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RVing Guide to America's National Parks
One National Park to visit by motor home for each of the 50 United States! Pack up the RV, hit the open road and head for our nation’s beautiful parks! Whether you are looking to visit a National Park in your home state or looking for a nation-wide road trip, we have a complete guide to some of the most beautiful, scenic and historic parks this country has to offer.
View the guide state-by-state or view the the full version
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Discover the natural beauty of the United States; from historic landmarks to nature preserves; wild rivers to hot deserts; snow-capped mountains to tropical islands and plenty of breathtaking scenery in between. The following 50 National Parks make for the perfect RVing destination for families, couples or friends. From the East Coast to the West Coast, plan a road trip around these 50 must-see destinations!
Find other National Parks as well as camping information, things to do and see, seasonal information and more at the National Park Service website.
Part I: Alabama through Iowa
Alabama: Little River Canyon National Preserve - Fort Payne, AL
Little River is unique because it flows for most of its length atop Lookout Mountain, in northeast Alabama. Forested uplands, waterfalls, canyon rims and bluffs, pools, boulders, and sandstone cliffs offer settings for a variety of recreational activities. Enjoy ATV trails, horseback riding, scenic driving, beautiful picnic areas and Little River Falls – the park’s stunning 45-foot waterfall.
Alaska: Denali National Park & Preserve - Denali Park, AK
Denali's dynamic glacier-covered landscape supports a diversity of wildlife with grizzly bears, caribou, wolves, Dall sheep and moose. Summer slopes are graced with birds and wildflowers. Tour Denali’s spectacular scenery, visit the kennels of the famous Denali sled dogs or drive along Park Road to see wildlife unlike anywhere else in the world. Whether you are a climber or simply an admirer, the crowning jewel of North America’s highest peak is the awe inspiring 20,320 foot Mount McKinley.
Arizona: Grand Canyon National Park –Grand Canyon, AZ
A powerful and inspiring landscape, the Grand Canyon overwhelms the senses through its immense size. Grand Canyon National Park, a World Heritage Site, encompasses 1,218,375 acres and lies on the Colorado Plateau in northwestern Arizona. Well known for its geologic significance, the Grand Canyon is one of the most studied geologic landscapes in the world. The Canyon is one of the most significant landmarks the United States has to offer, an awe-inspiring location not to be missed.
Arkansas: Hot Springs National Park - Hot Springs, AR
Hot Springs, right in the middle of town. People have used the hot springs here for more than two hundred years to treat illnesses and to relax. Experience the Fordyce Bathhouse, stroll through Hot Springs’ historic district, hike park trails, and enjoy driving along scenic roads through town.
California: Yosemite National Park - the Sierra Nevada, CA
Yosemite National Park, one of the first wilderness parks in the United States, is best known for its waterfalls; but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more. Explore Yosemite by hiking or biking, take a guided bus tour, see Yosemite on horseback, try rock-climbing, bird watching or enjoy some of the many water activities offered at the park.
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Colorado: Rocky Mountain National Park - Estes Park and Grand Lake, CO
This living showcase of the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains, with elevations ranging from 8,000 feet in the wet, grassy valleys to 14,259 feet at the weather-ravaged top of Longs Peak, provides visitors with opportunities for countless breathtaking experiences and adventures. Rocky Mountain National Park offers exceptional camping, 359 miles of hiking trails, beautiful wildflowers in the summer and awe-inspiring wildlife to watch all year long.
Connecticut: Quinebaug & Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor - Putnam, CT
Quinebaug & Shetucket is not a traditional park. It embraces numerous towns, villages and a total population of about 300,000. One of the best ways to experience the corridor is by exploring and bird watching. The majestic great blue heron makes its home in this region of New England and are commonly seen feeding and flying overhead.
