There are 62 National Parks in the U.S., and these natural paradises encompass a diverse range of climates, geological marvels, and historic monuments.

Traveling by RV is one of the best ways to visit the National Parks, since you can often stay within or very near the park in designated campgrounds.

According to KOA, about 40% of all RV campers stay in state or National Parks when camping, instead of private campgrounds. 

However, not all National Parks allow RVs, and some have rough roads or lack the facilities to accommodate large motorhomes or long trailer campers. 

IN THIS ARTICLE Show

What is the best RV Length for Fitting into National Parks? 

FAQs About RVs and Camping in the National Parks

If you are traveling with a towed vehicle such as a trailer or fifth wheel, it’s important to keep in mind that the maximum length allowed in most National Parks includes the camper itself and the truck or SUV you’re towing it with.

Unless you’re traveling in a motorhome without a second vehicle, your trailer will need to be about 10 feet under the length restriction to fit in your campsite along with the towing vehicle.

In this article, I have compiled a list of the most popular National Parks (with links) to provide a look at each campground’s vehicle length limits at-a-glance.

You can also get an idea for whether there are hookups or a dump station available at the campgrounds, and know whether you’ll need a reservation for a campsite or if they are first come, first served (FCFS).

FAQs About RVs and Camping in the National Parks

When you’re considering camping in the National Parks with an RV or trailer, there are some common questions that you may be asking. 

Are There Any State Regulations About RV Length I Should Know?

Although the National Parks are federally-operated property, they need to adhere to state guidelines and restrictions for the state in which the park itself is located.

Each state has its own regulations about the maximum allowable length of RVs. Keep in mind that some states refer to these vehicles differently, such as RV, motorhome, private motorcoach, house car, or even just ‘vehicle’.

Additionally, most states restrict the width of the vehicle to eight feet, including:

  • Alabama
  • Arizona
  • Georgia
  • Illinois
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Michigan
  • Missouri
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • Oklahoma
  • Tennessee
  • Washington D.C.

Finally, you should keep your vehicle’s overall weight in mind as well. In some states, you’ll be required to have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) if your RV’s weight exceeds 26,000 pounds.

However, with the average length restriction in most National Parks being between 25 and 30 feet, you most likely will not surpass this weight and therefore you should be fine with a standard Driver’s License when operating your RV.

Do the National Parks Allow Class A RVs and Fifth Wheels?

In addition to length, it’s important to consider the type of RV you’re driving, since some models are larger (and longer) than others.

For example, Class A RVs are generally 30 feet or longer, and while they offer more luxury for living on the road full-time, they might not fit into many National Park campgrounds

Fifth wheels are the largest towable trailer campers available, and are often longer and heavier than standard campers.

Additionally, you must consider the total length of the trailer and your towing vehicle to fall within the length restrictions of states and National Park campgrounds, which might make an RV (with inclusive driving cab) preferable. 

Keep in mind that many National Parks can accommodate RVs and trailers (with towing vehicles) up to 40 feet in total length, but there are also several where the length restrictions are much shorter (around 20 feet).

So, for ease of getting around and camping in the National Parks, smaller is better and you’ll be safer staying away from Class A motorhomes and fifth wheel campers. 

what is the maximum length of rv allowed in national parks?

While the general average length of RVs allowed in most National Parks is between 25 and 30 feet, the overall average maximum length according to the U.S. National Parks Travel Guide is 27 feet.

However, there are a lot of National Park campgrounds that can comfortably accommodate longer RVs – even ones that are more than 40 feet long.

Always remember that for trailers, the total length must include the trailer itself and the truck or SUV that you’re towing it with.

Campground RV Length Restrictions In The National Parks

Most National Parks that have campgrounds allow RVs and campers, but some are tent-only.

The following guide lists only those campgrounds in the National Parks that allow RVs and trailers.

However, there are often private campgrounds near the National Parks that can accommodate RVs and sometimes have more amenities (i.e. full hookups) if you are looking for a more comfortable, fully-equipped stay near the National Parks.

1. Acadia National Park (Maine)

Acadia National Park

Campground Name

Max Length

Hookups?

Dump Station?

Reservations

Blackwoods

20ft - 35ft (varies)

No

Yes

Yes (mid-June to mid-Oct)

Seawall

35ft (combined)

No

Yes

 Yes (all sites)

Schoodic Woods

25ft

Yes

Yes

 Yes (all sites)

2. Arches National Park (Utah)

Arches National Park

Campground Name

Max Length

Hookups?

