Exploring National Parks by RV

Exploring National Parks by RV is one of my favorite ways to see National Parks. Here is a Guide to Eight Unforgettable Road Trips

National parks are the crown jewels of the United States, offering breathtaking natural landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and abundant wildlife. And what better way to experience the splendor of these parks than by embarking on an RV road trip? In this guide, we’ll provide tips for planning your national park adventure and highlight eight spectacular routes that allow you to explore multiple parks in one unforgettable journey.

Exploring National Parks by RV. There is no better way to travel and have the comforts of home yet the ability to explore the USA, than by traveling in an RV.

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Exploring National Parks by RV – Trip Guide

1. Choose the Right Time to Visit

To make the most of your national park experience, plan your trip during less busy times to avoid crowds and congestion. Consider visiting popular parks mid-week or during the shoulder seasons to enjoy quieter trails and easier access to amenities.

It’s not fun being bumper to bumper and visiting national parks can take up way more of your time during the busy season.

2. Select an Appropriate RV Size

When selecting an RV for your trip, opt for a size that fits the parking restrictions and road conditions of the parks you plan to visit. Smaller RVs are more maneuverable and can access campsites and scenic drives that may be off-limits to larger vehicles.

Places like Zion National Park have restrictions on size, because there are tunnels you have to drive thru. Our RV is not ideal for driving thru most National Parks. However, we tow a truck behind so we often park, and take our truck thru the parks.

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3. Decide on Rental Location

Depending on the distance to your desired parks, decide whether to rent an RV locally or at your destination. Renting near your home may be convenient for shorter trips, while renting at your destination allows for more flexibility in route planning.

Of course if you own an RV then you will want to plan your route to the national parks and make a full vacation out of it.

Eight Spectacular National Park Road Trip Routes

1. Montana and Wyoming: Glacier, Grand Teton, and Yellowstone

Fly to: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, Missoula International Airport, Glacier Park International Airport, or Cut Bank International Airport.

Begin your journey at Glacier National Park, where you’ll be enchanted by turquoise glacial lakes, rugged mountains, and abundant wildlife. Explore the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road via park shuttles to soak in the panoramic views.

Continue south to Grand Teton National Park, where the majestic Teton Range dominates the landscape. Finally, venture into Yellowstone National Park to witness geothermal wonders like Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring, but be prepared for possible bison traffic jams!

2. Washington: North Cascades, Mount Rainier, and Olympic

Fly to: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

Discover the natural beauty of Washington’s national parks, starting with North Cascades National Park and its stunning alpine scenery. Journey to Mount Rainier National Park for breathtaking views of the iconic mountain and vibrant wildflower meadows.

End your trip at Olympic National Park, where you can explore lush rainforests, rugged coastlines, and snow-capped peaks. Don’t miss the serene Hoh Rain Forest, a hidden gem of tranquility.

3. Colorado: Rocky Mountain, Great Sand Dunes, and Mesa Verde

Fly to: Denver International Airport.

Experience the diverse landscapes of Colorado, beginning at Rocky Mountain National Park. Drive along Trail Ridge Road for sweeping vistas of alpine tundra and keep an eye out for herds of elk.

Head south to Great Sand Dunes National Park to marvel at towering sand dunes set against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Conclude your journey at Mesa Verde National Park, where ancient cliff dwellings offer a glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans.

4. Utah: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands

Fly to: McCarran International Airport (Las Vegas).

Explore Utah’s “Mighty Five” national parks, starting with Zion National Park and its dramatic sandstone cliffs. Continue to Bryce Canyon National Park to witness otherworldly hoodoos and natural amphitheaters.

Venture into Capitol Reef National Park for scenic drives through towering rock formations and fruit orchards. Explore the surreal landscapes of Arches National Park, home to over 2,000 natural stone arches.

Conclude your journey at Canyonlands National Park, where rugged canyons and towering mesas await. This itinerary promises unparalleled adventure amidst Utah’s stunning wilderness.

5. California, Nevada, and Arizona: Joshua Tree, Death Valley, and Grand Canyon

Fly to: Los Angeles International Airport.

Embark on a desert adventure through California, Nevada, and Arizona, beginning at Joshua Tree National Park. Explore the park’s otherworldly rock formations and iconic Joshua trees.

Journey through Death Valley National Park, the hottest and driest place in North America. Take in the breathtaking landscapes, from salt flats to sand dunes, but beware of the extreme temperatures.

Conclude your trip at Grand Canyon National Park, where you can marvel at one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Whether you hike into the canyon or admire it from the rim, the Grand Canyon promises an unforgettable experience.

6. California: Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia

Fly to: Fresno-Yosemite International Airport or San Francisco International Airport.

Discover the natural wonders of California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, starting at Yosemite National Park. Stand in awe of towering granite cliffs, thundering waterfalls, and ancient sequoia groves.

Journey south to Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, home to the world’s largest trees. Explore scenic trails, including the famous General Sherman Tree, and immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of the Sierra wilderness.

7. East Coast: Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah

Fly to: Knoxville McGee Tyson Airport.

Experience the beauty of the East Coast’s mountainous landscapes, beginning at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Explore lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and historic homesteads along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway.

Continue north to Shenandoah National Park, where the Blue Ridge Mountains provide a stunning backdrop for outdoor adventures. Don’t miss the chance to explore nearby Assateague Island, home to wild horses and pristine beaches.

8. Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan: Voyageurs and Isle Royale

Fly to: Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport.

Embark on a journey through the rugged wilderness of the Upper Midwest, starting at Voyageurs National Park. Discover pristine lakes, ancient rock formations, and abundant wildlife in this remote wilderness area.

Continue to Isle Royale National Park, accessible only by boat or seaplane. Explore the island’s rugged coastline, dense forests, and serene inland lakes, home to wolves, moose, and other North Woods wildlife.

Exploring National Parks by RV Final Thoughts

Embarking on an RV road trip to explore America’s national parks offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature, discover stunning landscapes, and create lasting memories. Whether you’re exploring the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains or the rugged coastlines of the Pacific Northwest, each national park offers a unique and unforgettable experience. So pack your bags, hit the road, and let the adventure begin!