What Are the RV Length Restrictions in National Parks?

What Are the RV Length Restrictions in National Parks?

Remember Robin Williams’ mid-2000s family road trip comedy flick, RV? What a great movie that was to watch! In it, the Munro clan (with a dad played by Robin Williams – RIP) hits the open road in a rented RV.

It’s 2020, and RVs are now bigger and better than ever. So before you visit the national parks of your choice, make sure your RV falls within the RV length guidelines at the parks you’re going to.

What’s the Ideal Length of an RV for Visiting National Parks?

If you’re not sure of the ideal length for national parks, you’ll want to choose an RV between 25 and 30 feet long. Most national parks will accommodate RVs between those lengths. Almost 98% of  National Park campgrounds can accommodate RVs up to 19 feet long. You will still have a large number of options if your RV is up to 25 feet since more than 90% of parks permit that length. On average, national parks will allow RVs with a maximum length of 27 feet.

How to Measure the Length of Your RV?

If your RV’s on the shorter side, you might want to take the manufacturer’s measurement of its length and add a few feet to that number. That way, you play it safe and give your vehicle some extra maneuvering space. And while we would like to say the number in the manufacturer’s model number is always 100% accurate, it is not.  For example take the Puma 23-RBFQ .  This model number seems to read: “23-foot Rear Bunk (or bath) Front Queen.”  However, this RV actually is 28 feet long so the 23 doesn’t make much sense, but you could also think of it as a way to “sort” the product line from smallest to biggest with length as an approximation. In other words – if you want to know the exterior length of your RV (for sure) get a tape measure out and measure it yourself.  The same goes for the height of your RV.  And be sure when you measure the height of your RV you consider any vents on the roof, or possibly the air conditioner, as those might not be visible from the side or the cab.

You will also want to call the park you’re visiting to confirm availability of the sites’ lengths, widths, and other information directly from someone who’s current on the park’s situation. For example, many parks have a limited number of ‘pull through’ sites, so if you’re a novice RVer and prefer pull-through parking you’ll want to call ahead.

Which National Parks Should You Visit?

Why not take in the stunning views of the Grand Canyon? The Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona has breathtaking, bucket list-scenery. It draws visitors the world over, and it can fit RVs up to 30 feet at two campgrounds (30 feet including your vehicle and RV at one of the campgrounds). One campground can even accommodate RVs up to 50 feet long.

Yosemite National Park, another world-famous destination, allows RVs at nine campgrounds. One campground permits rigs as long as 40 feet. Other campgrounds can handle RVs up to 35 feet long, and one campground only takes RVs with a maximum of 27-feet.

Or consider touring the picturesque Acadia National Park in Maine. This spotless park has no restrictions whatsoever on RV length at any of its campgrounds, so have at it.

Another world-renowned destination is Yellowstone National Park, which spans across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Home of the iconic Old Faithful geyser, bears, bison, and wolves (oh my!), Yellowstone is a national treasure. It’s great for your RV, too, with many of its campgrounds making space for 40- and 50-foot-long recreational vehicles.

What Are the RV Length Restrictions at Other National Parks?

Check out the maximum RV lengths permitted at some of America’s other most well-known national parks:

  • Denali National Park (AK): 40 feet
  • Everglades National Park (FL): 45 feet
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park (TN): 40 feet for RVs, 35 feet for trailers
  • Mount Rainier National Park (WA): 35 feet for RVs, 27 feet for trailers
  • Rocky Mountain National Park (CO): 40 feet

How Do You Decide to Rent or Purchase an RV?

Now that you know all about RV length restrictions, you’re ready to get one of your own to go enjoy all the beautiful natural scenery that America has to offer.

Consult our “Why Renting an RV is a Smart Choice” blog to figure out if renting or buying is better for your family. Or browse our vast selection of RVs to find the RV that’s the right length (and price) for you and your family.

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5 Family Friendly RV Parks to Visit

5 Family Friendly RV Parks to Visit

With summer well under way, we know that many RVers are still looking for more great family friendly rv parks to take the family! Whether you are looking for kid-friendly parks, or pet-friendly parks, we have a few options on this list that are sure to please.  So if you are craving natural beauty & hiking paths, we have a park for that. If you are looking for a lake and fishing, we have a park for that. Or maybe you are tired of State Parks and want to try an RV park for a change, we understand that too.  For those of you that are itching to make the most of these next few weeks of summer- read on and discover five family friendly RV parks to make some fantastic memories!