Dump Station?

Reservations

Devil’s Garden

40ft

No

No

Yes (book well in advance March through Oct, FCFS the rest of the year)

3. Badlands National Park (South Dakota)

Badlands National Park

Campground Name

Max Length

Hookups?

Dump Station?

Reservations

Cedar Pass

None given

Yes

Yes

Yes

Sage Creek

18ft

No

No

No

4. Big Bend National Park (Texas)

Big Bend National Park

Campground Name

Max Length

Hookups?

Dump Station?

Reservations

Rio Grande Village RV (Private)

40ft

Yes

No (nearby at Rio Grande Village)

Yes

Rio Grande Village (NPS)

None given

No

Yes

Yes / FCFS

Cottonwood

None given

No

No

No

Chisos Basin

20ft (trailers), 24ft (RVs)

No

Yes

Yes / FCFS

5. Black Canyon Of The Gunnison (Colorado)

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison

Campground Name

Max Length

Hookups?

Dump Station?

Reservations

South Rim

55ft

Yes

No

Yes / FCFS

North Rim

22ft

No

No

No (FCFS)

East Portal

22ft

No

No

No (FCFS)

6. Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah)

Bryce Canyon National Park

Campground Name

Max Length

Hookups?

Dump Station?

Reservations

North Campground

35ft

No

Yes

No (FCFS)

Sunset

45ft

No

Yes (North CG)

Yes (mid May through mid Oct)

7. Canyonlands National Park (Utah)

Canyonlands National Park

Campground Name

Max Length

Hookups?

Dump Station?

Reservations

Willow Flat / Island in the Sky

28ft

No

No

No (FCFS)

The Needles / Squaw Flat

28ft

No

No

Yes (March 15 to June 30 and Sept 1 to Oct 31) / FCFS

8. Capitol Reef National Park (Utah)

Capitol Reef National Park

Campground Name

Max Length

Hookups?

Dump Station?

Reservations

Fruita

50ft

No

Yes

Yes (March through Oct)

Cathedral Valley

None given (rough roads)

No

No

No

Cedar Mesa

None given (rough roads)

No

No

No

9. Chaco Culture National Historical Park (New Mexico)

Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Campground Name

Max Length

Hookups?

Dump Station?

Reservations

Gallo

35ft

No

Yes

Yes

10. Crater Lake National Park (Oregon)

Crater Lake National Park

Campground Name

Max Length

Hookups?

Dump Station?

Reservations

Mazama Village

35ft (trailers), 50ft (RVs)

Yes – FHU available

Yes

Yes / FCFS

11. Death Valley National Park (California)

Death Valley National Park

Campground Name

Max Length

Hookups?

Dump Station?

Reservations

Furnace Creek

None given (difficult to maneuver large RVs)

Yes

Yes

Yes (Oct 15 - April 15)

Sunset

None given

No

Yes

No

Texas Springs

None given

No

Yes

No

Stovepipe Wells

None given

No

Yes

No

Mesquite Spring

None given

No

Yes

No

Wild Rose

25ft

No

No

No

Thorndike

25ft

No

No

No

Mahogany Flat

25ft

No

No

No

12. Denali National Park (Alaska)

Denali National Park

Campground Name

Max Length

Hookups?

Dump Station?

Reservations

Riley Creek

30ft (Standard) 40ft (Premium)

No

Yes

Yes after May 15

Savage

30ft (Standard) 40ft (Premium)

No

No

Not Required

Teklanika

40ft

No

No

Yes after May 15

13. Everglades National Park (Florida)

Everglades National Park

Campground Name

Max Length

Hookups?

Dump Station?

Reservations

Long Pine Key

45ft

No

Yes

Yes

Flamingo

45ft

Yes

Yes

Yes

14. Glacier National Park (Montana)

Glacier National Park

Campground Name

Max Length

Hookups?

Dump Station?

Reservations

Apgar

40ft

No

Yes

No

Avalanche

26ft

No

No

No

Fish Creek

35ft

No

Yes

Yes

Many Glacier

35ft

No

Yes

No

Rising Sun

25ft

No

Yes

No

Sprague Creek

None given – no towed vehicles allowed

No

No

No

St. Mary

35ft (22 sites) - 40ft (3 sites)

No

Yes

Yes

Two Medicine

35ft

No

Yes

No (FCFS)

15. Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)

Grand Canyon National Park

Campground Name

Max Length

Hookups?

