Most RVers have a dream of visiting no less than just a few of our nation’s beautiful nationwide parks, and for good purpose. Every of the 63 designated U.S. nationwide parks provides its personal lovely panorama and unbelievable historical past to go along with it — however solely probably the most devoted explorers will get to go to these hidden gems.
Lesser-known nationwide parks provide the right alternative for RV vacationers, who get to set their very own tempo and luxuriate in all of the comforts of dwelling whereas they expertise components of the nation so many miss out on. Under, we’ve listed our favourite hidden gem nationwide parks on your subsequent RV highway journey, specializing in off-the-beaten-path parks with fewer guests and breathtaking views. (And, in fact, together with peer-to-peer RV leases, we’ve obtained all of the deets you want to make it a superbly unforgettable RV tenting journey.)
Hidden Gem Nationwide Parks to Discover: RV Street Journey Version
Get out your jeweler’s loupe — as a result of with out additional ado, we’re going to offer you an up-close and private glimpse at these hidden gem nationwide parks!
1. Lassen Volcanic Nationwide Park (California)
In a state chock-a-block filled with nationwide parks (most of that are equally full of tourists — we’re taking a look at you, Yosemite), Lassen Volcanic Nationwide Park provides the dual advantages of being one of many least-visited nationwide parks within the roster and providing a novel, dynamic panorama. Whether or not you’re searching for an excuse to set your internal geologist unfastened or just in the marketplace for some forested mountaineering trails, Lassen Volcanic really has all of it.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem
With its acres of effervescent mud pots and serene views of snowed peaks over blue lakes, Lassen Volcanic Nationwide Park is the form of vacation spot that appears like a number of locations in a single. It additionally often sees lower than half 1,000,000 guests annually, in comparison with the 4 million or extra guests that descend upon a park like Yosemite. Meaning you’ll have the ability to absolutely sink into and luxuriate in your peace and quiet.
RV Route + Drive Ideas
This park is finest approached from the cities of Redding or Chico; it’ll take you about an hour or an hour-and-a-half of driving from every of these cities, respectively. It’s additionally situated alongside the CA-89 scenic byway, which winds by means of a number of beautiful volcanic and mountain vistas. (Make sure your rig can deal with these slim, winding roads!)
You possibly can entry the park by way of a number of main highways, all of which supply standard-width bridges protected for Class C rigs and fifth-wheels. For those who’re flying in, the closest main airports are Sacramento Worldwide (SMF) and Reno-Tahoe (RNO).
Campgrounds and RV Parking
Lassen Volcanic Nationwide Park options two on-site campgrounds which are RV-friendly:
You too can discover another personal and public campgrounds within the space of Lassen Volcanic Nationwide Park.
Should-See Close by Points of interest
Whereas an NPS park ranger will probably be completely satisfied to stroll you thru all the park’s can’t-miss points of interest, make certain to not skip out on Bumpass Hell, the biggest hydrothermal space within the park. The hike by means of it’s simply three round-trip miles and comparatively flat, making it a workable choice for a lot of totally different campers.
Kings Creek Falls is one other traditional function, providing expansive views in addition to the tranquility of meadows and waterfalls. It does, nonetheless, function a bit extra of an incline, so be sure you test in with park workers to make sure your social gathering is up for it.
2. North Cascades Nationwide Park (Washington)
Ask anybody who’s carried out a great job of exploring the Pacific Northwest what their favourite nationwide park is, and the chances are fairly good they’ll say North Cascades. (I say that as somebody who lives in Portland and is aware of a number of native hikers who swear it’s probably the most lovely place on earth.)
It’s additionally, nonetheless, a bit off the crushed observe — and never fairly as well-known as a few of Washington’s different (admittedly additionally beautiful) landscapes. That’s why it’s the right alternative on your hidden-gem nationwide park RV highway journey.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem
Whereas everybody else will probably be (actually) lining as much as do Paradise Park at Rainier or Olympic Nationwide Park’s Hoh Rainforest, in the event you go to North Cascades, likelihood is you’ll have huge swaths of this epic, rugged panorama all to your self. Bonus: North Cascades is probably the most closely glaciated space within the U.S. exterior of Alaska, which has earned it its esteemed popularity because the “American Alps.” To be there’s a really unforgettable expertise.
RV Route + Drive Ideas
The best manner in is by way of North Cascades Freeway (Washington SR-20), which comes due east out of Burlington or entails getting off on SR-530 just some miles north of Seattle on I-5. (Seattle is, in fact, dwelling to one of many west coast’s largest airports, and the whole drive time from the airport itself to the nationwide park is about two-and-a-half hours, relying on visitors.
Notice that there are sometimes seasonal closures within the winter and spring as a result of snowfall and different inclement climate, and at any time of 12 months, be ready for winding mountain roads — take it gradual and regular in the event you’re driving a much bigger rig.
