Did 2023 sneak up on you like it did us? No need to fret — we’re here to help you plan the year ahead. If your New Year’s resolution is to travel more, this blog is especially for you!
Set your sights on one of the five newest National Parks to enter the NPS scene:
- New River Gorge National Park
- White Sands National Monument
- Indiana Dunes National Park
- Gateway Arch National Park
- Pinnacles National Park
And before you roll, check out this article from our friends at backcountry.com to see what to bring on a national parks trip.
National Park Ready RVs For Rent Near You
New River Gorge National Park — West Virginia
The newest park on the roster, previously named a National River, New River Gorge hit the National Park scene in 2020. Experience 53 miles of river, gorge, and so much more.
What to do
Walk Kaymoor Miner’s Trail through the historical coal mine sites, go whitewater rafting along the river, or drive along the park’s scenic drive.
P.S. If watersports are your jam, our pals at Backcountry have you covered again with these paddleboards.
What to drive
Here are a few highly-rated options near New River Gorge:
Find other RV rentals near New River Gorge National Park.
White Sands National Park — New Mexico
Wander around 275 square miles of blindingly white sand dunes. With the largest dune field of its kind on earth, it’s no surprise that White Sands, previously named a National Monument in 1933, was redesignated as a National Park in 2019.
What to do
Take the Alkali Flat Trail to see the last remnant of Lake Otero, bike on Dunes Drive, or sled down the sands.
And you can find all the hiking gear you need right here.
What to drive
Here are a few highly-rated options near White Sands:
Find other RV rentals near White Sands National Park.
Indiana Dunes National Park — Indiana
15 miles of the Lake Michigan shore make up what was just a National Lakeshore until 2019 — Indiana Dunes National Park. From the forests to the wetlands, there’s not much you won’t find spanning these 15,000 acres.
What to do
Hike Cowles Bog Trail, picnic at the beach, and park your rig at Dunewood Campground for an overnight stay among the dunes.
Personally, we love hiking sand dunes with a solid pair of hiking sandals. Our buddies at REI put together this list of the best hiking sandals on the planet if you want to tackle the dunes in comfort and style.
What to drive
Here are a few highly-rated options near Indiana Dunes:
Find other RV rentals near Indiana Dunes National Park.
Gateway Arch National Park — Missouri
Established as a National Park in 2018, Gateway Arch National Park is an architectural attraction like no other. Built to memorialize Thomas Jefferson’s opening of the westward expansion, the park brings in about 2 million visitors each year.
What to do
Get a great view of the arch on the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial trail or take a tram to the top of the tallest monument.
What to drive
Here are a few highly-rated options near Gateway Arch:
Find other RV rentals near Gateway Arch National Park.
Pinnacles National Park — California
Born from natural disasters, Pinnacles National Park is a site to behold. Venture through history as you hike through the canyons and caves that make up the park that gained its designation in 2013.
What to do
Hike Condor Gulch Trail, explore Bear Gulch Cave, and watch for Acorn Woodpeckers.
Be sure to pack the right hiking and camping gear to enjoy this to the max.
What to drive
Here are a few highly-rated options near Pinnacles:
Find other RV rentals near Pinnacles National Park.
Ring in the new year
There’s no better place than at some of the newest national parks!