Dump Station?

Reservations

Mather

30ft

No

Yes

Yes – up to 6 mos in advance

Trailer Village

50ft

Yes

Yes

Yes – up to 6 mos in advance

Desert View

30ft

No

No

No – fills by 12pm daily

North Rim

None given

No

Yes

Yes – up to 6 mos in advance

Grand Canyon Camper Village

45ft

Yes

Yes

Yes – up to 6 mos in advance

16. Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)

Grand Teton National Park

Campground Name

Max Length

Hookups?

Dump Station?

Reservations

Colter Bay (NPS)

35ft (trailers), 45ft (RVs)

No

Yes

No (Group sites only)

Colter Bay RV Park (Private)

35ft (trailers), 45ft (RVs)

Yes

Yes

Yes (All sites)

Gros Ventre

30ft (trailers), 45ft (RVs)

Yes

Yes

Yes / FCFS

Headwaters Campground at Flagg Ranch

35ft (trailers), 45ft (RVs)

Yes

Yes

Yes (All sites)

Lizard Creek

20ft (trailers), 30ft (RVs)

No

No

No (FCFS)

Signal Mountain

20ft (trailers), 30ft (RVs)

Yes

Yes

No (FCFS)

17. Great Sand Dunes National Park (Colorado)

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Campground Name

Max Length

Hookups?

Dump Station?

Reservations

Piñon Flats

35ft

No

Yes

Yes (May through Sept)

18. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina & Tennessee)

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Campground Name

Max Length

Hookups?

Dump Station?

Reservations

Deep Creek (NC)

26ft

No

Yes

Yes (required)

Smokemont (NC)

35ft (trailers), 40ft (RVs)

No

Yes

Yes

Cataloochee (NC)

25ft (trailers),32ft (RVs)

No

No

Yes (required)

Balsam Mountain (NC)

25ft – no towed vehicles allowed

No

No

Yes (required)

Cades Cove (TN)

35ft (trailers), 40ft (RVs)

No

Yes

Yes (required)

Elkmont (TN)

32ft (trailers), 35ft (RVs)

No

No

Yes

Cosby (TN)

25ft

No

Yes

Yes (recommended)

Abrams Creek (TN)

12ft

No

No

Yes (required)

19. Guadalupe Mountains National Park (Texas)

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Campground Name

Max Length

Hookups?

Dump Station?

Reservations

Pine Springs

None given

No

No

No (FCFS)

Dog Canyon

None given

No

No

No (FCFS)

20. Hot Springs National Park (Arkansas)

Hot Springs National Park

Campground Name

Max Length

Hookups?

Dump Station?

Reservations

Gulpha Gorge

35ft (40ft reported)

Yes

Yes

No

21. Indiana Dunes National Park (Indiana)

Indiana Dunes National Park

Campground Name

Max Length

Hookups?

Dump Station?

Reservations

Dunewood

None given

No

Yes

Yes

22. Joshua Tree National Park (California)

Joshua Tree National Park

Campground Name

Max Length

Hookups?

Dump Station?

Reservations

Black Rock Canyon

35ft

No

Yes

Yes (Sept - June)

Belle

35ft (combined)

No

No

No

Hidden Valley

25ft

No

No

No

Indian Cove

35ft (combined)

No

No

Yes (Sept - June)

Jumbo Rocks

35ft

No

No

Yes (Sept - June)

Ryan

 None given

No

No

No

White Tank

25ft

No

No

No

23. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park (California)

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park

Campground Name

Max Length

Hookups?

Dump Station?

Reservations

Azalea

Varies by site

No

Yes (6 miles away)

No

Crystal Springs

Varies by site

No

Yes (6 miles away)

No

Sunset

Varies by site

No

Yes (6 miles away)

Yes

Sentinel

Varies by site

No

No

Yes

Sheep Creek

Varies by site

No

No

No

Moraine

Varies by site

No

No

No

Lodgepole (Sequoia)

42ft

Yes

Yes

Yes (mid-May - mid-Sept)

Dorst Creek (Sequoia)

Any length

No

No

Yes (July - Aug)

Potwisha (Sequoia)

27ft

No

Yes

Yes (year round)

24. Lassen Volcanic National Park (California)

Lassen Volcanic National Park 1

Campground Name

Max Length

Hookups?

Dump Station?

