Picture this: You step out of your RV with morning coffee in hand, and within minutes, you’re on a scenic trail watching the sunrise paint distant peaks. This isn’t just camping—it’s the perfect marriage of modern comfort and natural adventure that only RV parks with direct trail access can provide.
For outdoor enthusiasts who’ve invested in an RV, choosing a park with quality nature trails transforms a simple camping trip into an immersive wilderness experience. No need to unhitch and drive to distant trailheads. No worrying about parking at popular hiking spots. Just lock your door and start exploring. Whether you’re a weekend warrior seeking a quick nature fix, a family introducing kids to the outdoors, or a retiree checking national parks off your bucket list, these trail-connected RV parks offer the best of both worlds.
Our selection criteria focused on parks offering genuine trail access (ideally from your campsite), diverse trail options for various fitness levels, quality RV amenities including reliable hookups, pet-friendly policies for your four-legged hiking companions, accessibility features where available, and year-round or extended seasonal appeal. We’ve also prioritized geographic diversity to help you find options no matter which region you’re exploring.
Top RV Parks with Nature Trails
1. Watchman Campground – Zion National Park, Utah
Location: Springdale, Utah
Why Go: Walk directly from your RV to three incredible trails while enjoying electric hookups in one of America’s most stunning national parks.
RV Park Details: This campground features 189 total sites with 92 offering electric hookups (30/50 amp). Sites accommodate RVs up to 40 feet. The campground includes a dump station, potable water, and flush toilets. Reserve through Recreation.gov up to 6 months in advance. Nightly fees range from $35-50 depending on hookups.
Trail Details: Three trails begin directly at the campground: the Watchman Trail (moderate 3.3-mile round trip ascending the peak behind the campground), the Archeology Trail (easy 0.4-mile walk to an archeological site), and the Pa’rus Trail (paved 3.5-mile path for walking and biking alongside the Virgin River). The famous Angels Landing and Emerald Pools trails are accessible via the park shuttle from the visitor center nearby.
Practical Notes: Best visited March through November (closed in winter). Pets are allowed on Pa’rus Trail only, must be leashed. The campground fills quickly; book the maximum 6 months ahead for peak season. Cell coverage is limited but the visitor center has wifi. Generator hours are 8am-10am and 6pm-8pm.
Official Link: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232445
2. Davidson River Campground – Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina
Location: Brevard, North Carolina
Why Go: Experience some of the Southeast’s best waterfall hikes while staying in a full-service campground surrounded by lush Appalachian forest.
RV Park Details: 161 sites total with many accommodating large RVs. Full hookups available on select sites (30/50 amp, water, sewer). Facilities include dump station, showers, and camp store. Reservations through Recreation.gov. Fees approximately $28-35 per night.
Trail Details: The campground sits at the junction of multiple trails. Looking Glass Rock Trail (6.5 miles round trip, strenuous) offers panoramic views. Moore Cove Falls Trail (1.4 miles, easy) leads to a walkable waterfall grotto. Cat Gap Loop Trail starts in the campground (5.2 miles, moderate). The famous Looking Glass Falls is just a 5-minute drive.
Practical Notes: Open April through October. Dogs allowed on all trails (6-foot leash required). Some trails have accessible sections. Good Verizon cell coverage. Quiet hours 10pm-6am, no generators after 8pm. Book 2-3 months ahead for summer weekends.
Official Link: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/273850
3. Blackwoods Campground – Acadia National Park, Maine
Location: Bar Harbor, Maine
Why Go: Wake up to Atlantic Ocean views and hike both coastal and mountain trails in New England’s crown jewel national park.
RV Park Details: While this campground doesn’t offer hookups, it accommodates RVs up to 35 feet and provides an authentic Maine woods experience. 280 total sites. Dump station and water available. Reserve through Recreation.gov. Fees $30 per night.
Trail Details: Ocean Path Trail (4.4 miles round trip, easy) runs along the dramatic coastline with multiple access points. Cadillac Summit Loop (0.4 miles, paved, accessible) offers 360-degree views. Great Head Trail (1.4 miles, moderate) combines forest and clifftop ocean views. The campground is also near the carriage roads perfect for biking.