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center RV Park

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center RV Park is often a top pick for families because it’s right next door to the Space & Rocket center in Huntsville, Alabama.  In addition to offering awesome traveling exhibits every summer, the Space & Rocket Center is also home to Space Camp!  So for parents that want to be nearby while their kid is exploring the astronaut world, this RV Park is a great way to be on-location.  Beyond the space experience, there is a large, open, grassy field nearby that is great for a game of kickball or frisbee. With plenty of local attractions nearby, like the Huntsville Botanical Gardens, Huntsville Art Museum, and Early Works Children’s Museum, this RV Park is a fun-filled stop for families with kids of all ages.

Website:  https://rocketcenter.com/RVPark

Address:  One Tranquility Base, Huntsville, Alabama 35805

Contact number: 1-800-637-7223

Green River Oaks RV Park & Campground

The all-inclusive Green River Oaks RV park offers themed weeks throughout the summer. That means visitors can expect a unique experience each time they stay at this family RV campground. Relax in the two heated swimming pools, go fishing in Lake St. George, rent a kayak, or borrow a campground bike. There are not any additional charges for campground activities, like the camp-wide hayride. Reviewers say the playgrounds here are fabulous, and they love the fact this campground is centrally located to top golf courses.

Website: https://www.greenriveroaks.com/

Address: 1442 Sleepy Hollow Rd, Amboy, IL 61310

Contact Number: (815) 638-2088

Campground at James Island County Park

South Carolina’s 643-acre Campground at James Island County Park features miles of hiking, skating, and biking trails. The 16-acre lake is a great place to go fishing. Please be advised that, due to construction, the Fishing Dock at James Island County Park will be temporarily closed starting June 15, 2020. Construction is expected to last into the summer. An inexpensive shuttle makes going to activities in Charleston easy. Reviewers say they love this campground for its water park and its dog park. The park also boasts a climbing wall that is scheduled for a phased reopening, and the waterpark is also open at this time. There are 116 spaces with full hook-ups and the campsite is open year-round. This park is rated 4.5/5 on Trip Advisor with 294 reviews, and a certificate of excellence from Trip Advisor.

Website: https://charlestoncountyparks.reserveamerica.com/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=CHST&parkId=1240020&tti=Campsite

Address: 871 Riverland Dr, Charleston, SC 2941

Contact number: (843)795-4386

Whispering Pines Campground

Nestled within Douthat State Park in Virginia, this campground has something for everyone! Amid some of Virginia’s most breathtaking mountain scenery, visitors can explore four miles of stream fishing, a 50-acre lake stocked with trout, a sandy swimming beach with snack bar, boat rentals, a gift shop and camp store, and more than 43 miles of hiking, mountain biking and bridle trails. Plus, there are playgrounds, an amphitheater, picnic areas, along with tent and trailer camping.  There are 23 spaces with electric & water hook ups (no sewer, the campground has dump stations) and can take RVs up to 50’ long with parking for tow or towed vehicles on-site. This park is rated 4.5/5 on trip advisor with 192 reviews.

Website: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/douthat

Address: 4239 Douthat State Park Rd, Millboro, VA 24460

Contact Number: (540) 862-8100

Devil’s Garden Campground

Located within Utah’s Arches National Park, Devils Garden Campground is shaded by juniper and pinyon pines. Roads nearby allow visitors to see many of the 2,500 unusual natural rock formations. Numerous hiking trails run right through this campground. Devil’s Garden offers breathtaking views, campingbackpackingstargazing, and hiking for all skill levels. Many families also love to go mountain biking here. There is truly something for everyone in this popular area of the park.

Devil’s Garden is located at the very end of the park road, 18 miles north of Arches Visitor Center. Reviewers have noted that the ‘road’ to the park is actually a dirt road and can be a bit bumpy. In addition, parking lots can be very busy during peak season and during holiday weekends. Devil’s Garden Campground is available by reservation from March through October and in the winter months on a first-come, first-served basis. Again, please check the park website for updates as the NPS has been working on a phased re-opening for the 2020 season.

Website: https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/devils-garden.htm

Address: Arches Entrance Rd, Moab, UT 84532

Contact Number: (435) 719-2299

These parks are just a handful of the options available to RVers this summer. We hope you find this short list helpful, and encourage you to stay safe and have fun!

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