State Park RV Camping Guide: What To Look Out For
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Yosemite, Yellowstone, and other national parks draw thousands of RVers every year, but if you’re looking for quieter campgrounds and expansive amenities, then it’s time to shift your focus from national to state parks.
While there are only 62 national parks, the USA is bursting with 10,234 state parks. These parks often offer affordable camping and RV hookups, picnic tables, expansive hiking trails, and a host of other adventure options.
State Park RV Camping Checklist: Know Before You Go
As with most regulations in the USA, the rules vary from state to state, so before you park your RV in a new park, make sure you have answers to the following questions:
- How long are you allowed to camp for? Some states allow long-term camping, while others only let you camp for a limited time.
- How much does that campsite cost? State park RV camping fees vary quite a bit state to state and sometimes even from site to site within the same park! Usually, state park RV camp fees range from $10-$60 per night.
- Does that campsite come with hookups? Just because a state park says it has RV camping, it doesn’t mean that it also has water and electricity hookups. Do your research before pulling into the campground — nothing sucks more than being forced to dry camp unprepared.
- Do you need to register online? Some campsites (e.g. most Washington State parks) require you to reserve campsites online if you plan to stay more than one night.
- Do you need a state park pass? Some states require that you purchase a permit or pass in order to camp on state land.
The Advantages of Camping Your RV at a State Park
Beyond a simple campsite, state parks often grant you access to a Pandora’s box of adventures. Not only is the scenery stunning, but many parks also come equipped with:
- Fishing
- Horse riding
- Kayak/canoe rental
- Rock climbing
- Skiing/snowboarding
- Tennis courts
- Geocaching
- Golf/minigolf
- Swimming pools
Best State Parks For RV Camping
Some of the top-rated state parks for RV camping include:
Cheyenne Mountain State Park
This Colorado state park comes with full hookups, mountains, canyons, and easy access to the Garden of the Gods.
Malibu Creek State Park
Park your RV in this California state park to enjoy horseback riding, hiking, kayaking, and breath-taking river and mountain vistas.
Fort Clinch State Park
This Florida park provides full hookups, a majestic 19th-century fort, and stunning ocean views.
Fort Stevens State Park
Come to Oregon to enjoy Fort Stevens’ full hookups, river fishing, and the rusting wreck of the Peter Iredale (a ship which ran aground in 1906).
Best State Park RV Camping Near Me?
For folks living near our RV lot in Everett, WA, here’s a list of the best Washington State park RV camping sites:
- Sun Lakes – 39 full hookup sites
- Cape Disappointment – 60 full hookup sites
- Deception Pass – 143 water and electric sites
- Lake Wenatchee – 42 water and electric sites
- Gingko Petrified Forest – 50 full hookup sites
- Birch Bay – 20 water and electric sites
Find the Perfect RV for State Park Camping
Turn your RV dreams into reality at our RV lot in Everett. The RV professionals here at Kirkland RV have camped in state parks all across the USA and would love to help you find the ideal RV for your own cross-country adventure. Stop by the lot today or give us a call to inquire about our RV inventory.
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