Last Updated on December 31, 2020 by Tanmay Sarkar
If you own a very large RV then you may regret your purchase when trying to finds a campsite, especially at national parks campsites. This is what I came to know recently while searching online.
Every national park campground has its own regulation regarding the length of RV or Trailer that is allowed there.
So, what is the truth, and what must be the ideal RV length for fitting into national park campsites?
Let’s dig deeper into all the answers! It will help you out for the next trip.
If you want affordable RV Rental then click here. All types of RVs available in nearly all the states of the US.
What is the best RV length for national parks?
All national and state parks have their specific regulations about the length of RV allowed, but I have found that on an average RV length in national parks permitted is 35 feet or less.
With the size of this length, you will be able to fit in most of the national parks around the United States.
But remember that this is the average you can even find parks that have 12 feet limit whereas others may permit even 40 feet.
Let us look at the average.
All the numbers included here are the combined length of the tow vehicle and trailer and fifth wheel. Yes, you have to add your vehicle and trailer length.
Measure yourself as you cannot rely on RV manufacturers.
Let us see, what is the max RV length for national parks?
Full List of Popular National Park Campgrounds (best RV length for national parks)
1. Acadia National Park
1. Blackwoods Campground
Maximum Limit: not set
Location: 5 miles south of Bar Harbour
Price: $30 per night, $60 for group sites
2. Seawall Campground
Maximum Limit: not set
Location: south end of the park
Price: $30 per night, $60 for group sites
3. Schoodic Woods Campground
Maximum Limit: Not set
Location: 3 miles southeast of Winter Harbor
Price: $35 per night (electric), $40 Electric and water and $60 fro group sites
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2. Arches National Park
1. Devil’s Garden Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 40 feet
Location: 18 miles inside the park
Price: $25 per night
2. Archview Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 50 feet is allowed
3. Moab Valley Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 44 feet for standard spot and for a premium spot you have to pay more.
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3. Badlands National Park
1. Cedar Pass Campground
Maximum Limit: Not Set
Location: east end of the park
Price: $22 per night, $37 (electricity)
2. Sage Creek Campground
Maximum Limit: up to only 18 feet is allowed
Location: northwest end of the park, near Sage Creek Rim Road
Price: Free
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4. Big Bend National Park
1. Rio Grande Village RV Campground
Maximum Limit: Not set
Location: near Rio Grande Village, east end of the park
Price: $14 per night
2. Cottonwood Campground
Maximum Limit: Not set
Location: near Castolon, west end of the park
Price: $14 per night
3. Chisos Basin Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 20 feet for trailers and 24 feet for other RVs
Location: near Chisos Basin Visitors Center
Price: $14 per night
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5. Black Canyon of the Gunnison
1. South Rim Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 55 feet is allowed
Location: South entrance, inside the park
Price: $16 per night, $22 (electric)
2. North Rim Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 22 feet is allowed
Location: North end of the park
Price: $16 per night during summer, the rest of the year is free
3. East Portal Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 22 feet is allowed
Location: southeast end of the park
Price: $16 per night during summer, free during rest of the year
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6. Bryce Canyon National Park
1. North campground
Maximum Limit: up to 35 feet are allowed.
Location: near the main entrance of the park
Price: $30
2. Sunset Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 45 feet are allowed.
Location: near Sunset Point Overlook
Price: $30
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7. Capitol Reef National Park
1. Fruita Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 50 feet
Location: in the town of Fruita
Price: $20 per night
2. Cathedral Valley Campground
Maximum Limit: not stated
Location: north side of the park
Price: Free
3. Cedar Mesa Campground
Maximum Limit: Not stated
Location: on the Notom-Bullfrog Road
Price: Free
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8. Canyonlands National Park
1. Willow Flat Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 28 feet
Location: 7 miles inside the park
Price: $15 per night
2. Needles Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 28 feet
Location: 1 mile after the Needles Visitors Center
Price: $20 per night, $90 for group sites
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9. Crater Lake National Park
1. Mazama Village Campground
Maximum Limit: 50 feet for motorhomes and 35 feet for trailers.
