trailer size and campsites in National Parks

Personal decision but I would at least get one large enough to have a walk around bed and a slideout usually in the 24'-26' range. Some of the older COE parks were built many years ago when a 20' trailer was the norm.

Others will chime in with more knowledge then I on the subject.

naturist wrote:
Every park is different. Sometimes length limitations are due to site size and sometimes to trees or rocks along curves in the roads to the sites. I have been hosting in a NFS campground that has a part of the sites in which rvs are limited to 28 feet, but that means trailer under 28 feet. It’s because of the road; there are sites there that would fit a 64+ Class A or fifth wheel. You just can’t get one that size to the site.

I wouldn’t choose a trailer based on such a limitation, if I were you. Don’t put the cart before the horse. No matter what size you choose, there will be places you can’t take it. Make your choice based on floor plan and features.

It is true that smaller goes more places. But too small is no fun everywhere. In addition, know that rules like that 40 foot rule are both arbitrary and flexible. Nobody is going to take a tape measure to your rig and deny you because you are 6 inches too long. Or 2 feet too long. The rule is to guide folks, not forbid them. If you are skillful maneuvering a slightly longer rig, you’ll be fine. If you are very low skill, you might not be able to use even a slightly shorter one.

I have owned a few boats and was skilled at backing, but I have not owned a trailer, this will be my first one.

I appreciate your insight. The trailer I choose will be my home for a few years. Thus, making the right choice is important. With regard to your thoughtful reply, I am now looking at the Lance 1995. I toured one yesterday and it seemed about right.

rr2254545 wrote:
Of the 49 National Parks in the lower 48 only 8 have full hookup sites and another 8 have sites with electric, leaving 33 with no camping at all - twenty one feet will limit you and you will soon grow to regret your decision

We have visited 31 or the 49 in the last 10 years

Do you mean 21' is too long or too small?

Every park is different. Sometimes length limitations are due to site size and sometimes to trees or rocks along curves in the roads to the sites. I have been hosting in a NFS campground that has a part of the sites in which rvs are limited to 28 feet, but that means trailer under 28 feet. It’s because of the road; there are sites there that would fit a 64+ Class A or fifth wheel. You just can’t get one that size to the site.

I wouldn’t choose a trailer based on such a limitation, if I were you. Don’t put the cart before the horse. No matter what size you choose, there will be places you can’t take it. Make your choice based on floor plan and features.

It is true that smaller goes more places. But too small is no fun everywhere. In addition, know that rules like that 40 foot rule are both arbitrary and flexible. Nobody is going to take a tape measure to your rig and deny you because you are 6 inches too long. Or 2 feet too long. The rule is to guide folks, not forbid them. If you are skillful maneuvering a slightly longer rig, you’ll be fine. If you are very low skill, you might not be able to use even a slightly shorter one.

Of the 49 National Parks in the lower 48 only 8 have full hookup sites and another 8 have sites with electric, leaving 33 with no camping at all - twenty one feet will limit you and you will soon grow to regret your decision

We have visited 31 or the 49 in the last 10 years