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How to Book US Campgrounds (National, State & Private)
Why booking campgrounds matters in the USA
For many European travellers, one of the biggest surprises when planning an RV or campervan holiday in the United States is how different the campground system is. Wild camping rules are generally stricter, distances are longer, and most popular campgrounds require advance reservations rather than first-come stays. Booking the right campground affects not only where you sleep, but also access to water, electricity, toilets, and waste disposal for your vehicle.
In the US, campgrounds are managed by several separate systems, each with its own websites, rules, booking windows, and on-site procedures. Understanding how national parks, state parks, and private RV parks work will help you avoid last-minute stress, especially during peak travel seasons. This guide explains how to book US campgrounds, what the main campground types offer, and how this differs from European campervan travel.
Main types of US campgrounds
National Park campgrounds
National Park campgrounds are located inside US national parks and are usually managed through federal reservation systems, although some parks use their own processes. They often have basic facilities, such as toilets and water taps, but many sites do not offer electricity or sewage connections.
- Bookings typically open months in advance and can sell out quickly
- Vehicle size limits are common and usually enforced for safety and access reasons
- Overnight stays are only permitted in designated campsites
Unlike many European national parks, overnight parking outside designated campgrounds is generally not permitted, with limited exceptions that vary by park.
State Park campgrounds
State Parks are run by individual US states and facilities can vary widely. Booking systems, payment methods, and rules differ by state, so you must reserve through the relevant state website or authorised platform.
- Often include electricity and sometimes water connections, depending on the park
- Can be quieter than large private RV parks, but availability varies by location and season
- Good option near cities such as Salt Lake City
Private RV parks and campgrounds
Private RV parks are commercial businesses and are often the most straightforward option for first-time US travellers. Facilities, prices, and rules vary by operator, but these parks usually provide clear check-in processes and on-site staff.
- Commonly offer “full hookups”, though not every site has identical services
- Many are open year-round in popular travel regions, subject to weather and demand
- Convenient near major travel hubs like Phoenix
Understanding US campground terminology
- Full hookups: A campsite with electricity, fresh water, and a sewer connection directly at the site.
- Electric hookup: Electricity only; you must use your onboard water tanks and a dump station later.
- Dump station: A shared facility within or near a campground where waste water tanks are emptied.
- Boondocking: Camping without hookups, often on public land where specifically permitted. Rules, time limits, and locations vary by managing authority and are not the same as informal free camping in Europe.
How campground reservations work
Most US campgrounds encourage or require advance booking, especially between May and September. Check-in procedures vary: some locations have staffed reception desks, while others use self-registration or key-code systems. After-hours arrival is often possible but usually requires advance notice.
- Check maximum vehicle length and height in feet (not metres)
- Distances and speeds are in miles, not kilometres
- Water and waste tank capacities are measured in gallons, not litres
Some campgrounds require photo ID at check-in and accept credit cards only. Quiet hours, generator use, and parking rules are enforced differently at each site.
For more detail, see the reservations FAQ.
Practical tips for international travellers
- Book popular parks well before flying to the US, especially for national and state parks
- Plan driving days carefully; US distances can be much longer than they appear on a map
- Confirm whether generators are allowed, during which hours, and where they may be used
- Check arrival time and check-in rules to avoid losing or delaying access to your site
You can also review common site facilities and rules in the campgrounds FAQ.
Next steps
Once you understand how US campground bookings work, you can plan routes and overnight stops with confidence. After choosing where you want to stay, check which RV sizes and styles are available for your travel dates on USARVRentals.com.
Other Things to Consider
- Campground Etiquette and US Camping Culture
- Choosing the Right RV Size for Your US Road Trip
- Driving in Winter Conditions
- RV Maintenance Basics on the Road
- State Park vs National Park Camping
- State RV Rules: Nevada
- Summer RV Travel and Heat Management
- Understanding US RV Terminology