Top National Parks

Exploring national parks in an RV offers a unique and immersive way to experience the natural beauty of the United States. Here are some of the best RV-friendly campsites in national parks, along with tips on making reservations and the best times to visit:

1. Yosemite National Park, California

    •    Top Campsites: Upper Pines, Lower Pines, North Pines, and Wawona Campground

    •    Reservations: Highly recommended and can be made up to five months in advance through Recreation.gov.

    •    Best Times to Visit: Spring and fall for fewer crowds and pleasant weather. Summer is popular but very busy, and winter offers a unique, snowy experience.

2. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho

    •    Top Campsites: Madison Campground, Fishing Bridge RV Park, and Grant Village Campground

    •    Reservations: Essential, especially for Fishing Bridge RV Park, which is the only campground with full hookups. Book through Recreation.gov.

    •    Best Times to Visit: Late spring (April to May) and early fall (September to October) for mild weather and wildlife viewing. Summer is peak season and very crowded.

3. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

    •    Top Campsites: Mather Campground (South Rim), Trailer Village RV Park (South Rim), and North Rim Campground

    •    Reservations: Strongly recommended, especially for the popular South Rim areas. Reservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

    •    Best Times to Visit: Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. The North Rim is only open from mid-May to mid-October.

4. Zion National Park, Utah

    •    Top Campsites: Watchman Campground and South Campground

    •    Reservations: Highly recommended and can be made up to six months in advance through Recreation.gov.

    •    Best Times to Visit: Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) for comfortable weather and vibrant colors. Summer is extremely hot and crowded.

5. Glacier National Park, Montana

    •    Top Campsites: Apgar Campground, Fish Creek Campground, and St. Mary Campground

    •    Reservations: Recommended, especially for Fish Creek and St. Mary Campgrounds. Reservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

    •    Best Times to Visit: Late June to mid-September when most of the park’s roads and facilities are open. Early fall offers beautiful foliage and fewer visitors.

6. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina

    •    Top Campsites: Cades Cove Campground, Elkmont Campground, and Smokemont Campground

    •    Reservations: Advised, particularly for Cades Cove and Elkmont. Reservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

    •    Best Times to Visit: Spring (April to May) and fall (September to November) for mild weather and stunning wildflowers or fall colors. Summer is busy but manageable.

Tips for Making Reservations:

    •    Plan Ahead: Popular national park campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Make reservations as early as possible.

    •    Use Recreation.gov: This is the primary platform for booking campsites in national parks. Familiarize yourself with the site and set reminders for reservation opening dates.

    •    Check Cancellation Policies: Be aware of the park’s cancellation policies in case your plans change.

    •    Be Flexible: If your first choice is fully booked, consider alternative dates or nearby campgrounds.

Best Times to Visit:

    •    Shoulder Seasons: Late spring and early fall are generally the best times to visit national parks. You’ll enjoy milder weather, fewer crowds, and often, lower prices.

    •    Off-Peak Times: Visiting during the week rather than weekends and avoiding major holidays can also help you find more available campsites and have a more enjoyable experience.

Embarking on an RV adventure in one of these stunning national parks is sure to be a memorable experience. Happy camping!