Location: inside the South entrance of the park.
Price: full hookup ($43), electricity ($36), dry ($31)
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10. Denali National Park
1. Riley Creek Campground
Maximum Limit: 30 feet for standard spot and 40 feet for a premium spot.
Location: near to the visitor center at the park entrance.
Price: $24 per night for standard spot and $30 for a premium spot.
2. Savage Campground
Maximum Limit: 30 feet for standard spot and 40 feet for a premium spot.
Location:13 miles from entrance on the Denali Park Road.
Price: $24 per night for standard spot and $30 for a premium spot.
3. Teklanika Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 40 feet are allowed
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11. Death Valley National Park
1. Sunset campground
Maximum Limit: None
Location: it near to furnace creek Campground
Price: $14 per night
2. Furnace Creek Campground
Maximum Limit: None
Location: near the center of the park
Price: $16 for standard spot and $34 for hookups
3. Texas Springs
Maximum Limit: No limit
Location: near to Furnace Creek
Price: $16 per night
4. Stovepipe Wells
Maximum Limit: No limit
Location: northwest of Furnace Creek
Price: $16 per night
5. Mesquite Spring
Maximum Limit: No limit
Location: northern end f the park, near to Scotty’s Castle.
Price: $14 per night
6. Wild Rose
Maximum Limit: up to 25 feet are allowed
Location: Southwestern part of the park near Wildrose Canyon
Price: Free
7. Thorndike
Maximum Limit: up to 25 feet are allowed
Location: southwestern part of the park near Wildrose Canyon
Price: Free
8. Mahagony Flat
Maximum Limit: up to 25 feet are allowed
Location: Southwestern part of the park near Wildrose Canyon
Price: Free
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12. Everglades National Park
1. Flamingo Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 45 feet is allowed.
13. Grand Canyon National Park
1. Railway Campground
Maximum Limit: combined length of tow vehicle and trailer of 47 feet in length is allowed.
2. Mather Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 30 feet is allowed
Location: Grand Canyon Village, South Rim.
Price: $18 per night, $50 for group sites and $15 from Dec to Feb
3. Trailer Village
Maximum Limit: up to 50 feet is allowed
Location: Grand Canyon Village, South Rim
Price: seasonal, starting price is $48
4. Desert View Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 50 feet is allowed.
Location: East Entrance, 25 miles to Grand Canyon Village.
Price: $12 per night
5. North Rim Campground
Maximum Limit: Not Stated
Location: North Rim
Price: $18 to $25 per night and $50 for group sites.
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14. Grand Teton National Park
1. Colter Bay RV Park
Maximum Limit: up to 35 feet for trailers and 45 feet for other trailers.
Location: off highway 8, near Jackson Lake
Price: $32 per night, $31 fro group sites
2. Gros Ventre Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 30 feet for trailer and 45 feet for RVs.
Location: 11 miles from north of Jackson
Price: $30 to $55 per night (electric)
3. Headwaters Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 35 feet trailers are allowed and 45 feet other RVs.
Location: near the south entrance to Yellowstone National Park
Price: $75 per night
4. Lizard Creek Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 20 feet for trailer and 30 feet for RVs.
Location: near Jackson Lake
Price: $30 per night
5. Signal Mountain Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 20 feet for trailers and 30 feet for other RVs
Location: southeastern side of Jackson Lake
Price: $33 to $55 per night (electric)
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15. Great Sand Dunes National Park
1. Pinon Flats Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 35 feet are allowed
Price: $20 per night
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16. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
1. Abrams Creek Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 12 feet are allowed.
Location: 4 miles from the Cosby town.
Price: $17.50 per night
2. Balsam Mountain Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 30 feet are allowed.
Location: near the Blue Ridge Parkway, southwestern end of the part
Price: $17.50
3. Cade’s Cove Campground
Maximum Limit: motorhomes up to 40 feet and trailers up to 35 feet are allowed.
