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When I first started this article, it was with the intent that I share information with my readers on how best to travel the country while staying at places or sites that were free of charge. Because of the COVID-19 virus, I have decided to focus on other elements that pertain to travelling right now if you are a full-time RVer. You can read my initial post on COVID-19 and RVing as well if you’d like.
Closures
To date, theses national parks have suspended usage to those with or without an RV, although some are still allowing dispersed camping. I’ve linked to the official notices for each one so you can read more if you’re interested.
- Acadia National Park and campgrounds are closed.
- Amistad National Recreation Area is closed until April 3rd. Campgrounds are closed.
- Arches National Park has closed Devils Garden Campground.
- Assateague Island and National Seashore campgrounds are closed.
- Bandelier National Park campgrounds are closed.
- Big Bend National Park campgrounds and dispersed camping areas are closed.
- Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area has closed all campgrounds.
- Bryce Canyon National Park:camping is open at North Campground, by reservation only.
- Canyonlands National Park Needles and Sky Island campgrounds are closed. Back country camping is closed.
- Cape Hatteras National Seashore campgrounds are closed.
- Cape Lookout National Seashore beach overnighting and dump station are open.
- Capitol Reef National Park has closed Fruita Campground. Other campgrounds and camping remains open.
- Chaco Culture National Historical Park has closed Gallo Campground
- Colorado National Monument Saddlehorn Campground is closed.
- Congaree National Park has closed all campgrounds.
- Crater Lake National Park is closed.
- Cumberland Gap: Wilderness Road Campground is closed.
- Cumberland Island National Seashore campgrounds are closed.
- Death Valley National Park has closed all campgrounds, with the exception of Panamint Springs Resort. Backpacking and dispersed roadside camping is open.
- Dry Tortugas National Park has closed Garden Key Campground
- Everglades Nationals Park has closed Front country campgrounds. Backcountry campgrounds remain open. Flamingo campground & Long Pine Key Campground are closed. Public access via Miami-Dade county is closed.
- Glen Canyon National Recreation Area has closed all campgrounds, including those managed by concessionaires.
- Golden Gate National Recreation Area has closed Kirby Cove and Bicentennial back country campgrounds.
- Grand Canyon National Park has closed Desert View Campground and The RV and Camper Services building. Trailer Village RV sites with full-hook-ups remain open. Mathers Campground is open.
- Grand Teton National Park is closed.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park campgrounds are closed.
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park has closed campgrounds and backcountry camping.
- Gulf Island National Seashore: Davis Bayou Campground (MS) and Fort Pickens Campground (Fl) are closed.
- Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park has closed Namakanipaio Campground
- Indiana Dunes State Park has delayed opening for Dunewood Campground.
- Joshua Tree National Park is closed to vehicular traffic. Campgrounds are closed.
- Lake Mead National Recreation Area has closed all campgrounds, dispersed camping and recreation areas on the Nevada side of the park. In addition, Temple Bar Campground & Willow Beach Campground & RV Park on the Arizona side are closed.
- Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area has closed all campgrounds.
- Mammoth Cave National Park has closed all campgrounds.
- Mesa Verde National Park has closed Morefield Campground.
- Mount Rainier National Park has closed the Paradise Winter Group Camping Area. Individual dispersed snow camping remains open.
- Navajo Nation Tribal Parks are closed.
- Obed Wild & Scenic River Tennessee has closed all camping and campgrounds.
- Olympic National Park has closed all camping and delayed opening Sol Duc Campground and Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort until April 24.
- Ozark National Scenic Waterways campgrounds remain open.
- Padre Island National Seashore has closed Malaquite campground. All other campgrounds remain open.
- Point Reyes National Seashore camping and campgrounds are closed.
- Redwoods National Park camping and campgrounds are closed.
- Rocky Mountain National Park is closed to all visitors of all types.
- Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park campgrounds are closed.
- Shenandoah National Park has delayed opening dates for Lewis Mountain and Big Meadows Campground until April 9/10.
- White Sands National Monument is closed to all visitors.
- Yellowstone National Park is delaying opening of campgrounds until after May 22. The park is closed.
- Yosemite Park campgrounds are closed.
- Zion National Park has closed all campgrounds. No dispersed camping is ever permitted in Zion.
I’m working on researching all of the individual states that are limiting stays at their campgrounds or state parks with dispersed camping, but those sights are quickly being prohibited from usage from full-time RVers. California, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Washington, Michigan and northwestern states such as Oregon are changing their mandates for campground usage almost daily.
Other smaller campgrounds are changing their requirements daily to address these problems too. Many private campgrounds throughout the United States and Canada are allowing those travelling through in RVs to park or take shelter for limited or no cost. I would highly recommend that any person or family traveling right now to research online and plan a route based on fuel and accommodations…especially if you are seasonal travelers between your winter and summer homes. Consider this…take a scenic route. Stop at small stores and businesses along the way and call ahead if you’ve booked campsites or places to stay. I would also recommend staying at some of those sights along the way for 3-5 days at each place. Limit your exposure to other campers and enjoy where you’re at.
Right now, if you’re a snowbird, be sure to voluntarily isolate yourself from the children and grandkids for at least 15 days when you do arrive home. It’s what you need to do for your health and your family.
As always, my friends, thanks so much for following along with me during our travels. We will get through this and our country and world will be better off for it. The best journey is the one before you, and I will try to post updates in the next few days as to where you can and can’t stay while on the road during this crisis. Thank you again and safe travels to all my friends.
