The RV Guide to National Parks
- Kendra Clapp Olguín
This post was originally published on August 1, 2020. It has been updated for comprehensiveness and accuracy.
Long gone are the days of “Cousin Eddie” stereotypes for RVers. It seems like as each year goes by, more and more people turn to the American tradition of RVing by hitting the road and traveling freely and comfortably. Their destinations include this country’s beautiful National Parks, Monuments, Memorials, and more. In this RV guide to national parks, I’m sharing some first-hand insight around what it’s like to explore the country from a home on wheels—and how it’s the perfect way to tour the country’s beautiful national parks, monuments, memorials, and more.
The Advantages of RVing
A few years ago, my partner, Tyler and I hopped on the RVing bandwagon. We were planning our lives together after getting engaged and had aspirations to travel the country. As much as we loved traveling, we loved being homebodies more. Neither of us grew up RVing, but the idea of towing your home wherever you went appealed to the introverts in us. So, we jumped all in, and now, we’re beyond thankful we listened to that hunch.
RV life has many advantages, but the ones that stand out the most to me are that it’s freeing, your pets can travel with you, it’s comfortable, and it can be cost-effective.
Freedom
The great thing about RVing in the United States is that the country has the infrastructure and resources to support those who travel with an RV, whether it be a van, pop-up camper, travel trailer, fifth wheel, or motorhome. There are countless campgrounds, RV parks, and public land that welcome RVers with open arms. Additionally, there are ample websites, blogs, and booking platforms (like Campspot!) that help RVers maintain their rigs, plan, and reserve their stays. Because of this existing infrastructure, the sky is the limit for deciding where to go and things to see. Some like to stay within a couple-hour drive from their home, while others decide to drive all the way up to Alaska. There are even transports to ship your rig to Hawaii!
Pets
One of the best things about RV travel is that your pet can go with you. When you travel with your family, don’t you want to travel with your whole family? After a day out on the trails and adventuring, we love opening the door to our two kittens, waiting to greet us. Many campgrounds and RV parks now have dog parks and dog-washing stations too.
Comfort
You might have heard the sayings, “home is where you park it,” or “my home on wheels.” While obviously smaller than a traditional house, an RV can truly become a home, and there’s no better feeling than being cozy within a familiar and welcoming space. With DIY rehabs displayed across various social media platforms, people certainly understand how a little thought and care goes a long way in feeling at home in your RV.
Cost Effective
Many have found that renovating or repairing older models is also a cost-effective way to purchase an RV. While a big Class A motorhome definitely has a hefty sticker price, there are plenty of entry-level trailers or pop-up campers (used or new) that will get you to where you need to go. Campgrounds and RV parks blow hotels out of the water when it comes to cost, oftentimes offering resort-like amenities like pools, spas, playgrounds, and more. Understanding the importance of cost-effective travel and campground amenities, Campspot ensures the lowest price for 100,000 campsites across North America while also providing RV filters, detailed listings, park images, and descriptions.
Your RV Guide to National Parks
With 423 national park service (NPS) “units,” as they call it, spread across the country/US provinces, you can easily see how RVing and visiting these parks, monuments, memorials, and sites go hand-in-hand. With limited services and hotel accommodations due to many parks’ locations in remote areas, sometimes campgrounds and RV parks are the only way to visit. Due to the national parks’ increasing popularity, campers are finding NPS campgrounds continually sold out. In response to this, nearby campgrounds and RV parks are hosting more and more national park-goers than ever before. Additionally, many are turning to privately-owned campgrounds because most NPS campgrounds do not have full hookups.
Campgrounds Near National Parks
With Campspot’s search features, campers can type in a specific national park name to see the campground nearby. After four years on and off the road, I gathered the national park service sites we’ve visited and shared which campgrounds are nearby. It was truly a treat to scroll through all of the places we’ve been to and reminisce on all of the memories we made while RVing. I hope you’ll enjoy this RV guide to national parks as much as I enjoyed creating it!
