Planning an RV Adventure in National Parks
Chosen theme: Planning an RV Adventure in National Parks. Welcome to your friendly roadmap for crafting an unforgettable, safe, and flexible RV journey through America’s most iconic wild places. Subscribe for route ideas, campsite tips, and stories that help you plan smarter and travel freer.
Match Your RV to the Parks You Love
Many national parks restrict RV length to protect tight roads and historic campgrounds. Measure bumper-to-bumper, including bikes or cargo racks, and practice backing, turning, and braking so tight loops and scenic switchbacks feel manageable.
Match Your RV to the Parks You Love
Consider where you’ll camp most: dry campgrounds without hookups favor nimble rigs with good solar and batteries, while larger sites fit Class A comfort. Think about height, clearance, and maneuverability on narrow, tree-lined park roads.
Match Your RV to the Parks You Love
We met a couple at Zion who swapped their 35-foot motorhome for a compact trailer after scraping tight tunnel walls felt too risky. Their new setup opened more campgrounds, and suddenly peak sunrise trailheads became easy to reach.
Master Reservations and Permits
Use Recreation.gov to track reservation release dates and set calendar reminders. Always list two or three alternative campgrounds nearby, including first-come, first-served options, so you can pivot if competition spikes during holidays.
Master Reservations and Permits
Some parks require timed-entry passes or corridor permits during peak months. Build your itinerary around these windows, and schedule long driving days to avoid clashing with restrictive arrival times at popular gates.
Campsite Logistics: Hookups, Power, and Boondocking
Generator Hours and Solar Strategy
Quiet hours are strictly enforced. Consider solar panels and a reliable battery bank to keep essentials running. Charge devices and top off batteries during daylight, and cook earlier to avoid evening generator restrictions.
Water Discipline and Dump Station Timing
Arrive with full fresh water and empty waste tanks. Use collapsible jugs for refills, switch to navy showers, and track tank levels daily. Hit dump stations early morning to beat lines before checkout surges.
Boondocking Near Park Boundaries
When park campgrounds fill, nearby national forests can offer dispersed sites. Verify road conditions, fire restrictions, and stay limits. Share your favorite legal boondock spots responsibly—specifics help, but leave coordinates with care.
Safety, Wildlife, and Leave No Trace
Use binoculars for bears, bison, and elk, and keep food locked in vehicles or approved containers. A single cooler left out can train animals to approach campsites, risking relocations and fines.
Food, Fuel, and Comfort Without Hookups
Plan Menus That Minimize Dishes
Think skillet meals, foil packets, and pre-chopped veggies. Use a lidded bin for dry goods and batch-cook staples like rice and beans. Share your favorite two-burner recipes for a chance to be featured.
Fuel, Propane, and Elevation Strategy
Top off fuel before entering remote parks, and refill propane early in the week. High elevations can change boil times and fridge performance—monitor temps, and adjust regulator pressure if needed.
Comfort Items That Punch Above Their Weight
Pack a compact mat for dusty sites, a headlamp for late-night walks, and a small heater rated for RV use. These tiny comforts transform cold mornings and make dry camping feel luxurious.
Tech, Navigation, and Staying Connected
Before arrival, save offline maps and official park newspapers. Mark dump stations, water spigots, and trailheads. An organized digital folder means less hunting and more hiking when cell service drops.
Tech, Navigation, and Staying Connected
A cellular booster can help near park edges, but not everywhere. When bandwidth is scarce, schedule uploads for town days. Share how you balance remote work with the quiet rhythms of nature.
Tech, Navigation, and Staying Connected
Consider a satellite messenger for dead zones, with pre-set check-in messages. Share your location with a trusted contact, and keep a paper backup of routes in case devices fail at critical intersections.