National Forest

RV Camping Guides & Resources

Camping in a National Forest

National Forests and Grasslands are designated areas of land within the United States that are used for multiple purposes, including recreation, wildlife, forage, water, and more. These lands are managed by the U.S. Forest Service and the National Forest Foundation who help to preserve these natural areas and maintain facilities such as campsites, roads, and trails.

National Forests are one of the most accessible and popular places to RV camp—and for good reason. Not only do they offer plenty of space to escape and unplug, they also provide space to enjoy recreational activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, bird watching, horseback riding, and much more.

Planning Your Trip

Explore a variety of National Forest RV camping guides where you'll find tried-and-true tips for RVing, the best RV-friendly campgrounds, worthwhile local attractions, outdoor activities, and the best scenery in each feature. Use them to get inspired to embark on your own National Forest adventure and appreciate these national wonders.

The Latest Guides

The latest RV National Forest guides with everything you need to hit the road.

A rocky mountaintop overlooks a green valley in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest.

Hidden Gems: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

Arizona

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An aerial view of the dispersed camping area in Bridger-Teton National Forest.

RV Guide: Bridger-Teton National Forest

Wyoming

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Tall pine trees and red rocks in Dixie National Forest.

RV Guide: Dixie National Forest

Utah

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Ashley Peeples and her family get ready to paddleboard on Lake Pend Oreille.

Making the Most of Your Family RV Trip in a National Forest

Family Travel

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A view of Mill Creek Falls with the sun peeking through in Wayne National Forest.

Hidden Gems: Wayne National Forest

Ohio

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Ashley Peeples and her family after ziplining in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest.

RV Guide: Idaho Panhandle National Forest

Idaho

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A waterfall in Pisgah National Forest

Room to Roam

  • 193 million acres of designated National Forest land
  • 33,000 RV-accessible campsites
  • 9,000 miles of scenic byways
  • 148,000 miles of dog-friendly trails
  • 4,400 miles of river
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Activities to Enjoy

In a National Forest

Hiking
Biking
Rock Climbing
Kayaking
Bird Watching
Fishing
Horseback Riding
Snowshoeing

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Featured National Forest Guides

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1
Cherokee National Forest
At 640,000 acres, Cherokee National Forest is the largest plot of public land in Tennessee and is nestled in the heart of the Southern Appalachian mountain range, offering recreation, beauty, and serenity. Enjoy motorized and non-motorized trails, whitewater and trout streams, remote forests, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
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2
Coconino National Forest
From its revered red rocks to Ponderosa pine forests, southwestern deserts to alpine tundras, the Coconino National Forest is one of the most diverse National Forests within the system. Satisfy your need for adventure by exploring mountains, canyons, lakes, creeks, streams, and spectacular viewpoints.
3
Kaibab National Forest
The Kaibab National Forest surrounds the northern and southern portions of the majestic Grand Canyon, which is enough to entice any traveler. Apart from stunning canyons, prairies, peaks, and plateaus, the Kaibab is the perfect spot for watching wildlife, cross-country skiing, secluded hiking trails, and sport fishing.
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4
Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest
The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest is characterized by mountain ranges and vast open landscapes, offering scenic views, summer summits, and renowned winter recreation.
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5
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Foreset
Located on the west side of the Cascades between the Canadian border and Mt. Rainier National Park, you will find glacier-covered peaks, spectacular mountain meadows and old-growth forests rich in history and outdoor opportunities. Take your pick of adventure: The forest offers hunting, fishing, hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, river rafting, bird watching, berry picking, and plenty of sightseeing.
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6
Mount Hood National Forest
Home to the tallest mountain in Oregon, Mt. Hood, this National Forest offers an array of unique landscapes to explore. Soak in the sights of the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, find your favorite trail amongst the 1,000 miles of trails, ski down the mountainside, or enjoy a one-of-a-kind climbing excursion.
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7
Sawtooth National Forest
Located in the heart of Idaho, the Sawtooth National Forest is home to the Rocky Mountains, 400 lakes, 700 miles of trails, and 57 peaks with an elevation of over 10,000 feet. Enjoy activities like hiking, fishing, boating, rafting, and bicycling,
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8
White Mountain National Forest
One of only two National Forests in New England, the White Mountain is truly a unique natural wonder. Explore hardwood forests, rugged and challenging terrains, high peaks, fir and spruce forests, and local history to make the most of your trip to New Hampshire and western Maine.
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9
Flathead National Forest
Stretching 2.4 million acres, the Flathead National Forest is nestled in the Rock Mountains of Northwest Montana, just south of the Canadian border and Glacier National Park. Home to abundant lakes, rugged wilderness, wild rivers, 2,000 miles of trails, and year-round beauty, this forest is a camper's dream.
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10
George Washington & Jefferson National Forest
Home to 17 designated wilderness areas and numerous scenic drives (including the Blue Ridge Parkway), the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest is teeming with natural beauty. Enjoy the fall foliage, explore 2,340 miles of perennial streams, or recreate at Lake Moomaw to enjoy all the forest has to offer.
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11
Huron-Manistee National Forest
Lying between the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron in the northern half of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan is the nearly one-million-acre Huron-Manistee National Forest. Enjoy motorized and non-motorized recreational activities, popular trails, campgrounds immersed in nature, and four nationally designated Wild and Scenic Rivers.
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12
Mark Twain National Forest
Encompassing 1.5 million acres of beautiful public land in 29 counties in Missouri, Mark Twain National Forest has a wide range of popular recreation opportunities. Feed your wild with over 750 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and motorized use.
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13
Superior National Forest
Home to an abundance of lakes and water sources, numerous wildlife species (including the gray wolf), and a thriving ecology, there's so much to love about Superior National Forest. Most popular, the forest's water recreational activities offer boaters, swimmers, and fishers alike an opportunity to do what they do best.
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14
Gila National Forest
One of the more remote and least developed National Forests in the southwest, Gila National Forest is a true escape from it all. Take your pick between mountains dotted with aspens and douglas firs and semi-arid lowlands canvases in cactus and juniper. And with diverse landscapes come diverse activities! Enjoy birdwatching on a migratory flight path, hiking interpretive trails, rafting through ravines, and so much more.
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Northwest

