Exploring national parks in an RV offers a perfect blend of adventure and comfort. With scenic landscapes, wildlife encounters, and breathtaking trails, national parks are ideal destinations for RV travelers. However, not all parks are designed to accommodate large vehicles, so choosing RV-friendly locations with spacious campgrounds and accessible roads is essential. Here are some of the best RV-friendly national parks to visit this year.

Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho)

Yellowstone is one of the most popular national parks in the U.S., offering stunning geothermal features, abundant wildlife, and scenic drives. It is highly RV-friendly, with multiple campgrounds that accommodate larger rigs. Fishing Bridge RV Park is the only campground with full hookups, making it a top choice for RV travelers. Other campgrounds, such as Bridge Bay and Madison, offer spacious sites but may require dry camping. The park’s Grand Loop Road allows RVers to explore top attractions like Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and Yellowstone Lake.

For RV travelers, it is essential to book campsites months in advance, especially during peak summer months. Some roads, like Dunraven Pass, have restrictions on large vehicles, so always check route accessibility. Since Yellowstone is bear country, proper food storage is necessary to prevent wildlife encounters at your campsite.

Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)

The Grand Canyon is one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world, and RV travelers can experience its beauty up close. The South Rim is the most RV-friendly area, offering campgrounds like Trailer Village RV Park, which provides full hookups. Mather Campground and Desert View Campground also accommodate RVs but do not have hookups.

The park’s shuttle system is convenient for RV travelers, allowing visitors to explore various viewpoints without worrying about parking. While the South Rim is open year-round, the North Rim has limited accessibility during winter months due to snow. Summers can be extremely hot, so having an air-conditioned RV is crucial for comfort.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee & North Carolina)

Known for its lush forests, mist-covered mountains, and diverse wildlife, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an excellent choice for RV travelers. Campgrounds like Cades Cove and Elkmont can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet long, though there are no hookups available. The park’s scenic roads, such as the Newfound Gap Road and the Cades Cove Loop, provide stunning views and easy driving conditions for RVs.

The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the fall when the foliage transforms into brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. Since campgrounds do not offer hookups, having a generator or solar panels can help with power needs. Booking campsites in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons.

Zion National Park (Utah)

Zion National Park’s towering red cliffs and scenic canyons make it a must-visit destination for RV travelers. The South Campground and Watchman Campground both accommodate RVs, with Watchman offering electric hookups. The park’s shuttle system is a convenient way to explore major attractions like Angels Landing and The Narrows, as parking is limited.

One of the biggest considerations for RVers in Zion is the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, which has height and width restrictions. RVs over 11 feet 4 inches in height or 7 feet 10 inches in width must obtain a special permit and can only pass through at designated times. Summers can be extremely hot, so staying hydrated and choosing shaded campsites is recommended.

Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)

For those who love mountain landscapes, Rocky Mountain National Park is an RV-friendly destination with breathtaking alpine scenery and wildlife encounters. Moraine Park and Glacier Basin campgrounds both accommodate RVs, though they do not offer hookups. The Trail Ridge Road, one of the highest paved roads in the U.S., provides stunning panoramic views, but large RVs should check clearance and weather conditions before driving this route.

Rocky Mountain National Park is best visited in late spring through early fall, as some roads close during the winter months due to snow. Since the park sits at high elevations, travelers should be prepared for temperature fluctuations and the possibility of altitude sickness. Generators are allowed during specific hours, so plan accordingly for power needs.

Acadia National Park (Maine)

Acadia National Park offers a beautiful coastal escape for RV travelers, with rugged shorelines, dense forests, and scenic drives. The Blackwoods and Seawall campgrounds can accommodate RVs, though they do not have hookups. The park’s most famous drive, the Park Loop Road, is RV-accessible and provides incredible views of Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond, and Thunder Hole.

Since Acadia is a popular summer destination, campsites fill up quickly, so early reservations are essential. Fall is also a fantastic time to visit, as the autumn foliage creates a spectacular display. The town of Bar Harbor, located just outside the park, has RV-friendly facilities, including full-hookup campgrounds and dump stations.

Everglades National Park (Florida)

For RVers who love unique ecosystems and wildlife, Everglades National Park is an excellent choice. The park offers two RV-friendly campgrounds, Flamingo and Long Pine Key, with Flamingo featuring electric hookups. The park is home to diverse wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and exotic birds, making it a paradise for nature lovers.

Winter is the best time to visit Everglades National Park, as the cooler temperatures make outdoor activities more enjoyable. Summers can be hot and humid, with an increase in mosquitoes, so proper bug repellent and screens are essential. Exploring the park by kayak or airboat is a great way to experience its unique landscapes.