What Size RV Fits Best in National Park Campsites?

Determining the perfect RV size for national park campsites is less subjective than general preferences. While larger RVs offer comfort, maneuvering challenges in state and national parks lead many owners of oversized RVs to regret their choice. As I shop for a Class A RV, my research unveils the optimal RV size for diverse national park campgrounds in the United States. Here are my insights.

Is Length a Factor? Determining the Optimal RV Size for National Park Campsites

After thorough research, an RV size of 35 feet or less emerges as the most suitable for national park campsites. This size typically allows for easier accommodation within almost any national park across the country.

Please note: The lengths provided include the total measurement of both the tow vehicle and the trailer/fifth wheel or the motorhome and the towed vehicle. Combine the lengths of both the RV and the vehicle for an accurate understanding.

It’s essential to be aware that RV manufacturers often exaggerate their vehicle lengths. Utilize a tape measure to physically measure your RV for precise dimensions, as it might exceed the manufacturer’s stated length.

National Park RV Campsite Length Statistics

RVs up to 12′ fit in every US national park campground, except a few designated as tent-only sites.
RVs up to 19′ fit in 98% of national park service campgrounds.
RVs up to 25′ fit in 93% of national park campgrounds.
RVs up to 29′ fit in 84% of national park campgrounds.
RVs up to 32′ fit in 81% of national park campgrounds.
RVs up to 35′ fit in 73% of national park campgrounds.
RVs up to 37′ fit in 60% of national park campgrounds.
RVs up to 40′ fit in 53% of national park campgrounds.
RVs up to 41′ fit in only 7% of national park campgrounds.

Caution for RVs Exceeding 40 Feet in Length

Be mindful that numerous parks offer only a limited number of sites suitable for RVs of this size. Secure your booking well in advance if reservations are an option. Otherwise, there’s a chance of not securing a spacious campsite necessary for accommodating your larger RV.

Comprehensive Catalog of Top National Park Campgrounds and RV Length Restrictions

While numerous top national parks cater to larger RVs, not all of them do. The optimal RV size for national park campsites varies based on your destination. Discover how to accurately measure your RV length to determine eligible locations. Explore this compiled list featuring the most renowned national parks along with their campground restrictions regarding RV sizes.

There is no shortage of camping locations in the National Park Service — there are over 130 park units to choose from!  — The National Park Service

Acadia National Park Campsite Capacities

Blackwoods Campground: Accommodates RVs with a combined length of 35 feet (inclusive of the tow or towed vehicle). Slide outs must fit within the space. Those towing a car behind their motorhome may need to restrict the RV length to 29 feet for compliance, although some RVers have reported slightly longer rigs without issue.
Seawall Campground: Allows RVs with a combined length of 35 feet (inclusive of the tow or towed vehicle). Slide outs must fit within the designated space. RVers towing a car behind their motorhome might need to limit the RV length to 29 feet for adherence to regulations.

Arches National Park Campground Capacities

Devil’s Garden Campground: Offers diverse spot sizes – 25% of spaces accommodate RVs and towed vehicles with a combined length of 25 feet, another 25% can host RVs up to 30 feet, and 25% are suitable for RVs up to 40 feet.
Archview Campground: Permits RVs up to 50 feet in length; however, these premium spots entail additional fees. Not under the ownership of the national park system, it provides more accommodating options.
Moab Valley Campground: Allows RVs up to 44 feet long, but similar to Archview, these premium spots involve extra charges. Not managed by the national park system, it offers more flexible accommodations.

Badlands National Park Campground Capacities

Cedar Pass Campground: No documented official rule was discovered regarding RV sizes. Feedback from campers who visited suggests that it comfortably accommodates even the largest RVs.

Bryce Canyon National Park Campground Capacities

Pines Campground: No officially documented rule; however, visitors have successfully parked 40-foot RVs without encountering any issues.
North Campground: Officially designated with a limit of 40 feet, yet visitors advise that accommodating a 40-foot RV might be a challenging fit.