Reservations

Butte Lake

35ft

No

Yes

Yes

Manzanita Lake

40ft

No

Yes

Yes/FCFS

Summit Lake North

35ft

No

Yes

Yes/FCFS

Warner Valley

None given

No

Yes

Yes (8 sites) / 10 sites FCFS

Lost Creek (group)

40ft

No

Yes

Yes (open mid-June through Sept)

25. Mammoth Cave National Park (Kentucky)

Mammoth Cave National Park

Campground Name

Max Length

Hookups?

Dump Station?

Reservations

Mammoth Cave

38ft

No

Yes

Yes (May 1 to Oct 15)

Maple Springs Group

40ft

Yes

No

Yes

26. Mesa Verde National Park (Colorado)

Mesa Verde National Park 1

Campground Name

Max Length

Hookups?

Dump Station?

Reservations

Morefield

40ft

Yes

Yes

Yes (mid April to mid October)

27. Mount Rainier National Park (Washington)

Mesa Verde National Park

Campground Name

Max Length

Hookups?

Dump Station?

Reservations

Cougar Rock

27ft (trailers), 35ft (RVs)

No

Yes

Yes (mid June to mid Sept)

Ohanapecosh

27ft (trailers), 32ft (RVs)

No

No

No

White River

18ft (trailers), 27ft (RVs)

No

No

Yes

28. North Cascades National Park (Washington)

North Cascades National Park

Campground Name

Max Length

Hookups?

Dump Station?

Reservations

Goodell Creek

“Small” RVs only

No

Yes

No (FCFS)

Newhalem Creek

45ft

No

Yes

Yes (late May through early Sept)

Colonial Creek

“Small” RVs only

No

Yes

Yes (late May through early Sept)

Gorge Lake

“Very small” RVs only

No

No

Yes (late May through early Sept)

Hozomeen

“Small” RVs only

No

No

No (FCFS)

29. Olympic National Park (Washington)

Olympic National Park

Campground Name

Max Length

Hookups?

Dump Station?

Reservations

Fairholme

21ft

No

Yes

No (FCFS)

Heart O’ The Hills

21ft - 35ft

No

No

No (FCFS)

Hoh

21ft - 35ft

No

No

No (FCFS)

Kalaloch

21ft - 35ft

No

Yes

Yes (mid May to mid Sept)

Mora

21ft - 35ft

No

Yes

Yes (mid May to mid Sept)

Ozette

21ft

No

No

No (FCFS)

Sol Duc

21ft - 35ft

No

Yes

Yes

South Beach

21ft - 35ft

No

No

No (FCFS)

Staircase

21ft - 35ft

No

No

No (FCFS)

30. Pinnacles National Park (California)

Pinnacles National Park

Campground Name

Max Length

Hookups?

Dump Station?

Reservations

Pinnacles

Any size

Yes

Yes

Yes

31. Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)

Rocky Mountain National Park 1

Campground Name

Max Length

Hookups?

Dump Station?

Reservations

Aspenglen

30ft

No

No

Yes

Glacier Basin

35ft

No

Yes

Yes (recommended)

Moraine Park

40ft

No

Yes

Yes

Timber Creek

30ft

No

Yes

No (FCFS)

32. Shenandoah National Park (Virginia)

Shenandoah National Park

Campground Name

Max Length

Hookups?

Dump Station?

Reservations

Mathews Arm

No limit

No

Yes (¼ mile away)

Yes / FCFS

Big Meadows

No limit

No

Yes

Yes / FCFS

Lewis Mountain

None given

No

No

Yes / FCFS

Loft Mountain

No limit

No

Yes

Yes / FCFS

33. Theodore Roosevelt National Park (North Dakota)

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Campground Name

Max Length

Hookups?

Dump Station?

Reservations

Cottonwood

Any size

No

Yes

Yes / FCFS

Juniper

Any size

No

Yes

No

34. Wind Cave National Park (South Dakota)

Wind Cave National Park

Campground Name

Max Length

Hookups?

Dump Station?

Reservations

Elk Mountain

40ft

No

No

No (FCFS)

35. Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming)

Yellowstone National Park

Campground Name

Max Length

Hookups?

Dump Station?

