The Ultimate Guide to Car Camping in National Parks: 5 Epic Spots + What to Know 🏞️ 🚙
Whether you're a weekend warrior or full-time road tripper, car camping in a national park is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the great outdoors. But before you roll into a campground with your truck tent and trail mix, there are a few things you should know. From permits to park rules, we’ve got you covered—plus, we’re sharing our top five US national parks that are basically car camping heaven.
What Is Car Camping?
Before we dive headfirst into the details, let’s define what car camping actually is:
Car Camping (Yes, trucks count!) = sleeping in or next to your vehicle in the great outdoors. 🌲🌲
From custom van builds to Truck and SUV tents, car camping comes in many shapes and sizes. Unlike backcountry camping, which typically takes you deep into the wild, car camping is more about enjoying the great outdoors wherever your vehicle can take you. Sure, you'll probably see fewer bears, but the real beauty of car camping lies in the freedom it offers. Since you're not tied to a single destination, you have the flexibility to camp just about anywhere (yes, even a Walmart parking lot). Plus, with all your gear right within arm's reach and the cozy comforts of a home on wheels, it's camping with a whole lot of convenience.If you’re still in the process of building out your dream car camping setup, check out our Camp Ready Bundles!
Top 5 National Parks for Car Camping
Once the car is packed and the gas tank is full, it’s time to let the good times roll! Below are the top 5 US National Parks we recommend for car camping based on scenery and campground accessibility, plus a few pro-tips to help ensure a successful trip.
1. Yosemite National Park, California
Best Known For: Waterfalls, giant Sequoia trees, and granite cliffs.🌳
Why It’s a Must: Yosemite is the rockstar of the national park world—and for good reason. Towering cliffs, ancient sequoias, and postcard-worthy views around every corner make this a bucket-list destination. With several campgrounds that welcome car campers, you can cozy up beneath El Capitan and let Half Dome be your nightlight.
Campground Highlight: North Pines Campground (open seasonally, reservation required)
Why it’s great for car camping:
- Paved roads and pull-through sites
- Stunning views from your campsite
- Easy access to hikes like Mist Trail and Glacier Point
Pro Tip: Reservations are a must—book early and bring bear-proof storage if you’re not in a hard-sided vehicle.
2. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Best Known For: Iconic scenery and granite giants (the Teton Range).⛰️
Why It’s a Must: Why It’s a Must: Jagged peaks, alpine lakes, and a whole lot of moose. The Tetons offer postcard views and peaceful vibes with campsites perfect for your vehicle setup. Whether you’re lakeside or nestled in the pines, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a Bob Ross painting. It’s also quieter than Yosemite, which many car campers appreciate.
Campground Highlight: Headwaters Campground (vehicle-accessible tent sites)
Why it’s great for car camping:
- All tent sites allow up to two vehicles and two tents
- On-site amenities like restrooms, picnic tables, and fire pits for convenience
- Nearby convenience stores and visitor centers for easy resupply
Pro Tip: Bring layers! Even summer nights can get chilly. Oh, and don’t forget bear spray. Seriously.
3. Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
Best Known For: Biodiversity and natural beauty. 🏞️
Why It’s a Must: With misty mountains, lush forests, and some of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the country, the Smokies are perfect for car campers looking for that peaceful, back-to-nature experience. Campsites are spacious, family-friendly, and surrounded by wildlife (hello, fireflies!).
Campground Highlight: Elkmont Campground (offers 200 RV/tent sites)
Why it’s great for car camping:
- Lots of sites for campers, vans, and RVs
- Campground amenities for a comfortable stay
- Access to biking and hiking (over 800 miles of maintained trails), and a synchronous firefly show (late May to early June)
Pro Tip: If you have a day to spare, take the scenic Cades Cove loop early in the morning to catch deer, bears, and dreamy mountain views without the crowds.