Practical Notes: Open May through October. Pets allowed on most trails (6-foot leash). The Island Explorer shuttle provides free transportation to trailheads throughout the park. Limited cell service. Generators prohibited. Book 2-3 months ahead for July-August.
Official Link: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/231959
4. Cades Cove Campground – Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
Location: Townsend, Tennessee
Why Go: Combine exceptional wildlife viewing with historic sites and diverse trail options in America’s most visited national park.
RV Park Details: 159 sites with electric hookups available (no water/sewer at sites). Accommodates RVs up to 35 feet. Dump station and potable water on-site. Reserve through Recreation.gov. Fees $25-35 per night.
Trail Details: Abrams Falls Trail (5 miles round trip, moderate) leads to a stunning 20-foot waterfall. Anthony Creek Trail (3.5 miles one way, moderate) connects to multiple backcountry trails. The 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road offers easy wildlife viewing and access to numerous historic structures. Cooper Road Trail follows an old roadbed perfect for families.
Practical Notes: Open year-round. Pets allowed on two trails only (Gatlinburg and Oconaluftee River trails). Popular for black bear and deer sightings—store food properly. No cell coverage in the cove. Generators allowed 8am-10am and 6pm-8pm. Book 3-6 months ahead for peak season.
Official Link: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232487
5. Mather Campground – Grand Canyon South Rim, Arizona
Location: Grand Canyon Village, Arizona
Why Go: Camp on the rim of one of the world’s natural wonders with immediate access to the famous Rim Trail.
RV Park Details: 327 sites total with full hookups available at Trailer Village RV Park adjacent to Mather. Accommodates RVs up to 50 feet. Full amenities including laundry and general store. Reserve through Recreation.gov (Mather) or directly with concessionaire (Trailer Village). Fees $18-50+ depending on services.
Trail Details: The Rim Trail (13 miles total, easy, mostly paved) is accessible directly from the campground with multiple viewpoints. Bright Angel Trail (various distances, strenuous) descends into the canyon. Hermit Trail (various distances, strenuous) offers a less crowded canyon descent. South Kaibab Trail provides dramatic views but no water sources.
Practical Notes: Open year-round though snow possible November-March. Pets allowed on Rim Trail only. Free shuttle system connects campground to visitor centers and trailheads. Good cell coverage at rim. Generators allowed in Trailer Village. Book 6 months ahead for peak season.
Official Link: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232770
Related: Snowbird Paradise: Top 10 RV parks in Arizona for snowbirds
6. Moraine Park Campground – Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Location: Estes Park, Colorado
Why Go: Experience high-altitude hiking with stunning alpine scenery and abundant elk viewing opportunities right from your campsite.
RV Park Details: 244 sites with some offering electric hookups. Accommodates RVs up to 40 feet. Dump station available. Reserve through Recreation.gov. Fees $35-50 per night depending on hookups.
Trail Details: Cub Lake Trail (4.6 miles round trip, easy) starts in the campground and leads through meadows to a lily pad-covered lake. Fern Lake Trail (7.6 miles one way, moderate) offers waterfalls and alpine lakes. The Big Thompson River runs through the campground providing easy streamside walks. Nearby Bear Lake area offers numerous trail options.
Practical Notes: Open late May through September (limited sites in winter). Pets prohibited on all park trails. Excellent elk viewing September-October. Limited cell coverage. Generators allowed 7am-7pm in designated loops only. Book maximum 5 months ahead; sells out quickly.
Official Link: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232462
7. Elkmont Campground – Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Why Go: Enjoy creekside camping with access to waterfall trails and the fascinating abandoned Elkmont historic district.
RV Park Details: 220 sites with many offering electric hookups. Accommodates RVs up to 35 feet. Flush toilets and potable water available. Reserve through Recreation.gov. Fees $25-35 per night.
Trail Details: Laurel Falls Trail (2.5 miles round trip, moderate but paved) leads to an 80-foot waterfall. Little River Trail (12 miles one way, easy to moderate) follows an old logging road along the river. Elkmont Nature Trail (0.8 miles, easy) loops through the historic district. Jake’s Creek Trail (6.8 miles round trip, moderate) features cascades and old-growth forest.