District of Columbia: National Capital Parks-East - Washington, DC
Journey to parks Beyond the Capital of Washington, D.C. National Capital Parks-East is 13 park sites, parkways and statuary covering more than 8,000 acres of historic, cultural, and recreational parklands from Capitol Hill to the nearby Maryland suburbs. While in D.C. be sure to visit the Lincoln Memorial – an enduring symbol of our nation’s Freedom; but only if you will be towing a dinghy behind you or can ride a bus into town as parking is minimal, at best, in downtown D.C.
Florida: Biscayne National Park - Miami, Key Biscayne & Homestead, FL
Within sight of downtown Miami, yet worlds away, Biscayne protects a rare combination of aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and fish-bejeweled coral reefs. Here too is evidence of 10,000 years of human history, from pirates and shipwrecks to pineapple farmers and presidents. Outdoors enthusiasts can boat, snorkel, camp, watch wildlife…or simply relax in a rocking chair gazing out over the bay.
Georgia: Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area - Atlanta, GA
Today the river valley attracts visitors for so many reasons. Take a solitary walk to enjoy nature's display, raft leisurely through the rocky shoals with friends, fish the misty waters as the sun comes up, or have a picnic on a Sunday afternoon. Enjoy boating, canoeing, bike riding and all the activities Chattahoochee has to offer.
Hawaii: Haleakala National Park - Kula, Maui, HI
If you can get yourself to Hawaii and have an RV waiting there for you, live on Maui with your own motorhome – or happen to be in Hawaii without an RV - don’t miss Haleakala. This special place vibrates with stories of ancient and modern Hawaiian culture and protects the bond between the land and its people. The park also cares for endangered species, some of which exist nowhere else. Renew your spirit of adventure amid stark volcanic landscapes, sub-tropical rain forest and the unforgettable experience of hiking the backcountry.
Idaho: City Of Rocks National Reserve - Almo, ID
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This unique geologic area became a landmark in 1843 for California-bound emigrants. They left wagon ruts across the landscape and their signatures in axle grease on Register Rock, Camp Rock and many others. Without surprise, City Of Rocks offers exceptional rock climbing. City Of Rocks is also home to over 22 miles of hiking trails taking you to arches, windows and dramatic overlooks.
Illinois: Lincoln Home National Historic Site - Springfield, IL
Road trip to Illinois and visit the historic home of Abraham Lincoln. He left his home of seventeen years to serve as president of a nation on the verge of Civil War. The Lincoln home has been restored to its 1860 appearance, revealing Lincoln as husband, father, and politician and is open to the public for guided tours.
Indiana: Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore - Porter, IN
Experience the sights at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore: waves crashing on sandy beaches, Karner Blue butterflies landing on wild lupines, sweaty draft horses working the Chellberg Farm fields, peaceful silence lingering along winter trails, and bank swallows flying from their nest inside the dunes. Enjoy the eight beaches Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore has to offer, plan for bird watching, horseback riding, picnicking and hiking and don’t miss out on cross-country skiing in the winter!
Iowa: Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area - Waterloo
Northeast Iowa is a patchwork quilt of stories that describe the personality of the landscape, richness of the soil, and history of farming. Silos and smokestacks tie this colorful agricultural heritage together. No other region in America shares our rich agricultural legacy. Dairy farms, museums, vineyards and tractor assembly tours await your visit.
Part II: Kansas through North Dakota
Kansas: Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve - Strong City, KS
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve was honored with being selected as one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas. But, where’s the tall grass? Tallgrass prairie once covered 140 million acres of North America. Within a generation the vast majority was developed and plowed under. Today less than 4% remains, mostly here in the Kansas Flint Hills. The preserve protects a nationally significant remnant of the once vast tallgrass prairie and its cultural resources. Tallgrass Prairie offers stunning front and backcountry hiking trails, fun fishing and a rich, cultural experience.
