick Info:

• Address: 1 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT 84767
• Phone Number: 435-772-3256
• Website: www.nps.gov/zion
• Number of Sites: 190+ at Watchman Campground (South Campground Closed for Rehab)
• Size Restrictions: Varies by Site; Some Accommodate RVs Up to 40 Feet
• Hookups: No Hookups Available
• Amenities: Flush Toilets, Drinking Water, Picnic Tables, Fire Pits with Grills, Dump Station

Zion National Park, Utah’s first national park, offers some of the most dramatic scenery in the Southwest with its soaring sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and fiery desert landscape.

Currently, Watchman Campground is the best option for RV camping in the park, as South Campground is closed for a long-term rehabilitation project. Watchman operates year-round and offers nearly 190 sites, many of which can accommodate RVs. Located near the south entrance in Springdale, the campground provides easy access to the park’s shuttle system, which is mandatory during peak season (mid-March through late November).

Despite the lack of hookups at Zion’s campgrounds, the facilities include comfort stations with flush toilets, cold running drinkable water, picnic tables, and fire pits with attached grills.

Insider Tips:

• Reservations for Watchman Campground are mandatory and can be made up to six months in advance through Recreation.gov.
• The campgrounds fill almost every night from mid-March through late November.
• Plan your visit for spring (April-May) or fall (September-October) for more moderate temps.
• Be prepared for the desert climate, many campsites receive little or no shade throughout the day, and summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F.
• The famous Narrows or Angels Landing can be challenging for those with limited mobility, while the Riverside Walk and Lower Emerald Pool trails offer great views that are more accessible.
• Springdale, next to the park, has pay showers, markets, laundromats, and restaurants, all accessible via a free shuttle.

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6. Arches National Park: Red Rock RV Camping

Quick Info:

• Address: Arches National Park, 5 Miles North of Moab on US 191, Moab, UT 84532
• Phone Number: 435-719-2299
• Website: www.nps.gov/arch
• Number of Sites: 51 sites at Devils Garden Campground
• Size Restrictions: Sites Accommodate RVs Up to 40 Feet
• Hookups: No Hookups Available
• Amenities: Picnic Tables, Grills, Potable Water, Flush Toilets and Pit Toilets

Nestled among ancient red rock formations, Arches National Park has over 2,000 natural stone arches, towering spires, massive fins, and balanced rocks that seem to defy gravity.

Devils Garden Campground is the only campground within Arches, 18 miles from the park entrance amid striking slickrock outcroppings. With just 51 sites, this campground provides a rare opportunity to sleep surrounded by the park’s iconic formations. The campsites vary in length from 20 to 40 feet, accommodating a range of RV sizes, though none offer hookups.

During the peak season (March 1 through October 31), securing a spot requires planning and a little luck (reservations become available six months ahead and typically fill within hours of release). The remaining months (November through February) operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Insider Tips:

• Between April and October, Arches requires a timed entry reservation. Make these arrangements well in advance through Recreation.gov.
• One of the best trails is the Devils Garden Loop Trail, which begins near the campground and showcases eight impressive arches including the famous Landscape Arch.
• Dawn and dusk provide the most dramatic lighting for photography and cooler temperatures for hiking.
• If Devils Garden is full, there are other campgrounds just outside the park, including public and private options.
• Summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F, so plan your outdoor activities for early morning or evening hours.

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7. Grand Teton National Park: Mountain Majesty

Quick Info:

• Address: 100 Discovery Way Moose, WY 83012
• Phone Number: 307-739-3399
• Website: www.nps.gov/grte
• Number of Sites: 900+ Across Multiple Campgrounds
• Size Restrictions: 30-45 Foot Length Limits Depending on Campground
• Hookups: Full Hookups Available at Colter Bay RV Park and Electric at Gros Ventre/Signal Mountain
• Amenities: Comfort Stations, Potable Water, Picnic Tables, Fire Grates, Bear Boxes, Dump Stations

One of the best national parks for RV camping is Grand Teton National Park, due to its dramatic mountain landscapes of the jagged Teton Range.

