Least RV-Friendly Cities and National Parks in the U.S.

Let’s be honest: Some places are just a pain to visit in an RV. Now, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you shouldn’t visit them. (And it certainly doesn’t mean that they’re not worth seeing.) But it does mean they’ll require a little extra planning. A little extra patience, and in many cases, a smaller setup or alternate parking strategy. As you might expect, some popular towns are pretty near the top of the list of the least RV-friendly cities. But what might surprise you is that not all national parks are easy for RVs — especially larger models.

As a couple who has traveled in a huge truck with a 43-foot fifth wheel as well as a Class B, my wife and I are used to the headaches and ease of RV travel of some of these places firsthand. Some of the least RV-friendly cities come with tight roads, traffic, limited RV parking, and plenty of restrictions. That doesn’t make them bad or off-limits. But if you’re traveling with a fifth wheel or a Class A motorhome, you might want to think twice about rolling in unprepared. 

So, with that being said, here are some least RV-friendly cities and national parks in the U.S. that are worth visiting but will require some extra planning.

 

First! Some Helpful Tools for Planning

Before we dive in, here are some tried-and-true tools we recommend for researching campgrounds, boondocking options, and general RV accessibility. (Also, we have a helpful article on RV navigation.)

• Campendium. Great for reviews, cell coverage info, and campground photos
• The Dyrt or HipCamp. Both are ideal for campground bookings and finding lesser-known gems.
• iOverlander. A favorite for free and off-grid camping spots/boondocking
• RV Life/RV Trip Wizard. Helpful for route planning with RV-specific hazards in mind
• AllStays. Still one of the most detailed apps for filtering campgrounds by rig size and hookups

Now let’s take a look at some destinations that can be tough for RVers — and what to do about it.

 

6 Least RV-Friendly Cities in the U.S.

No. 1: New York City, New York

Why you’ll want to visit: NYC is one of the top visited cities in the world for a reason. From US history to legendary landmarks and Michelin rated cuisine, this is a must see.

Why it’s tough to RV:

• Low-clearance tunnels and bridges
• No public RV parking
• Traffic and narrow streets
• Extremely limited overnight options

Better plan: Stay outside the city and take transit in.

Top RV park: Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City, New Jersey (has views of the Manhattan skyline and ferry access)

 

No.2: San Francisco, California

Why you’ll want to visit: From the legendary Golden Gate to great weather and great eats, San Francisco offers so much so see and do.

Why it’s tough to RV:

• Steep hills (seriously some of the grades are insane)
• Narrow roads
• No overnight street parking
• Campgrounds are few and far between

Better plan: Park outside the city and day trip in.

Top RV park: San Francisco RV Resort in Pacifica, California (has coastal views, and it’s less than 30 minutes from San Fran with no traffic) 

 

3. Key West, Florida

Why you’ll want to visit: The Florida Keys offer some of the most beautiful and unique island-life experiences in the continental U.S. (Make no bones about it: Extra planning aside, you want to RV here.) From some of the best fishing in the country, to year-round hot weather and fresh seafood, we love the Keys. And Key West has all of it — including RV-friendly beaches and more.

Why it’s tough to RV:

• Minimal street parking
• Expensive and often fully booked RV parks
• Tight streets and bridges

Better plan: Stay in the Upper Keys and drive down for the day.

Top RV park: Boyd’s Key West Campground (has full-service and is popular, so book early!)

 

No. 4: Charleston, South Carolina (Downtown)

Why you’ll want to visit: With pretty coastal beaches highlighting the Atlantic backdrop only minutes away, a deep Southern cultural experience, and colonial history around every corner, Charleston is a must see when passing through the area.

Why it’s tough to RV:

• No RV parking in the historic district
• Tight, cobblestone roads made for horse and buggy and not RVs and big trucks
• Few places to turn around with a trailer

Better plan: Stay nearby and use a tow vehicle to explore.

Top RV park: James Island County Park  (is highly rated, close to the city, and has beautiful grounds)

 

No. 5: Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada

Why you’ll want to visit: Lake Tahoe is one of the prettiest and most iconic places to visit for nature lovers in California for a reason. With jaw-dropping mountain and lake views around every turn, we absolutely love Tahoe. And we recommend it all year-round. That said, we want you to know what you’re getting into first.

Why it’s tough to RV:

• Steep, winding roads
• Winter weather and icy conditions make it very difficult and dangerous if you don’t have the right setup
• Limited RV parking at trailheads and lake access points
• Crowds in peak season

Top RV park: Village Camp Outdoor Resort in Truckee, California (is good in off-season, but avoid in summer or winter peak seasons)

 

No. 6. Sedona, Arizona (In Town)

Why you’ll want to visit: Sedona is an absolutely magical place in the heart of the Southwest desert. From red-rock mountain views in all directions to great eats in a tiny town feel, we love this place. If you like hiking, there are few towns that have so many great options minutes from downtown.

Why it’s tough to RV:

• Very limited RV parking
• Packed trailheads
• Steep drive into town

 

Top RV park: Rancho Sedona RV Park (has full hookups and is walkable to town, it’s also good in off-season; but avoid spring break and fall foliage season)

BONUS TIP: Great boondocking is nearby on Forest Road 525, which is iconic and big-rig friendly with care.

 

3 National Parks That Ain’t Made for Big Rigs

National Parks are some of our absolute favorite places to RV. But not all are created equal when it comes to big rigs.

• No. 1: Zion National Park, Utah. Limited large RV access inside; watch the tunnel size restrictions.
• No. 2: Glacier National Park, Montana. Going-to-the-Sun Road is off-limits to vehicles larger than 21 feet.
• No. 3: Sequoia National Park, California. Extremely narrow roads; many campgrounds not big-rig friendly.

Looking for some alternatives, consider the following three: Grand Canyon South Rim, Arizona, where Trailer Village has full hookups and easy access; Yellowstone National Park, which has multiple campgrounds with big-rig spaces (though they fill fast, weather conditions can get crazy year-round, and mountain driving is inevitable); and Badlands National Park, South Dakota, which has spacious boondocking near the entrance, perfect for larger setups.

 

Still Wanna Go? Target Shoulder Season

Sure, we get it: RVing isn’t about avoiding places — it’s about knowing how and when to go.Major cities and popular destinations can absolutely be part of your road trip if you plan and time it right. And for this, shoulder season can be your best friend to avoid crowds and find better access.

• Spring and fall are ideal for destinations like Sedona, Lake Tahoe, Charleston, and Key West when temps are milder, roads are quieter, and RV parks actually have availability.
• Avoid summer peak in many of these places, unless you’re booked far in advance.
• Be cautious with winter travel to mountain areas like Lake Tahoe or Glacier — shoulder seasons can bring unpredictable snow, icy roads, and limited services.

Also, before you roll, always ask yourself:

• Where will I park this rig?
• Do I have a tow vehicle or transit option?

Answer those, and you’ll be way ahead of the curve. After all, RV life is supposed to be fun—not frustrating. And the good news? The country is full of wide-open roads and RV-friendly towns that are just waiting to welcome you.