RV Parks Near Grand Canyon National Park
Where to Go RV Camping Near Grand Canyon National Park
- Happy Trails Campground in Meadview, AZ
- Dark Sky RV Campground in Kanab, UT
- Woody Mountain Campground in Flagstaff, AZ
- Verde Ranch RV Resort in Camp Verde, AZ
Happy Trails Campground
This family-owned and operated campground is located in the heart of Meadview, Arizona. No frills— all outdoor thrills type of place. They offer free WI-FI, complimentary coffee, as well as books, and games inside the office at no charge. Enjoy their full hook-up RV Sites, tent/dry camping, horse camping, historic motel, and glampers! South Cove boat launch is just minutes from the campground that
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- Internet Access
RV Parks Near Kenai Fjords National Park
Where to Go RV Camping Near Kenai Fjords National Park
- Diamond M Ranch Resort in Kenai, AK
- Happy Valley RV Camp in Ninilchik, AK
- Alaskan Angler RV Resort and Cabins in Ninilchik, AK
Diamond M Ranch Resort
Diamond M Ranch Resort is located in the heart of the Kenai Peninsula. Winner of Trailer Life’s “Top 300 Parks in the US” Award, their goal is to help each guest have the Alaska experience of their dreams. Whether you want spacious RV sites with full hook-ups, gorgeous historical suites with a view, or a tent space with access to all the resort amenities, Diamond M Ranch Resort has what you need–a
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Cable TV
- Playground
- Basketball
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- Internet Access
- Laundry
RV Parks Near Petrified Forest National Park
Where to Go RV Camping Near Petrified Forest National Park
- Woody Mountain Campground in Flagstaff, AZ
Woody Mountain Campground
Escape to the cool tall pines at Woody Mountain Campground in Flagstaff, AZ. Enjoy large pull-through RV sites and tent camping in this quiet, natural setting. Onsite amenities include a general store, sandwich shop, playground, bathhouses, laundry facilities, and more. The park is just minutes from downtown Flagstaff where you can explore an abundance of outdoor activities, restaurants, local sho
'23- Dog Park
- Playground
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- General Store
- Dump Station
- Snack Stand
- Garbage
- Laundry
RV Parks Near Joshua Tree National Park
Where to Go RV Camping Near Joshua Tree National Park
- Indian Wells RV Resort in Indio, CA
- Blu-In RV Park in Borrego Springs, CA
- Launch Pointe in Lake Elsinore, CA
RV Parks Near Bryce Canyon National Park
Where to Go RV Camping Near Bryce Canyon National Park
- Dark Sky RV Campground in Kanab, UT
- Duck Creek Village RV in Duck Creek Village, UT
Dark Sky RV Campground
Dark Sky RV sits on 40 acres of untouched sagebrush. Their 18 full service sites and 10 Camp Luxury sites for vans have unobstructed views of the Red Cliffs, Vermillion Cliffs, and the Kaibab Plateau as well as the most beautiful sunrises, sunsets and a sky full of stars that’s hard to believe. Relax and enjoy their luxurious amenities, including private bath suites, outdoor showers, open terrac
- '25
- Dog Park
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- Internet Access
- General Store
- Garbage
- Laundry
- Pavilion
- Special Events
- Zip Line
RV Parks Near Zion National Park
Where to Go RV Camping Near Zion National Park
- Zion Glamping Adventures in Hildale, UT
- Glampers Inn RV Resort in Hurricane, UT
- Duck Creek Village RV in Duck Creek Village, UT
- Dark Sky RV Campground in Kanab, UT
RV Parks Near Mesa Verde National Park
Where to Go RV Camping Near Mesa Verde National Park
- The Views RV Park & Campground in Dolores, CO
- Alpen Rose RV Park in Durango, CO
- Florez Riverview Campground in Bloomfield, NM
The Views RV Park & Campground
The Views RV Park & Campground welcomes you! Located near the heart of Southwest Colorado, this destination features incredible scenic vistas and outdoor recreation. See all Four Corners, where you can explore Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona! Enjoy large full hookup RV sites and charming glamping tents with stunning sunrises and sunsets overlooking the mountains. The park is located direct
- '22
- Canoeing / Kayaking
- Hiking
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- Internet Access
- Laundry
- Pavilion
RV Parks Near Rocky Mountain National Park
Where to Go RV Camping Near Rocky Mountain National Park
- Winding River Resort in Grand Lake, CO
- CanyonSide Campground in Bellvue, CO
- Horsetooth Inn and RV Park in Fort Collins, CO
- River Run RV Resort in Granby, CO
RV Parks Near White Sands National Park
Where to Go RV Camping Near White Sands National Park
- Pine Ridge RV Park in Ruidoso, NM
- The Camp at Cloudcroft RV Park in Mayhill, NM
RV Parks Near Cape Cod National Seashore
Where to Go RV Camping Near Cape Cod National Seashore
- Sun Outdoors Cape Cod in East Falmouth, MA
- Sun Retreats Peters Pond RV Resort in Sandwich, MA