Reservations

Bridge Bay

40ft (combined)

No

Yes

Yes (All sites, book early)

Canyon

40ft (combined)

No

Yes

Yes (All sites, book early)

Fishing Bridge RV Park

40ft (combined)

Yes

Yes

Yes (All sites)

Grant Village

40ft (combined)

No

Yes

Yes (All sites)

Indian Creek

40ft (combined)

No

No

No (FCFS)

Lewis Lake

25ft

No

No

No (FCFS)

Madison

30ft

No

Yes

Yes (All sites)

Mammoth

30ft

No

Yes

Yes (All sites)

Norris

50ft

No

No

No (FCFS)

Pebble Creek

 None given

No

No

No (FCFS)

Slough Creek

30ft

No

No

Yes

Tower Fall

30ft

No

No

No

36. Yosemite National Park (California)

Yosemite National Park

Campground Name

Max Length

Hookups?

Dump Station?

Reservations

Upper Pines

35ft

No

Yes

Yes

Lower Pines

40ft

No

No

Yes

North Pines

40ft

No

No

Yes

Wawona

35ft

No

Yes

Yes (April through Sept)

Bridalveil Creek

35ft

No

No

Not for regular sites

Hodgdon Meadow

35ft

No

No

Yes (April through Sept)

Crane Flat

35ft

No

No

Yes

White Wolf

27ft

No

No

No (FCFS)

Tuolumne Meadows

35ft

No

Yes

Yes / FCFS

37. Zion National Park (Utah)

Zion National Park

Campground Name

Max Length

Hookups?

Dump Station?

Reservations

South Campground

None given

Yes

Yes

Yes

Watchman

None given

Yes

Yes

Yes (March through Nov)

Lava Point

19ft

No

No

No

How to Find the Maximum Length for RVs at National Parks

While this article and the tables included here should help provide estimates of the maximum length of RVs and campers allowed in each National Park campground listed, you should always double check with the campground before making your reservation.

Sometimes, the camper length limit posted on the National Park’s website may be inaccurate, or sites that accommodate longer RVs might not be available. 

Your best bet to ensure your RV can fit in your campsite is to call the park and speak directly with a ranger or staff member who can confirm the details of your campsite.

Additionally, even if there is an RV length limit, sometimes there will be sites that can accommodate and allow for longer RVs and campers. 

The park ranger can also tell you about other information that might not be posted on the website, such as if the campground facilities will be unavailable during your trip due to renovations or repairs, or if they’ve recently added hookups to some sites that didn’t previously have them.

How To Measure Your RV Or Trailer For National Park Campgrounds

How to Measure Your RV or Trailer for National Park Campgrounds

Once you know the length limits for the National Park campground you intend to visit, it’s time to measure your camper to make sure that it will fit.

Start by referring to your owner’s manual or the RV manufacturer’s website to find the stated length.

This is usually bumper to bumper on an RV, or hitch to bumper on a trailer or fifth wheel.

Be sure to measure it yourself, though, especially if you have added storage boxes or other gear that you have loaded on to either end of your vehicle. 

It’s also a good rule of thumb to add a foot or two to your size just in case, to make sure you’ll have plenty of room to maneuver in your campsite.

However, if you have a longer camper, you might not want to do this, since it could rank your vehicle outside of the limit in some campgrounds.

Amenities at National Park Campgrounds

As you’ll probably note from this guide, most National Park campgrounds don’t have hookups for water and electricity, and are dry-camping, only.

Others have bathroom facilities with flush toilets, but no showers. However, there are some campgrounds with everything including hookups, dump stations, restroom and shower facilities, and even a camp store where you can buy firewood, ice, and other camping necessities. 

While it may be a bit of an inconvenience to camp without hookups, keep in mind that the whole point of the National Parks is to maintain the natural, rugged beauty of our park spaces.

By digging up the camp areas to provide sewer, water and electrical hookups and facilities, the parks system would be counterproductive to that goal. 

Like with the RV length limits, it always pays to call the park campground ahead of booking or arriving for your stay so that you can be fully prepared.

In addition, the campground may have sites with full hookups available later or earlier in the season, which are normally used by camp hosts that have left or haven’t arrived yet.

The park rangers can help you find the best spot for your needs, based on what’s actually available.

Summarizing RV Lengths for National Park Camping

Generally speaking, your RV or camper should be between 25 and 30 feet, maximum, to be sure you can fit into National Park campground sites and maneuver around the campground with ease.

However, some National Parks can accommodate longer or larger RVs and campers, but campsites for bigger vehicles may be limited or unavailable.  

It’s important to call the park before you book your site to make sure you’ll fit and still have plenty of room to enjoy your campsite.