The United States’ national parks are a true treasure to behold. If you are setting out on a road trip in your RV, consider planning a tour of some of the country’s greatest natural riches.
There is nothing like a trip to the national parks, and if you find a new or used travel trailer, fifth wheel, toy hauler or motor home for sale, you can get going on a trip like no other. The national parks are filled with different landscapes, history, and culture, providing all who venture their way with delight.
When you are planning your trip to the national parks, it can be hard to choose exactly where to go and what you’re going to do. You want to make the most of your time on the open road, so here are some tips to help you do so.
The United States has some of the most incredible, unbelievable natural outdoor treasures on earth. With over 400 national parks, there are so many options to choose from that it can be a bit overwhelming.
If you are taking a decent length road trip in your travel trailer, fifth wheel, toy hauler or motor home you could potentially plan a trip that takes you to a few different national parks, all across the RV Nation. Or you could simply opt for a one day trip to your top choice of location.
Search online or in guidebooks to learn about each national park and their locations. If you already have a specific direction you’re heading on your road trip, you’ll want to choose parks in your general path. However, if you have no set destination, choose your top park and head that way. Another great resource is to visit: https://www.nps.gov/index.htm it is the official website of the National Park Service and a great resource before you decide which parks to visit.
After you have chosen the national park or parks that you want to visit on your trip, you will want to do some deeper research to learn everything you need to know. There are so many factors that could affect your trip, such as road closures, seasonal changes or closures, activity and feature information, fees, parking, food options, and if camping is allowed.
The better your research, the better you will be able to plan out your trip. By knowing the ins and outs of your chosen national park, you will be able to plan the perfect visit. Again, a great tool would be: https://www.nps.gov/index.htm or https://www.nationalparks.org/ both are great resources as you plan your trip.
It is not enough to just pick a national park, jump in your camper, and hit the road. You need to pick the right time to visit and your research will help you determine when that will be.
Things that you will want to consider when choosing the right time include the typical weather, when certain exhibits are open, the prevalence of animals that you are looking forward to seeing, the average number of visitors, and more. You will want your national parks trip to be perfect, so choose to go during the time that checks most of your “must” see, do, and experience boxes. For example do you enjoy cold or hot weather? Do you want to see fall foliage or summer greens? Seems like minor things, but neither are and both can greatly add to a trip’s enjoyment.
Every national park has activities and exhibits, as well as incredible places just for exploring. It’s a good idea to choose the activities that you want to do and the places that you want to see before you begin your trip. This will prevent you from missing out on the things that matter to you the most.
Available activities will change depending on where and when you go, but could potentially include skiing, hiking, guided tours, backpacking, white water rafting, and many more. Some tours fill up as well. So see if reservations are needed. For example: When visiting Washington D.C. you have to get tickets for the Washington Monument tour months in advance or the tickets will be gone. Do not think you can get tickets for your tours when you arrive, they may already be full.
Each national park is ripe with things to do, which can make it hard to use your time wisely. By choosing ahead of time and creating a plan, you will be able to do most of your top activities when you visit.
You need to be able to get to your chosen destinations in comfort, without trouble. When you take a road trip and you are not just going for one day, your best bet is to drive an RV, camper, or travel trailer fifth wheel, toy hauler or motor home.. Doing so will ensure that you are prepared for a long drive and that you do not need to worry about your lodgings.
If you already have an RV, take the time to prepare it and get it ready for the journey ahead. If you do not have one yet, search online for new RVs for sale, RV dealerships, used travel trailers, or used campers for sale. You will be able to find the right vehicle for your needs and your journey. Service is also very important. Will it follow you? If you are leaving your state to go to other national parks you will need service that will follow you to make sure you can get things fixed while on your trip. At the time of publishing this article we were able to find one dealership which had a nationwide service network and could service you anywhere you travel or even in a national park. The pricing was also considered the best. We suggest you at least check out www.rvwholesalers.com in Lakeview, Ohio before you buy an RV.
The specific national parks that you are visiting, as well as the time of year, will guide what you need to pack. If you’re going to be out hiking, backpacking, or taking on a bunch of physical activities, you’ll want to pack different clothing and gear than you would if you were just taking a day trip in order to throw a blanket down under the shade of an ancient tree and have a picnic.
Determine the types of clothing and shoes you will need for your visit, as well as any specific gear such as binoculars, headlamps, a compass, and a sketchbook. You will want to make sure that you are prepared to enjoy yourself, partake in certain activities, and to be comfortable.
Once you have chosen your destinations, you’ve researched each location thoroughly, you have planned all the important details, and the right time of the year has arrived, you’re ready to get going. Throw your bags and anything else you need in the RV and hit the road.
Make sure you are well-versed on available parking options to make it easier for you when you arrive. Know also what size RV’s the campgrounds you will be staying at allow.
It’s great practice to check in with the park rangers when you show up at each national park. There are always unforeseen things that arise wherever you go, and if there’s something happening that is going to change your plans, you need to know as soon as possible.
If you check in with the rangers, they will be able to inform you of any incidents that have occurred or any changes to the daily schedule. Not only can they help you navigate changes to your plans, they can also help to enrich your visit. The park rangers know the ins and outs of their park, such as where you can find a certain animal, what time specific events happen, and more.
By checking in with the park rangers, you are being safe, aware, and helping to make your trip the one you’ve always dreamed of.
If you’re in a national park that allows camping, do it. Camping helps you experience nature in a way that nothing else does. The natural world changes and evolves in the dark, and while many people return to civilization at that point, it is enriching and beautiful for those who stick around.
With your RV or trailer, you have the ability to sleep inside. However, you will be missing out on the only once-in-a-while experience of sleeping under the stars. If it works for you, take the plunge and go camping. Again, call ahead and reserve your campsites in advance and make sure there are no size restrictions that can affect you.
When it is time to go, it’s important that you leave things just as they were when you arrived. Do not disturb the natural world. Enjoy it. Embrace it. But do not leave anything behind and do not make any changes.
Things that you need to consider in order to ensure that you are leaving nothing behind are keeping your distance from wildlife and respecting their natural habitat, disposing of waste properly, and using the right campfire etiquette. By taking care of the national parks, you become a part of their incredible, powerful legacy.
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