- Sandy Pond Campground in Plymouth, MA
RV Parks Near Yellowstone National Park
Where to Go RV Camping Near Yellowstone National Park
- The Historic Wapiti Lodge in Cody, WY
- Yellowstone Hot Springs in Gardiner, MT
- Yellowstone Trail RV Park in Pinedale, WY
- Snake River Hideout in Rexburg, ID
The Historic Wapiti Lodge
Historical elegance, perched above the Shoshone River, in the heart of Wapiti Valley. This optimal location between Cody and the East Entrance to Yellowstone National Park makes it the ideal base to explore the cultural, historic, and scenic pursuits of the area. Enjoy the true western experience, surrounded by mountains and wildlife, with the convenience of town only a short drive away. Cody, 18
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Cable TV
- Arcade
- Restaurant
- Internet Access
- General Store
RV Parks Near Mount Rainier National Park
Where to Go RV Camping Near Mount Rainier National Park
- Elkamp Eastcreek in Mineral, WA
- Evergreen Sportsmen’s Club in Olympia, WA
- Vantage Riverstone in Vantage, WA
Elkamp Eastcreek
Elkamp Eastcreek (formerly Eastcreek Campground) is a short drive from Seattle Washington or Portland Oregon and the perfect home base for your next Western Cascade getaway. Their park-like grounds are nestled among a cathedral of trees at the foot of Mt. Rainier. Conveniently located just a 15-minute drive to the Nisqually Gate of the Mt. Rainier National Park, this entrance to the National Park
- '22
- Volleyball
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- Garbage
RV Parks Near Saguaro National Park
Where to Go RV Camping Near Saguaro National Park
- Sentinel Peak RV Park in Tucson, AZ
- Silverado RV Resort in Eloy, AZ
- West Pinal Park in Maricopa, AZ
- Ride Out Ranch in Florence, AZ
RV Parks Near Shenandoah National Park
Where to Go RV Camping Near Shenandoah National Park
- Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort: Luray in Luray, VA
- Loves Way Village in Moorefield, WV
- Shenandoah Valley Campground in Verona, VA
- Shenandoah Acres Family Campground in Stuarts Draft, VA
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Luray
Visit a place where family fun is the main attraction and memories are waiting to be made. Jellystone Park™ Luray is an award-winning Virginia campground located amongst the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains. It's not just a campground, it's Jellystone Park™! Located amongst the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ offers an inspiring camping experience in Luray, Virginia
- '22
- Waterpark
- Pool
- Fishing
- Dog Park
- Cable TV
- Arcade
- Mini-Golf
- Golf Cart Rental
- Arts & Crafts
- Playground
- Outdoor Theater
- Laser Tag
- Ice Cream
- Basketball
- GaGa Ball
- Jumping Pillow
- Sports Field
- Volleyball
- Live Music
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- Internet Access
- General Store
- Dump Station
- Snack Stand
- Garbage
- Special Events
- Zip Line
RV Parks Near Sequoia National Park
Where to Go RV Camping Near Sequoia National Park
- Sequoia Campground & Lodge in Three Rivers, CA
- Nelson Falls RV Park in Springville, CA
RV Parks Near Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Where to Go RV Camping Near Mount Rushmore National Memorial
- Sturgis Hideaway Campground in Sturgis, SD
RV Parks Near Grand Teton National Park
Where to Go RV Camping Near Grand Teton National Park
- Yellowstone Trail RV Park in Pinedale, WY
- Snake River Hideout in Rexburg, ID
Yellowstone Trail RV Park
Yellowstone Trail RV Park is located in beautiful Pinedale, Wyoming, on the path to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks! Enjoy full hookup RV sites with incredible mountain views. Other amenities include pickleball, basketball, walking paths, and free Wi-Fi. The park is located in the Wind River Mountain Range, offering an outdoor paradise to explore lakes, hiking trails, wildlife, and tons
- Basketball
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- Internet Access
- Laundry
RV Parks Near Big Bend National Park
Where to Go RV Camping Near Big Bend National Park
- Roadrunner Travelers Campground in Terlingua, TX
Roadrunner Travelers Campground
Tucked into the little Texas town of Terlingua, Roadrunner Travelers offers a paradise for explorers, travelers and adventurers. The property is surrounded by opportunities. Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park and Terlingua Ghost Town is all within driving distance. The campground is located on 40 acres right in the heart of Study Butte and all spots have excellent views of Bee Mount
- Hiking
- Dog Park
- Internet Access
RV Parks Near Acadia National Park
Where to Go RV Camping Near Acadia National Park
- Hadley’s Point Campground in Bar Harbor, ME
- Forest Ridge Campground in Ellsworth, ME
- Cottonwood Camping and RV Park in Columbia Falls, ME
Hadley's Point Campground
