The 9 Best Places to Go RV Camping

RV camping is an incredible way to enjoy nature while still having the comforts of home. Whether you are new to RVing or a seasoned traveler, finding the perfect spot is essential to creating a memorable camping experience. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best places to go RV camping in the United States, focusing on various regions that offer breathtaking scenery, outdoor activities, and plenty of amenities for RV travelers. From majestic national parks to stunning coastal areas, there’s an RV camping destination for every type of adventurer.

1. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park, one of the most iconic national parks in the world, is a must-visit for RV campers. Spanning across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, Yellowstone offers a mix of geothermal features, wildlife, and stunning landscapes.

What Makes Yellowstone Great for RV Camping:

• Wide variety of campgrounds: Yellowstone has several RV-friendly campgrounds, including Fishing Bridge RV Park, which is the only campground in the park that offers full hookups.
• Geothermal wonders: You’ll find famous sites like Old Faithful, hot springs, and mud pots.
• Wildlife: The park is home to bison, elk, bears, and wolves. RV campers often get the chance to see wildlife up close.
• Activities: Hiking, fishing, and photography are popular in Yellowstone, and many trails and roads are RV-accessible.

Best Time to Visit: The summer months (June to September) are the most popular, though it can get crowded. Early fall and late spring are quieter, but some campgrounds may be closed.

2. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

The Grand Canyon is a natural wonder that attracts millions of visitors each year. For RV campers, it offers several great spots to park and enjoy the view.

What Makes the Grand Canyon Great for RV Camping:

• RV-friendly campgrounds: There are two main RV-friendly campgrounds inside the park: Mather Campground (South Rim) and Trailer Village (South Rim), both offering full hookups.
• Stunning vistas: The Grand Canyon offers some of the most awe-inspiring views in the world. Watching the sunrise or sunset over the canyon is a memorable experience.
• Outdoor activities: You can hike along the rim, take a helicopter tour, or go on a rafting adventure in the Colorado River.
• Proximity to the South Rim: Many attractions, including museums, gift shops, and the Grand Canyon Railway, are easily accessible from the RV campgrounds.

Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and fewer crowds, making it the best time to visit. The summer months can get quite hot and crowded.

3. Acadia National Park, Maine

For those looking to experience the beauty of the East Coast, Acadia National Park is an excellent destination for RV camping. Located on Mount Desert Island, Acadia features diverse landscapes, from rocky coastlines to dense forests.

What Makes Acadia Great for RV Camping:

• RV-accessible campgrounds: Blackwoods Campground is the largest and most popular campground in Acadia for RVers, offering a range of campsites, some with electric hookups.
• Spectacular coastline: Acadia offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and has many scenic drives, including the Park Loop Road, which is RV-friendly.
• Outdoor activities: Hiking, biking, kayaking, and wildlife watching are all popular here. You can bike on the carriage roads, which are closed to motor vehicles.
• Proximity to Bar Harbor: Acadia is close to Bar Harbor, a charming coastal town with restaurants, shops, and lobster shacks.

Best Time to Visit: The fall months (September to October) are a prime time for visiting, as the foliage colors are stunning. The summer months are busy, so it’s best to book your campsite early.

4. Zion National Park, Utah

Zion National Park is known for its towering sandstone cliffs, slot canyons, and scenic views. The park’s unique landscapes make it one of the best places to go RV camping in the Southwest.

What Makes Zion Great for RV Camping:

• RV-friendly campgrounds: Watchman Campground, located near the park’s entrance, offers paved sites with full hookups and is ideal for RVs.
• Incredible scenery: Zion’s famous red rock formations and dramatic cliffs create a jaw-dropping backdrop for your camping trip.
• Outdoor adventures: Zion is famous for hiking, with trails ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs. The Angel’s Landing hike is a bucket-list trek for many.
• Shuttle system: The park operates a shuttle system to reduce traffic and preserve the environment. RV campers can park at the Visitor Center and take the shuttle to various trailheads and viewpoints.

Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall are the best times to visit Zion when temperatures are mild and the crowds are thinner. Summer can be hot, so plan accordingly.

5. Olympic National Park, Washington

Olympic National Park is a diverse park that offers everything from lush rainforests to rugged coastlines. For RV campers who enjoy a variety of landscapes, this is an ideal destination.