Kentucky: Mammoth Cave National Park - Mammoth Cave, KY
Venture to Mammoth Cave, Kentucky for a grand, gloomy and peculiar adventure. This is the world's longest cave system, with more than 365 miles explored. Take a cave tour and learn about its vast chambers and complex labyrinths that have earned its name: Mammoth. Mammoth Cave National Park provides dozens of campsites for your adventure – in three campgrounds, the backcountry, and along the rivers.
Louisiana: Cane River Creole National Historical Park - Natchez, LA
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The architecture and landscapes of the Cane River region are enchantingly “Creole.” Creole means “native to this place” and the Creole heritage and culture in Louisiana manifests itself in architecture, religious practices, food, and language. Experience traditional Creole community with a guided tour of the Historical Park, join in a traditional painting workshop, and listen to the many musicians, storytellers and craftsmen present at the Park.
Maine: Acadia National Park - Bar Harbor, ME
People have been drawn to the rugged coast of Maine throughout history. Awed by its beauty and diversity, early 20th-century visionaries donated the land that became Acadia National Park. The park is home to many plants and animals, and the tallest mountain on the U.S. Atlantic coast. Today visitors come to Acadia to hike granite peaks, bike historic carriage roads, or relax and enjoy the scenery.
Maryland: Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network – MD, DC, NY, PA, VA, WV
First thoughts of the Chesapeake Bay often bring up images of crabs and oysters. But, as the largest estuary in North America, the Chesapeake Bay has touched and influenced much of the American story. The Bay and its surrounding 64,000 square mile watershed hold a treasure trove of historic areas, natural wonders and recreational opportunities. Enjoy backpacking, biking, camping, fishing, crabbing, hunting, kayaking, nature walks, wildlife viewing and many more outdoor activities the Chesapeake Bay has to offer.
Massachusetts: Boston Harbor Islands – Boston, MA
Discover a place where you can walk a Civil War-era fort, visit historic lighthouses, explore tide pools, hike lush trails, camp under the stars, or relax while fishing, picnicking or swimming—all within reach of downtown Boston. Youth programs, visitor services, research, wildlife management, and more are coordinated on the park's 34 islands and peninsulas by the Boston Harbor Islands Partnership.
Michigan: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore - Munising, Grand Marais, MI
Sandstone cliffs, beaches, sand dunes, waterfalls, lakes, forest, and shoreline beckon you to visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Hiking, camping, sightseeing, and four season outdoor opportunities abound. Try backpacking, bicycling, fishing, hunting or kayaking in this flawless setting. The Lakeshore hugs the Lake Superior shoreline for more than 40 miles. Lake Superior is the largest, deepest, coldest, and most pristine of all the Great Lakes.
Minnesota: Voyageurs National Park – International Falls, Kabetogama, Ash River, and Crane Lake, MN
Nearly 200 years ago voyageurs paddled birch bark canoes full of animal pelts and trade goods through this area on their way to Lake Athabaska, Canada. Today, people explore the park by houseboat, motorboat, canoe and kayak. Voyageurs is a water-based park where you must leave your car and take to the water to fully experience the lakes, islands and shorelines of the park. Camping, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, alongside water recreation are among the most popular activities of Voyageurs National Park.
Mississippi: Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail - Tupelo, MS
The Old Natchez Trace was a 500-mile footpath that ran through Choctaw and Chickasaw lands connecting Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee. You can experience portions of that journey the way earlier travelers did - on foot. Today there are four separate trails totaling 65 miles administered by the Natchez Trace Parkway. Hiking is the primary attraction of Natchez Trace, explore diverse natural environments that include wetlands, swamps, Spanish moss, hardwood forest, rock outcroppings, and overlooks while following the footsteps of those that have walked hundreds, and even thousands of years before you.
Missouri: Ozark National Scenic Riverways - Van Buren, Eminence, Salem, Winona, MO
Two of America’s clearest and most beautiful spring-fed rivers make up the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, the first national park area to protect a wild river system. The Current and Jacks Fork Rivers wind through a landscape of rugged hills and towering bluffs. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery by canoe, camp along the waters edge, bike along the beautiful trails, hike through the Ozarks, go birdwatching , horseback riding or enjoy one of the many other outdoor activities the Ozark Riverways have to offer.