Location: 9 miles inside the Townsend entrance
Price: $17 to $20 per night
4. Chataloochie Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 31 feet is allowed.
Location: eastern end of the park
Price: $27 per night
5. Cosby Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 25 feet are allowed
Location: 4 miles south of the Cosby town
Price: $17.50
6. Deep Creek Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 26 feet is allowed.
Location: near Deep Creek entrance
Price: $17 per night
7. Elkmont Campground
Maximum Limit: trailer up to 32 feet and motorhome up to 35 is allowed.
8. Look Rock Campground
Maximum Limit: No limit
9. Smokemont Campground
Maximum Limit: trailer up to 35 feet and motorhome up to 40 feet is allowed.
Location: south end of the park, inside Oconaluftee entrance
Price: $20
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17. Guadalupe Mountains National Park
1. Pine Springs Campground
Maximum Limit: Not set
Location: Near Pine Springs Visitors center
Price: $14 per night
2. Dog Canyon Campground
Maximum Limit: not set
Location: near North entrance of the park
Price: $14 per night
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18. Hot Spring National Park
1. Gulpha Gorge Campground
Maximum Limit: the maximum length allowed is 35 feet,
Location: North Eastern Side of the park, off US Highway 70B
Price: $30 per night
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19. Joshua Tree National Park
1. Black Rock Campground
Maximum Limit: is up to 35 feet.
Location: Northwest corner of the park
Price: $20 per night
2. Hidden Valley Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 25 feet are allowed.
Location: in between North and West Entrances along the park Boulevard
Price: $15 per night
3. White Tank Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 25 feet are allowed.
Location: 15 miles inside North Entrance, Pinto Basin Road
Price: $15 per night
4. Belle
Maximum Limit: combined length of 35 feet is allowed
Location: 5 miles inside the North Entrance to the park, Pinto Basin Road.
Price: $15 per night
5. Indian Cove
Maximum Limit: 35 feet combined length is allowed.
Location: North end of the Park, Indian Cove Road, near Wonderland of Rocks
Price: $20 per night
6. Jumbo Rocks
Maximum Limit: 35 feet is allowed
Location: 10 miles inside the North Entrance on Park Road.
Price: $15 per night
7. Ryan
Maximum Limit: Not stated
Location: near Ryan Mountain, midway through the Park Road
Price: $15 per night
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20. Lassen Volcanic National Park
1. Butte Lake Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 35 feet are allowed
Location: near Butte lake, northwest end of the park
Price: $22 per night
2. Manzanita Lake Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 40 feet are allowed
Location: 1 mile from the manzanita lake entrance, northwest end
Price: $26 per night
3. Summit Lake North
Maximum Limit: up to 35 feet are allowed
Location: in between Kohm-Yahmah-nee and Manzanita Lake entrance, Lassen Volcanic National park Highway
4. Warner Valley Campground
Maximum Limit: Not stated
Location: southeastern end of the park
Price: $16 per night
5. Lost Creek Group Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 40 feet are allowed
Location:
Price: $62 per night
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21. Mesa Verde National Park
1. Morefield Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 40 feet are allowed
Location: 4 miles inside the entrance on the north side of the park
Price: $15 per night
Video
22. Mount Rainer National Park
1. Cougar Rock Campground
Maximum Limit: 27 feet for trailers and 35 feet for others
Location: southwest side of the park, 8 miles inside the Nisqually entrance
Price: $20 per night
2. Ohanapecosh Campground
Maximum Limit: 27 feet for trailers and 32 feet for other RVs
Location: inside the Ohanapecosh entrance
Price: $20 per night
3. White River Campground
Maximum Limit: 18 feet for trailers and 27 feet for other RVs
Location: 10 miles from Sunrise
Price: $20 per night
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23. North Cascades National Park
1. Goodell Creek Campground
Maximum Limit: only for small RVs
Location: 119 miles east of Marblemount
Price: $16 per night
