camping at National Parks
We have just purchased a 32'travel trailer and are planning a trip out west to visit many of our National Parks. Is it better to stay in the National Parks or camp outside the parks? D & D
Forum Discussion
PawPaw_n_Gram wrote:
I love staying at state and national parks.
However, the National Park Service has not made an effort to install water and electricity in many campgrounds. Also the NPS policies do not include upgrading campgrounds for longer rigs.
The NPS also does not want long term campers - so upgraded facilities don't meet their mission statement.
That said - on stays of up to 1 week - we can dry camp without a generator - and do. But we also plan to stay some times at full hookup sites outside the park.
Commercial facilities simply cannot compare to the getting back to nature feel of most NPS campgrounds - and avoid the hassle of daily driving into the park.
I'm sure you will find and use a mix of NPS and commercial campgrounds. One option to consider is COE, US Forest Service and Bureau of Reclamation campgrounds. There are some near several National Parks, but with hookups.
You are very helpful! That was our main concern on hookup facilities,
atmosphere of outside campgrounds, etc. We really enjoy the outside feeling of NPS campgrounds and noticed that many didn't have full hookups. Thank you for your recommendations!
