Memorial Day is right around the corner, which means summer is almost here! As the weather warms up and school lets out, more people will be hitting the road on vacation. Here are 5 of our favorite National Parks to get away to in your RV this summer:
1. Acadia National Park
Tucked up in the in the far northeast corner of the country, this gem offers spectacular views and hiking along the rugged Maine coastline. The 9th most visited park in the country, people flock here between the months of July and September, when the state finally gets a reprieve from harsh, cold winter weather. Make sure you hike up Cadillac Mountain for panoramic views of both land and ocean. After a long day of trekking through the park, retire to the quaint town of Bar Harbor for a nice dinner and abundant shopping. While motorhomes and trailers are not allowed within the park itself, there are a number of private campgrounds nearby that accommodate RVs. Try the Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA campground for waterfront sites.
Take in the rugged and breathtaking coastline in Maine’s Acadia National Park
2. Hot Springs National Park
Just an 11-hour journey from the heart of Ohio, Hot Springs National Park is known for its geothermal hot springs which bubble up with 143-degree groundwater. In the middle of the Ouachita Mountain range in West Arkansas, the park has the smallest footprint of any National Park, but still has abundant opportunities for hiking and exploration. After a day on the trails, you can take a dip in the healing hot spring waters at one of the historical bathhouses still in operation. The Gulpha Gorge Campground is the only park operated campground and costs just $30 for a site with hookups.
3. Joshua Tree National Park
Named after the twisted trees that dot this rugged landscape, Joshua Tree National Park lies in Southern Colorado overlapping both the Colorado and Mojave deserts. Though a fairly recent addition to the national park system, Joshua Tree attracts approximately 1.6 million visitors a year. This expansive locale is far removed from metropolitan light pollution, so it is a popular spot for star-gazers and amateur astronomers looking to feast their eyes on the Milky Way. While there are no hookups for RVs at campsites within the park, you might want to try nearby Joshua Tree Lake RV Campground.
A Joshua tree silhouetted in the forefront of a starry night sky
4. Great Sand Dunes National Park
It may seem odd that the largest sand dunes in the U.S. sit in front of a backdrop of snow-peaked mountains, hundreds of miles from the closest ocean, but geologists say there is a reasonable explanation. These sand dunes formed after lakes once covering the area dried up, leaving behind sandy deposits that the wind tossed into magnificent, lofty dunes. Today, thrill-seekers of all ages sled and board down the dunes, on boards and sleds specifically designed for sand. There are a small number of RV-friendly sites at the Pinon Flats Campground, though no hook-ups, so plan on being self-contained.
5. Grand Teton National Park
A beautiful park in the northwest corner of Wyoming, the 8th most popular park in the country encompasses the towering Teton Mountain Range and sections of Jackson Hole. The highest peak in the park is Grand Teton itself, just shy of qualifying as a fourteener at a soaring 13,775 feet. If you’re out hiking, make sure you are aware of wildlife as bears are prevalent in the park. Colter Bay and Headwaters campgrounds are your best options in the park for RV camping as these both have full hook-ups.
Whether you camp at one of these great parks or find somewhere else to explore, we hope you have a wonderful summer full of adventure!