2. Newhalem Creek Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 45 feet
Location: 120 miles east of Marblemount
Price: $16 per night
3. Colonial Creek Campground
Maximum Limit: only for small RVs
Location: 130 miles east of Marblemount
Price: $16 per night
4. Gorge Lake Campground
Maximum Limit: only for small RVs
Location: outside Diablo
Price: $10 per night
5. Hozomeen Campground
Maximum Limit: only for small RVs
Location: 40 miles south of Hope
Price: Free
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24. Olympic National Park
1. Fairholme Campground
Maximum Limit: 21 feet limit
Location: north side of the park, near Crescent Lake
Price: $20 per night
2. Heart O’ The Hill Campground
Maximum Limit: 35 feet limit
Location: north side of the park, near the town of Port Angeles
Price: $20 per night
3. Hoh Campground
Maximum Limit: 35 feet limit
Location: west side of the park,
Price: $20 per night
4. Kalaloch Campground
Maximum Limit: 35 feet limit
Location: west side of the park
Price: $22 per night
5. Mora Campground
Maximum Limit: 35 feet limit
Location: northwestern side of the park, a few miles from Rialto Beach.
Price: $20 per night
6. Ozette Campground
Maximum Limit: 21 feet limit
Location: Northwestern part of the park, near Lake Ozette
Price: $21 per night
7. Sol Duc Campground
Maximum Limit: 35 feet limit
Location: 15 miles off highway 101
Price: $24 per night reserved and $21 for walk-in
8. South Beach Campground
Maximum Limit: 35 feet limit
Location: 3 miles from Kalaloch lodge
Price: $15 per night
9. Staircase Campground
Maximum Limit: 35 feet limit
Location: near the staircase ranger station
Price: $29 per night
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25. Pinnacles National Park
1. Pinnacles Campground
Maximum Limit: No limit
Location: East entrance, near the visitors center
Price: $40 per night if you need electricity and $30 if you do not use electricity
Video
26. Redwoods National Park
1. Jedediah Smith Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 31 feet for trailers and 36 feet for motorhomes is allowed.
2. Mill Creek
Maximum Limit: up to 27 feet for trailers and 31 feet for motorhomes is allowed.
3. Elk Prairie
Maximum Limit: up to 24 feet for trailers and 27 feet for motorhomes are allowed.
4. Gold Bluffs
Maximum Limit: trailers are not allowed and motorhomes up to 24 feet are allowed.
27. Theodore Roosevelt National Park
1. Cotton Campground
Maximum Limit: No limit
Location: 4 miles inside South Unit entrance
Price: $14 per night, $30 for group sites
2. Juniper Campground
Maximum Limit: No limit
Location: 5 miles inside the North Unit entrance
Price: $14 per night, $30 for group sites
Video
28. Rocky Mountain National Park
1. Aspenglen Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 30 feet is allowed
Location: fall river entrance, east end of the park
Price: $26 per night
2. Glacier Basin Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 35 feet are allowed
Location: halfway to the Bear Lake Road
Price: $26 per night
3. Moraine Park Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 40 feet are allowed
Location: near beaver meadows entrance
Price: $18 during winter, $26 per night rest of the year
4. Timber Creek Park Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 30 feet is allowed
Location: 8 miles north of the grand lake entrance
Price: $26 per night
Video
29. Shenandoah National Park
1. Mathews Arm Campground
Maximum Limit: No limit
Location: north side of the park
Price: $15 per night
2. Big Meadows Campground
Maximum Limit: No limit
Location: 51 miles of the Skyline Drive
Price: $20 per night
3. Lewis Mountain Campground
Maximum Limit: Not set
Location: 57 miles of Skyline Drive
Price: $15 per night
4. Loft Mountain Campground
Maximum Limit: No limit
Location: 7 miles of the Skyline Drive
Price: $15 per night
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30. Kings Canyon & Sequoia National Park
1. Lodgepole
Maximum Limit: up to 42 feet
Location: some distance from Lodgepole Village
Price: $22 per night
2. Dorst Campground
Maximum Limit: no limit
Location: in between Grant Grove and Giant Forest
Price: $22 per night, $40 to $60 for group
3. Potwisha Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 27 feet
Location: 4 miles inside from the park entrance, south end of the park.