Campgrounds and RV Parking
Together with different space campgrounds, North Cascades provides one on-site tenting choice that’s RV pleasant:
- Colonial Creek Campground provides coveted RV websites with lake views — we suggest reserving early
- For a non-public choice simply exterior the park, head to Skagit River Campground, which provides spacious spots close to the river it’s named after and facilities together with a laundry facility and playground
Highlights
North Cascades is so lovely, the reality is, you form of can’t go incorrect, even when all you do is drive in and go searching. However two of our private favourite highlights embody:
- Diablo Lake Overlook, the place the lake whose shimmering floor you’ll gaze into will get its otherworldly turquoise colour from the pure glacier waters that feed it
- Cascade PassTrail, which, in a park geared in the direction of backpacking, provides day-hikers all of the rugged mountain views they might ask for — and extra
3. Congaree Nationwide Park (South Carolina)
It’s simply plain true that almost all of America’s nationwide parks are clustered on the west aspect of the Mississippi River. However don’t make the error of considering there aren’t epic landscapes to be skilled on the east aspect, too.
Congaree Nationwide Park — one of many newer ones within the roster, formally designated as a nationwide park in 2003 — additionally has the excellence of being a world biosphere reserve. And that’s for good purpose: the park preserves the biggest intact tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in your entire U.S., together with that includes a few of the tallest bushes in Jap North America.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem
Regardless of the old-growth accolades we named above, Congaree stays one of many least-visited nationwide parks within the nation. In 2023, simply over 250,000 individuals made their manner into this one-of-a-kind panorama, in comparison with the tens of millions that go to the better-known nationwide parks out west.
RV Route + Drive Ideas
We suggest driving in from Columbia, SC by way of I-26 and I-77 — a route that provides flat, paved roads, customary bridge overpasses, huge shoulders and no steep climbs. (Briefly, the drive is extraordinarily RV-friendly.)
Campgrounds and RV Parking
Together with a number of personal campgrounds within the space surrounding Congaree Nationwide Park, it’s also possible to look into onsite tenting choices:
- Longleaf Campground, situated simply off the doorway highway, provides RV websites with electrical and water hookups — a luxurious within the nationwide park system
- For those who’re open to a extra rugged journey, Congaree additionally provides backcountry tenting choices; permits are required, however they’re additionally free
Actions
Congaree Nationwide Park is well-known for its one-of-a-kind boardwalk trails, which serve to guard the delicate wetland ecosystem by which these hardwoods have rooted themselves. (It’s additionally a floodplain, so the boardwalk retains you from getting your toes moist!)
For those who’re prepared to be a bit nearer to the water, nonetheless, take a look at the Cedar Creek Canoe Path, which winds its manner alongside a straightforward, six-mile journey by means of the center of the park.
4. Huge Bend Nationwide Park (Texas)
I’ll come clear: Huge Bend Nationwide Park is on the highest of my to-visit record. Why, you ask? Properly, if huge canyon partitions surrounding a winding Rio Grande and top-class darkish sky stargazing views weren’t sufficient, its vary, the Chisos Mountains, is the one one that’s located solely inside the bounds of a U.S. nationwide park.
It’s additionally manner down deep in south Texas, proper throughout the border from Mexico, making for comparatively gentle climate 12 months spherical (although nighttime temperatures can drop within the winter — it’s a desert, in any case!) Plus, it’s so out-of-the-way, only some individuals who dwell on planet earth will ever get to see it.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem
Huge desert landscapes, Rio Grande views, and really a few of the most wide-open areas in your entire U.S. — in relation to hidden gem nationwide parks, Huge Bend is mainly the definition. (Oh, and there’s additionally close by Huge Bend Ranch State Park to discover when you’re down there, too.)
RV Route + Drive Ideas
There’s no manner round it: Huge Bend is tough to get to. (That’s a part of why so few individuals do annually; it averages fewer than half 1,000,000 annual guests.) You’ll possible find yourself taking both TX-118 or US-385 south from the Marfa space (additionally properly value carving out time to discover). Remember the fact that that is the deep desert with lengthy, desolate stretches with out cell sign. Gasoline up forward of time, by no means let your tank get greater than half empty, carry meals and water and ideally an emergency satellite tv for pc radio, simply in case.
Campgrounds and RV Parking
Excellent news for our readership: Two of Huge Bend’s onsite campgrounds are RV-friendly, and no less than one is accessible to larger rigs like fifth wheels. Have a look:
- Rio Grande Village RV Campground is your transfer in the event you’re driving a much bigger RV. Together with its riverside views, it additionally provides full hookups — a rarity!
- These in smaller RVs can take into account Chisos Basin Campground, however with tight turns and main elevation modifications, the park recommends no trailers over 20 toes or RVs over 24
Should-Do’s
Maybe the park’s most well-known function, Santa Elena Canyon is 1,500 toes deep, run by means of by the Rio Grande, and marks the border between the U.S. and Mexico. There are a number of totally different paddling routes you possibly can select from, though a brief nature path additionally permits on-foot entry.
We talked about this above, however it bears repeating: be sure you give your self some nighttime flexibility for stargazing. Huge Bend Nationwide Park is a part of the Larger Huge Bend Worldwide Darkish Sky Reserve, the biggest darkish sky licensed place on this planet.
