“So much of who we are is where we have been.” - William Langewiesche We know first-hand that there’s truly nothing like packing up the RV for another adventure with family and friends – the excitement travel brings is unparalleled. Often times, the only hard part of RVing is choosing your next destination. Lucky for us, the U.S. has 58 of the most stunning national parks to explore. Each park brings something amazing to the table, from breathtaking views, to incredible wildlife – there’s always something new to see and experience. We’ve selected our list of the top ten national parks that are each unique in their own ways, but one common thread brings them together – they are awesome stops for RVers. Let’s take you on a journey through the U.S. to help you choose your next great national park adventure.
Table of Contents: Yellowstone National Park Acadia National Park Great Smoky Mountains National Park Hot Springs National Park Big Bend National Park U.S. National Parks Map Arches National Park Joshua Tree National Park Glacier National Park Yosemite National Park Badlands National Park
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Yellowstone National Park An American Classic We couldn’t have a top national parks list and leave out Yellowstone – the world’s first national park. The park is truly an American Classic, drawing in millions of visitors each year and we think everyone should take time to visit it at least once which is why it made our list. The park is so vast that it’s located in three different states: Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Yellowstone is widely known for it’s geysers and hot springs – ever heard of Old Faithful? Old Faithful is a cone geyser that is one of the park’s most known and well-visited attractions. It was named for its frequent and somewhat predictable eruptions that are quite a sight to see, as up to 8,400 gallons of hot water shoots to the surface in one eruption. The Old Faithful viewing area is one of the most easily accessible locations in the entire park and you won’t miss an eruption considering a nearby park ranger station has their predictions ready. We highly recommend visiting this attraction. Aside from geysers and hot springs, Yellowstone has so much more to offer visitors. The park is home to more wild animals than almost anywhere in the U.S., so you’re sure to see some incredible creatures on your trip. The outdoor activities at Yellowstone are endless, from fishing, rafting, guided tours, biking, camping, and hiking – you’ll find something the whole family can enjoy. One of our top picks is visiting the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone – a sight that will take your breath away. The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone was formed from thousands
of years of wind and water erosion and is one of the parks most popular hiking spots, located in Canyon Village. The canyon stretches 20-miles long and is nearly a mile wide with the Yellowstone River rushing through the center. To get to the canyon you have the option of driving or signing up for a bus tour, and while you’re there we recommend checking out one of its many hiking trails. You’ll never be bored at Yellowstone National Park, and to be honest, we could write a novel about its beauty. But we think it would be better if you go out and experience it for yourself.
YELLOWSTONE RECAP Best Photo Op(s): Geysers and Hot Springs Critters and Creatures: Bears, Wolves, Moose, Elk, Bison, Otters, and Fox Activities/Excursions: Hiking, Rafting, Camping, Fishing, Wildlife Watching, and Guided Tours Not to Miss: The Yellowstone Grand Canyon and Old Faithful Best Time to Visit: April to May and between September and November for less crowds Nearby RV Camping: Canyon Campground, Bridge Bay Campground, and Fishing Bridge RV Park
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Acadia National Park Best Ocean Views Acadia National Park is often reffered to as the crown jewel of the North Atlantic Coast and there’s no doubting why. This park is located on the coastline of Maine and its natural beauty attracts more than 3.3 million visitors each year. Acadia encompasses more than 40,000 acres of land and is the oldest national park east of the Mississippi River. The park truly has it all in terms of scenery – mountains, lakes, marshlands, and forests. But the real reason Acadia made it on our list of top national parks is for it’s incredible ocean views. The park has miles of jagged coastline and the salty air and crashing waves are invigorating for any beach lover. A trail we highly recommend for hiking and taking in those stunning ocean views is Ocean Path. This 2-mile trail is familyfriendly and lies along the coast between Sand Beach and Otter Point. Along the way, you’ll see popular Acadia destinations like Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Monument Cove, and Otter Cliff. While on the hike, we definitely recommend stopping at Thunder Hole, one of the park’s most popular attractions. When the tides are just right, the surf rushes into a narrow cavern and forces out air from beneath the cliffs which creates a powerful, thunderous sound. During high-surf days, the waves can splash up to 40 feet! Along the path, you’ll find plenty of places to stop to snap photos or to simply take in the amazing views of the ocean crashing into the pink granite cliffs that line the shore.