Montana: Glacier National Park – Northwest Montana, MT
Experience Glacier's pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains, and spectacular lakes. With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier is a hiker's paradise for adventurous visitors seeking wilderness and solitude. Relive the days of old through historic chalets, lodges, transportation, and stories of Native Americans. Experience everything Glacier has to offer with a backpacking trip deep in the wilderness, tent camping at one of the many campgrounds, boat trips to learn about geology, guided horseback tours and more.
Nebraska: Niobrara National Scenic River - Valentine, NE
The Niobrara River drains over 12,000 square miles of the Sandhills, one of the largest stabilized dunefields in the world. Take a leisurely float on this outstanding Great Plains river in north-central Nebraska. You'll be pleasantly surprised to see pine-clad hills and prairie, numerous waterfalls, tall sandstone cliffs and wildlife like deer, bison, elk, beaver, mink, herons and kingfishers.
Nevada: Great Basin National Park - Baker, NV
No matter the time of year, Great Basin National Park is home to immense natural beauty. In the winter, ski, snowboard or snowshoe the fresh powder of Great Basin alongside paw prints from a wide array of wildlife found in the park. Spring brings streams of freshly melted snow down the mountains, wildly beautiful bouquets of flowers and the beginning of outdoor activities such as hiking and birdwatching. Summer is the season of full-activity at Great Basin. Experience fishing, hiking, camping and star-gazing (Great Basin is one of the best Parks in the country for viewing star-filled night skies.) When Fall arrives, Great Basin shows its true colors. Witness the breathtaking beauty of the leaves changing colors and falling off the trees while enjoying all the outdoor activities of summer in somewhat crisper air.
New Hampshire: Appalachian National Scenic Trail - Maine to Georgia
The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) is more than 2,175-mile long footpath stretching through 14 eastern states from Maine to Georgia. Conceived in 1921 and first completed in 1937, it traverses the wild, scenic, wooded, pastoral, and culturally significant lands of the Appalachian Mountains. Great for hiking, camping and sightseeing, this is the People’s Path and America’s First National Scenic Trail.
New Jersey: Delaware National Scenic River - Boundary between the states of NJ & PA
The Middle Delaware River is one of the cleanest in the country; swimming, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, rafting and floating are among popular water activities in the summer months along the Middle Delaware. The river runs through mountainous terrain with hundreds of miles of trails hiked by adventurous trail-goers for centuries. Hike Mt. Tammany in New Jersey and emerge atop the "endless mountain" — Kittatinny Ridge. The trek also includes 27 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Biking, cross country skiing, horseback riding, rock climbing, picnicking, eagle-watching, and autotouring the scenic countryside are other popular activities in the area.
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New Mexico: Carlsbad Caverns National Park - Carlsbad, NM
Below the surface between New Mexico and Texas lies more than 300 known caves 113 of which exist in Carlsbad Caverns National Park, formed when sulfuric acid dissolved the surrounding limestone, creating some of the largest caves in North America. The Park offers excellent cave tours, both professional and self-guided, from wide-open spaces in the Big Room to crawling through narrow cave spaces. There are also opportunities for hiking and backcountry camping, attending programs in the visitor center, and watching the incredible Mexican free-tail bats out of the Cavern at dusk in the summer.
New York: Statue Of Liberty National Monument - Ellis Island, NY
Planning a road trip through the Northeastern United States? No trip to the East Coast is complete without a stop at our Nation’s most recognized monument: The Statue of Liberty. Take a trip out to the 12-acre Ellis Island where Lady Liberty stands, pick up a brochure, take a Ranger-guided tour, view the exhibits and experience one of our Nation’s most beloved symbols of freedom.
