RV camping is great no matter where you do it, but in our opinion, camping in national parks is one of the very best RV camping options out there. There are a number of benefits to camping in national parks that make the in-park campgrounds really desirable. That said, there are also some drawbacks to staying in these campgrounds.
If you’re thinking about camping in national parks, we encourage you to go for it, but we also think it’s a good idea to do a bit of research before diving in. That’s where this article comes into play. Below, we will tell you everything you need to know before you stay in a national park.
The Benefits of Camping in National Parks
First let’s talk about the pros of camping in national parks—the reasons we love it and recommend it to all RV campers out there. Once you read through these benefits, we’re guessing you’ll be itching to get out there and try it yourself.
Ideal Locations
Clearly, the best part about national park camping is the fact that you are camping right in the middle of the action. This makes it easy to get to whatever it is you want to see or do in the park. It also makes it easier to attend early-morning or late-night events and talks.
Awesome Wildlife
Pretty much every national park plays host to local flora and fauna, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get to see these critters as you hike and explore. That said, it’s even better when those animals wander right through your yard. When you’re camping in national parks, this happens often.
Beautiful Views
Another thing that goes hand in hand with national parks? Beautiful views, of course! Camping in national park campgrounds means you will be treated to amazing scenery right outside your window. You can enjoy mountain views while drinking your coffee, and gorgeous sunsets while cooking dinner.
No Day-Use Reservations
A few national parks require day-use visitors to make reservations. Sometimes, these can be very difficult to snag. When you’re camping in a national park, you no longer need day-use reservations to visit. That said, you might still need a reservation to enjoy certain activities within the park.
Discounted Stays for Some
National park campgrounds are generally pretty affordable. They are even more budget-friendly if you happen to have a national parks access pass or senior pass. People with these special cards can camp for half-price in any national park campground (as well as a number of other government-run campgrounds).
The Cons of Camping in National Parks
Of course, there are also a few cons you’ll want to keep in mind when deciding whether camping in national parks is right for you. Below, we’ve listed the two major drawbacks to national park campgrounds so you can be prepared before you head out.
Rig Size Matters
In many cases, national park campgrounds cannot accommodate big rigs. Instead, these campgrounds are made with shorter sites and often require campers to drive on narrow and/or winding roads. Therefore, you should consider purchasing a small trailer or van rather than a large fifth wheel if you plan to do a slot of camping in national parks.
Limited Amenities
On top of the small sites, many national park campgrounds also have very limited amenities. Rarely will you find a campground in a national park with any electric hookups at the sites, and sewer connections are nearly unheard of.
That said, there are a number of national campgrounds that provide potable water, dump stations, and restrooms with flush toilets.
Booking Your National Park Campsite
Ready to book a national park campsite? All you have to do is head to the recreation.gov website and reserve the campground you think will work best for you. Generally speaking, reservations open six months in advance at 7:00 AM Pacific Time, and we recommend booking as soon as your window opens up, as many of the more popular campgrounds do fill up.
Some national park campgrounds are first-come, first-served only. Other campgrounds have some sites that are similarly on FCFS basis but do have a separate set of sites that can be reserved. We recommend making reservations whenever possible.
If you do decide to try for an FCFS site, we recommend arriving about an hour before check-in time on a weekday in order to give yourself the best chance of snagging a spot. Of course, going during off season is also helpful!
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.
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