Price: $22 per night
4. Azalea Campground
Maximum Limit: Varies according to sites
Location: Grant Grove Area
Price: $18 per night
5. Crystal Springs Campground
Maximum Limit: Varies according to sites
Location: Grant Grove Area
Price: $18 per night and $40 for group
6. Sunset Campground
Maximum Limit: Varies according to sites
Location: Grant Grove Area
Price: $22 per night and $40 for group
7. Sentinel Campground
Maximum Limit: Varies according to sites
Location: Larger Kings Canyon Park, West Entrance
Price: $22 per night
8. Sheep Creek
Maximum Limit: varies according to the sites
Location: Larger Kings Canyon Park, West Entrance
Price: $18 per night
9. Moraine Campground
Maximum Limit: varies according to the sites
Location: Larger Kings anyon Park, West Entrance
Price: $18 per night
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31. Wind Cave National Park
1. Elk Mountain Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 40 feet
Location: inside the south entrance to the park
Price: $18 per night during the season and $19 offseason.
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32. Yosemite National Park
1. Upper Pine Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 35 feet
Location: near Curry Village
Price: $26 per night
2. Lower Pines Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 40 feet are allowed
Location: Near Curry Village, Next to Upper Pines Campground
Price: $26 per night
3. North Pines Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 40 feet are allowed
Location: Near Curry Village
Price: $26 per night
4. Wawona Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 35 feet are allowed
Location: near Wawona Village, South entrance of the park, Wawona Road
Price: $18 per night off-season, $26 peak season (April to September)
5. Bridalveil Creek Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 35 feet are allowed
Location: 8 miles from Glacier Point Road
Price: $18 per night. $50 group sites, $30 Horse Sites
6. Crane Flat Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 35 feet are allowed
Location: on Big Oak Flat Road
Price: $26 per night
7. Hodgdon Meadow Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 35 feet are allowed
Location: inside the park at the big oak Flat
Price: $26 per night
8. White Wolf Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 27 feet is allowed
Location: off the Tioga Road
Price: $18 per night
9. Toulumne Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 35 feet are allowed
Location: inside Tioga east entrance
Price: $26 per night, $50 group sites
Video
33. Yellowstone National Park
1. Fishing Bridge RV Park
Maximum Limit: up to 40 feet for combined length with limited sites
Location: north side of the Yellowstone National Park
Price: $79 per night
2. Bridge Bay Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 40 feet combined length
Location: north side of the Yellowstone Lake
Price: $27 per night
3. Canyon Village Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 40 feet combined length, limited sites
Location: near Canyon Village
Price: $32 per night
4. Grant Village Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 40 feet combined length, limited sites
Location: west side of the Yellowstone Lake
Price: $32 per night
5. Indian Creek Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 40 feet combined length, limited sites
Location: north side of the park
Price: $15 per night
6. Lewis Lake Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 25 feet
Location: south side of the park
Price: $15 per night
7. Madison Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 30 feet
Location: on the Grand Loop Road
Price: $27 per night
8. Mammoth Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 30 feet
Location: north side of the park
Price: $20 per night
9. Norris Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 50 feet
Location: west side of the park
Price: $20 per night
10. Pebble Creek Campground
Maximum Limit: Not set
Location: north side of the park
Price: $15 per night
11. Slough Creek Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 30 feet
Location: 5.5 miles east of Tower Roosevelt Junction
Price: $15 per night
12. Tower Fall Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 30 feet
Location: north side of the park
Price: $15 per night
Video
34. Zion National park
1. Lava Point Campground
Maximum Limit: up to 19 feet
Location: north side of the park
Price: Free
2. Watchman Campground
Maximum Limit: No limit
Location: inside South entrance of the park
Price: $30 per night, Group sites from $50 to $130
3. South Campground
Maximum Limit: Not set
Location: inside the south entrance
Price: $20 per night, $50 for group sites
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Why Do Parks Have Size Regulations?
