The eastern United States is home to some of the most beautiful national parks, featuring lush forests, scenic mountain ranges, and stunning coastlines. If you love exploring in an RV, these parks offer incredible campsites, breathtaking landscapes, and plenty of adventure. Here are the best national parks for RVing in the East, along with top campground recommendations and must-see attractions.

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee/North Carolina)

As the most visited national park in the U.S., the Great Smoky Mountains offer spectacular mountain views, diverse wildlife, and scenic drives perfect for RVers.

Best RV Campgrounds:

• Cades Cove Campground – A peaceful campground with easy access to the popular Cades Cove Loop.
• Elkmont Campground – One of the most scenic campgrounds in the park, close to historic sites and hiking trails.

Must-See Attractions:

• Cades Cove Loop Road – A scenic drive with opportunities to spot black bears and historic cabins.
• Clingmans Dome – The highest point in the park with panoramic views.
• Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail – A beautiful drive featuring waterfalls and old-growth forests.

2. Acadia National Park (Maine)

Acadia is a coastal paradise, offering dramatic cliffs, rocky shorelines, and breathtaking ocean views. It’s a dream destination for RVers looking for a mix of forest and seaside camping.

Best RV Campgrounds:

• Blackwoods Campground – A great option inside the park, located near Bar Harbor.
• Schoodic Woods Campground – A quieter, scenic spot on the Schoodic Peninsula.

Must-See Attractions:

• Cadillac Mountain – The highest peak on the East Coast with a stunning sunrise view.
• Jordan Pond – A beautiful lake with scenic hiking trails.
• Park Loop Road – A breathtaking drive along Acadia’s coastline.

3. Shenandoah National Park (Virginia)

Shenandoah National Park is known for its stunning mountain landscapes and the famous Skyline Drive, which offers 105 miles of scenic beauty.

Best RV Campgrounds:

• Big Meadows Campground – Centrally located with easy access to Skyline Drive.
• Loft Mountain Campground – Offers incredible views and access to hiking trails.

Must-See Attractions:

• Skyline Drive – A must-do scenic drive with over 70 overlooks.
• Dark Hollow Falls – A short hike leading to a picturesque waterfall.
• Old Rag Mountain – A challenging but rewarding hike with breathtaking views.

4. Everglades National Park (Florida)

For those seeking a unique RVing experience, Everglades National Park offers a one-of-a-kind adventure through wetlands, mangroves, and wildlife-filled marshes.

Best RV Campgrounds:

• Flamingo Campground – Offers electric hookups and stunning views of Florida Bay.
• Long Pine Key Campground – A peaceful setting with access to nature trails.

Must-See Attractions:

• Shark Valley – A great place to see alligators and take a tram tour.
• Anhinga Trail – A boardwalk trail with excellent wildlife viewing.
• Ten Thousand Islands – Perfect for kayaking and spotting manatees.

5. Blue Ridge Parkway (North Carolina/Virginia)

While not technically a national park, the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in the U.S. and offers excellent RV camping spots along the way.

Best RV Campgrounds:

• Julian Price Campground – A great spot near Boone, NC, with lake views.
• Peaks of Otter Campground – A quiet retreat with stunning mountain scenery.

Must-See Attractions:

• Linn Cove Viaduct – An iconic section of the parkway with breathtaking views.
• Mabry Mill – A historic site and one of the most photographed spots on the parkway.
• Craggy Gardens – A great place to see rhododendron blooms in spring.

6. Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Ohio)

This hidden gem in Ohio offers rolling hills, waterfalls, and scenic train rides, making it a unique destination for RVers.

Best RV Campgrounds:

• Streetsboro/Cleveland SE KOA – A well-equipped RV park near the park.
• Woodside Lake Park – A beautiful campground with lakefront sites.

Must-See Attractions:

• Brandywine Falls – The park’s most famous waterfall.
• Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad – A relaxing train ride through the park.
• Ledges Trail – A scenic hike with stunning rock formations.

Tips for RVing in National Parks

• Make Reservations Early – Campgrounds in eastern national parks can fill up quickly, especially in peak season.
• Check RV Length Restrictions – Some campgrounds have size limits, so plan accordingly.
• Prepare for Variable Weather – Conditions can change quickly in mountain parks like Shenandoah and the Smokies.
• Follow Park Regulations – Respect nature and follow Leave No Trace principles to keep the parks beautiful.

Plan Your Next RV Trip!

Exploring the national parks in the East by RV is an incredible experience filled with stunning landscapes and unforgettable adventures. Have you visited any of these parks? Share your experiences in the comments! And don’t forget to check out more of our RV travel guides for your next road trip adventure!