Based on 2024 camping data, Yosemite leads with 211,216 RV stays, followed by Great Smoky Mountains (176,473 stays), Gulf Islands National Seashore (159,502 stays), and Glacier National Park (129,858 stays). These parks attract the most RV and car campers due to excellent campground infrastructure, scenic beauty, and varied RV site availability. Great Smoky Mountains remains America's most visited national park overall with 12.1 million visitors, while camping demand has surged with 56.1% of campers reporting difficulty finding available sites in 2024.

Planning a national park RV adventure? You're not alone. With over 45 million Americans planning RV trips in 2024, America's love affair with the open road continues to grow. But here's the thing—not all national parks are created equal when it comes to welcoming your rig.

We've crunched the numbers from the latest park data to show you exactly which destinations attract the most car and RV campers, so you can plan your route with confidence instead of crossing your fingers at the gate.

Which National Parks Attract the Most RV Campers in 2025?

Yosemite National Park tops the list with 211,216 RV stays in 2024, followed by Great Smoky Mountains at 176,473 stays, Gulf Islands National Seashore at 159,502 stays, and Glacier National Park at 129,858 stays.

Here's the data-backed ranking of the top RV destinations that should be on your radar:

1. Yosemite National Park, California

• RV Stays: 211,216 (2024)
• Why RVers Love It: Iconic granite cliffs, waterfalls, and well-established campgrounds
• RV Length Limit: Up to 40 feet (limited sites available)
• Pro Tip: Be sure to book early. This is one of the hardest places to get an RV campsite in the country

2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina

• RV Stays: 176,473 (2024)
• Total Visitors: 12.1 million (the most visited national park)
• Why RVers Love It: No entrance fees, diverse wildlife, and multiple campground options
• RV Length Limit: Varies by campground (typically 35-40 feet max)

3. Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida/Mississippi

• RV Stays: 159,502 (2024)
• Why RVers Love It: Beach camping, Gulf Coast access, mild winter weather
• RV Length Limit: Varies by site (check specific campground restrictions)

4. Glacier National Park, Montana

• RV Stays: 129,858 (2024)
• Why RVers Love It: Stunning mountain views alone make it a dream come true for park enthusiasts
• RV Length Limit: Up to 35 feet at most campgrounds

5. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho

Despite being America's first national park with 4.7 million visitors in 2024, Yellowstone barely made the top RV destinations. This surprises many travelers, but it's likely due to the park's size, making sites feel less concentrated and some challenging road conditions for larger rigs.

For those considering full-time RV life to maximize their national park adventures, understanding the insurance implications becomes crucial. Living in your RV more than six months per year requires specialized coverage that goes beyond standard recreational policies—learn more about full-time RV insurance requirements to ensure you're properly protected on extended park tours.

What Makes These Parks So Popular with RV and Car Campers?

These top destinations combine excellent campground infrastructure, diverse RV site options, scenic beauty, and practical amenities that cater specifically to RV travelers' needs.

The parks that attract the most RV campers share several key characteristics:

Strategic Location & Accessibility

Parks near major highways and travel corridors naturally see more RV traffic. The Great Smoky Mountains, for example, sits perfectly positioned between major southeastern cities and offers easy interstate access.

Diverse Campground Options

The most popular RV destinations offer a mix of:

• Full hookup sites (electricity, water, sewer)
• Partial hookup sites (typically electricity and water)
• Dry camping sites for those who prefer boondocking
• Dump stations for waste disposal

RV-Friendly Infrastructure

The average national park RV length restriction is 27 feet, but the most popular parks often accommodate larger rigs. Some parks allow Class A motorhomes up to 40 feet, though these longer sites are limited and book quickly.

Year-Round or Extended Seasons

Parks with milder climates or longer camping seasons (like Gulf Islands National Seashore) naturally attract more RV visitors who want to extend their travel windows.

How Hard Is It to Get Reservations at Popular RV Camping Parks?

Finding available campsites has become significantly more challenging, with 56.1% of campers reporting difficulty booking sites in 2024, up from just 10.6% in 2019.

The camping boom isn't slowing down. From 2019 to 2022, the number of campers who reported difficulty finding a campsite to book rose from 10.6% to 58.4%. While it dipped slightly in 2023, it bounced back to 56.1% in 2024.