Practical Notes: Open March through November. Pets allowed on Gatlinburg Trail only. Famous for synchronous firefly viewing in late May/early June (special lottery required). Limited cell coverage. Generators allowed 8am-10am and 6pm-8pm. Book 6 months ahead for summer and firefly season.
Official Link: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232488
8. Apgar Campground – Glacier National Park, Montana
Location: West Glacier, Montana
Why Go: Combine lakefront camping with access to pristine mountain trails in this spectacular northern wilderness.
RV Park Details: 194 sites with no hookups but accommodating RVs up to 40 feet. Dump station and potable water available. First-come, first-served (may change to reservation system). Fees $30 per night.
Trail Details: Rocky Point Trail (1 mile round trip, easy) offers Lake McDonald views. Trail of the Cedars (1 mile loop, easy, wheelchair accessible) winds through ancient forest on boardwalks. Apgar Lookout Trail (7.2 miles round trip, strenuous) climbs to panoramic views. McDonal Falls Trail (2.4 miles round trip, easy) follows McDonald Creek.
Practical Notes: Open May through September. Pets allowed on roads and front-country campgrounds only, not trails. Reserve early morning arrival for first-come sites. Limited cell coverage. No generators allowed. Consider this as basecamp for Going-to-the-Sun Road adventures.
Official Link: https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/apgarcampground.htm
9. Desert View Campground – Grand Canyon South Rim, Arizona
Location: Grand Canyon (25 miles east of Village), Arizona
Why Go: Escape the South Rim crowds while enjoying spectacular sunrise views and access to less-traveled trails.
RV Park Details: 50 sites with no hookups, accommodating RVs up to 30 feet. More rustic than Mather but offers solitude. First-come, first-served. Fees $12 per night.
Trail Details: Desert View Rim Trail connects to the main Rim Trail system. Cedar Ridge Trail via South Kaibab (3 miles round trip, moderate) offers canyon descent without full commitment. Tanner Trail (very strenuous) provides a primitive canyon experience. The Watchtower provides 360-degree views just minutes away.
Practical Notes: Open May through mid-October. Pets allowed on rim only. No water available October-May. Very limited cell coverage. No generators allowed. Arrive early morning for best site selection.
Official Link: https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/cg-sr.htm
10. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park – Big Sur, California
Location: Big Sur, California
Why Go: Experience the dramatic California coastline where redwoods meet the Pacific Ocean.
RV Park Details: Small environmental campground with 2 RV sites (no hookups). Maximum RV length 24 feet. Reserve through Reserve California. Fees $35 per night.
Trail Details: Overlook Trail (0.6 miles round trip, easy, accessible) leads to the iconic McWay Falls viewpoint. Ewoldsen Trail (4.5 miles loop, moderate) climbs through redwoods to canyon views. Tan Bark Trail connects to nearby Partington Cove Trail for tide pooling.
Practical Notes: Open year-round but fog common in summer. No pets allowed on trails. Extremely limited sites require booking 6 months ahead. No cell coverage. No generators. Consider as a bucket-list stop rather than extended basecamp.
Official Link: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=578
11. Devil’s Lake State Park – Wisconsin
Location: Baraboo, Wisconsin
Why Go: Explore unique quartzite bluffs and pristine lake views in the Midwest’s premier rock climbing and hiking destination.
RV Park Details: Three campgrounds with 423 total sites, many with electric hookups. Accommodates all RV sizes. Full amenities including showers and camp store. Reserve through Wisconsin State Park system. Fees $25-35 per night.
Trail Details: East Bluff Trail (2.2 miles, strenuous) features dramatic cliff-top views and balanced rock formations. Tumbled Rocks Trail (2 miles, moderate) descends through massive boulder fields to the lake. Parfrey’s Glen Trail (1.75 miles, easy) leads through a narrow sandstone gorge. The park offers 29 miles of trails total, from lakeside strolls to challenging climbs.
Practical Notes: Open April through October (limited winter camping). Pets allowed on designated pet trails only. Popular for fall colors. Good cell coverage. Generators allowed 9am-7pm in designated areas. Book 11 months ahead for summer weekends.