While in Acadia, we also recommend visiting Cadillac Mountain. The mountain is the highest point east of the Mississippi River, coming in at 1,532 feet and is the first place the sun rises in the continental U.S. each day between October and March. The mountain is on Mount Desert Island and from the top you’ll see views of Gulf of Maine, Frenchman Bay, and Bar Harbor (a must-visit town). All in all, if you’re looking for the quintessential Maine experience including amazing ocean views, sea creatures, delicious lobster, and so much more – Acadia National Park needs to be on your list too.
ACADIA RECAP Best Photo Op(s): Ocean Path and Cadillac Mountain Critters and Creatures: Seabirds, Puffins, Moose, Deer, Dolphins, Whales, and Otters Activities/Excursions: Hiking, Biking, Carriage Rides, Swimming (dependent on weather), Boating, and Camping Not to Miss: Bar Harbor Best Time to Visit: September through early October Nearby RV Camping: Blackwoods Campground, Seawall Campground, and Schoodic Woods Campground
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park Best for Fall Foliage If you’re looking for a mountain getaway with endless forest views, Great Smoky Mountains National Park might be your ideal destination. The park straddles the border of North Carolina and Tennessee and has made our list as one of the best parks to take in views of fall foliage. In the fall months, visitors from around the country come to the park to see miles and miles of vibrant green, red, orange, and yellow foliage. Great Smoky Mountains, America’s most visited national park, is home to more than 100 species of trees to admire and more than 1,660 different kinds of flowering plants – a nature lovers dream come true. The fall colors usually reach their peak between mid-October and early November, but can start as early as mid-September in the higher elevations. Though fall is an extremely popular time to visit the Great Smokies (and we encourage visiting then), millions of visitors come to explore the park year-round. There’s so much to experience and one stop we encourage you to make is Clingman’s Dome, the highest point of the park and the highest point in Tennessee, standing at 6,643 feet. The observation tower at Clingman’s Dome offers 360° views of the Smokies for those willing to make the half-mile walk to the top (warning: it’s fairly steep). On clear, sunny days you can take in views for up to 100 miles and even see into seven states. While visiting the dome, make sure you dress in layers considering temperatures at the peak can be ten degrees cooler than lower elevations.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park also offers visitors great hiking, including more than 800 maintained trails that range from strenuous to easier options, catering to hikers of all levels. During a few of the park’s hikes you’ll have the opportunity to feel mist on your face stemming from some of the Great Smokies many waterfalls. There are more than 100 waterfalls and cascades throughout the park. Here are a few of our favorite waterfalls we recommend visiting: Abrams Falls, Grotto Falls, Hen Wallow Falls, and Laurel Falls. There is so much to see in Great Smoky Mountains National Park – and if you’re looking for an amazing place to see fall foliage, you definitely won’t be disappointed.
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK RECAP Best Photo Op(s): Clingman’s Dome Critters and Creatures: Bear, Deer, Elk, Bobcats, and Foxes Activities/Excursions: Hiking, Camping, Fishing, and Wildlife Watching Not to Miss: Abrams Falls, Grotto Falls, Hen Wallow Falls, and Laurel Falls Best Time to Visit: Mid-October and early November Nearby RV Camping: Smokemont Campground, Cades Cove Campground, and Elkmont Campground
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Hot Springs National Park Best for history Buffs Hot Springs National Park is located in Arkansas and makes our list for being the ideal park for all of you history buffs out there. You might not expect a national park that’s essentially in the middle of a bustling city to be full of history, but Hot Springs is a surprising place. The park, known for its 47 hot springs, was originally established by Congress as “Hot Springs Reservation” in 1832, and later became an official national park in 1921. Hot Springs is the oldest protected area in the National Parks System - and with that title, you know it’s bound to be full of rich history. But even before the park became “Hot Springs Reservation”, American Indians came to the area, which they called “Valley of the Vapors”, and treated the land as a neutral territory where all tribes could come and enjoy the healing hot springs. As years passed, many presidents, famous athletes, and celebrities all visited the “American Spa” and a few gangsters even called Hot Springs a popular hangout/ hideout during the late-1800s through the mid-1900s. Al Capone and Lucky Luciano ring a bell? These gangsters (just to name a couple) were frequent visitors of Hot Springs. We recommend checking out the Gangster Museum in the park if you’re interested in learning more about these notorious criminals and their time at Hot Springs.
