The great American road trip to the country’s national parks is still a treasured dream for many families. The comfort and convenience of traveling by RV and camping within the parks provides an opportunity for a longer stay and to experience the majesty of the parks on a realistic budget. Planning an RV trip can feel overwhelming, however, so travelers who are new to RV camping or to the National Parks systems will benefit from using some of the great books available to make planning easier. With the help of these resources, you’ll be planning a once in a lifetime RV trip with ease.
1. National Parks Camping & RVing – Updated
Available for the kindle, this book contains some of the most up to date information about the National Parks, including which accommodate RV camping. For first time RV travelers or those just beginning to plan potential trips, the broad overviews and general information will be a welcome resource. Embedded throughout the book are links to the park websites which allows readers to access information directly when they’re ready to take the next steps in planning.
2. RVers BEST PUBLIC CAMPGROUNDS: Finding Inexpensive, Convenient and Relaxing Campgrounds for your RVing Trip
If budget or peace and quiet are your top concerns for your camping trip, this book can help you find the right sites. Geared specifically to RV owners of all sizes and classes, this book gives site overviews for quiet and beautiful spots that won’t break the bank. Not all the locations are National Parks, as it also includes local, state, and federal park lands.
3. National Park Adventure Guide
This spiral-bound, notebook sized volume is part travel planner and part scrapbook. Perfect for collecting memories of your adventures, it offers fast facts about all 59 National Parks along with space to make plans or take notes. Especially if you’re traveling with kids or grandchildren, this will a great conversation starter in your RV.
4. National Geographic Complete National Parks of the United States, 2nd Edition: 400+ Parks, Monuments, Battlefields, Historic Sites, Scenic Trails, Recreation Areas, and Seashores
Truly the ultimate comprehensive resource, this gorgeous, full-color book gets your imagination ready by showing you the most spectacular sights of the National Parks system. Packed with details about available activities, seasonal specialties, maps and more, this is a resource you’ll use over and over to plan or revisit special memories from your trips.
5. Great Western RV Trips
If you’re a longtime RV owner looking for new ideas for long trips, this book is for you. Organized around regional itineraries such as the California deserts, or the Lewis and Clark expeditionary route, these trip plans take you off the beaten path and into adventure. National Parks are included as stops, but you’ll also be introduced to other maps and campgrounds of the Western US that are perfect for RV travel.
6. National Park Service Camping Guide, 6th Edition
Recently updated, this guide covers over 400 public campgrounds that can accommodate RVs of all sizes. Packed with details like cost, electrical options, and reservation info, this book is useful for planning the day to day details of a camping itinerary in over 120 locations across the country. If you’ve settled on a vacation itinerary, this book is the next step in planning your campsite budget and timeline.
7. RV Camping in National Parks
For beginning your planning, this guide provides an overview of all the National Parks, including National seashores, monuments, parks and more. By helping you narrow down your search to those areas that specifically allow RV camping, you can return to this reference guide at the start of each new trip.
8. Moon USA National Parks: The Complete Guide to All 59 Parks
Great for travelers who enjoy tips from those who have gone before, this book includes suggested itineraries, tips to avoid crowds, and outdoor adventures to enjoy at each of the 59 National Parks. With the extra materials like fold out maps and a keepsake sticker section, this guide works as both a planning resources and commemorative souvenir.
9. Smart RV Travel Guide For The Lower 48 States: List of RV & National Parks, the Cost, the Amenities, What to See and Do in Each State
Many RV campers aim to see a little bit of each state in the whole country in their travels. Others want to explore their local areas in detail and experience all their home state has to offer. This book is a satisfying resource for both types of travelers. Based on the author’s own journey across all 48 contiguous US, he offers three types of suggested itineraries for RV travel in each state.
Related Review: Top 10 Best Books About Full Time RV Living
10. RV Camping in the Smokies: A Guide to RV Campgrounds in and around the Great Smoky Mountain National Park
The Great Smokies are a popular camping destination for thousands of families each year. Get the insider scoop on where to stay and what to do at the GSM National Park and its surrounding areas with this unique set of family friendly campground reviews and recommendations written specifically for RV travelers. If you’re planning to visit Pigeon forge, Wears Valley, and Gatlinburg, this book can help you create an itinerary to maximize your fun.