For full hook-up RV camping, Colter Bay RV Park has 112 electric/water/sewer sites in a lodgepole pine forest near Jackson Lake. For those who only need electrical, Gros Ventre Campground (39 sites) and Signal Mountain Campground (25 sites) offer stunning settings with partial services. Also, Headwaters Campground, located on the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway just north of the park, offers 97 full-hookup pull-through sites.

Gros Ventre is the largest campground with 279 sites and can accommodate RVs up to 45 feet in length while offering occasional views of wildlife including bison and moose. Signal Mountain provides spectacular views of Mount Moran and Jackson Lake but limits RV length to 30 feet. Colter Bay offers access to numerous amenities including restaurants, stores, a marina, and laundry facilities.

Insider Tips:

• All campgrounds in Grand Teton require reservations, which can be made up to six months in advance through Recreation.gov.
• Sites fill quickly, especially during the peak summer season of June through August.
• Bear-proof food storage is mandatory throughout the park and each campsite has a metal bear box.
• For stunning photos visit Schwabacher Landing or Oxbow Bend at sunrise to capture the mountains reflected in still waters.
• Use the park’s shuttle boat across Jenny Lake for easy access to popular hiking trails.
• In September crowds thin out but the weather remains pleasant, with the bonus of fall colors.

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8. Glacier National Park: Glaciers, Valleys & Stunning Lakes Oh My

Quick Info:

• Address: 11970 US Highway 2 E, West Glacier, Montana 59936
• Phone Number: 406-888-7800
• Website: www.nps.gov/glac
• Number of Sites: 13 Front Country Campgrounds with Many Campsites to Choose From
• Size Restrictions: Varies by Campground
• Hookups: No hookups Available
• Amenities: Varies by Campground; Most Have Restrooms, Drinking Water, and Food Storage Lockers

Located in Montana’s Rocky Mountains along the Canadian border, Glacier National Park offers breathtaking alpine scenery, including glaciers, alpine meadows, and etched valleys. This untouched wilderness offers over 700 miles of hiking trails, spectacular lakes, rushing waterfalls, and the park’s namesake glaciers, though they’re rapidly receding due to the warming climate.

A can’t-miss attraction is the Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50-mile scenic route that crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass with unbelievable views.

For RV camping, Glacier has 13 front-country campgrounds, many of which can accommodate RVs, though size restrictions vary considerably. The most RV-friendly options include Apgar, St. Mary, and Many Glacier campgrounds. Apgar, located near the west entrance, is the park’s largest campground and offers easy access to Lake McDonald and the visitor center. St. Mary, situated near the east entrance, provides spectacular mountain views and is great for exploring the eastern side of the park.

No campgrounds in Glacier offer hookups, so RVers need to be prepared for dry camping. Fee-based showers are available at Rising Sun and Swiftcurrent Motor Inns, while Fish Creek, Apgar, and St. Mary campgrounds offer showers for registered campers only.

Insider Tips:

• Most campgrounds require reservations through Recreation.gov, which become available six months in advance on a rolling basis.
• Book as early as possible, especially for visits during the peak season of July and August.
• If you’re planning to drive the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road with your RV, be aware vehicles longer than 21 feet or wider than 8 feet are prohibited on portions of the road between Avalanche and Rising Sun.
• Visit in late June (when the road typically opens) or early September to avoid the largest crowds.
• Be prepared for cold weather even in summer, especially at night in higher elevations.

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9. Joshua Tree National Park: RV Desert Wonderland

Quick Info:

• Address: 74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
• Phone Number: 760-367-5500
• Website: www.nps.gov/jotr
• Number of Sites: 500+ Across Nine Campgrounds
• Size Restrictions: 25-35 Feet Depending on Campground
• Hookups: No Hookups Available
• Amenities: Varies by Campground; Some Have Water and Flush Toilets, Others are More Primitive

While you won’t find any campsites with full hookups, Joshua Tree National Park is still one of the best national parks for RV camping, thanks to its surreal landscape where the Mohave and Colorado deserts come together.

Famous for its twisted Joshua trees, massive boulder formations, and starry night skies, Joshua Tree truly offers a one-of-a-kind RV camping experience.

The park maintains nine campgrounds with varying levels of amenities and RV accessibility. Black Rock and Cottonwood are the most developed campgrounds, offering potable water, flush toilets, fire grates, picnic tables, and dump stations. These campgrounds can accommodate larger RVs and are available by reservation only. Jumbo Rocks, the largest campground with 124 sites, can handle moderate-sized RVs but has more limited facilities with pit toilets and no water.