city, including a row of Victorian-style bathhouses completed in 1888. You can still visit these bathhouses today in an area called “Bathhouse Row” – one of the top destinations in the park. Some of the historic bathhouses are still in operation, while others have been transformed into various shops. We highly recommend visiting Bathhouse Row as it will truly take you back in time. If you’re looking for more of a nature experience at Hot Springs, we suggest visiting Sunset Trail. The trail covers 10+ miles and is the longest trail in the park, but visitors often break up the hike due to its length. Along the trail, you’ll find scenic mountain overlooks, Rick’s Pond, wildlife, and so much more. If you want to experience some of the United States’ most unique history and admire beautiful scenery during your trip, Hot Springs National Park is the place for you.
HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK RECAP Best Photo Op(s): Sunset Trail Critters and Creatures: Rabbits, Fox, White-Tailed Deer, Tree Frogs, Chipmunks, and Bear Activities/Excursions: Hike, Explore Bathhouses, Visit Museums, and Watch Wildlife Not to Miss: Bathhouse Row Best Time to Visit: Summer is a great time to visit Hot Springs, but keep in mind there are usually more crowds. We recommend visiting the park in October Nearby RV Camping: Hot Springs National Park KOA, Gulpha Gorge Campground, and Cloud Nine RV Park
Throughout history, the park transformed from a rugged frontier town into a spa
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Big Bend National Park The Unsung Hero Big Bend National Park is located in the southwestern part of Texas along the Texas/ Mexico border. This park has lower attendance than many other parks in the U.S., but has so much to offer visitors – that’s why Big Bend made it on our top ten national parks list as the Unsung Hero. Those who do attend Big Bend are attracted to its isolation, solitude, and world-class scenery. And did we mention, Big Bend is in fact BIG? The park encompasses more than 800,000 acres of desert, canyons, mountains, rivers, and vast plant life – and also preserves the largest tracts of Chihuahuan Desert topography and ecology in the United States. A stop that you won’t want to miss at Big Bend is Santa Elena Canyon – one of the parks most scenic locations. Santa Elena’s tall limestone cliffs form the canyon wall and reach up to 1,500 feet – a sight not to be missed. The best way to see this canyon in our opinion is by raft or canoe along the Rio Grande River banks. Many local companies offer day trips or longer excursions depending on your interest. We suggest going with a guide considering a few of the rapids can be on the rougher side.
able to take in 360° views of the park and along the way you’ll experience vast valleys and peaks. South Rim trail is another great hiking trail that we suggest, but be prepared for a long trip as it’s 12+ miles. Although Big Bend might be off the beaten path as far as national parks go, we definitely think it is one of our nation’s secret treasures that is well worth exploring.
BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK RECAP Best Photo Op(s): Santa Elena Canyon Critters and Creatures: Deer, Kangaroo Rat, Fox, Bear, Desert Cottontails, Lizards, and Bats Activities/Excursions: Hiking, Camping, Rafting, Canoeing, Horseback Riding, and Wildlife Watching Not to Miss: Lost Mine Trail and South Rim Trail Best Time to Visit: March-April (flowers are in bloom) or October-November Nearby RV Camping: Rio Grande Village RV Campground, Cottonwood Campground, and Chisos Basin Campground
If you are looking to hike in Big Bend – you’re in luck! Big Bend is ideal for hikers and one trail we recommend exploring is Lost Mine Trail. Lost Mine Trail is one of the most picturesque hikes in the park and is just 4.6-miles long – an ideal option for those taking a day trip to the park or just want a quicker option. During the hike you’ll be
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RV Trader’s Top 10 Parks: Yellowstone Acadia
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Katmai
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Great Sand Dunes
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Isle Royale
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Biscayne
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Olympic
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Congaree
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Mount Rainier
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Kobuk Valley
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Grand Teton
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Arches National Park Best Location Utah is home to some amazing national parks, and one of our favorites is Arches. This park is famous for – you guessed it –it’s arches. Arches is the world’s largest concentration of natural sandstone arches – it’s home to more than 2,000! The most famous and popular attraction in the park is Delicate Arch, the parks largest free-standing arch. This iconic arch is featured on Utah’s license plate and people come from all over the world to take in its massive beauty – we suggest you do the same. But arches aren’t the only thing you’ll find at this park – there are a variety of stunning geological formations sure to leave you awestruck including sandstone fins, massive balancing rocks, bridges, and so much more. Arches also has many hiking trails for all ability levels, making this park ideal for families. One hike we recommend checking out, other than the famous Delicate Arch hike, is Landscape Arch Trail. This trail is categorized as an easier hike and is roughly 1.5 miles round trip. This arch is located in the Devil’s Garden area of the park and the trail is relatively flat and easy to walk on. During the hike, you’ll get to take in the beauty of Landscape Arch, which is believed to be the longest natural rock span in the world that looks like a long ribbon of sandstone. Believe us when we say, you won’t want to miss this hike.
other famous national parks – lovingly referred to as the “Mighty 5”. These parks are absolutely stunning and are located fairly close together - making them perfect road trip pit stops for RVers. The four other national parks that are included in the Mighty 5 are: Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Capitol Reef National Park. Each park is so unique and well worth exploring as they are some of the most beautiful parks in America. So, if you’re looking to check five national parks off your bucket list we suggest starting with Arches.
ARCHES NATIONAL PARK RECAP Best Photo Op(s): Delicate Arch Critters and Creatures: Mule Deer, Lizards, Songbirds, Hawks, Eagles, Antelope, Squirrels, and Chipmunks Activities/Excursions: Hiking, Camping, Photography, and Scenic Driving Not to Miss: If you have the time, visit the rest of the Mighty 5 (Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Capitol Reef National Park) Best Time to Visit: April through May and between mid-September and the end of October. Nearby RV Camping: Devil’s Garden Campground, Archview RV Resort & Campground, and Moab Valley RV Resort & Campground
The reason Arches made our list isn’t just for its incredible beauty and amazing hiking trails, but also for its proximity to Utah’s
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Joshua Tree National Park Best for Extreme Adventurers Joshua Tree National Park is located just two hours east of Los Angeles, California and lies where the Mojave Desert and the Colorado Desert meet at an ecological crossroads. You’ll feel far from any city life as Joshua Tree looks like it could be located on an entirely different planet. The two ecosystems that collide here are vastly different, which is why Joshua Tree’s Landscape is so unique and full of a variety of interesting plant life. The nearly 800,000 acre park is home to incredible desert scenery, massive boulder formations, and twisted, bristled trees – known as Joshua Trees. Besides the gorgeous desert scenery, Joshua Tree tops our list as an ideal park for extreme adventurers. If rock climbing is your thing - your search for a perfect park stops here. Joshua Tree is known for its massive, uniquely sculpted geological formations that often captivate park visitors and delight rock climbers. Climbers, boulderers, and highliners come to the park from across the globe to scale Joshua Tree’s famous rock formations. Joshua Tree offers challenges for all climbing levels and if you are new or interested in climbing, you can give it a try during a guided day class. A few beginner climbs we suggest checking out in the park are Trashcan Rock and Lizard’s Hangout. Safety is a top priority in the park so be sure to only climb at your ability level and don’t climb alone! There are also great hikes in Joshua Tree for those who might want a more mellow
park experience. One hike we recommend checking out is Ryan Mountain Trail. This particular trail is categorized as a moderate hike and offers some of the best views of the park – be sure to wear your sunscreen and drink plenty of water. We recommend enjoying Ryan Mountain Trail during the early morning or late afternoon hours as it’s great for sunrise and sunset views. An easier hike at Joshua Tree that’s great for families is Hidden Valley, one of the park’s most popular hikes. This one-mile loop is surrounded by tall boulders and along the short walk, you’ll get to experience the park’s unique plant and animal life. If you’re looking for quick, but scenic spots in the park, be sure to check out Arch Rock, Skull Rock, and the Cholla Cactus Garden on your trip – they are highly-rated attractions you won’t want to miss.
JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK RECAP Best Photo Op(s): Arch Rock, Skull Rock, and the Cholla Cactus Garden Critters and Creatures: Bighorn Sheep, Lizards, Rattlesnakes, Birds, Coyotes, Jackrabbits, and Owls Activities/Excursions: Hiking, Rock Climbing, Camping, Stargazing, and Biking Not to Miss: Ryan Mountain Trail and Hidden Valley Trails Best Time to Visit: Late February/early March (flowers are in bloom) Nearby RV Camping: Black Rock Campground, Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground, and Jumbo Rocks Campground
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Glacier National Park Best Scenic Hiking Glacier National Park is located in Montana on the U.S./Canada border and has earned a spot on our list as one of the best parks for scenic hiking. Glacier is home to more than 700 lakes, a variety of waterfalls, two mountain ranges, over 1,000 plant species, and trails galore. It’s known as the “Crown of the Continent” and for good reason - no matter where you are in the park you’re sure to find an unforgettable view. Glacier was originally established in 1910 and encompasses around 1 million acres of land, including 25 active Glaciers that are constantly changing due to thawing and melting. The wildlife in the park is outstanding - while visiting you could see grizzly bears, moose, mountain goats, and even a few endangered species. There’s so much to do in Glacier, but as we mentioned before, hiking should be one of the top activities on your list. Glacier is often ranked as one of the top spots to hike in North America, and the hikes range from easy to expert – so there’s an option to suit hikers of every level. A top hike that we recommend in Glacier is Highline Trail. Highline is an extremely popular trail in Glacier because it offers incredible views at every turn. This 11.8-mile hike follows the west side of the Continental Divide, but don’t be deterred by its length, even if you only hike a few miles you’ll still be able to take in incredible views as they start at the very beginning. The first seven miles of the hike are classified as fairly easy
with a steady climb, but do keep in mind that part of the hike is along a steep cliff – so take extra caution when hiking with children. Another hike you won’t want to miss in Glacier is Grinnell Glacier Trail. Grinnell Glacier is one of the most visited glaciers in the park and has an unforgettable trail along the way. While hiking Grinnell Glacier, stunning Mount Gould towers over you the entire length of the trail. As you travel upwards you’ll take in views of Grinnell Lake, a glacial lake that is so turquoise in color it almost looks fake! During the hike, you’ll also see fields of wildflowers, waterfalls, and amazing wildlife. With more than 700 miles of trails, Glacier National Park is truly a hiker’s paradise. The views you’ll take in of the park are incredible – be sure to pack your camera on this trip!
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK RECAP Best Photo Op(s): Grinnell Glacier Critters and Creatures: Grizzly Bears, Moose, Mountain Goats, Bighorn Sheep, and Elk Activities/Excursions: Hiking, Scenic Driving, Raft, Ranger-Led Programs, Camping, and Wildlife Watching Not to Miss: Highline Trail Best Time to Visit: July and August Nearby RV Camping: St. Mary Campground, Fish Creek Campground, and Glacier Campground.
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Yosemite National Park Best Year – round PArk Yosemite National Park is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California and is known for its waterfalls, giant sequoias, large cliffs, and vast wildlife. The park sees on average 4 million visitors a year and is rated one of the best national parks in the country - and we couldn’t agree more. Yosemite has so much to offer visitors and has made our list as one of the best national parks to visit year-round because there is a never-ending amount of things to do and places to explore no matter the season. Spring and Summer in Yosemite can be warm, but there are some amazing activities to keep you cool, like feeling the mist on your face from some of the park’s thousands of waterfalls. Yosemite is home to the highest waterfall in North America, Yosemite Falls, coming in at 2,424 feet – and it’s an amazing sight to behold. We recommend checking out most waterfalls in May and June when the water is flowing at its heaviest. Another activity we recommend for the Spring and Summer months is hiking, and with more than 800 miles of trails, the park is sure to keep you busy. While some hiking trails might still be snow covered in the Spring months, by late May most hiking trails are up and running. One hike we recommend taking if you’re an experienced hiker is Half Dome. This is an iconic and strenuous hike, but the views are worth it - we promise. It takes most hikers an average of 12-14 hours to complete the Half Dome hike and along your journey you’ll see panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra.
