Top RV-Friendly Camping Locations
As someone who loves exploring the great outdoors but enjoys the comforts of home, RV camping has been the perfect balance for me. Over the years, I’ve visited several RV-friendly camping locations across the United States, each offering unique experiences, stunning scenery, and plenty of amenities. If you're considering an RV trip or want to find your next destination, this guide to the top RV-friendly camping locations will give you all the information you need to plan an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat in nature or a more active, adventure-filled location, I’ve found the best spots to park your RV and make the most of your camping experience.
1. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park is one of the most iconic national parks in the United States, and it’s also one of the best places to camp in an RV. I visited Yellowstone for the first time with my family, and it quickly became one of our favorite RV destinations. The park offers a variety of RV-friendly campgrounds, including some with full hookups, making it easy to enjoy nature without sacrificing comfort.
The views in Yellowstone are simply breathtaking. From the geothermal features like Old Faithful to the abundant wildlife, including bison, elk, and grizzly bears, there’s always something to see and do. The park offers easy access to hiking, fishing, and scenic drives, all while providing the perfect base for your RV.
Some of the most popular RV-friendly campgrounds in Yellowstone include the Madison Campground and the Fishing Bridge RV Park, which are located close to major attractions and offer convenient amenities. Make sure to book your campground early, as these spots fill up quickly during peak season.
2. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world, and it’s also a fantastic destination for RV camping. I’ve visited the Grand Canyon several times, and staying in an RV park allows you to have easy access to the park’s stunning viewpoints and hiking trails. The weather is usually ideal for RV camping, especially during the spring and fall months.
The Grand Canyon offers two main RV-friendly campgrounds: Mather Campground on the South Rim and the Desert View Campground. Mather Campground has both tent and RV sites, and it’s just a short distance from the Grand Canyon Village, where you can explore restaurants, shops, and visitor centers. Desert View Campground, located at the eastern edge of the park, offers a more peaceful atmosphere with beautiful views of the canyon.
Whether you’re hiking to the bottom of the canyon or simply taking in the spectacular views from the rim, the Grand Canyon is a must-visit destination for any RV camper.
3. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
For those looking for a mix of outdoor adventure and easy access to amenities, Shenandoah National Park in Virginia is the perfect RV destination. I’ve camped in Shenandoah several times, and its proximity to Washington, D.C., makes it a popular weekend getaway spot for RV travelers. The park is known for its beautiful mountain views, scenic Skyline Drive, and an abundance of hiking trails.
The park has four main campgrounds that accommodate RVs, including the Big Meadows Campground, which offers both full-hookup sites and more rustic sites for those who prefer a simpler camping experience. The campgrounds are spread out along Skyline Drive, making it easy to find a spot that suits your preferences. The park’s 200,000 acres provide ample opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.
4. Zion National Park, Utah
Located in the southwestern United States, Zion National Park is a stunning destination known for its towering red rock cliffs and canyons. I first visited Zion with my RV and was blown away by the park’s natural beauty. The park has a wide range of outdoor activities, from hiking to rock climbing, and RV camping here provides a comfortable base to explore it all.
The Watchman Campground is the primary campground in Zion that accommodates RVs. It’s located near the park’s main entrance, making it convenient for accessing the shuttle system that takes visitors to key attractions like The Narrows, Angels Landing, and the Temple of Sinawava. The campground has full-hookup sites, as well as stunning views of the Watchman Peak and the surrounding canyons.
Whether you’re interested in hiking the famous Angel’s Landing trail or simply enjoying the views, Zion National Park is a must-see for RV campers looking for both adventure and comfort.
5. Olympic National Park, Washington
For those who love a mix of coastal beauty, lush rainforests, and mountain landscapes, Olympic National Park in Washington state is an excellent RV camping destination. During one of my trips to Olympic National Park, I stayed in the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, which offers RV camping in a tranquil setting surrounded by old-growth forests and streams.
The park is known for its diverse ecosystems, from the temperate rainforests of the Hoh River Valley to the rugged coastline. The Olympic National Park’s RV-friendly campgrounds, such as the Kalaloch Campground along the Pacific Coast, offer access to beach hikes, tide pools, and stunning ocean views. The Hoh Rain Forest Campground is another fantastic option for those looking to immerse themselves in the park’s lush, green forests.
Whether you’re exploring the beaches or soaking in natural hot springs, Olympic National Park provides an unforgettable RV camping experience.
6. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
If you're looking for breathtaking mountain views and a variety of outdoor activities, Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado is an excellent choice for RV camping. I’ve had the pleasure of camping here several times, and it never gets old. From alpine lakes to towering peaks, the park offers something for everyone, whether you’re a hiker, photographer, or wildlife enthusiast.
The Moraine Park Campground is one of the most popular spots for RV camping in the park, offering full-hookup sites and easy access to some of the park’s most iconic features, like Bear Lake and the Trail Ridge Road. The campground is located in a beautiful valley, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and keep an eye out for wildlife, including elk and mule deer.
For those looking for a more remote experience, the Glacier Basin Campground offers a more rustic, but equally beautiful, RV camping experience. No matter where you camp in Rocky Mountain National Park, you’ll be surrounded by stunning natural beauty and plenty of outdoor activities.
7. Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park in Maine offers one of the most unique and scenic RV camping experiences I’ve ever had. The park is known for its dramatic coastal cliffs, beautiful beaches, and dense forests. When I camped at the Blackwoods Campground in Acadia, I loved waking up to the smell of pine trees and the sound of waves crashing on the shore.
Acadia’s park system has several campgrounds that accommodate RVs, including Blackwoods and Seawall Campground. Both campgrounds offer proximity to the park’s main attractions, such as Cadillac Mountain, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding islands and the Atlantic Ocean. Acadia also offers fantastic biking and hiking trails, as well as opportunities for tidepooling along the coast.
Whether you’re interested in exploring the park’s coastlines, hiking the iconic Jordan Pond Path, or simply relaxing by your RV, Acadia National Park offers an unforgettable RV camping experience.
8. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, straddling the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, is a perfect RV camping destination for nature lovers. I’ve camped at several spots in this park, and each time, I’m amazed by its beauty. From misty mornings to stunning mountain views, the Smoky Mountains offer a magical experience for any RV camper.
The Elkmont Campground is one of the most popular places to camp with an RV, offering proximity to the park’s scenic trails, waterfalls, and historic sites. The campground is surrounded by lush forests and is a great base for exploring the park’s natural wonders. Additionally, the Cades Cove Campground offers a more remote experience, with opportunities for wildlife watching and access to the historic Cades Cove loop road.
Whether you’re hiking, enjoying the wildflower blooms, or just taking in the stunning mountain views, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the best RV-friendly camping spots in the U.S.