5. Guadalupe Mountains Nationwide Park (Texas)
One other often-overlooked Texas stunner, Guadalupe Mountains Nationwide Park is a land of extremes. Together with serving to guard the world’s most in depth uncovered Permian fossil reef, the park additionally options endless-looking sand dunes and is dwelling to Guadalupe Mountain, “flat” Texas’s highest peak (which is sort of spectacular at greater than 8,700 toes).
Why It’s a Hidden Gem
Like Huge Bend, Guadalupe Mountains is situated within the desert panorama of west Texas, although this one is on the northern border with New Mexico moderately than the southern border with… properly, previous Mexico. Dramatic limestone peaks and low desert scrub mix to supply a completely distinctive journey expertise, and since fewer than 250,000 guests seem annually, you’ll have lots of these wide-open areas all to your self.
RV Route + Drive Ideas
The most effective routes for RVers will probably be from El Paso or Carlsbad, New Mexico. (When you’re within the space, be sure you save time to go to Carlsbad Caverns!) US-62 provides a scenic route, however concentrate on the elevation modifications you’ll see alongside the best way. These are largely rural highways, and are protected for many tow automobiles, however once more, watch your gas meter and be sure you carry extra meals and water
Campgrounds and RV Parking
There are three developed campgrounds inside Guadalupe Mountains Nationwide Park, and all of them provide RV spots — however some are extra restricted than others.
- Pine Springs Campground has 13 RV websites obtainable, although there are not any hookups or dump stations
- Canine Canyon Campground provides 4 RV websites, whereas Frijole Horse Corral Campground has only one — however is the one choice for these touring with horses
You too can take a look at close by personal RV parks with full hookups and different facilities.
Don’t Miss
Match, adventurous vacationers gained’t need to miss the chance to hike to the highest of the park’s eponymous peak, particularly because it additionally comes with bragging rights for having been to the very best spot in Texas. And McKittrick Canyon’s distinctive geology is worth it any time of 12 months, however within the fall, it’s additionally dwelling to a few of the most spectacular fall foliage in your entire American southwest.
Planning Your RV Street Journey
Now that you realize the place you’re going, let’s dive into the small print of tips on how to do it proper — that’s, in an RVshare rental rig.
Finest Instances to Go to These Parks
Whereas every of those parks has its personal distinctive climate patterns (due to their areas all throughout the nation), it’s vital to know that, particularly in excessive terrains like these in North Cascades Nationwide Park, seasonal climate can have a significant influence in your travels. Snow closures are widespread within the northerly climes within the winter, whereas summer time warmth may foil your mountaineering plans in the event you head to west Texas on the coronary heart of summer time. You should definitely test the month-to-month climate forward of time to know the very best time to go to the particular park you’re fascinated with.
Notice additionally, although, that the seasons with the very finest climate are additionally more likely to be probably the most crowded. That’s why the shoulder seasons — which supply respectable climate however comparatively fewer vacationers — can provide the very best of each worlds. (In fact, in parks which are already hidden gems, you’ll possible have much less bother so far as competing with different guests.)
Gasoline & Provides Planning
Particularly in remote-area parks like Huge Bend and Guadalupe Mountains, make certain you may have a way of the filling stations, propane refill factors, and dump stations you’ll use upfront. (Apps like Roadtrippers could make this course of so much simpler.)
The very last thing you need is to get caught with out gas in the course of nowhere, so we suggest treating a half tank like empty and prioritizing refilling at each probability you get. In spite of everything, one among your pre-planned fuel stations would possibly run out of gas — so that you all the time desire a backup plan readily available. (Carrying a fuel can is one other stable choice!)
Why Go to Hidden Gem Nationwide Parks by RV
Simply in case our descriptions above haven’t fairly satisfied you…
Advantages of RV Street Journeys
RV highway journeys give you the flexibleness and freedom to discover distant areas with out having to surrender the comforts of dwelling. Say goodbye to cramped automotive tenting or wind-flapping tents — you possibly can carry actually every part, together with the kitchen sink, alongside for the journey.
RV journey can be much more cost-effective in comparison with accommodations and automotive leases, to not point out much less problem. Who desires to unpack and repack each time you choose up and drive to the following location? In an RV, it’s all prepared, on a regular basis. That’s in all probability why 87% of respondents in our newest Journey Pattern Report say they’re extra more likely to choose an RV over different lodging choices on a nationwide park journey.
Why Hire Your RV from RVshare
RVshare provides a big collection of peer-to-peer RV leases for any group measurement and price range, and our renters get pleasure from nationwide pickup areas close to main cities and journey hubs. (We’ve additionally just lately launched one-way choices for these hoping to get probably the most out of their journeys, because you gained’t have to fret about saving time and assets for the return.)
Every RVshare rental comes with insurance coverage and roadside help included, and we provide personalised route-planning help. It’s stress-free journey, with out proudly owning an RV — the very best of each worlds!
Exploring less-crowded nationwide parks by RV is greater than worthwhile. In actual fact, it may be downright magical, particularly along with your favourite individuals by your aspect. (And sure, you, your self depend — we see you, solo vacationers!)
RVshare will probably be right here for all of the planning and prepping, and any ups and downs alongside the best way. Begin your highway journey journey right this moment!