Reservation Strategies That Work

• Book early: Popular parks open reservations up to 6 months in advance
• Be flexible with dates: Weekdays and shoulder seasons offer better availability
• Consider alternate campgrounds: Look at nearby state parks or private RV parks
• Have backup plans: Always have 2-3 alternative destinations ready

The reality? Many markets are underserved, meaning camper demand exceeds available sites, sometimes dramatically. This is especially true at gateway communities near popular parks.

What Are the RV Length Restrictions at National Parks?

Most national parks restrict RVs to 27 feet on average, though some accommodate rigs up to 40 feet, while approximately 98% of campgrounds can handle RVs up to 19 feet.

Here's what you need to know about size restrictions:

The Sweet Spot for RV Length

• Under 25 feet: Access to over 90% of national park campgrounds
• 25-27 feet: Still covers the majority of campground options
• Over 35 feet: Significantly limited campground choices
• 40+ feet: Only specific sites in select parks

Why Length Limits Exist

Most parks have length restrictions so that you'll be able to negotiate the winding roads that lead in and out of the designated campsites. These aren't arbitrary—they're based on actual road conditions and turning radii.

Beyond Length: Other Size Considerations

• Height: Watch for low bridges and tunnels (most RVs are 10-12 feet tall)
• Width: Some sites can't accommodate slide-outs when extended
• Combined length: Some parks measure your RV plus towed vehicle together

Pro tip: Even if a park allows larger RVs, they may have only a few sites available. For instance, Yosemite Valley has twelve 40-foot sites—once they're booked, you're out of luck regardless of the posted limit.

What Generator Rules Should RV Campers Know About?

Most national parks restrict generator use to daytime hours only (typically 7 AM to 10 PM) with noise limits of 60 decibels measured at 50 feet from your campsite.

Generator rules are pretty standard across national parks, but here's what you need to know:

Standard Generator Hours

Typically, you will not be able to run your generator between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am. Some parks extend quiet hours, so always check specific park regulations.

Noise Level Requirements

If it has a noise level higher than 60 decibels at a 50-foot distance, you won't be able to use no matter what the time of day. Modern inverter generators usually meet this requirement, but older models often don't.

Quiet Zone Designations

Some campgrounds have designated "quiet zones" where generators aren't allowed at any time. These sites are perfect for tent campers and RVers who prefer natural sounds.

Alternative Power Solutions

Many RVers are switching to:

• Solar panel systems for off-grid power
• Portable battery banks for essential electronics
• Full hookup sites, when available, to avoid generator reliance entirely

Different RV types have varying power needs and insurance considerations. Whether you're driving a Class A motorhome or towing a travel trailer, understanding your RV insurance coverage options helps ensure you're protected during those memorable national park adventures.

How Should I Plan My National Parks RV Route?

Use the data above to prioritize high-capacity RV destinations, then map a route that considers seasonal weather, reservation availability, and your rig's size limitations for maximum trip success.

Here's a strategic approach to planning your park loop:

Start with High-Capacity Destinations

Focus your route around the parks with the most RV stays—they have the infrastructure and experience to handle your needs. Use our top 5 list as anchor points for your trip.

Consider Regional Clusters

• Southeast Loop: Great Smoky Mountains → Gulf Islands → other regional parks
• Western Circuit: Yosemite → Glacier → Yellowstone (if your RV fits the restrictions)
• California Coastal: Yosemite plus state park alternatives along the coast

Factor in Seasonal Patterns

KOA's research found that one-third of new campers in 2022 were millennials, and they're booking earlier. Summer dates fill fastest, while shoulder seasons offer better availability and weather.

Plan for Backup Options

With camping demand outpacing supply, always have alternatives ready. Research nearby state parks, private campgrounds, and RV-friendly businesses for overflow situations.

Planning a parks loop? You can go through Outdoorsy’s extensive RV road trip guides and along with the data-backed list above, to map your route, then get a quick, free RV insurance quote online with Roamly (it only takes a few minutes), or talk to a real RV expert at 1-833-223-2887 to make sure your coverage fits your trip.

Don't let insurance be an afterthought—protect your adventure so you can focus on what really matters: making memories under America's most beautiful skies.