A dream destination for those seeking lush greenery and epic mountain ranges.

A foggy mountainside in Idaho Panhandle National Forest.

Idaho Panhandle National Forest

Idaho

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A photo of mirror lake from Kristy Dobie

Mt. Hood National Forest

Oregon

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Forest and river views in Flathead National Forest.

Flathead National Forest

Montana

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Karen Blue's photo of a lake and Mt Baker in Mt Baker Snoqualmie National Forest

Mt Baker Snoqualmie National Forest

Washington

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A lake in Sawtooth National Forest

Sawtooth National Forest

Idaho

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Southwest

One of the most geographically diverse regions in the country.

Sherise Gumbs' KZ Durango Gold half-ton fifth wheel at a campsite in Bridger-Teton National Forest.

Bridger-Teton National Forest

Wyoming

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Mountain views in Gila National Forest.

Gila National Forest

New Mexico

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Tall pine trees and red rocks in Dixie National Forest.

Dixie National Forest

Utah

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Renee Tilby's child looking at the rock formations in coconino national forest

Coconino National Forest

Arizona

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Snowy mountains in Medicine Bow National Forest

Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest

Colorado

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Jeff Poe looking at a waterfall in Kaibab National Forest

Kaibab National Forest

Arizona

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Midwest

Adventure abounds in vast plains and expansive lakes.

Wildcat Hollow Trail in Wayne National Forest.

Wayne National Forest

Ohio

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A person walks along the beach with a canoe in Superior National Forest.

Superior National Forest

Minnesota

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The sun sets over Crane Lake in Mark Twain National Forest.

Mark Twain National Forest

Missouri

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A lake beach at Huron Manistee National Forest

Huron-Manistee National Forest

Michigan

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Northeast

Rolling countrysides and pristine wilderness make for a picture-perfect adventure.

Rob and Ashley Peeples family - Keystone Avalanche fifth wheel - White Mountain National Forest

White Mountain National Forest

New Hampshire

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CHRISTINA MCMILLAN sitting on a rock in George Washington and Jefferson National Forest

George Washington & Jefferson National Forest

Virginia

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Southeast

Experience southern charm from its beachy shores to its mountain peaks.

A waterfall in Cherokee National Forest.

Cherokee National Forest

Tennessee

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Mountains at sunset in sawtooth national forest
Explore All National Forest Trip Guides

Learn everything you need to know from experienced RVers and the National Forest Foundation.

The Need To Know

Tried-and-true tips for camping at National Forests from experienced RVers

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Renee Tilby's Jayco travel trailer at a campsite in coconino national forest
Coconino National Forest
A lake in front of a mountain in Mt. Baker National Forest
Mt. Baker National Forest
Waterfalls in Cherokee National Forest
Cherokee National Forest
A rocky mountain top in White Mountain National Forest
White Mountain National Forest
Jeff Poe grilling at an overlook in Kaibab National Forest
Kaibab National Forest

The National Forest Foundation x THOR Industries

THOR and the National Forest Foundation entered a partnership that will plant at least 500,000 trees on National Forest lands. Join us by supporting our National Forests and help improve the health of important public lands for future generations.

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