The U.S. is a beautiful country with vast stretches of untouched nature. With everything from canyons to mountains, deserts to glaciers, rivers, waterfalls, geysers, incredible flora and fauna, and so much more, we’re lucky to have all this splendor in our backyard. And we’re able to enjoy it all thanks to the National Park Service.
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President Woodrow Wilson established the U.S. National Park Service in 1916, making official a long tradition of preserving land for public enjoyment and for future generations. Today, the National Park Service manages 424 units, including 63 National Parks, totaling just over 85 million acres of land. That’s nearly 133,000 square miles, which is larger than the entire country of Greece!
Those 133,000 square miles are just waiting to be explored – and we think an RV is the best way to do it. Here’s how you can rent an RV, even if you’ve never had an RV before, and which RV-friendly National Parks to explore.
Yes, You Can Rent an RV!
Considering a family adventure? Renting an RV is a fantastic option to explore the country while enjoying the comforts of home. RV vacations allow you to connect with nature, stargaze, and spend quality time with your loved ones at your own pace.
RVshare is an online platform that connects RV owners with people looking to rent RVs. When you browse the site, you’ll find a variety of options like luxurious Class A Diesels, cozy Class B Camper Vans, spacious Class C Motorhomes, and Travel Trailers. You can easily find the perfect RV to suit your needs.
RVshare lets you compare prices, features, and reviews so you’ll be able to make an informed decision and pick the best RV for your adventure. And with secure payment systems, rental protection, and 24-hour roadside assistance available, you can embark on your journey with peace of mind. So, gear up for a memorable experience, reconnect with your family, and embrace the freedom of RV travel!
Most Popular RV-Friendly National Park Destinations
The National Park Service shares statistics about visitors to the nation’s parks each year, including the total number of RV campers by park. Below are the nation’s top parks in terms of the number of RVs admitted in the year 2022, making them the most popular RV-friendly National Parks, arranged by general region.
Heads Up! Many campsites are closed at different times of the year for weather and safety reasons. Many also require reservations in advance. Be sure to check the details before making travel plans. Also, the information below covers only developed campgrounds that accept RVs and only calls out a few key services where available like electric hookups, potable water, flush toilets, and dump sites. Check each individual park’s website for more information so you’re prepared before you set out.
West
Joshua Tree National Park – California
Why visit Joshua Tree? From the NPS website: “Two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado, come together in Joshua Tree National Park. A fascinating variety of plants and animals make their homes in a land sculpted by strong winds and occasional torrents of rain. Dark night skies, a rich cultural history, and surreal geologic features add to the wonder of this vast wilderness in southern California. Come explore for yourself.”
Of the park’s nine campgrounds, eight allow RVs. Note: there are no hookups at any Joshua Tree campgrounds.
- Black Rock Campground. Max RV length: 35’. Potable water, flush toilets, and dump station year-round
- Cottonwood Campground. Max RV length: 35’. Potable water
- Indian Cove Campground. Max RV length: 35’
- Jumbo Rocks Campground. Max RV length: 35’
- Ryan Campground. Max RV length: 35’
- Belle Campground. Max RV length: 35’
- Hidden Valley Campground. Max RV length: 24’
- White Tank Campground. Max RV length: 24’
Yosemite National Park – California
Why visit Yosemite? From the NPS website: “Not just a great valley, but a shrine to human foresight, the strength of granite, the power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra. First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more.”
Of the park’s 13 campgrounds, 9 specifically allow RVs. The others don’t ban RVs per se, but they are not recommended. Note: there are no hookups at Yosemite campgrounds, but all campgrounds listed below have tap water and toilets.
- Upper Pines Campground. Max RV length: 35’. Dump station year-round
- Lower Pines Campground. Max RV length: 40’
- North Pines Campground. Max RV length: 40’
- Wawona Campground. Max RV length: 35’. Dump station summer only
- Bridalveil Campground. Max RV length: 35’
- Hodgdon Meadow Campground. Max RV length: 35’
- Crane Flat Campground. Max RV length: 35’
- White Wolf Campground. Max RV length: 27’
- Tuolumne Meadows Campground. Max RV length: 35’. Dump station summer only
Death Valley National Park – California and Nevada
Why visit Death Valley? From the NPS website: “In this below-sea-level basin, steady drought and record summer heat make Death Valley a land of extremes. Yet, each extreme has a striking contrast. Towering peaks are frosted with winter snow. Rare rainstorms bring vast fields of wildflowers. Lush oases harbor tiny fish and refuge for wildlife and humans. Despite its morbid name, a great diversity of life thrives in Death Valley.”
Of the park’s 7 developed campgrounds, 6 allow RVs, including one with electric hookups.