The first-come, first-served campgrounds, Hidden Valley, White Tank, and Belle are great for smaller rigs up to 25 feet. Hidden Valley, nestled among massive rock formations, is particularly popular for its central location and proximity to climbing areas. White Tank and Belle campgrounds can accommodate RVs up to 25 feet and 35 feet, respectively, though Belle is generally better for slightly larger rigs.

Insider Tips:

• Reservations are essential during the peak season (October through May) and can be made up to six months in advance through Recreation.gov.
• For a first-come, first-served site, arrive early in the week, they typically fill by Friday afternoon.
• Visit during weekdays if possible, as weekends can be extremely crowded.
• The North Entrance in Twentynine Palms offers the quickest access during busy periods.
• For the best desert experience, hike early in the morning, when temperatures are cooler and wildlife is more active.
• Don’t miss the Cholla Cactus Garden at sunrise or Keys View at sunset, though be prepared for crowds at the latter.

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10. Bryce Canyon National Park: RV Camping Surrounded by Hoodoos

Quick Info:

• Address: Bryce Canyon National Park, UT-63, Bryce, Utah 84764
• Phone Number: 435-834-5322
• Website: www.nps.gov/brca
• Number of Sites: Two Campgrounds with Multiple Loops
• Size Restrictions: Site-specific, Dimensions Available on Recreation.gov; Limited Spots for Larger Rigs
• Hookups: No Hookups Available
• Amenities: Restrooms, Picnic Tables, Fire Rings, Dump Station ($5 Fee Waived for Campers)

Bryce Canyon National Park offers nature’s most extravagant sculpture garden, a landscape filled with thousands of delicately carved spires called “hoodoos” rising from natural amphitheaters.

The vibrant orange, pink, and red rock formations create an otherworldly setting that changes with the lighting throughout the day.

The park offers two campgrounds located near the main Bryce Amphitheater, Visitor Center, and Bryce Canyon Lodge. North Campground operates year-round, though during winter months (January to mid-April) only Loop A is open. Sunset Campground closes during winter but operates from mid-April through mid-October. Both campgrounds can accommodate RVs, though site sizes vary considerably.

While neither campground offers hookups, a dump station with potable water is available at the North Campground from spring through fall (closing when overnight temperatures drop below freezing).

Insider Tips:

• Check site dimensions carefully on Recreation.gov before booking, as many sites have specific length limitations.
• Vehicles exceeding 23 feet are restricted from parking in the Bryce Amphitheater area from mid-April to mid-October, so plan to use the free shuttle service.
• At 8,000-9,000 feet elevation, Bryce Canyon experiences wide temperature fluctuations, even summer nights can drop near freezing, so pack accordingly.

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11. Rocky Mountain National Park: RV Alpine Camping

Quick Info:

• Address: 1000 US Hwy 36, Estes Park, CO 80517
• Phone Number: 970-586-1206
• Website: www.nps.gov/romo
• Number of Sites: 570+ Across Five Campgrounds
• Size Restrictions: 30-40 Feet Depending on Campground
• Hookups: No Hookups Available
• Amenities: Varies by Campground; Most Have Food Storage Lockers, Fire Rings, Picnic Tables; Some Have Seasonal Dump Stations

Rocky Mountain National Park has over 415 square miles of mountain terrain from 7,500 to 14,259 feet.

Offering more than 300 miles of hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and dramatic mountain vistas it’s one of the best national parks for RV camping.

The park has five campgrounds. Moraine Park Campground (currently closed for renovations but expected to reopen soon) offers the most generous RV accommodations, with sites that can handle rigs up to 40 feet. Glacier Basin Campground can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet, while both Aspenglen and Timber Creek Campgrounds have a 30-foot limit. (Longs Peak Campground is tent-only.)

None of the campgrounds offer hookups, though Glacier Basin and Timber Creek Campgrounds provide seasonal dump stations. Aspenglen Campground is the only option for winter camping, operating on a first-come, first-served basis. During the peak summer season (typically late May through September), all campgrounds except Longs Peak require reservations through Recreation.gov.

