You get the opportunity to drive through different states, taking in the sights and experiencing the local culture along the way. Whether you are planning a road trip or are keen to see spectacular locations we have put together a list of the top rated National Parks to see in America.
No matter if you are travelling solo, with friends or taking your family along for the journey, it is worthwhile to rent or buy an RV for the ultimate road trip experience. Especially if you are not keen to book a USA group tour taking an RV on a camping road trip can be a ton of fun and also give you the freedom to go where you want and when you want.
If this appeals to you, and as you will have the ability to travel anywhere in the country, where should you go? You should definately consider visiting some of the incredible National Parks in the United States, they will leave you speechless.
Check out our list of National Parks in North America that you really need to see.
1. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
One of the most popular locations in Wyoming is the Yellow Stone National Park (as seen in the image above).
This destination is known for its wildlife and natural beauty. On top of that, you can find special geographic locations like the Old Faithful geyser or grand prismatic springs which are really spectacular.
There are plenty of things to do in Yellowstone including going hiking or taking trails that have breathtaking waterfalls and scenic views. This is an enjoyable destination from late spring to the early fall because of the relatively mild temperatures.
Since Yellowstone is such a large National Park, there are lots of different routes and places to camp for RV, most have modern facilites which offer great relaxation inbetween visting the various tourist spots.
2. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Oregon is an overlooked state but one destination on your camping trip should be the Crater Lake National Park.
This stunning National Park is located in southern Oregon and was formed from the remnants of Mount Mazama, a past volcano. At Crater Lake, you can see the lakes crystal clear blue waters and explore various trails in the surrounding forest.
This is a great summer travel idea because it is one of the few destinations where you can still see snow all year round. Moreover, Crater Lake provides RV grounds found in the Mazama campground which provide the basic needs for you and your RV.
3. Yosemite National Park, California
If you are based on the west coast, or just fancy a road trip to this area then the Yosemite National Park is considered one of the best destinations in the United States.
Located in California, Yosemite has several scenic attractions and also lots of activities you can do. The drive here is stunning, you will pass by huge ancient sequoia trees, granite cliffs and wooded valleys.
Along the way, you can stop at over 1,500 archeological sites throughout the park. Although campgrounds inside the park do not provide hookups, there are many camps just outside of the park borders that are RV friendly and cheap, and make it one of the best destinations where you can save money on travel.
Hiking here is one of the top things do in California.
4. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Additionally, you can have a memorable RV camping trip at the Rocky Mountains National Park.
These mountains stretch along multiple states. However, some of the best camping spots are in Denver, Colorado. Specifically, there are two roads called Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road which you need to visit. You can take these roads to travel through stunning nature incuding trees, rivers and serene lakes.
The Rocky Mountains also have over 300 miles of trails that you can venture into the wild. It is also said to have one of the best night time views of the stars and planets.
Depending on where you stop, you can find multiple camp sites along the National park or nearby. Like other National Parks, some of the campsites have RV hookups and amenities while others do not.
5. Acadia National Park, Maine
If you're looking for a more coastal destination on your trip, you should consider a trip to the Acadia Nation Park located in Maine.
It is know to be "a birdwatchers paradise" and there is an abundance of wildlife here. There are also lots of other activities to enjoy in Acadia too including canoeing, biking, hiking and rock climbing.
The Acadia Nation Park is an excellent destination to visit during all the seasons because each one provides a its own form of beauty. While the park does not offer any RV hookups, you can still have a dry camping experience and park the RV nearby.
Other Parks to Consider
There are so many National Parks located throughout the USA and here are some of the best alternative places to check out by region:
Best National Parks in the USA: West Coast
- Sequoia National Park
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Zion National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Arches National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Grand Teton National Park
- Glacier National Park
- Mt. Rainier National Park
- Death Valley National Park - one of the undoubted highlights of Nevada
Best National Parks on the East Coast USA
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Shenandoah National Park
- Acadia National Park
- Mammoth Cave National Park
- Everglades National Park
- Dry Tortugas National Park
Best National Parks in Alaska & Hawaii
- Gates of the Arctic National Park
- Glacier Bay National Park
- Kenai Fjords National Park
- Denali National Park
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Haleakala National Park
Things to Think About Before Departing
Weather
Check what time of year you are going and see what the weather is like before departing and pack accordindly.
How Much Time to Spend Visiting
You can spend several days enjoying the outdoors, natural attractions and active wildlife. In fact, the best places like the Rocky Mountains, Yellowstone, and Yosemite are such large parks that you may have to visit them twice! Other places like Crater Lake and Acadia National Park are sure to give you a weekend or short trip that you may be seeking.
Insurance, Warranties & Precautions
No matter where your camping road trip takes you, be sure to stop at some of these destinations. Along the way, you should have good sam extended warranties for cars, RVs, motorhomes and fifth wheels to ensure your trip goes smoothly.
These destinations are best experienced by taking in on all sights and having the flexibility to change your location on a daily basis will give you more freedom. We recommend tell friends and family where you are going and also check where gas stations are on the route you are taking.