Denali National Park Campground Capacities

Riley Creek Campground: Offers regular spots accommodating RVs up to 30 feet; premium spots allow for RVs up to 40 feet upon payment.
Savage Campground: Regular spots accommodate RVs up to 30 feet; premium spots facilitate RVs up to 40 feet upon payment.
Teklanika Campground: Provides spaces suitable for RVs up to 40 feet in length.

Death Valley National Park Campground Capacities

Sunset Campground: Accommodates RVs up to 40 feet in length.
Furnace Creek Campground: Offers select spots suitable for RVs up to 40 feet in length.

Everglades National Park Campground Capacities

Flamingo Campground: Accommodates RVs up to 45 feet in length.

Grand Canyon National Park Campground Capacities

Railway Campground: Accommodates combined lengths of up to 47 feet, including the motorhome and towed vehicle or fifth wheel and tow vehicle.

Grand Teton National Park Campsite Sizes

Colter Bay RV Park – No real limit. Even a 43 footer with a tow vehicle will fit in some of the spots.

Great Smoky Mountains Campground Capacities

Abrams Creek: Accommodates up to 12 feet.
Balsam Mountain: Suitable for RVs up to 30 feet.
Cade’s Cove: Allows trailers up to 35 feet and motorhomes up to 40 feet.
Cataloochie: Suitable for RVs up to 31 feet.
Cosby: Accommodates RVs up to 25 feet.
Deep Creek: Suitable for RVs up to 26 feet.
Elkmont: Trailers up to 32 feet, motorhomes up to 35 feet.
Look Rock: No specified limit.
Smokemont: Trailers up to 35 feet, motorhomes up to 40 feet.

Joshua Tree National Park Campground Capacities

Black Rock Campground: Half of the sites accommodate combined lengths up to 25 feet, while the remaining sites allow for lengths up to 35 feet.
Hidden Valley Campground: Allows a combined length of RV and towed vehicle or toad of only 25 feet.
White Tank Campground: Permits a combined length of RV and towed vehicle or toad of only 25 feet.

Redwoods National Park Campground Capacities

Jedediah Smith Campground: Accommodates trailers up to 31 feet and motorhomes up to 36 feet.
Mill Creek: Suitable for trailers up to 27 feet and motorhomes up to 31 feet.
Elk Prairie: Allows trailers up to 24 feet and motorhomes up to 27 feet.
Gold Bluffs: Prohibits trailers and accommodates motorhomes up to 24 feet.

Rocky Mountain National Park Campground Capacities

Aspenglen: Maximum RV length allowed is 30 feet.
Glacier Basin: Accommodates RVs up to 35 feet.
Moraine Park: Allows RVs up to 40 feet.
Timber Creek: Maximum RV length allowed is 30 feet.

Campground Size Limits in Yosemite National Park

“In Yosemite Valley, the maximum RV length is 40 feet and maximum trailer length is 35 feet, however, only a total of 12 sites of this size are available (six sites each in Lower Pines and North Pines, which are open spring through fall). Many more sites exist in Yosemite Valley and elsewhere in Yosemite that can take RVs up to 35 feet or trailers up to 24 feet.” Source.

RV Length Restrictions in Yellowstone National Park Campgrounds

Fishing Bridge RV Park: Allows RVs up to 40 feet, alongside a vehicle of equal or lesser length parked beside it.
Bridge Bay, Canyon Village, Grant Village, Madison Campgrounds: Limited to a combined RV and towing vehicle length of 40 feet.

Zion National Park Campground Capacities

Lava Point: Accommodates RVs up to 19 feet in length.
Watchman Campground: Suitable for RVs up to 19 feet in length.

Exploring RV and Camper Rentals for Your Trip

If purchasing an RV isn’t on your immediate plan, consider exploring options on RVShare. Find various RV and camper sizes available for rent near your location.