Yes, everyone wants to visit America’s many stunning national parks — and for truly excellent reasons. Each of those preserved landscapes is one-of-a-kind, significant, and stunning. And so are many of the national forests near national parks, which offer similar vistas and recreation activities with a fraction of the crowds (and sometimes even the costs).
While the national parks often get all the glory, America’s national forests are also incredible opportunities for outdoor recreation, especially when you’re traveling by RV. Many offer both affordable developed campsites and dispersed camping options for boondockers. In short, it’s truly a win-win situation, and in the post below, we’re going to tell you about our top five favorite national forests near national parks (and give you all the tips and tricks you need to best enjoy them, of course).
Why National Forests Deserve a Spot on Your RV Bucket List
America’s national parks are maintained and managed by the National Park Service, or NPS. They often charge an entrance fee at the gate, but are also often staffed by rangers who can help orient you to the park’s offerings and facilities like visitor centers where you can buy things and get information.
America’s national forests, on the other hand, are maintained and managed by the U.S. Forest Service, which is an agency within the USDA. They’re a bit lower-touch, with fewer amenities and planned activities, but altogether they represent millions of acres of American lands that are ripe for recreating. And since they don’t get all the glory the national parks do, they also come with fewer crowds, more flexibility when it comes to booking your campsite, and fewer restrictions. (Most importantly for many campers: You can actually bring your dog.)
Exploring national forests near national parks is a great way to get a sense of a national park landscape without all the negatives that come with getting into the park itself.
And if you’re wondering, what are the best national forests near national parks? In our opinion, the best national forests just outside of national park boundaries combine similar scenic landscapes and outdoor recreation access with RV-friendly camping and the types of photo opps that’ll have people wondering where in the world you were. Our top picks:
Without further ado, let’s dive into the details of these can’t-miss landscapes!
1. Dixie National Forest, Utah
It’s hard to get more scenic than southwestern Utah, which is home to so many beloved preserved landscapes: Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, just to name a very few. A great way to experience the wonder without the crowds? Dixie National Forest, which covers nearly two million acres of this beautiful red-rock landscape. It’s the largest national forest in the state, in fact.
Why It Stands Out
- Close proximity to beloved preserves including Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park
- Red rock landscapes, alpine forests, and scenic byways that make it easy to get up close and personal even from the comfort of your vehicle
- Recreation opportunities ranging from mountain biking to fishing to snowmobiling and -boarding in the winter
Best Outdoor Activities
- Hiking
- Mountain biking
- Scenic drives (Scenic Byway 12, Utah’s Patchwork Parkway (SR-143))
- Fishing
- ATV and off-road trails (good for snowmobiling in the winter)
- Stargazing
RV Camping Tips
Dixie National Forest allows dispersed camping (boondocking) in any one area for up to 16 days. After that, you must move at least 10 miles, but can stay within the park. It’s also home to several developed campgrounds where you can make reservations, such as Duck Creek Campground, but they do not offer hookups.
The best time to visit Dixie National Forest is from May to October, with the later spring and earlier fall months being the best for lower crowds and milder temperatures.
Nearby National Parks
What is Dixie National Forest known for?
Dixie National Forest is known for its red rock scenery, high-elevation forests, scenic drives, and easy access to Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park.
2. Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming
If there’s one national park everyone wants to go to, it’s Yellowstone. It was, after all, the very first national park not just in our country, but in the world.
But if you’re looking to avoid hours-long lineups of traffic and campsites booked years in advance, nearby Bridger-Teton National Forest is the perfect alternative. Encompassing more than 3.4 million acres of gorgeous Wyoming countryside, this national forest offers a vast network of hiking trails, fly fishing opportunities and the chance to spot wildlife ranging from black and grizzly bears to bighorn sheep and elk.
Why It Stands Out
- Located near Grand Teton and Yellowstone
- Massive wilderness areas and one-of-a-kind wildlife viewing
- Exceptional fishing and backcountry recreation for the truly intrepid traveler
Best Outdoor Activities
- Wildlife spotting
- Fly fishing
- Backpacking
- Kayaking
- Mountain biking
RV Camping Tips
Bridger-Teton National Forest is home to several developed campgrounds, though no hookups are available, so you’ll basically be boondocking (i.e., fill up that fresh water tank and empty your sewer tanks ahead of time!). From the forest’s official camping regulations: “You can camp in the Bridger-Teton National Forest for up to 14 days within any 30-day period. After 14 days, you must move at least 5 air miles away and cannot return to the same campsite for 30 days.”
If you’re looking for a more luxurious experience, you might also consider camping in a private campground in the surrounding areas, such as Jackson, Wyoming.
Nearby National Parks
Is Bridger-Teton National Forest good for RV camping?
Yes. Bridger-Teton National Forest offers RV campgrounds, dispersed camping opportunities, scenic drives, and direct access to Grand Teton and Yellowstone adventures.