Situated on the northernmost point of Mt. Desert Island, Hadley's Point Campground is a camper's haven. Located just above a public saltwater beach, you can be just minutes from Acadia National Park and downtown Bar Harbor. Enjoy a quiet, family friendly campground where you can relax amidst the pines and explore the beautiful area. Hadley's Point Campground offers campsites and cabins that meet t
- '23
- Pool
- Playground
- Basketball
- Shuffleboard
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- Internet Access
- General Store
- Dump Station
- Garbage
- Laundry
- Special Events
RV Parks Near Canyonlands National Park
Where to Go RV Camping Near Canyonlands National Park
- Up the Creek Campground in Moab, UT
- Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown in Moab, UT
- Sun Outdoors North Moab in Moab, UT
- Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway Moab Valley RV Resort & Campground in Moab, UT
- Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway in Moab, UT
Up The Creek Campground
Base all of your adventures and exploring in Arches & Canyonlands National Parks from Moab's best, Up the Creek Campground. Just two blocks from Main Street, Up The Creek, is a cozy, urban campground— an oasis of peace and relaxation in the heart of Moab. Enjoy creekside camping with their 18 tent-only sites nestled within a grove of large shade trees. They are located off the beaten path, yet jus
- Waterfront
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- Garbage
RV Parks Near Denali National Park and Preserve
Where to Go RV Camping Near Denali National Park and Preserve
- Denali RV Park and Motel in Healy, AK
- Cantwell RV park in Cantwell, AK
RV Parks Near Arches National Park
Where to Go RV Camping Near Arches National Park
- Up the Creek Campground in Moab, UT
- Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown in Moab, UT
- Sun Outdoors North Moab in Moab, UT
- Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway Moab Valley RV Resort & Campground in Moab, UT
- Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway in Moab, UT
Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown
Immerse yourself in the ultimate camping experience at Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown, formerly known as Canyonlands RV Resort & Campground. Nestled in the heart of Downtown Moab, Utah this resort offers breathtaking views and incredible amenities, all within close proximity to Downtown Moab attractions, restaurants and National Parks. Escape the desert heat by taking a refreshing dip in our pool & s
- '23
- Pool
- Dog Park
- Cable TV
- Playground
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- Internet Access
- General Store
- Dump Station
- Garbage
- Laundry
- Pavilion
RV Parks Near Glacier National Park
Where to Go RV Camping Near Glacier National Park
- Edgewater RV Resort and Motel in Lakeside, MT
- Swan Lake Trading Post in Swan Lake, MT
RV Parks Near Badlands National Park
Where to Go RV Camping Near Badlands National Park
- Sturgis Hideaway Campground in Sturgis, SD
RV Parks Near Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
Where to Go RV Camping Near Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
- Compass RV Resort in St. Augustine, FL
- Ocean Grove RV Resort in St. Augustine, FL
RV Parks Near Redwood National and State Parks
Where to Go RV Camping Near Redwood National and State Parks
- The Ramblin’ Redwoods Campground and RV Park in Crescent City, CA
- Kamp Klamath RV Park & Campground in Klamath, CA
RV Parks Near Gettysburg National Military Park
Where to Go RV Camping Near Gettysburg National Military Park
- Merry Meadows Recreation Farm in Freeland, MD
- Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Williamsport, MD
- Paradise Stream Family Campground in Loysville, PA
Merry Meadows Recreation Farm
Nestled in the rolling countryside of northern Baltimore County, Maryland, you'll find our beautiful 275-acre park where folks of all ages can explore nature by camping in the refreshing outdoors and enjoying the many activities Merry Meadows has to offer. Merry Meadows Recreation Farm is situated on three levels of both open and heavily forested countryside. Nature abounds there with animals, rar
- Waterpark
- Pool
- Hiking
- Dog Park
- Mini-Golf
- Arts & Crafts
- Playground
- Outdoor Theater
- Basketball
- GaGa Ball
- Jumping Pillow
- Sports Field
- Volleyball
- Internet Access
- General Store
- Laundry
- Pavilion
RV Parks Near Yosemite National Park
Where to Go RV Camping Near Yosemite National Park
- Gold Country Campground Resort in Pine Grove, CA
- 49er Village RV Resort in Plymouth, CA
I hope this RV guide to national parks inspires your next adventure. For more ideas around where to stay when you plan your visit to a national park, be sure to search the park on Campspot.com. Happy travels!
Kendra Clapp Olguín is a traveler, writer, content creator, and one-half of one y one, a creative agency whose studio is the great outdoors.
Photo credit: Tyler Way