RVing in National Parks

There is a lot of incredible scenery to explore in the US, nowhere more so than our famous national parks. And what better way to get to see them than in your own RV. But it’s not usually as simple as driving into a national park and setting up camp. There is some planning required and regulations to follow.

Before you visit a national park, you should conduct some research into it to find out what these regulations are. The National Park Service is a good place to start. Here are a few areas to consider…

Stay limits

How long are you planning to stay in the park? At many of them, this duration may be limited, especially in the more popular ones. Some parks may only have stay limits in place during peak seasons. Make sure you know what limits are in place before you plan your stay.

RV size limits

Some parks and campgrounds will also have restrictions placed on the size of vehicles that can enter. Even if there are no strict limits, you might find it difficult to find adequate space in certain campgrounds for a larger vehicle. Most vehicles up to 22 feet long will be fine, but check the park’s regulations just in case.

Reservation policy

Can you reserve a space at a campsite at that national park? Doing so can be useful, especially during peak seasons, to ensure that you get a good spot. But not all national parks allow reservations. If you can’t make a reservation, then it is best to arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Costs

Like I said, you can’t just drive into a national park and set up camp. There are costs involved. Look into entry fees and camping fees to get an idea of how much you’ll be paying. Use of the camp’s amenities (like showers) may also cost extra in some places.

Amenities available

Check what facilities and amenities are available in the park and at each campground. Does the campground have showering and toilet facilities nearby? Are there sources of freshwater? Some of the bigger parks will have amenities like small shops and laundry facilities. Check how far away from the campgrounds these are if you need them.

Your driving routes

Always take into consideration the size of your vehicle when planning your route to and through the national park. Plan a safe route that can accommodate your vehicle and take weather forecasts into consideration to assess if the road conditions will be safe.

Now you’re ready for your national park trip, it’s time to make sure your RV is, too. Windshield shades and tire shades from Magne Shade are a great start to make sure your RV is protected from the weather. Get in touch to request a quote.