As RVers, we are all well aware of how incredible our country’s national parks are. In fact, we’d even go so far as to say national parks are at the top of our list in terms of places to visit in an RV. That said, national historical parks also find their way onto that list. The odd thing? Many people don’t even really realize these awesome places exist!

In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about national historical parks in the US. After reading this, we’re betting you’ll want to find a national historical park along your next road trip route and experience one of these great parks for yourself.

What is a National Historical Park?

Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park

First, let’s talk about what exactly a national historical park is. Like national parks, these parks are managed by the National Parks Service. However, instead of offering grand views and amazing natural areas, national historical parks protect historically significant places, using them to teach visitors about the past.

Most national historical parks have at least one historical building on their grounds, and some play host to several historical structures. All of these parks feature a visitor center, and most have exhibits and/or a movie to help guests understand the significance of what they are looking at when they walk through the park.

Why Visit National Historical Parks?

Hartwell Tavern on the Bay Road in Lincoln, Minute Man National Historic Park

Why would one want to visit national historical parks? To learn, of course! A visit to one of these parks makes history come alive, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the past and really understand how people must have lived and worked during the time period being represented.

National historical parks are the perfect places for road-schooling families to squeeze in a memorable history lesson. In fact, by planning plenty of NHP stops along your route, adding in some reading and documentaries, and participating in the junior ranger program at each site, you can easily build a lovely, unique American history curriculum.

That said, national historical parks are definitely not just for schooling families, and in our opinion, you should visit them whenever you can, no matter your age or how you school your children.

Can You Camp at National Historical Parks?

Since you’ll be traveling by RV, you may be wondering whether you can camp onsite while visiting national historical parks. Unfortunately, in most cases, the answer is no. Unlike national parks, the vast majority of national historical parks do not have onsite campgrounds, meaning you will almost always have to find camping nearby.

There are a handful of exceptions to this rule. These include:

All of these parks feature onsite camping, making them extra fun spots for RVers to explore.

Where to Find National Historical Parks

If national historical parks sound interesting to you, you may be wondering how to go about finding them. Just like national parks (and other NPS-run sites), all national historical parks are listed on the National Parks Service website, and you can use the site’s built-in map to see options where you’re going.

Prefer a list? Below is a complete list of all the national historical parks and the states they are located in.

As you can see, we are big fans of national historical parks, and if you have any interest in history, we’re betting you will be as well. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to one of these incredible parks today!

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

Chelsea has the amazing opportunity to take part in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel, and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the entire world as her son’s classroom. A group of total Disney fanatics, Chelsea and her family often find themselves in the Orlando area in order to visit the Disney parks, but they have also visited over 25 of the 50 states with plans to see many more along the way. No matter where her travels take her, Chelsea enjoys riding bikes, gazing at beautiful sunsets, finding new coffee shops, Irish dancing, and sitting around a campfire with her family.

You can join her adventures through her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander.

Kim D. ~ “You guys went above and beyond !!!! What a tremendously blessed experience!!!!”