North Carolina: Great Smoky Mountains National Park - the states of NC & TN
Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its wildlife (bears), abundance of wildflowers, and numerous activities from camping, hiking and fishing to picnicking, wildlife viewing and bicycling, this is America's most visited national park. Celebrate the park's 75th Anniversary in 2009.
North Dakota: Theodore Roosevelt National Park - Medora, ND
At Theodore Roosevelt National Park learn about the legacy of our 26th President, hike, ride horses, camp, explore the wilderness, discover prairie plants, find Northern Great Plains birds and see wildlife such as bison, elk, pronghorn, mule deer, white-tailed deer, bighorn sheep and prairie dogs. Experience the place that influenced Theodore Roosevelt’s life, philosophies and politics.
Part III: Ohio through Wyoming
Ohio: Cuyahoga Valley National Park - Cleveland and Akron, OH
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is located deep in lush forests, surrounded by rolling hills and open farmlands. The park is a refuge for flora and fauna, gives a sense of times past, and provides recreation and solitude for both Ohio residents and visitors alike. The park offers many activities, from hiking and picnicking, to bicycling, camping, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, golfing and much more!
Oklahoma: Chickasaw National Recreation Area - Sulphur, OK
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Chickasaw National Recreation Area is known for its many mineral springs, cool water, flora, fauna, and wildlife. Chickasaw offers many recreational activities, such as camping, hiking, picnicking, fishing (in one of Oklahoma’s best fishing lakes!), hunting, swimming, and water skiing. Visitors can tour the park via car or bicycle and enjoy the nature viewing as well as the many photographic opportunities that abound.
Oregon: Crater Lake National Park - Crater Lake, OR
No place else on earth combines a deep, pure lake, so blue in color; sheer surrounding cliffs, almost two thousand feet high; two picturesque islands; and a violent volcanic past. It is a place of immeasurable beauty, and an outstanding outdoor laboratory and classroom. Early season visitors will be surprised by the amount of snow that still remains long into spring and mid-summer months, but summer visits allow one magnificent day after another with sun-filled skies, shining off the bright blue waters and enhancing the Lake’s breathtaking beauty.
Pennsylvania: Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor - Easton, PA
Journey through five Pennsylvania counties bursting with heritage and brimming with outdoor adventure! The National Heritage Corridor offers something for everyone: a history trail, quiet canal paths, challenging bike trails, the rippling waters of the Delaware and Lehigh Rivers and more. The area is host to prestigious bike racing, including Olympic tryout races; whitewater rafting and canoeing in nearby waters; and festivals celebrating the arts.
Rhode Island: Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor - The Blackstone Valley, MA & RI
The Blackstone River runs from Worcester, MA to Providence, RI and a living landscape containing thousands of natural, cultural and historic treasures. The best thing about The Valley, is there is always something going on! No matter what time of year you visit, there is sure to be a festival or concert in town or a plethora of recreational activities to participate in. Sightseeing, hiking, boating, bicycling and fishing are among the most popular activities in The Valley – we recommend any activity that allows you to enjoy the beautiful river!
South Carolina: Congaree National Park - Hopkins, SC
Congaree is the largest remnant of old-growth floodplain forest remaining on the continent! Most of the park is designated wilderness, giving you the opportunity to explore the natural wonders on foot or by canoe through the tranquil Cedar Creek. Congaree offers hiking trails, plenty of sightseeing, primitive camping, bird watching, picnicking, canoeing and kayaking, and much more. Walk and relax in a calming wilderness setting amidst giant hardwoods and towering pines.
South Dakota: Badlands National Park - Southwestern, SD
The unique badlands formations interlaced with one of the largest mixed-grass prairie ecosystems in the United States provide considerable opportunities for discovery and exploration. Bison, bighorn sheep, endangered black-footed ferrets, and swift fox roam the lands. From camping and hiking to bird watching and auto-touring, visitors to Badlands National Park will enjoy countless outdoor adventures.
