RV Guide To All the National Parks In California
Are you planning to go on a trip using a Recreational Vehicle (RV)? Some of the best and most relaxing locations to visit are the national parks in California. Visiting with an RV is a great way to spend extended time in the parks, since you won’t have to worry about where to sleep, especially if you don’t like sleeping in tents. California’s national parks provide great options for those looking to visit in an RV.
To get the most of your RV experience around the national parks in California, you have to make an itinerary and make reservations ahead of time.
This article will give you tips on visiting the national parks in an RV, as well as where you can park them.
National parks to visit in California
California is home to nine of the nation’s national parks. The following are the must-see parks where you can take an RV. For even more information, check out my complete guide on all 9 National Parks in California.
Redwood National Park
The Redwood National Park comprises four parks, namely Prairie Creek State Park, Jedidiah State Park, Redwood National Park, and Del Norte State Park. It is best to visit these parks in the springtime to enjoy various activities, such as mountain biking, kayaking, and hiking.
Although entrance to the Redwood National Park is for free, you need to pay a certain amount for the nearby campgrounds like Jedidiah Smith Campground and Mill Creek Campground for you to park your RV. Camping Fees are $35 per night and can be booked at reserve California.
Jedidah Smith Campground
- No water or electrical hookups
- Max RV length of 25 feet
- Max trailer length of 21 feet
- Open all year
Mill Creek Campground
- No water or electrical hookups
- 145 sites for RV’s
- Max RV length of 28 feet
- Max trailer length of 24 feet
Elk Prairie Campground
- No water or electrical hookups
- 75 sites for RV’s
- Max RV length of 27 feet
- Max trailer length of 24 feet
Since the campgrounds in Redwood National Park were built in the 1940s, the spots are small and are unable to accommodate today’s larger RVs. If you are looking for a campground that fits a larger RV and provides water and electrical hookups, consider one of the many private camp sites in the area.
Tips:
Use your National Park Pass at these 3 California State Parks. Del Norte Coast Redwoods, Jedediah-Smith Redwoods, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Parks which are the only parks in the California State Parks system that accept the Federal Access Pass discount.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
You may visit Lassen Volcanic National Park at any time of the year. During summertime, you can go swimming, backpacking, and stargazing, while exploring the volcanic features, hot springs, and alpine lakes. During the winter, only the main park road is open and you may enjoy cross-country skiing or snowshoeing to some of the park’s boiling mud pots.
When you visit Lassen Volcanic, parking space will not be a problem. There are numerous campgrounds around the area that can be a perfect place to park your RV. You can choose either the Manzanita Lake Campground or one of the KOA locations like Mt Lassen/Shingleton which is open from April to December.
Manzanita Lake Campground
This is the largest campground in the park located just one mile from Manzanita Lake. It is perfect for families and RV goers.
- Cost: $26.00/night
- Max RV length is 40 feet
- No water or electrical hookups
- Not open in the winter months
- There is a camp store, boat rentals, and other amenities. Visit the park website for more information.
Butte Lake Campground
- Cost: $22.00/night
- Open from June to October
- Max RV length is 35 feet
- No water or electrical hookups
Tips:
RVs and trailers are best accommodated at Manzanita Lake, Butte Lake, and Summit Lake Campgrounds. There are no hook-ups in the park but a dump station is available at Manzanita Lake. Southwest Campground is open year-round and changes to oversnow camping in the winter/spring snowy months. The other campgrounds are open approximately May/June through September/October depending on the snow.
Camping Fees start at $22 per night.
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Yosemite National Park
You should never miss visiting Yosemite National Park when you visit the national parks in California. Many people enjoy the fantastic view of the waterfalls and the tranquil meadows. It is best to visit the Yosemite National Park in the springtime to witness the beautiful waterfalls and blooming trees in the park.
Yosemite features 10 campgrounds that can accommodate RVs. Reservations are required and can be made on their website. Here are two of the most popular options:
Pines Campgrounds
- Consists of three separate campgrounds: Upper, Lower, and North Pines.
- Cost: $26.00/night
- Upper Pines is open all year long, Lower and North Pines are closed in the winter
- Upper Pines max RV length: 35 feet
- Lower and North Pines max RV length: 40 feet
- No water or electrical hookups
- Dump station available at Upper Pines
Wawona Campgrounds
- Consists of three separate loops: A, B, and C.
- Cost: $26.00/night ($18.00/night in the winter)
- Loop A is open all year long. B and C are open from April to September
- Max RV length: 35 feet
- No water or electrical hookups
- Dump station available during the summer months only
Tips:
Yosemite National Park is extremely popular and can get very busy during the summer months. Try to visit in the fall or spring when there are less crowds. If you must visit in the summer, arrive at off-peak times to avoid traffic congestions .
Pinnacles National Park
Pinnacles National Park is known for its extraordinary rock formations, a result of volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. The Spring season is a great time to visit the park to catch various birds during their seasonal migration. Pinnacles is a great park to explore for those looking for rock climbing and unique hiking routes.
Pinnacle Campgrounds are the only campgrounds at the park. Morgan Hill RV Resort is a private offsite option that is also nearby.
Pinnacle Campgrounds
- Cost: $45.00/night with electric hookup and $35.00/night without
- Open year-round
- Electrical hookups available at most spots
- Dump station available
- There is a camp store onsite
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
If you love adventures, you must explore the Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks. Here you can see the world’s largest trees set amongst dramatic landscapes and viewpoints. The parks also offer great trails for hikers, beautiful rivers and waterfalls, and blooming wildflowers.
There are fourteen campsites between the two parks. Two of our favorites are the Princess Campground, the Azalea Campground, or Dorst Creek Campground.
Princess Campground
- Cost: $29.00/night
- Open year-round
- Max RV length: 22 feet
- No water or electrical hookups
- Dump station is available
Azalea Campground
- Cost: $18.00/night
- Open year-round
- Max RV length: 30 feet
- No water or electrical hookups
- No reservations – spots are given on a first-come, first-served basis
Dorst Creek Campground
- Cost: $22.00/night
- Open during the summer only
- There are sites available to fit RVs of any size
- No water or electrical hookups
- There is a dump station available
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is a popular choice in southern California. This park has become known for its desert aesthetic and peculiar trees. The park is open all year round, however, the best time to visit the park for rock climbing is in winter. In the springtime, you may do ranger-led activities and the summer is the best time for stargazing. The nearest campgrounds around the park are Black Rock Campground and Belle Campground.
Black Rock Campground
- Cost: $25.00/night
- Max RV length: 35 feet
- Reservations are required during the summer months
- No electrical hookups
- A dump station is available year-round
Belle Campground
- Cost: $15.00/night
- Max RV length: 35 feet
- First, come, first-served
- No electrical hookups or water available
Tips:
Remember that temperatures in the desert can drastically change overnight, and in the winter months temperatures can drop below freezing. Be sure to pack enough warm layers and blankets for sleeping at night time.
There is so much to discover amongst the nine national parks in California. Traveling with an RV makes your trip more comfortable while still letting you experience the beauty of the parks overnight. To make the most out of your trip, be sure to create an itinerary ahead of time and check if reservations are required before you go. Also, keep in mind any fees you will need to pay so you will be ready once you get there. Now go out and explore all that California has to offer!
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