Fall is also a great time to visit Yosemite as the summer crowds die down and the weather is milder. There are a few trees that produce beautiful fall colors, but don’t expect to see tons of fall foliage at the park, considering most of the trees are evergreen. We recommend fishing in the fall months as brown trout thrive in the Merced River at this time of year. And if you’re looking to stay active, there are still plenty of hiking trails that are open that are worth checking out. Many parks come to a halt when winter comes around, but not Yosemite. This year-round park caters to snow lovers in the winter months. There is a sense of solitude in the park during this time of year, but there are still plenty of activities to keep you busy. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular activities as there are hundreds of miles of trails beneath the giant sequoias to explore. Ice Skating, downhill skiing and snowboarding, and sledding and tubing are also popular attractions during the winter in Yosemite.
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK RECAP Best Photo Op(s): Yosemite Falls Critters and Creatures: Black Bears, Sierra Nevada Big Horns, Mule Deer, Bobcats, and Deer Activities/Excursions: Hiking, Biking, Rafting, FIshing, Camping, Cross-country Skiing, Ice Skating, Sledding, and Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding Not to Miss: Half Dome Best Time to Visit: Year-Round Nearby RV Camping: Upper, Lower North Pines Campgrounds, and Wawona Campground
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Badlands National Park A Paleontologist’s Playground Badlands National Park is located in southwestern South Dakota and is home to some of the most incredible landscapes you’ve ever seen. The park consists of more than 200,000 acres of sharp, eroded buttes and pinnacle formations that are out of this world, as well as vast prairie land. In fact, Badlands protects the largest undisturbed mixed grass prairie in the United States, a true representation of America’s heartland. The contrast between the rock formations and the prairie land is an amazing sight to behold. But the real, and surprising, reason Badlands made it on our top national parks list is because it is truly a Paleontologist’s playground. The area of Badlands was once under an inland sea, and through years of wind and water erosion, fossils have emerged to the surface revealing the park’s previous history. The fossils found at Badlands are endless and the park has one of the most concentrated mammal fossil beds in the world - a true window into the past. What we find most interesting about the park is that visitors can become fossil hunters themselves! But don’t bring your shovel to start digging, the fossils you find in the park need to show themselves freely from naturally occurring erosion – there are a lot of fossils in the park and many are fairly easy to find. There is a designated area of Badlands (Fossil Exhibit Trail) where visitors can learn more about fossils and search for them, although visitors are welcome to search in any area of the park. Guests are encouraged to take photos of what they find, and where they
found the potential fossil and to report the finding to the Visitor’s Center. The park service then sends out a Paleontologist to investigate the fossil report. Fossil findings in the park have been both big and small. Some of the fossils found to-date include: small camels, three-toed horses, antelope-like animals, fish, turtles, and so much more. A few fossil collections from Badlands are included in museums across the globe. So, take a trip to Badlands – who knows what you might find!
BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK RECAP Best Photo Op(s): Rocky Landscapes and Famous Prairielands Critters and Creatures: Prairie Dogs, Bighorn Sheep, Bison, and Black-footed Ferret Activities/Excursions: Hiking, Guided Tours, Fossil Hunting, Camping, and Stargazing Not to Miss: Fossil Exhibit Trail Best Time to Visit: Fall months are ideal to avoid crowds and warmer weather Nearby RV Camping: Cedar Pass Campground, Sage Creek Campground, and Badlands/White River KOA.
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Enabling explorers since 1986, RV Trader has been bringing buyers and sellers together for the love of travel for quite some time. We hope this guide has inspired you to load up the RV and hit the road to a national park – or two, or three, or ten. There are so many incredible parks and places to explore in the U.S. – so get packing... your next journey awaits.
Enabling Explorers since 1986