Length Restrictions in National and State Parks

[brdtim@gmail.com]

We are looking to purchase our first motorhome and have seen a limitation of 35 feet listed in publications for many national and state parks. We would prefer these types of parks to private campgrounds and would like to hear about any experiences others have had.

[tbutler]

You are correct, the larger motor homes won't fit into most national and state parks. Besides site considerations, there are often tree limb complications and narrow sharply turning roads that make these parks difficult if not impossible for large RV's. We have been full time in our 40' motor home for eight years and have stayed in only a few national parks. We've had better luck in Canada than in the US with the national parks.

If you want to stay in national and state parks over the private parks, your choice would be limited to the 35' motor homes or less. There are good reasons for staying in the park rather than near as we do when we visit the parks. Many parks have far better facilities than private parks. Their campsites often are larger and the electrical system will be up to code. Generally the settings in the national and state parks are much more attractive and their rates are usually lower. Many national and state parks do not have sites with sewer service so take that into consideration when looking at motor homes. Of course, you can shower and use the restrooms at those parks and if you don't mind doing that, the sewer connection becomes less necessary. Living in our motor home, we like the conveniences of home and use our shower, toilet and washing machine and thus always prefer full hookups when we can get them.

[DoggyDaddy]

Length restrictions in California State Parks varies. Most parks were originally developed

for tent camping and not for bringing the conviences of the city to the outdoors.

[mmgiasson@gmail.com]

We previously owned a 1992 36' Beaver Motorcoach with no slides. We found we could always camp in most of the state parks we came across. The downside to this motorhome we found was that after 4 weeks on the road with myself, husband and two dogs, is that we all needed a bit more room

and privacy. This was a perfect short stay coach to get into all the tight spots, but not very good for longer periods.

We now have a Monaco Executive 45' coach with 4 slides. I love all the wonderful conveniences of my motorhome and all the space. No problem

staying out for months on end. We have stayed in many lovely state park campgrounds with this coach.

Lake Havasu State Park, AZ we would stay for 10 days at a time with no hookups - no problem with this coach. We have stayed at Picacho Peak, AZ -

Swan Lake, MT - Lewis and Clark Cavarns, MT - on the Columbia Gorge at Maryhill, Wa - Borrego Springs, CA - Lake Louise, AB - Jasper, AB.

We have always enjoyed these stays very much and like to mix it up with stays in RV resorts.