- Furnace Creek Campground. No max RV length given. Has 18 electric hookups out of 136 sites. Potable water, flush toilets, and dump station year-round
- Texas Springs Campground. Max RV length: 35’. Potable water, flush toilets, dump station, seasonal
- Sunset Campground. Max RV length: 60’. Potable water, flush toilets, and dump station, seasonal
- Stovepipe Wells Campground. No max RV length given. Potable water, flush toilets, and dump station, seasonal
- Wildrose Campground. Max RV length: 25’ Potable water
- Mesquite Spring Campground. No max RV length given. Potable water, seasonal
In addition, RV hookup sites are available at Stovepipe Wells RV Park and Panamint Springs Resort.
Southwest
Grand Canyon National Park – Arizona
Why visit Grand Canyon National Park? From the NPS website: “Grand Canyon National Park, in Northern Arizona, encompasses 278 miles (447 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. Located on the ancestral homeland of 11 Associated Tribes, Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world—unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers visitors from the rim.”
Of the 5 campgrounds listed, 4 allow RVs, including one RV park with hookups.
- Mather Campground – South Rim. Max RV length: 30’. Potable water, flush toilets, and dump station year-round
- Trailer Village RV Park – South Rim. Max RV length: 50’. Has full hookups and other amenities
- Desert View Campground – South Rim. Max RV length: 30’. Potable water and flush toilets, seasonal
- Campgrounds – North Rim. Max RV length: 40’. Potable water, flush toilets, dump site, seasonal
Rocky Mountain National Park – Colorado
Why visit Rocky Mountain National Park? From the NPS website: “Rocky Mountain National Park’s 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. From meadows found in the Montane life zone to glistening alpine lakes and up to the towering mountain peaks, there is something for everyone to discover. Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible wildlife viewing.”
Of the park’s 5 campgrounds, 4 allow RVs. Note: there are NO HOOKUPS at any Rocky Mountain campgrounds, but ALL campgrounds listed below have potable water and flush toilets.
- Aspenglen Campgrounds. Max RV length: 30’
- Glacier Basin Campgrounds. Max RV length: 35’. Dump station, seasonal
- Moraine Campgrounds. Max RV length: 40’
- Timber Creek Campgrounds. Max RV length: 30’. Dump station, seasonal
Zion National Park – Utah
Why visit Zion National Park? From the NPS website: “Follow the paths where native people and pioneers walked. Gaze up at massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that soar into a brilliant blue sky. Experience wilderness in a narrow slot canyon. Zion’s unique array of plants and animals will enchant you as you absorb the rich history of the past and enjoy the excitement of present-day adventures.”
Of the park’s 3 campgrounds, one (South Campground) is closed as of 2023 for rehabilitation work, but the remaining 2 allow RVs, including one with electric hookups.
- Lava Point Campgrounds. Max RV length: 19’
- Watchman Campgrounds. Max RV length: 40’. Electric hookups at 95 out of 176 sites. Potable water, flush toilets, and dump station year-round
Northwest
Glacier National Park – Montana
Why visit Glacier National Park? From the NPS website: “A showcase of melting glaciers, alpine meadows, carved valleys, and spectacular lakes. With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier is a paradise for adventurous visitors seeking wilderness steeped in human history. Relive the days of old through historic chalets, lodges, and the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road.”
Of the park’s 13 campgrounds, 7 allow RVs. Note: there are NO HOOKUPS at any Glacier National Park campgrounds, but ALL campgrounds listed below have potable water, flush toilets, and a dump station, seasonal.
- Rising Sun Campgrounds. Max RV length: 25’
- Apgar Campgrounds. Max RV length: 40’
- Avalanche Campgrounds. Max RV length: 26’
- Fish Creek Campground. Max RV length: 35’
- Many Glacier Campground. Max RV length: 35’
- St. Mary Campground. Max RV length: 40’
- Two Medicine Campground. Max RV length: 35’
Olympic National Park – Washington
Why visit Olympic National Park? From the NPS website: “With its incredible range of precipitation and elevation, diversity is the hallmark of Olympic National Park. Encompassing nearly a million acres, the park protects a vast wilderness, thousands of years of human history, and several distinctly different ecosystems, including glacier-capped mountains, old-growth temperate rain forests, and over 70 miles of wild coastline.”
Of the 15 campgrounds listed, 10 accept RVs, including 2 RV Parks with more amenities. ALL campgrounds below have potable water and flush toilets unless otherwise noted.
- Fairholme Campground. Max RV length: 21’. Dump station
- Heart O’ the Hills Campground. Max RV length: 21’, with a few sites for 35’
- Hoh Campground. Max RV length: 21’, with a few sites for 35’
- Fairholme Campground. Max RV length: 21’, with a few sites for 35’. Dump station
- Log Cabin Resort RV & Campground: Max RV length: 35’. Full hookups for electricity and sewer plus other amenities
- Mora Campground. Max RV length: 21’, with a few sites for 35’. Dump station
- Ozette Campground. Max RV length: 21 feet max. Pit toilets
- Sol Duc Hot Springs RV Park & Campground. Max RV length: 21’, with a few sites for 35’. Electric hookups, dump station, and other amenities
- South Beach Campground. Max RV length: 21’, with a few sites for 35’
- Staircase Campground. Max RV length: 21’, with a few sites for 35’
Yellowstone National Park – Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho
Yellowstone is not one of the top parks in terms of RV visits, coming in at #26 for the year 2022, but we’re including it anyway. Not only is it one of the most visited national parks in the country, but it also holds a special spot in history as the world’s first national park.