Tennessee: Great Smoky Mountains National Park - the states of NC & TN
Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America's most visited national park. The park is a hiker's paradise with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short leg-stretchers to strenuous treks that may require backcountry camping; also enjoy camping, fishing, picnicking, wildlife viewing and auto touring at Great Smoky. Visit this year to celebrate the park’s 75th Anniversary!
Texas: Big Bend National Park - The big bend of the Rio Grande, TX
Big Bend is one of the largest and least visited of America’s national parks. Sometimes considered "three parks in one," Big Bend includes mountain, desert, and river environments. An hour's drive can take you from the banks of the Rio Grande to a mountain basin nearly a mile high. Enjoy great hiking, floating the Rio Grande, bicycling, bird watching, moon and star-gazing, rock climbing and so much more within the park’s over 801,000 acres.
Utah: Bryce Canyon National Park - Bryce Canyon, UT
Spend a week or spend a few hours in Bryce Canyon and you will experience breathtaking scenery, limitless outdoor activities, astonishing wildlife (including endangered species) and so much more. Plan an overnight trip camping at the park and enjoy a moonlit, guided hike or telescope stargazing; take a horseback ride through the park, drive to scenic Rainbow Point, walk the canyon rim or enjoy snowshoe hikes in the winter. Famous for its unique geology of red rock spires and horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters, Bryce offers an out-of-this-world experience.
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Vermont: Marsh - Billings - Rockefeller National Historical Park - Woodstock, VT
This National Park hosts some of Vermont’s most breathtaking scenery with beautiful landscapes, under the shade of sugar maples and 400-year-old hemlocks, quaint covered bridges and rambling stone walls. We recommend taking a walk, or snowshoeing, through the woods to truly experience the spectacular views of the nearby hills and valleys. The park also offers guided tours of the historic Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller mansion, special outdoor programs and much more for family vacation fun.
Virginia: Great Falls Park - McLean, VA
At Great Falls, the Potomac River builds up speed and force as it falls over a series of steep, jagged rocks and flows through the narrow Mather Gorge. Great Falls Park has many opportunities to explore history and nature, all in a beautiful 800-acre park only 15 miles from the Nation’s Capital. Hiking along the Potomac, falls and river viewing, bicycling, bird watching, boating, climbing, fishing, horseback riding and picnicking are among the most popular activities at Great Falls Park.
Washington: Mount Rainier National Park - Ashford, Enumclaw, Packwood, Wilkeson, WA
Mount Rainier National Park offers breathtaking scenery and abundant outdoor activities. Learn about glaciers, discover life in a rainforest, hike the Wonderland Trail, explore subalpine ecology, watch clouds shroud between mountains and disappear, dream about climbing to Rainier’s summit. The park offers all this and much more right at your fingertips.
West Virginia: Gauley River National Recreation Area - Summersville, WV
The 25 miles of free-flowing Gauley River and the six miles of the Meadow River pass through scenic gorges and valleys containing a wide variety of natural and cultural features. Known for its class V+ rapids, this is the place to visit for adventure! Enjoy a whitewater rafting or boating trip on one of the premier whitewater runs in the world.
Wisconsin: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore - Lake Superior, WI
Experience the jewels of Lake Superior! Enjoy the windswept beaches and cliffs and unique blend of cultural and natural resources. Activities around the lake are endless, with camping, hiking, fishing, kayaking, scuba diving, sailing and boating, hunting, island tours and beachcombing.
Wyoming: Yellowstone National Park - Yellowstone National Park, ID, MT, WY
Last, but certainly not least, is Yellowstone - America's first national park. Located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, it is home to a large variety of wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk. Preserved within Yellowstone National Park are Old Faithful and a collection of the world's most extraordinary geysers and hot springs, and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. The park offers a near-endless list of outdoor activities, from backcountry hiking and camping to fishing and wildlife viewing (with lots to do in between!) Yellowstone is certainly a must-visit and the perfect destination for an RV road trip.