What Makes Olympic National Park Great for RV Camping:

• Variety of campgrounds: The park has several RV-friendly campgrounds, including Kalaloch Campground, which offers full hookups and is located near the beach.
• Diverse ecosystems: From temperate rainforests and alpine meadows to wild beaches, Olympic National Park provides a variety of landscapes to explore.
• Outdoor activities: Hiking, kayaking, tide-pooling, and beachcombing are popular activities. You can also visit the Hoh Rain Forest, one of the park’s most famous areas.
• Wildlife: Keep an eye out for elk, black bears, and the occasional whale off the coast.

Best Time to Visit: Summer is the best time to visit for warmer weather, but the park is beautiful year-round. Fall offers fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, though rain is more likely.

6. Joshua Tree National Park, California

Joshua Tree National Park, located in southeastern California, is a unique destination for RV camping. Known for its striking desert landscapes and iconic Joshua Trees, it’s perfect for those seeking an otherworldly experience.

What Makes Joshua Tree Great for RV Camping:

• RV-friendly campgrounds: Jumbo Rocks Campground and Black Rock Canyon Campground are two excellent options for RV camping, with some sites offering electrical hookups.
• Rock formations: The park is famous for its bizarre and beautiful rock formations, making it a popular spot for rock climbing and photography.
• Stargazing: Joshua Tree is one of the best places in California for stargazing due to its clear skies and minimal light pollution.
• Outdoor activities: Hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing are popular here, and there are several scenic drives through the park that are perfect for RVs.

Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather, while summer temperatures can be extremely hot. If you’re not accustomed to desert heat, it’s best to avoid visiting in the summer months.

7. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina

The Great Smoky Mountains, with their mist-covered peaks and diverse wildlife, is a popular RV camping destination in the southeastern United States.

What Makes the Great Smoky Mountains Great for RV Camping:

• Convenient campgrounds: Elkmont Campground and Smokemont Campground are two popular RV-friendly campgrounds that offer easy access to park attractions.
• Diverse wildlife: The park is home to black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and a wide variety of birds.
• Scenic beauty: The Smoky Mountains are known for their misty mountain views, waterfalls, and lush forests. The scenic drives and hikes are perfect for RV campers.
• Historic sites: You can visit old log cabins, mills, and churches, offering a glimpse into the area’s history.

Best Time to Visit: Fall is the best time to visit, as the foliage turns vibrant colors. Spring and summer offer mild temperatures, though the park can be crowded during these times.

8. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

For RVers who love high-altitude adventures, Rocky Mountain National Park is a prime destination. Located in Colorado, the park offers stunning mountain views, wildlife, and a variety of outdoor activities.

What Makes Rocky Mountain National Park Great for RV Camping:

• RV-friendly campgrounds: Moraine Park Campground is a popular spot for RV camping, offering scenic views of the mountains and easy access to hiking trails.
• Mountain scenery: From towering peaks to alpine lakes, the park’s views are breathtaking, especially along the Trail Ridge Road, which is the highest continuous paved road in North America.
• Wildlife: The park is home to elk, bighorn sheep, and moose. Wildlife viewing is a highlight for many RV campers.
• Outdoor activities: Hiking, fishing, and scenic drives are some of the most popular activities here.

Best Time to Visit: Summer and early fall are the most popular times to visit, but be prepared for cooler temperatures at higher elevations. Late spring and early fall can offer fewer crowds.

9. Lassen Volcanic National Park, California

Lassen Volcanic National Park is less crowded than some of California’s other national parks, but it offers a unique experience for RV campers. The park features active geothermal areas and dramatic volcanic landscapes.

What Makes Lassen Volcanic National Park Great for RV Camping:

• RV-friendly campgrounds: Manzanita Lake Campground offers a beautiful setting with full hookups for RVs.
• Geothermal features: The park is home to boiling springs, fumaroles, and Lassen Peak, an active volcano.
• Outdoor activities: Hiking, kayaking, and fishing are popular here. You can also visit the Bumpass Hell geothermal area, where steam vents and bubbling mud pots are found.
• Peace and quiet: Compared to other national parks in California, Lassen Volcanic is quieter, offering a more serene experience.

Best Time to Visit: Summer is the best time to visit, as the park is often covered in snow during the winter months. The fall months also offer fewer crowds and cool temperatures.

Conclusion

When it comes to RV camping, there are endless possibilities to explore across the United States. Whether you’re seeking towering mountains, vast deserts, lush forests, or dramatic coastlines, there’s a destination that offers the right mix of scenery, activities, and amenities for every type of camper. Remember to book your campsites early, especially during peak seasons, and always be prepared for the weather conditions at your destination.

No matter where you choose to go, RV camping provides the freedom to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the comforts of home. Happy camping!