Insider Tips:

• Weather changes rapidly due to the mountainous terrain. Be prepared for temperature drops of 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, even in summer.
• Winter campers should come equipped with snow removal tools, as sites are not cleared.
• Trail Ridge Road, which reaches over 12,000 feet and offers unforgettable views typically opens in late May and closes in mid-October.
• For wildlife viewing, head to Moraine Park or Horseshoe Park at dawn or dusk for elk sightings.
• In September aspen trees turn golden and crowds diminish, yet most facilities remain open.

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12. Sequoia National Park: RV Camping Surrounded By Giants

Quick Info:

• Address: 47050 Generals Highway, Three Rivers, CA 93271
• Phone Number: 559-565-3341
• Website: www.nps.gov/seki
• Number of Sites: Multiple Campgrounds with Hundreds of Sites
• Size Restrictions: Varies by Campground; Many Accommodate Standard RVs
• Hookups: No Hookups Available
• Amenities: Picnic Tables, Fire Rings with Grills, Food Storage Lockers, Seasonal Dump Stations

Sequoia National Park offers RVers the chance to camp beneath some of the largest living organisms on Earth. While the majestic giant sequoias take center stage, the park also has deep canyons, rugged mountains, and diverse ecosystems.

The park maintains multiple campgrounds. For RVers, Potwisha and Dorst Creek Campgrounds are particularly accommodating. Potwisha, located in the foothills of Sequoia at 2,100 feet, is open year-round and has a dump station.

Lodgepole Campground, in the heart of Sequoia at 6,700 feet, provides 214 sites with easy access to the Giant Forest and many popular trails. It also offers a seasonal dump station and is within walking distance of Lodgepole Village, where you’ll find a visitor center, market, and showers. Kings Canyon, Sunset, and Azalea Campgrounds near Grant Grove offer moderate-elevation camping (6,500 feet) with access to services at Grant Grove Village.

Insider Tips:

• Reservations are essential for most campgrounds during their operating seasons and can be made through Recreation.gov on different rolling schedules depending on the campground.
• If your RV exceeds 22 feet in length, enter the parks via Highway 180 rather than Highway 198, as the latter has tight turns.
• Bears are active throughout the park, so proper food storage is mandatory with each campsite having a metal food box.
• The parks’ campgrounds span elevations from 2,100 to 7,500 feet, with dramatically different temperatures so make sure you’re prepared for the weather.
• For fewer crowds visit during the shoulder seasons of late spring or early fall.

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13. Acadia National Park: North Atlantic Coast RV Camping

Quick Info:

• Address: 25 Visitor Center Road, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
• Phone Number: 207-288-3338
• Website: www.nps.gov/acad
• Number of Sites: Three Developed Campgrounds with Numerous Campsites
• Size Restrictions: Varies by Campground and Site Type
• Hookups: Only Electric at Schoodic Woods
• Amenities: Restrooms, Picnic Tables, Fire Rings, Food Storage Lockers, Dump Stations

One of the best national parks for RV camping and the only option in the Northeast is Acadia National Park.

Acadia combines dramatic granite peaks, thundering surf, pristine woodlands, and cultural history in a compact, accessible package.

For RV camping, the park provides three options. Blackwoods Campground, located on the east side of Mount Desert Island, provides convenient access to Bar Harbor and the Park Loop Road, including popular destinations like Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and the Cadillac Mountain summit.

Seawall Campground, on the “quiet side” of Mount Desert Island, offers a more laid-back experience near the charming village of Southwest Harbor and the scenic Ship Harbor and Wonderland trails. Schoodic Woods Campground, the newest and most RV-friendly facility, is located on the Schoodic Peninsula mainland and is the only campground with electric hookups.

Insider Tips:

• Reservations are mandatory and should be made six months in advance when available on the 1st of each month at 10 am EST through Recreation.gov.
• If you miss this window, 10% of the sites are released 14 days before the arrival date.
• A shuttle bus provides free transportation around Mount Desert Island during the summer.
• For the best RV camping experience visit in late September through mid-October when the fall foliage is at its peak, temperatures are comfortable, and crowds are smaller.
• Many roads in the park, particularly on Mount Desert Island, have low clearances or tight turns that may be challenging for larger RVs.