Official Link: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/devilslake
12. Hunting Island State Park – South Carolina
Location: Beaufort, South Carolina
Why Go: Combine beach camping with maritime forest trails and climb a historic lighthouse for panoramic coastal views.
RV Park Details: 100 sites with full hookups (water, electric 30/50 amp, sewer). Accommodates RVs up to 40 feet. Beach access and nature center on-site. Reserve through South Carolina State Parks. Fees $35-45 per night.
Trail Details: Hunting Island Nature Trail (0.75 miles, easy) loops through maritime forest. Marsh Boardwalk Trail (0.5 miles, easy, accessible) extends over salt marsh for wildlife viewing. Beach Trail runs 5 miles along pristine shoreline. Lighthouse Trail (0.25 miles to lighthouse, then 167 steps up) offers 360-degree views from the top.
Practical Notes: Open year-round, best March-May and September-November. Pets allowed on beaches and designated trails (leashed). Watch for alligators in lagoon areas. Good cell coverage. Generators allowed 9am-9pm. Book several months ahead for prime season.
Official Link: https://southcarolinaparks.com/hunting-island
Related: 55 and older RV parks in Tucson, AZ | The 12 Best RV Parks in Tucson
Sample Itineraries and Trip Ideas
Southwest Canyon Country Adventure (7 days)
Start at Watchman Campground in Zion for 3 nights, exploring the Pa’rus Trail and taking the shuttle to Angels Landing. Drive to the North Rim and stay at DeMotte Campground (near Kaibab National Forest) for 2 nights with access to rim trails. End at Desert View Campground on the South Rim for sunrise photography and less-crowded trails.
Blue Ridge Waterfall Weekend (3 days)
Base yourself at Davidson River Campground for the entire trip. Day 1: Hike to Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls. Day 2: Challenge yourself with the Looking Glass Rock summit hike. Day 3: Explore nearby DuPont State Forest’s Triple Falls Trail (short drive).
Upper Midwest Nature Loop (5 days)
Start with 2 nights at Devil’s Lake State Park exploring the bluff trails. Drive to Peninsula State Park in Door County, Wisconsin (2 nights) for coastal trails along Lake Michigan. End at Tahquamenon Falls State Park in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula for waterfall hikes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are most RV parks near trails pet-friendly? A: Most RV parks allow pets in the campground, but trail access varies significantly. National Park trails typically restrict pets to paved areas only, while National Forests and State Parks usually allow leashed pets on most trails. Always verify specific trail regulations and keep pets on 6-foot leashes where required.
Q: How far in advance should I reserve a campsite? A: For National Park campgrounds during peak season (summer and fall), book the maximum advance time allowed—typically 6 months on Recreation.gov. State Parks vary but often allow 11-month advance reservations. For shoulder seasons, 2-3 months usually suffices. First-come, first-served campgrounds require early morning arrival (before 9am) during busy periods.
Q: What hookups do hikers really need? A: At minimum, electric hookups (30 amp) allow you to run basics and charge devices after long trail days. Full hookups add convenience but aren’t essential if the campground has a dump station and water fill. Many hikers prefer partial hookups to save money while still having power for evening comfort.
Q: Are trails accessible for older or disabled campers? A: Many parks now offer accessible trails. Zion’s Pa’rus Trail, Acadia’s Cadillac Summit Loop, and numerous boardwalk trails provide wheelchair-accessible options. Look for trails marked as ADA-compliant or “accessible” in park literature. Even parks without paved trails often have scenic drives with multiple pullouts for easier nature access.
Q: Can I hike directly from my RV site, or will I need to drive? A: This varies by campground. Watchman (Zion), Davidson River, and Moraine Park offer direct trail access from the campground. Others may require a short walk to the trailhead or a quick shuttle ride. Most campgrounds in this guide have at least one trail starting within walking distance.
Q: What about camping with larger RVs (40+ feet)? A: Several campgrounds accommodate larger rigs: Mather/Trailer Village (50 feet), Davidson River (no specified limit on some sites), and Hunting Island (40 feet). Always verify your specific RV length against campground maximums and consider site availability—larger sites often book first.