Top 5 national parks for BIG RVs

There’s a lot to love about the US national parks services. With some of the world’s most recognizable landscapes, national wonders, wildlife, and outstanding maintenance, it’s no wonder that the US national parks often top bucket lists for RV enthusiasts the world over. 

Since our national parks have been around for many decades (and it’s not as if we could decide to have huge mountains right next to a perfect place for a nice, flat campground), some just can’t accommodate big, contemporary RVs. While the maximum length varies between parks, the average permitted length is about 27 feet, including driving through, accessing, and parking in parking lots and campgrounds. 

Now, there’s a lot out there about smaller campers and campervans and how to make your life feel big in a small space. While we love those and write them ourselves, we also wanted to take a moment to appreciate the opportunities to travel BIG. We want to take this chance to recognize the US national parks that are most welcoming and accessible for larger Class A and Super C coaches.

1. Live large in Death Valley National Park

Owing in no small part to its massive size (over 3 million acres!), Death Valley is plenty accommodating for even the biggest RVs. Both the main roads and campgrounds are easy to maneuver in the largest national park outside Alaska/Hawaii. Furnace Creek Campground, which is the only campground run by the National Park Service in Death Valley that accepts reservations, boasts large, paved, full hookup sites, many of which are ADA-compliant and have easy access to dump stations. 

While you’re in Death Valley, make sure to check out Badwater Basin, the famous mule teams at Harmony Borax Works, and the Wildrose Charcoal Kilns. If you’re really up for a treat, make time for a nighttime tour as the stars put on an epic performance in one of the most desolate places on Earth. As a Gold Tier Dark Sky Park designated by the International Dark-Sky Association, Death Valley offers some of the best stargazing in America.

2. Take your big rig to Hot Springs National Park

Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas, Hot Springs National Park offers a unique blend of natural wonders, cultural richness, and therapeutic experiences. While you’re there, explore the iconic Bathhouse Row, a collection of eight bathhouses that line the park's main street. Marvel at the stunning architecture, reflecting the Gilded Age's grandeur. Two operational bathhouses (the Buckstaff and the Quapaw) provide modern spa services, allowing visitors to soak in the thermal waters just like bathers of the past. Immerse yourself in the healing powers of the park’s thermal springs, which boast waters reaching 143°F (62 °C), believed to have therapeutic aspects. Hot Springs National Park also offers hiking trails, panoramic views of the Ouachita Mountains, and a variety of seasonal cultural events. 

Tucked into a lush forest near Hot Springs National Park, you’ll find the perfect big RV campground at Gulpha Gorge. This campground offers full hookups and accepts RVs up to 60 feet in length. We call that a steal.

3. A grand RV vacation at the Grand Canyon

No National Parks RVing list would be complete without the Grand Canyon! Grand Canyon National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is arguably the crown jewel of America’s National Parks. Whether you enjoy trails off the South Rim, visit Havasu Falls, stay close to Grand Canyon Village, or venture into the canyon, you’re sure to find wonder here. Grand Canyon National Park is also a designated Dark Sky park, offering once-in-a-lifetime stargazing at night. Ready for even more adventure? Try whitewater rafting down the Colorado River, hiking into the canyon, or helicopter tours: the Grand Canyon has it all! 

Although there are many campgrounds near the Grand Canyon, some of which offer full hookups and other amenities, Trailer Village RV Park, located on the South Rim, stands out as a year-round campground offering pull-through sites for coaches up to 50 feet in length.

4. Find your piece of peace in Shenandoah National Park

For those looking to escape the bustle of city life near the East Coast, Shenandoah National Park offers a welcome respite. With fields of wildflowers, stunning views, waterfalls, and plenty of wildlife, Shenandoah is a peaceful haven on 200,000 acres of protected land, and it’s open year-round. You can access a portion of the famous Appalachian Trail, climb Hawksbill Summit, or take the trail to Dark Hollow Falls for an enchanting waterfall experience. What Shenandoah arguably lacks in drama, it makes up for in peace compared to some other national parks on our list. 

As for camping, Mathews Arm Campground offers 166 campsites, many of which can accommodate RVs up to 55 feet in length. With electrical hookups and a dump station, it’s also conveniently located near its namesake hike, making it easy to see wildlife and waterfalls.

5. Go big in Badlands National Park

Visiting South Dakota’s Badlands National Park is like stepping onto another planet. Its rugged beauty leaves an undeniable mark on every visitor. Vast stretches of striking rock formations, layered in hues of red, yellow, and pink, create an awe-inspiring and captivating landscape. Wildlife enthusiasts will be delighted to find bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs against the backdrop of this unique landscape. Badlands National Park, with its raw, untamed beauty, is a testament to the powerful forces of nature. Whether you're drawn in by the intricate details of rock formations or the vastness of the prairie, a visit to Badlands is an odyssey into the heart of Earth's natural wonders.

When you’re ready to take your large RV to Badlands National Park, Cedar Pass Campground offers 96 roomy sites for RVs up to 40 feet long. While not every site has full hookups, the park does offer pull-through sites, an on-site dump station, and both 50 and 30 am electrical at some sites.

Ready to take a big trip in a big RV?

Finding the right RV of any size is a tough decision, no matter where you want to roam. That’s why here at Transwest, our friendly and knowledgeable staff is available to help you make the best choice to meet your travel needs. Check out our available inventory and visit us today to help make your biggest RV dreams come true.