There are plenty of campsites in national parks that are ideal for different types of travel. Whether you’re planning on traveling across the country in an RV or just looking for a peaceful place to spend a weekend, there’s a campsite that’s right for you.
Before heading out to a national park, it’s important that you plan ahead. Some campsites will take reservations, while others will only accept reservations on a first-come, first-served basis. Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, some campsites have changed their policies.
Some of the most common mistakes people make when it comes to planning out a campsite are not knowing what to expect when it comes to weather and facility requirements.
Mather Campground, Grand Canyon National Park
One of the most popular national parks in the country is the Grand Canyon. This park has a variety of hiking trails and beautiful rock formations. Located on the South Rim, the campground known as the Mather is a few minutes away from the Grand Canyon Village. It accepts reservations for up to six months.
Upper Pines Campground, Yosemite National Park
The magnificent cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome, as well as the deep valleys and diverse wildlife in Yosemite National Park, draw thousands of visitors each year. There are 13 campsites in the park, and all of them require reservations. One of the most popular locations in the valley is the Upper Pines, which has 235 campsites.
Blackwoods Campground, Acadia National Park
Located in the North Atlantic Coast’s crown jewel, Acadia National Park is known for its beautiful hiking trails and roads. The campground known as the Blackwoods is reservable, and it features a variety of sites for both large and small campers. There’s also a nearby Island Explorer shuttle that will take you to other locations.
Fish Creek Campground, Glacier National Park
One of the most popular national parks in the country is Glacier National Park, which is known for its beautiful hiking trails and roads. There are 13 drive-in campsites in the park, and the Fish Creek campground has 178 sites in the western portion of the park. In addition, there are over 70 species of mammals in the area, and some of the sites have views of Lake McDonald. The Fish Creek campground will be open in May.
Moraine Park Campground, Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is known for its beautiful mountains and diverse wildlife. Thousands of people visit this park each year to hike and see its wildflowers in the spring. One of the most popular campsites in the park is the nearby Moraine Park campground, which has 244 sites.
Elkmont Campground, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Crossing North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most-visited national park in the United States, but once you visit, you’ll see why. Waterfalls, forests, and beautiful mountain views make this a must-visit for any avid hiker. The park has ten front-country campgrounds (as well as options for backcountry camping), and Elkmont is a popular tent and RV campground located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It has 200 drive-up sites and nine wheelchair-accessible options (you can make reservations online).