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The national parks are treasures of the American landscape, rich with history and natural wonders. If you need another reason to take luxury RVs out into the wild, or you’re just craving a casual camping getaway, these are the places to be.
But since there are more than 60 parks to pick from, you might want to prioritize your efforts. Here are the best twelve parks to visit in your new RV, or any way you choose.
1. Zion National Park, Utah
Encompassing everything there is to love about the great outdoors, Zion National Park in Utah tops our list of places to see. Versatility is the name of the game here, including cliffs, canyons, bodies of water, and plenty of wildlife to discover.
This is a very busy park with more than 4 million visitors per year, so plan your trip wisely.
2. Grand Canyon, Arizona
Everyone needs to visit the Grand Canyon at least once, right? Don’t let the tourist trap reputation fool you. This is truly a natural wonder of the world and worth planning an in-depth excursion in advance.
You can see the Canyons from a distance or get up close and personal, with plenty of campgrounds to utilize throughout the area.
3. Acadia National Park, Maine
If you ever make it out to the east coast, make a point to stop at Acadia along the Atlantic coastline of Maine. It’s a hiker’s paradise with more than 150 miles of trails, but you can also motor along the roads to enjoy the sights more comfortably.
4. Joshua Tree, California
When the mysteries of the desert call, look no further than Joshua Tree. The unique flora and fauna are the big draw here, and the power of the place is undeniable.
If you’ve got a trusty RV, there’s no better place to spend the night. The stars are out in full force for most of the year, and you’ll see the universe more clearly than ever before.
5. Indiana Dunes, Indiana
One of the more overlooked national parks is quite close to Chicago, making it the perfect weekend getaway from the city. You’ll find a mix of beaches and forests in this beautiful part of the country, and plenty of campgrounds to relax and recoup.
6. Bryce Canyon, Utah
Need a more manageable park before seeing the Grand Canyon? Bryce Canyon is the perfect starting point. You’ll enjoy many of the same geological features and cool colors without dealing with endless crowds and upcharges. If you’re already in Utah, it’s a no-brainer.
7. Glacier National Park, Montana
If you ever wanted to live an Ansel Adams painting for yourself, you’ll find those vistas at Glacier in Montana. This park is off the beaten path, and the weather makes it less accessible throughout the year.
However, these limitations just make Glacier more of a treasure, and each experience is made more memorable.
8. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Just like in the classic song, you can see the Blue Ridge Mountains for yourself in Shenandoah, only 75 miles from the nation’s capital. At over 200,000 acres, it could take a lifetime to explore the whole park. If you love to hike, this is one you cannot miss.
9. Grand Teton, Wyoming
On your way to Yellowstone and have some time to burn? The majestic Teton Range is worth a stop. These peaks are beyond impressive and look like a postcard from any point in the park. Winters can be harsh, but the ski crowd isn’t complaining with fresh snow at Jackson Hole.
10. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
If you’ve ever been out west, you can’t miss the Rocky Mountains - they’re just too huge! You can enjoy the sights from a distance or visit the park on foot to hike and see some of the amazing wildlife firsthand.
This is also a great car-centric park if you want to stay warm and comfy on the road.
11. Yellowstone (WY, MT, ID)
It’s the first national park in the history of the world, and earns the title as one of the best. With more than 2 million acres, Yellowstone is loaded with the signature geysers, in addition to other water features like falls, springs, wetlands, and lakes.
Plan ahead and make sure the park is open for visitors, since floods have been an issue of late.
12. Great Smoky Mountains (NC, TN)
Did you know that the most popular national park takes in more than 12 million visitors per year? The mountains may look smokey, but that’s just fog! Each season has something special to offer in this amazing location, so it’s worth at least a couple of visits.
See the National Parks in Style
The beauty of the national parks is that you can experience them in so many ways, based on your goals and schedule. Use this guide to get started and enjoy every acre there is to see.