National parks are places of national significance and importance, hence they have strict laws for its safety.
They are not like just another campground that is built especially for campers. National parks are protected to safeguard the environment, animals, and trees.
Many times these parks do not have wide roads and have mostly non-metal roads that are not safe for driving a big vehicle such as an RV. Tight turns make things worse so, they do not allow bigger vehicles and RVs.
A very big RV will not able to move around it and hence they allow vehicles which can move easily on their roads.
National parks are popular places to visit and hence they limit the size of the vehicle to accommodate more people.
The last thing is that these places were built decades ago when there were small cars, trucks, and campers. They usually do not have more place for today’s large moving motorhomes.
RV Limits Vs Trailer Limits
You might have seen campsite regulations that it can accommodate a 40 feet RV but only a 25 feet trailer, why?
The answer is that the trailer and RVs are two different things, mainly when talking about handling. Most of the campsites have back-in-spots for camping that means, you have to back your vehicle in place.
The longer trailer will take a bigger turning radius making it difficult for backing into place.
How Do You Measure An RV?
For many of us, it is a little bit tricky to measure an RV because we get confused as to what things to measure.
Here is an easy method:
Step 1: take a measuring tape
Step 2: Start measuring from the front near the tip of the ball hitch up to the end of the RV.
Step 3: To measure the height of the RV climb on it and measure everything such as even the antenna to get the actual height of your vehicle.
It will be easy if you are two people otherwise you can do it yourself. Always, include your towing vehicle length to get the total number.
Do not rely on the manufacturer’s number alone do it yourself to avoid confusion and mistake.
Video
Things To Know Before Camping In National Parks
There are certain things which you should know before landing on a national park campground.
Let’s take a look at those things.
How To Boondock
National park campground is not specially built for campers so you may not get full facilities such as on camping sites. Things like electricity, dumpsites can be missing so you have to be prepared for that.
Boondocking is simply meant living off-grid (living without urban facilities). You have to know how much electricity your RV may consume or how far you can without refilling water or dumping the waste.
It all comes with experience, so do not worry and start RVing today!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What size does RV fit in a parking space?
Most of the parking spaces in the USA generally have 18 to 20 feet. So, know your RV size before parking, here is the general idea about how much longer the RVs are class-wise.
Class A RVs: they are the largest type of motorized RV. The length of class A RVs range from 26 to 40 feet.
Class B RVs: the length of class B RVs range from 16 to 25 feet.
Class C RVs: the width of class C RV range from 7.5 to 8 feet.
2. Are RVs allowed in national parks?
Yes, RVs and campers are allowed in national parks but there are regulations regarding RVs length. So, you have to know what is the maximum length that is allowed in a specific national park.
Some national parks do not let RVs in and others may have restrictions regarding length.
3. Are RVs allowed in Yellowstone?
Yes, RVs are allowed in Yellowstone national park campgrounds. The ideal length for all the campgrounds is written down below.
Fishing Bridge RV Park allows up to 40 feet for RV.
Bridge Bay Campground allows 40 feet for combined RV length.
Canyon Village Campground allows 40 feet for combined RV length.
And Grant Village Campground also allows 40 feet for combined RV Length.
4. What is the maximum width allowed on the highway?
The maximum width that is allowed on the US interstate highway system is 96 inches or 2.44 meters. This was first enacted in the Highway Act of 1956. For buses, the maximum width allowed is 102 inches or 2.6 meters.
Conclusion
National parks are great places for camping. Many of the national parks are on the list, who wish to camp there.
Always, check the ideal RV length that is allowed in the national park campground. Also, measure the RV and the vehicle that will tow it to avoid any problem after you land there.
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