Everyone has a list of must-see vacation destinations. For RVers, many of these destinations are national parks. The RV-friendly campgrounds, vast expanses of natural beauty, and fun opportunities like hiking, fishing, or swimming make national parks a paradise for any outdoor enthusiast. However, some iconic parks stand out among the others. If you need help deciding where your next adventure will take you, check out these national parks that should be on your RV bucket list.
Badlands National Park–South Dakota
Do you want to explore a dramatic canyon of ancient rock formations? How about a seemingly endless stretch of prairie? You can find both in South Dakota’s Badlands National Park, where two unique environments collide over one of the richest sources of fossils in the country. If you enjoy learning a thing or two on vacation, take a ranger-led tour to explore the ancient natural history of the Badlands. Fossilized remains tell us that the area was once home to saber-toothed tigers, crocodiles, ancient ground squirrels, and more. The park still has a diverse wildlife population, and visitors today can see prairie dogs, bighorn sheep, and bison.
Yellowstone National Park–Wyoming
With 3,472 square feet of awe-inspiring beauty, it’s easy to see why thousands of travelers flock to Yellowstone every year. This is one national park that should be on your RV bucket list multiple times, because you’ll want to keep coming back to experience it all. After witnessing world-class wonders like Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring, you can start wandering through the wide-open prairies, refreshing mountain streams and lakes, and incredible stretches of forest. Yellowstone is also rich in wildlife, and visitors frequently leave with incredible pictures of bison, elk, bears, and more. The 12 RV-friendly campgrounds throughout the park—as well as welcoming campgrounds and towns in the surrounding area—make it easy to explore Yellowstone in your RV.
Arches National Park–Utah
Nature was showing off when it made Arches National Park. With over 2,000 natural sandstone structures, the area is a work of geological art. The most iconic feature is the 52-foot-tall, freestanding Delicate Arch. Luckily, Arches National Park is fairly accessible. You can explore the entirety of the park through 18 miles of paved trails. There’s a good chance you’ll be able to tackle the entire place in a single day, but the Devils Garden campground and the biking, horseback riding, and rock-climbing opportunities make the park worth a longer stay.