3. Flathead National Forest, Montana
Northern Montana truly is a world apart. If you’ve never been before, you’ll understand once you get there: It’s the kind of landscape that feels like it can only exist in photos and paintings.
That’s one reason Glacier National Park, nicknamed the “Crown Jewel of the Continent,” is so very popular — and crowded. Add in the fact that the extreme latitude means an accessible season sometimes only eight weeks long, and you’re looking at hikes that feel more like queues in Disney World (albeit decidedly more majestic).
Exploring nearby Flathead National Forest gives you the opportunity to get to know Montana’s stunning alpine lakes, dense old-growth forests and sky-high peaks without so many strangers in your photos. And since it’s at a lower altitude for the most part, you can also access more parts of it for longer than Glacier. It’s a win all around.
Why It Stands Out
- Borders Glacier National Park (widely considered one of the most scenic of the whole bunch)
- Dense forests, alpine lakes, and mountain scenery
- Excellent for water recreation (it’s the largest surface-area lake in the western U.S.) and hiking
Best Outdoor Activities
- Boating
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Wildlife photography (elk, moose, bear and more)
- Scenic drives
RV Camping Tips
There are dozens of campgrounds inside Flathead National Forest, including a few that can admit RVs up to 40 feet in length. (Some do have smaller length restrictions, however, so be sure to double-check before you set out.)
Most of the developed campgrounds in Flathead have vault toilets and potable water, but there are no RV hookups. If you’re looking for a better-equipped stay adjacent to the forest (and Glacier National Park), there are lots of private campgrounds in the area to choose from.
One note: Keep in mind that, this far north, there really is only a short period of the year during which these landscapes are accessible. Well-equipped vehicles can open the door to winter recreation as well, but most campers will likely want to keep their adventures to the time frame between late June and early October.
Nearby National Parks
What national forest is closest to Glacier National Park?
Flathead National Forest borders Glacier National Park and offers hiking, camping, fishing, and scenic RV travel opportunities.
4. Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming
Like we said, Yellowstone is at the top of pretty much everyone’s list. That’s why we’ve got another national park destination dupe forest for you to check out nearby.
Shoshone National Forest has the same kind of superlative status as its nearby national park cousin: It was the first designated national forest in the country, as part of the Yellowstone Timberland Reserve created by President Benjamin Harrison. Like other surrounding landscapes, it’s one of the last homes to American gray wolves, and contains five different wilderness areas showcasing three different mountain ranges: the Absaroka, Beartooth, and Wind River mountains.
Long story short, it’s an amazing place to camp, whether you stay within its bounds or combine it with a trip or two into Yellowstone proper.
Why It Stands Out
- As America’s first national forest, it’s a bucket-list destination for the outdoorsy
- Location at the gateway to Yellowstone’s eastern entrance
- Dramatic mountain landscapes and geothermal proximity
Best Outdoor Activities
- Hiking
- Rock climbing (but make sure you stay safe and go with a guide if you’re a beginner!)
- Scenic mountain drives
- Fishing
- Wildlife viewing and photography
RV Camping Tips
Whether you choose from its developed campgrounds or to get off-grid among the wilderness with dispersed camping (i.e. boondocking), there are endless RVing opportunities inside Shoshone National Forest. This one’s a stand-out, in fact, because it also has a developed campground featuring electric hookups and where the maximum length is 50 feet: Wapiti Campground. (Be sure to reserve early!)
Nearby National Parks
What makes Shoshone National Forest unique?
Shoshone National Forest is the nation’s first national forest and features rugged mountains, scenic canyons, and easy access to Yellowstone National Park.
5. Kaibab National Forest, Arizona
Frankly, we’re of the opinion that everyone owes themselves a visit to the Grand Canyon. And it’s true that Grand Canyon National Park is one of the easiest ways to do so, given that it offers great amenities (including a developed campground with hookups) and preserves one of the most scenic parts of the canyon.
But “everyone” adds up to a whole lot of people. It’s just true: pretty much no matter when you visit the Grand Canyon, you’re going to be sharing the area with lots of strangers. It’s a good thing, since these natural landscapes are for everyone, but sometimes you just need a little break.
Enter nearby Kaibab National Forest, your ticket to peace and quiet during your trip to northern Arizona. The forest actually surrounds the Grand Canyon, so it’s less a destination dupe and more the destination itself. And it offers camping opportunities that will be more flexible to book and, often, cheaper.