Why visit Yellowstone? From the NPS website: “On March 1, 1872, Yellowstone became the first national park for all to enjoy the unique hydrothermal and geologic features. Within Yellowstone’s 2.2 million acres, visitors have unparalleled opportunities to observe wildlife in an intact ecosystem, explore geothermal areas that contain about half the world’s active geysers, and view geologic wonders like the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.”
Of the 12 campgrounds listed, all 12 allow RVs, including 1 full-service RV park. ALL campgrounds below have potable water and flush toilets unless otherwise noted.
- Bridge Bay Campground. Max RV length: 60’. Dump station
- Canyon Campground. Max RV length: 40; Dump station
- Fishing Bridge RV Park: 95’. Full hookups (water, electricity, and sewer) and other amenities, plus frequent grizzly bears!
- Grant Village Campground. Max RV length: 50’. Dump station
- Madison Campground. Max RV length: 60’. Dump station
- Indian Creek Campground. Max RV length: 35’. Vault toilets
- Lewis Lake Campground. Max RV length: 25’ Vault toilets
- Mammoth Campground. Max RV length: 30’
- Norris Campground. Max RV length: 50’
- Pebble Creek Campground. No maximum RV length; has long pull-throughs. Vault toilets
- Slough Creek Campground. Max RV length: 30’ Vault toilets
- Tower Fall Campground. Max RV length: 30’. Vault toilets
East
Acadia National Park – Maine
Why visit Acadia National Park? From the NPS website: “Acadia National Park protects the natural beauty of the highest rocky headlands along the Atlantic coastline of the United States, an abundance of habitats, and a rich cultural heritage. At 4 million visits a year, it’s one of the top 10 most-visited national parks in the United States. Visitors enjoy 27 miles of historic motor roads, 158 miles of hiking trails, and 45 miles of carriage roads.”
Of the park’s 5 campgrounds, 3 allow RVs, including 1 with electric hookups. All campgrounds below have potable water, flush toilets, and a dump station.
- Blackwoods Campground. Max RV length: 35’, strictly enforced
- Seawall Campground. Max RV length: 20’, strictly enforced
- Schoodic Woods Campground. Max RV length: not listed, but strictly enforced. Electric hookups for 78 sites
Shenandoah National Park – Virginia
Why visit Shenandoah National Park? From the NPS website: “Just 75 miles from the bustle of Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park is a land bursting with cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, fields of wildflowers, and quiet wooded hollows. With over 200,000 acres of protected lands that are a haven to deer, songbirds, and black bears, there’s so much to explore.”
Of the park’s 5 campgrounds, 4 allow RVs. No maximum RV length is listed; all sites have pull-through and deep back-in sites that “can handle most RVs.” Note there are NO HOOKUPS at any Shenandoah campgrounds, but ALL campgrounds below have seasonal dump stations, potable water, and flush toilets unless otherwise noted.
- Mathews Arm Campground
- Big Meadows Campground
- Lewis Mountain Campground. No dump station
- Loft Mountain Campground
Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Tennessee and North Carolina
Why visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park? From the NPS website: “Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World-renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America’s most visited national park.”
Of the park’s 10 campgrounds, 9 accept RVs, including 1 with some electrical hookups. ALL campgrounds below have potable water and flush toilets unless otherwise noted.
- Abrams Creek Campground. Max RV length: 12’. No flush toilets
- Balsam Mountain Campground. Max RV length: 30’
- Cades Cove Campground. Max Motor Homes length: 40’. (Trailers max 35’.) Dump station, year-round
- Cataloochee Campground. Max RV length: 31’
- Cosby Campground. Max RV length: 25’. Dump station, seasonal
- Deep Creek Campground. Max RV length: 26’. Dump station, seasonal
- Elkmont Campground. Max Motor Homes length: 35’. (Trailers max 32’)
- Look Rock Campground. No max RV length listed. Electric hookups at 10 sites. Dump station, seasonal
- Smokemont Campground. Max Motor Homes length: 40’. (Trailers max 35’.) Dump station, year-round
Other RV-Friendly National Parks
Be sure to check out these other popular National Parks where RVs are welcome, too!
- Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
- Kings Canyon National Park, California
- Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
- Sequoia National Park, California
- Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
- Everglades National Park, Florida
- Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
- Great Basin National Park, Nevada
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
- Badlands National Park, South Dakota
- Big Bend National Park, Texas
- Arches National Park, Utah
- Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
- Canyonlands National Park, Utah
- Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
- Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
- Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