4. Zion National Park, Utah
Best Known For: Stunning scenery, sandstone cliffs, and the Zion Canyon. 🌄
Why It’s a Must: Zion is the land of towering red rock canyons and epic hiking trails like Angels Landing (permit required). The beauty here is unreal, and with a car campsite just steps from the park’s shuttle system, it's convenience meets canyon magic. Just note the shuttle system (required much of the year) can limit direct car access to some areas.
Campground Highlight: Watchman Campground (electric hookups available!)
Why it’s great for car camping:
- Located right near the park entrance and the Virgin River, giving car campers a scenic and super convenient place to set up
- Everything is close by and well-marked, making it a great option if you’re new to car camping and want a safe, scenic, and well-supported start
Pro Tip: Arrive early for the best sunset views. The Watchman Trail is short, sweet, and super rewarding.
5. Olympic National Park, Washington
Best Known For: Temperate rainforest, Pacific coastline, and glaciated mountains.🌅
Why It’s a Must: Olympic National Park is a true gem of the Pacific Northwest, offering a stunning mix of coastal beaches, lush rainforests, and rugged mountain peaks. With over 1,400 square miles of diverse ecosystems, it’s a playground for nature lovers who want to experience everything from misty forests to dramatic coastlines—all in one place.
Campground Highlight: Kalaloch Campground (oceanfront and vehicle-friendly)
Why it’s great for car camping:
- Open year-round with first-come-first-serve sites available during the off-season
- Car-accessible campsites with scenic ocean coastal views
Pro Tip: Cell service is spotty—download maps offline and pack like you’re heading off-grid (because you kind of are). And yes, bring rain gear. This is the moss kingdom, after all.
Is It Legal to Car Camp in National Parks?
Short answer: Yes—but with a few important caveats. While car camping is allowed in most US national parks, you can’t just pull over anywhere and call it a night. Campsites typically need to be reserved in advance and come with a nightly fee. These fees help park rangers manage capacity which helps protect the very environments you’re camping in. National parks protect some of the country’s most delicate and diverse ecosystems, which is why camping is only allowed in designated areas. To avoid an unwelcome wake-up call from the park ranger or worse, a fine—we recommend sticking to official campsites. It’s safer, more scenic, and way more relaxing.
Before you hit the road, be sure to brush up on relevant park rules and regulations —and check state laws, too. A little research goes a long way toward a smooth, stress-free trip.
Car Camping Pro Tips
As a camper, the biggest flex is snagging the best site a campground has to offer. But, let’s be real—it’s easier said than done, especially with many parks being so popular. That’s why planning ahead is key to having a successful trip! Luckily, the National Parks Service has made finding and setting up a campsite easy with their “How to Camp” resources. If you're gearing up for a National Park adventure, here are some pro tips:
- Plan Ahead and Book Early: The earlier you plan, the better your site options. Check campground maps ahead of time to ensure vehicle accessibility.
- Invest in a Comfortable Setup: A good sleep = a great trip. Invest in quality gear, like a Napier air mattress or a Hest sleeping pad. Your back will thank you later.
- Charge Devices During Your Drive: We recommend unplugging once you're out in nature, but it's a good idea to keep a fully charged device on hand for emergencies. Also, cell service can be hit or miss in some areas of the park, so your battery could drain faster searching for a signal. Charging up on your drive ensures you're ready to go when you arrive.
- Bring Tasty Meals to Cook: Trust us—hot meals hit different after a long day outdoors. Do your future self a solid and pack that extra cup of noodles (or whatever makes you happy 😊).
- National Park Week: Don't miss this year's free entry day to all US National Parks! Mark your calendar for April 19, 2025.
Whether your summer bucket list includes catching fireflies in the Smokies or stargazing in Zion, car camping is bound to be a highlight. If you're ready to ROAM. CAMP. CONQUER, check out Napier’s Truck and SUV Tents for an easy and comfortable setup. And remember - the journey is just as important as the destination, so have fun along the way!