Are you seeking the most camper van friendly national parks? Or on the flip side, do you want to discover which parks might pose a challenge for motorhome travelers? We will examine both the smallest and most motorhome hospitable national parks throughout the nation.
Nevertheless, even if a national park doesn’t cater well to motorhomes, don’t let that discourage you from visiting! You can still explore numerous parks by utilizing a tow vehicle or finding campgrounds in nearby towns or just outside the park’s boundaries.
For the purpose of this piece, we delved into which national parks provided RV campgrounds within their limits. Furthermore, while the majority of national parks lack hookups or other facilities, these motorhome friendly campgrounds predominantly offered them. We also scrutinized whether motorhomes could access the entire park, if there were roads that posed challenges, and whether there were provisions for oversized vehicles.
The Smallest Motorhome Hospitable National Parks:
The Most Motorhome Friendly National Parks:
The Smallest Motorhome Hospitable National Parks
The classification of these national parks as the smallest motorhome hospitable parks does not imply they lack quality. It simply denotes that they may not be the most convenient for motorhome camping. Some lack campgrounds altogether. Others are situated in remote areas where maneuvering an RV could be challenging. Nonetheless, all these parks remain worthwhile destinations!
New River Gorge National Park
At New River Gorge National Park, only primitive camping is available. There are no campsites designed to accommodate motorhomes. Additionally, certain park roads may not be suitable for all RVs, necessitating the exploration of alternative routes.
Nevertheless, visiting the park is still recommended to experience this region of the Appalachians. You’ll encounter captivating waterfalls and stunning scenery throughout the park. Consider camping at Babcock State Park and driving to New Royal Gorge. Having a tow vehicle or small camper van will provide greater access within the park.
Motorhome rentals near New Royal Gorge National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Finding RVs in general on the island can be challenging, and there is no RV camping available at this national park. Nevertheless, the unique geological features, intriguing history, and splendid landscape make it a must-visit national park! Some park roads may pose difficulties for larger RVs, but the scarcity of RVs attempting the drive to the Big Island is due to the logistical challenges of bringing large rigs. Navigating these roads should be manageable with a camper van.
Motorhome rentals near Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park
The absence of roads, trails, or ranger stations at Gates of the Arctic makes it a challenging location for RV excursions. Accessing the park is only possible via air travel or extensive hiking. The park is located a few hundred miles from Fairbanks, and you could arrange for an air taxi service to reach the park. Consider exploring campgrounds in Fairbanks for accommodation before and after your journey to the northernmost national park in the U.S.
Motorhome rentals near Fairbanks
Dry Tortugas National Park
Reaching Dry Tortugas can only be accomplished by boat or seaplane, posing a challenge for RV travelers. Nonetheless, you can park your motorhome on the mainland and book one of these travel options to explore the park. Additionally, RV campgrounds can be found in Key West, the nearest town.
Motorhome rentals near Key West
Gateway Arch National Park
Gateway Arch National Park lacks onsite camping facilities entirely. Positioned in the heart of St. Louis, it offers parking for oversized vehicles approximately 1/3 mile from the park; however, it may not be very accommodating for RVs. Yet, it’s worthwhile to visit Gateway Arch to witness an iconic American landmark. While exploring the area, you can camp at several campgrounds near St. Louis.
Motorhome rentals near Gateway Arch National Park
The Most Motorhome-Friendly National Parks
While most national parks are not recognized for their camping facilities, there are some that offer hookups, laundry amenities, and other additional features. Here are a few of the most motorhome-friendly national parks.
Yellowstone National Park
The Fishing Bridge Campground at Yellowstone National Park provides full hookups, a rarity in national park campgrounds. You’ll have access to water, sewer, and electric hookups, along with cell service and a laundry facility. The campground boasts plenty of trees and evening ranger programs at the amphitheater. Reservations for this campground fill up swiftly, so it’s advisable to book well in advance. It’s closed from mid-October to mid-May.
Motorhome rentals near Yellowstone National Park
Death Valley National Park
The Furnace Creek Campground offers pull-through and back-in sites with full hookups at Death Valley National Park. Additionally, there’s drinking water, picnic tables, flush toilets, and a dump station available. RV accommodation is also present at Stovepipe Wells Campground, albeit with fewer amenities. Panamint Springs Resort within the park provides full hookups. Another benefit of Death Valley is that the prime camping season occurs during the off-peak periods compared to most other parks. It’s best visited in late fall, winter, or early spring to avoid the hotter months. Most areas of the park are reachable by RV, although some roads may pose challenges.In need of a rugged vehicle with elevated clearance.
Motorhome rentals near Death Valley National Park
Exploring Acadia National Park
Schoodic Woods Campground provides electric and water connections for campers. It offers flush toilets, potable water, and a dumping station. The vicinity boasts stunning landscapes, charming harbors, and quaint villages. You can enjoy plenty of fishing activities and visit the family-friendly Schoodic Research Learning Center for educational adventures.
Motorhome rentals near Acadia National Park
Exploring Everglades National Park
Flamingo Campground within Everglades National Park offers electric hookups, two dump stations, and solar-heated showers. The park’s dry season lasts from December through mid-May, making it an ideal winter escape. Long Pine Key Campground is open seasonally from November to May and does not provide hookups, but does have a dump station and cellular service.
Motorhome rentals near Everglades National Park
Discovering Arches National Park
Devils Garden Campground is the sole campground located within Arches National Park that accommodates RVs and trailers. There are no utility hookups or dumping stations available. The primary scenic route throughout the park is paved and suitable for RV travel. Numerous stopping points along the road offer opportunities for photography and accessing various arches in the park.
Motorhome rentals near Arches National Park
Experiencing Grand Canyon National Park
Various campgrounds within Grand Canyon National Park welcome RVs, but Trailer Village RV Park stands out for its extensive amenities. The park offers full hookups and can accommodate vehicles ranging from 28 to 50 feet in length. It is pet-friendly and features a shuttle service that stops every 15 minutes for park visitors. RV parking is available at the South Rim, but early arrival before 9:30 am is recommended to secure a spot. Visitors can park their RV in designated lots and navigate the South Rim using the shuttle service.
Motorhome rentals near Grand Canyon National Park
While these national parks offer great RV accessibility, all national parks are worth exploring! Despite some parks lacking convenient RV campgrounds within their boundaries, most have campgrounds nearby. Similarly, many national parks may not provide hookups or other luxuries, but external campgrounds often offer these facilities.
We hope this piece sparks your wanderlust. Explore our campground recommendations nationwide, including those within national parks!
