Embarking on an RV adventure through the national parks of California, Arizona, Nevada, and southern Utah is a journey filled with breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences. At Moto Nation, we believe in embracing the spirit of adventure with sincerity and enthusiasm. This comprehensive guide provides essential information for RV travelers planning to explore these majestic parks in 2025, including locations, operating seasons, and RV accommodations.
California National Parks
Yosemite National Park
- Location: Central California, approximately 165 miles east of San Francisco.
- Operating Season: Open year-round; however, some areas may have seasonal closures due to weather conditions.
- RV Information: Several campgrounds accommodate RVs, including Upper Pines, Lower Pines, and North Pines. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made up to five months in advance. Note that some campgrounds may have size restrictions for RVs.
Sequoia National Park
- Location: Adjacent to Kings Canyon National Park in central California.
- Operating Season: Open year-round; however, some facilities and roads may close during winter months.
- RV Information: Campgrounds such as Lodgepole and Dorst Creek can accommodate RVs. Due to winding roads and tunnel restrictions, it’s advisable to check vehicle size limitations before arrival.
Death Valley National Park
- Location: Eastern California, near the Nevada border.
- Operating Season: Open year-round; however, extreme summer temperatures can be hazardous.
- RV Information: Furnace Creek Campground offers RV sites with hookups. Given the park’s remote location, ensure your RV is well-maintained, and carry ample water and supplies.
Arizona National Parks
Grand Canyon National Park
- Location: Northern Arizona.
- Operating Season: The South Rim is open year-round; the North Rim is typically open from mid-May to mid-October, depending on weather conditions.
- RV Information: Mather Campground (no hookups) and Trailer Village (full hookups) on the South Rim accommodate RVs. Reservations are essential, especially during peak seasons. The North Rim Campground has limited RV spaces and is only open during the North Rim’s operational season.
Saguaro National Park
- Location: Near Tucson, Arizona.
- Operating Season: Open year-round.
- RV Information: The park does not have campgrounds suitable for RVs. However, several RV parks are available in the Tucson area, providing convenient access to the park.
Nevada National Parks
Great Basin National Park
- Location: Eastern Nevada, near the Utah border.
- Operating Season: Open year-round; however, some facilities and roads may close during winter months.
- RV Information: The park offers several campgrounds, such as Lower Lehman Creek, suitable for RVs. Note that there are no hookups or dump stations within the park. It’s advisable to check road conditions and campground availability, especially during winter.
Southern Utah National Parks
Zion National Park
- Location: Southwestern Utah, near Springdale.
- Operating Season: Open year-round.
- RV Information: Watchman Campground offers sites with electric hookups suitable for RVs. Reservations are required and can be made up to six months in advance. The park operates a shuttle system, and some roads have vehicle size restrictions, so plan accordingly.
Bryce Canyon National Park
- Location: Southwestern Utah.
- Operating Season: Open year-round; however, some facilities may have seasonal closures.
- RV Information: North Campground has RV sites, though without hookups. Sunset Campground is typically open from late spring to early fall and also accommodates RVs. Given the park’s elevation, be prepared for cooler temperatures, especially at night.
Arches National Park
- Location: Near Moab, Utah.
- Operating Season: Open year-round.
- RV Information: Devils Garden Campground accommodates RVs up to 40 feet. Reservations are essential, as spots fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. The park’s roads are generally RV-friendly, but always check for any size restrictions.
Capitol Reef National Park
- Location: South-central Utah.
- Operating Season: Open year-round.
- RV Information: Fruita Campground accommodates RVs, though there are no hookups. Reservations are available from March through October; outside these months, sites are first-come, first-served. The park’s scenic drive is accessible to most RVs, but some dirt roads may not be suitable for larger vehicles.
Canyonlands National Park
- Location: Near Moab, Utah.
- Operating Season: Open year-round.
- RV Information: Willow Flat Campground in the Island in the Sky district and Squaw Flat Campground in the Needles district accommodate RVs, though without hookups. Sites are limited and often fill quickly. Some roads within the park are challenging for larger vehicles, so verify conditions before traveling.
Essential Tips for RV Travelers
- Reservations: Given the popularity of these parks, especially during peak seasons, securing reservations well in advance is crucial.
- Vehicle Size Restrictions: Some parks have narrow or winding roads with size limitations. Always verify any restrictions related to your RV’s