RV trip for National parks help with planning

[Ohana7]

Hello, looking for some guidance from anyone who has hired an RV to tour the National Parks. I’m planning a family trip for September 2025, we will be four adults. We love outdoors/nature and photography so I was considering a 21 day trip as it’s our 30th wedding anniversary. Visiting the major National Parks for around two weeks in a RV, then returning the RV and hiring a car to cover Disney and the theme parks. Any one with advice, where to camp, how easy is it etc. I’ve looked at the hire websites, but would appreciate advice from someone who has actually done this.
Thanks.

[Mortimer Mouse]

I've not done it, because it seems to be far more restrictive than you might imagine, especially if you want to visit the National Parks.
A look at this old thread on tripadvisor lays out the problems that I've heard about many times when I researched our NP trip last month:
(You might have to copy and paste it to google)

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTo...oad_Trips.html



However, whilst on our trip we did see a huge amount of RV and van rentals from 2 companies - cruise america and travellers autobarn.com
so plenty of people do it.

[Ohana7]

Thank you, this really helps.

[jdouds]

Hi have read a few reports and first up it seems very expensive to hire these. Others state the problem is transport when you get to a venue. Obviously a lot of Americans use RVs but quite often tow a car with them , this means you don’t have to continually pack assuming you have 2/3 day stops. I’m sure others will have more info

[Ohana7]

I agree, looking at the link above, I have been calculating the cost of fuel and the campsite fees, along with RV hire, it’s far more than the RV hire company suggested it would be. I think we would be far better hiring a car and booking hotels, it would probably be more comfortable as well!

[jdouds]

Originally Posted by Ohana7

I agree, looking at the link above, I have been calculating the cost of fuel and the campsite fees, along with RV hire, it’s far more than the RV hire company suggested it would be. I think we would be far better hiring a car and booking hotels, it would probably be more comfortable as well!

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Have you considered Airbnb.

[kateh134]

We’ve done several of the National Parks over the years and if you’re looking to stay within the parks, then you will need to book ahead as accommodation can be limited.

Depending on which parks you want to visit we found Moab a good base for Arches and Canyonlands.

[YorkshireT]

I looked into it once. You are actually much better, and I think you would enjoy it more, a lot less hassle and potentially even cheaper (!) as well as potentially safer, to book some really nice hotels around each National Park you wish to visit. Some have really nice hotels inside them, or on the cusp.

[stanleycamel]

Originally Posted by Ohana7

Hello, looking for some guidance from anyone who has hired an RV to tour the National Parks. I’m planning a family trip for September 2025, we will be four adults. We love outdoors/nature and photography so I was considering a 21 day trip as it’s our 30th wedding anniversary. Visiting the major National Parks for around two weeks in a RV, then returning the RV and hiring a car to cover Disney and the theme parks. Any one with advice, where to camp, how easy is it etc. I’ve looked at the hire websites, but would appreciate advice from someone who has actually done this.
Thanks.

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Can I ask is it the West Coast or East Coast NP's you are thinking of driving around - I've done most in the Western USA and lots of State Parks too but it is hard to suggest accommodation if you are choosing to hire a car and looking for hotels if we are unsure as to which Disney you are referring to (Ill hazard a guess and say West ).

[cornishfrogboy]

I have driven around several of the Western State Parks and had a great time.

What I would say is that an RV may prove both very expensive and very restrictive, requiring lots of booking. I have in the past considered and then discounted such an option.

We are all different, but I very much enjoy touring the West in a Ford Mustang.
It is quite different to the normal cars that I drive at home.
It is an iconic way of travelling in such areas.
It is surprisingly cheap as well as being economical (we have just averaged 42 miles per UK Gallon.
The Wind of an open top and the Sun beaming down is amazing (at lower speeds).
Hotels are plentiful and good value, frequently with complimentary breakfast.

As said, there are many ways to approaching a tour of USA Parks. Remember also that besides National Parks, there are State Parks and also parks such as Monument Valley that are on Native American Land and thus, charge for entry.