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14. Mount Rainier National Park: In the Shadow of a Volcano

Quick Info:

• Address: 55210 238th Avenue East, Ashford, WA 98304
• Phone Number: 360-569-2211
• Website: www.nps.gov/mora
• Number of Sites: Three CCmpgrounds with over 400 Combined Sites When Open
• Size Restrictions: RVs Up to 35′ at Cougar Rock, 32′ at Ohanapecosh, 27′ at White River
• Hookups: No Hookups Available
• Amenities: Flush Toilets (Seasonal), Potable water, Fire grates, Picnic Tables

Mount Rainier National Park centers around its 14,410-foot active volcano.

This iconic mountain dominates the landscape, surrounded by wildflower meadows, ancient forests, and abundant wildlife. RV campers can stay within the park, which provides direct access to over 275 miles of trails and vistas in every direction.

The park has three campgrounds that accommodate RVs. Cougar Rock Campground, located in the southwest section at 3,180 feet, offers the most generous RV accommodations with sites that can handle rigs up to 35 feet and trailers up to 27 feet. Ohanapecosh Campground, situated in the southeast corner at a lower elevation of 1,914 feet, can accommodate RVs up to 32 feet and trailers up to 27 feet. White River Campground, in the northeast section at 4,400 feet, has the most restrictive size limits, allowing RVs up to 27 feet, and trailers up to 18 feet.

None of the campgrounds offer hookups, and the RV dump station at Cougar Rock is only open seasonally.

Due to the park’s heavy snowfall, the camping season is relatively short. Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh typically open from late May to late September, and White River from late June to late September.

Insider Tips:

• Campground reservations for Cougar Rock should be made well in advance through Recreation.gov, as sites fill quickly for the short summer season.
• White River operates on a first-come, first-served basis requiring the Recreation.gov mobile app for payment. Download the app before arrival, as cell service is limited.
• Weather can change rapidly, with snow possible even in summer at higher elevations.
• The best wildflower displays typically occur from mid-July to mid-August at Paradise and Sunrise.
• Crowds are heaviest in July and August; consider a mid-week visit or arrive before 10 am or after 2:30 pm to avoid entrance delays.
• Head to Reflection Lakes early in the morning when the mountain’s image is most likely mirrored in the still waters.

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15. Everglades National Park: America’s Largest Subtropical Wilderness

Quick Info:

• Address: 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, FL 33034-6733
• Phone Number: 305-242-7700
• Website: www.nps.gov/ever
• Number of Sites: 382 Combined at Two Campgrounds
• Size Restrictions: RVs Up to 35 Feet
• Hookups: 41 with Electric at Flamingo Campground
• Amenities: Solar-heated Showers, Dump Stations (at Flamingo), Picnic Tables, Grills, Amphitheater

Everglades National Park offers RV travelers a unique camping experience among 1.5 million acres of subtropical wilderness. This international treasure, recognized as a World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve, provides shelter for numerous rare and endangered species including manatees, American crocodiles, and the elusive Florida panther.

The Everglades has two distinct seasons. The dry season (December through April) has milder temperatures, fewer insects, and lots of wildlife as water levels recede, making it the most popular time to visit. The wet season (May through November) features hot, humid conditions with daily thunderstorms, higher water levels, and lots of mosquitoes.

The park offers two developed frontcountry campgrounds that accommodate RVs. Flamingo Campground, located at the southernmost tip of the Florida peninsula where freshwater meets the saltwater of Florida Bay, provides 274 sites including 41 with electric hookups. It also has solar-heated showers, two dump stations, and access to numerous hiking and canoe trails. Long Pine Key Campground, situated in a pine forest just 7 miles from the main entrance, offers 108 sites for both RVs and tents but operates seasonally from November through May with no hookups.

Insider Tips:

• During the dry season, reservations are a must and should be made well in advance through Recreation.gov.
• During the wet season, pack plenty of insect repellent, lightweight clothing with long sleeves and pants, and consider mosquito head nets.
• Early mornings provide the best wildlife viewing, especially along the famous Anhinga Trail at Royal Palm.
• The winter months (December-February) offer peak bird viewing as migratory birds join the resident species.
• Stay alert for alligators and the less common American crocodiles, particularly in coastal areas around Flamingo.