Limited Parking and Campground Access

Here's a deeper look at the limited parking and campground access challenge many RV travelers face—especially those with larger rigs or in peak season:

Why It's a Common Problem 1. Size Restrictions

• Many national and state park campgrounds were built decades ago, before the rise of 40-foot Class A RVs and fifth wheels.
• Common maximum length limits range from 25 to 35 feet—too small for many modern RVs.

2. Seasonal Demand

• Summer, weekends, and holiday periods see most campgrounds fully booked months in advance.
• Popular destinations (e.g., Yellowstone, Zion, coastal areas) often have limited spots available for larger rigs.

3. Limited Pull-Through Sites

• Back-in sites are more common, but not all RVers are comfortable backing a 30- to 45-foot vehicle into tight spots.
• Pull-through sites fill up quickly and are often prioritized by big rigs.

Common Situations Travelers Face

• No availability for big rigs even when smaller RV sites are open.
• Height/width limits on forest roads or park entrances.
• Bridge weight limits or steep grades on approach roads to rural campgrounds.
• Small-town RV parks with outdated or uneven pads.
• Tight gas stations or rest stops, especially in urban areas.

Tips to Navigate This Challenge 1. Plan Ahead—Way Ahead

• Book campsites 2–6 months in advance for national/state parks.
• Use reservation platforms like Recreation.gov, ReserveAmerica, and Hipcamp.

2. Use RV-Specific Tools

• Apps like Campendium, RV LIFE, The Dyrt PRO, and AllStays include size filters and reviews about fit and access.
• Google Earth or satellite view can help preview tight turns or small pads.

3. Stay at Alternative Locations

• Try:
  • Harvest Hosts (wineries, farms, golf courses)
  • Boondockers Welcome
  • BLM/public land for dispersed camping (check regulations)
  • Casinos, fairgrounds, truck stops, and big box stores (where permitted)

4. Call Ahead

• Always confirm max RV length and pad size with the campground if your RV is over 30 feet.
• Ask about slide-out clearance, low-hanging trees, and turning room.

5. Practice Backing Skills

• The more comfortable you are backing into tight spaces, the more options you'll have.
• Even smaller sites become available if you can maneuver with confidence.

Best Types of Campgrounds for Large RVs

• KOA Holiday and KOA Journey parks
• Private RV resorts with large pull-throughs
• Newer public campgrounds (built in the last 10–20 years)
• Army Corps of Engineers sites (usually generous in size)