Why It Stands Out
- Surrounds the Grand Canyon
- Diverse terrain from desert to alpine forest
- Strong recreation opportunities year-round
Best Outdoor Activities
- Hiking
- Scenic drives
- Wildlife viewing
- Camping
- Snow recreation in winter
RV Camping Tips
Kaibab National Forest encompasses both sides of the Grand Canyon, which means you can camp on the bustling South Rim or much more remote North Rim and still be inside its bounds. Keep in mind that the North Rim is seriously remote; you’re going to want to pack a satellite phone, extra fuel, food and water, and other emergency equipment if you’re headed out there. There are developed campgrounds within the forest, though none offer RV hookups. Dispersed camping is free and allowed in one area for up to 14 days at a time.
Nearby National Parks
Can you camp in Kaibab National Forest near the Grand Canyon?
Yes. Kaibab National Forest offers developed campgrounds and dispersed camping near both the North and South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
How We Chose These Forests
Here’s the thing: there are a lot of national forests in the U.S. Altogether, there are more than 150 of them, which is more than double the number of national parks! U.S. national forests encompass more than 193 million acres across 41 states, as well as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. (National Parks only account for about 85 million acres, a relative pittance!)
Why These Forests Ranked Highest
When looking through all the possible national forests to recommend to you, we had to narrow our focus and use a rubric to bring you the best possible recommendations. Our methodology? Glad you asked. We were looking for:
- Scenic similarity to nearby national parks
- Popularity and iconicness of the nearby national parks in question
- Variety of recreational opportunities inside the national forest
- RV-friendliness and camping opportunities
The truth is, though, you could plan an unforgettable vacation in any one of America’s national forests. And we strongly encourage that you do.
Tips for Planning an RV Trip Through National Forests
An RV trip is truly the perfect way to explore the national forests (and the national parks, for that matter). But doing a little bit of footwork ahead of time can save you a lot of hassle once you’re literally down the road. Here are our top tips for planning an RV trip to your favorite national forest, or, even better, multiple national forests.
Know the Camping Rules
While camping is allowed in just about every national forest, some of them do have slightly different rules, and it’s worth looking them up ahead of time.
Be sure you take dispersed camping guidelines into consideration if you’ll be boondocking (for instance: how long are you allowed to stay? Can you just move to a different part of the park or do you need to leave entirely to reset the clock?) and that you check ahead about reservations if you’re staying at a developed campground in the forest.
Also be sure to check for seasonal closures and other seasonally relevant restrictions, such as fire policies.
Prepare for Limited Services
Lots of these forests are seriously out there — which is part of their appeal! Still, getting out of cell signal range is an increasingly uncommon experience for many of us. Prepare for the limited service in these national forest areas by:
- Planning out your tank management, filling the fresh water tank just before you arrive and making sure you dump your black and gray water beforehand, too, so they don’t fill up.
- Fueling up early and often. When you’re in the middle of nowhere, consider half a tank empty and fill up whenever you can. You may even want to carry extra fuel as a precaution.
- Getting ahead of cell service limitations. You can download maps onto your GPS system ahead of time, for instance, or consider carrying a satellite phone in case of emergencies.
Travel During Shoulder Seasons
Want to seriously take advantage of everything the national forests have to offer? You’re already looking at camping opportunities with lower crowd levels and more affordability. You can up the ante by traveling during shoulder season (i.e., not summer) to enjoy even calmer hiking trails, better campsite availability, and often, especially in desert areas, more comfortable weather.
Discover More Beyond the National Parks
Again, don’t get us wrong: the national parks are amazing. We’d never say otherwise. But extending your scope just outside their borders can open a world of travel opportunities that’s often overlooked.
Staying in national forests near national parks means more flexibility, fewer crowds, and all the same recreation access. In fact, you may even find yourself in landscapes whose photos you haven’t already seen a zillion times on the internet.
Start your RV adventure and explore national forests near America’s most iconic national parks.
National Forests Near National Parks: Frequently Asked Questions
National forests are maintained and managed by the U.S. Forest Service, an agency of the USDA, while the national parks are maintained and managed by the National Park Service (NPS). National Parks tend to assess an entry fee to get in and often have more services available, such as visitor centers and rangers, but national forests offer a less-crowded and affordable way to experience very similar landscapes.
Almost any of America’s national forests offer ample RV camping opportunities, especially for campers who are happy with dispersed camping or boondocking (which is often free). Most also have developed campgrounds, though hookups are rare, so you’ll want to ensure you’re ready to camp without access to shore power or water supplies.
Yes, most national forests allow for boondocking or dispersed dry camping. However, time limits and other rules and restrictions can vary from forest to forest, so be sure to check ahead of time.
Usually, yes! While there are some exceptions on either side (i.e., the least crowded national parks and the most crowded national forests), national forests generally allow for a less-crowded opportunity to see landscapes very similar to the national park landscapes, especially when they’re right outside of park borders.
For fishing, you can’t beat Flathead National Forest, home to the largest lake by surface area in the western U.S. Hiking opportunities abound in many of the national parks, but for a landscape similar to that of Yellowstone National Park, try Shoshone National Forest or Bridger-Teton National Forest.