Spend a Year in National Parks
A Month-by-Month Guide for RV Enthusiasts
For RVers with a thirst for adventure, the open road and a year brimming with new experiences at America's stunning national parks holds limitless possibilities. With 63 national parks under the National Park Service, visiting all of them in a single year may be ambitious, but setting a goal of one park per month is an achievable and exciting challenge. Here’s our guide to the best national parks to visit each month in 2025 to scratch that wanderlust itch.
January – Yosemite National Park, California
Kicking off the year with a visit to Yosemite National Park in California is like stepping into a new year’s wonderland. The park's famous granite cliffs, including the iconic El Capitan and Half Dome, could be dusted with snow, providing a stunning backdrop for hiking or snowshoeing (depending on the weather). Plus, with fewer crowds, January offers a serene and intimate experience with this majestic landscape.
February – Bryce Canyon, Utah
As winter continues, Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah transforms into a mesmerizing wonder with its snow-capped hoodoos, spindly rock formations that seem almost otherworldly. The vibrant orange and red hues contrast beautifully with the white snow, creating a breathtaking scene. RV travelers can enjoy clear, crisp air and endless stargazing opportunities in this park, known for its dark skies.
March – Everglades National Park, Florida
March is a great time to explore the subtropical wilderness of the Everglades in Florida. March is part of the dry season, which ensures comfortable temperatures and fewer mosquitoes, making it ideal for exploring the park’s unique ecosystem. Paddling through the mangroves or cruising along the Shark Valley Tram Road, you might spot a manatee or even a lounging alligator.
March 20th is the first day of spring in 2025 and should be marked on every RVers calendar not only because it starts the magnificent spring travel season, but also because it’s time for spring cleaning, a necessary evil for every RV owner. Dicor Products offers a line of RV cleaners and specialty brushes to make internal and external cleaning easier. And one thing that makes any chore more enjoyable is music, so tune into our “Cleaning the Coach: Sparkle and Groove” playlist on Spotify for tunes to help you blast through annual RV spring cleaning.
April – Olympic National Park, Washington
As spring blooms in April, Olympic National Park in Washington offers an explosion of natural beauty with its rich geological diversity from rugged coastlines to temperate rainforests to active glaciers. The park’s diverse ecosystems offer something for every nature lover, and the mild spring temperatures are perfect for RV road trips.
May – Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio is a hidden gem that comes alive in May with vibrant spring foliage. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad and the historic Towpath Trail offer unique ways to explore the Ohio landscape. With numerous waterfalls including the picturesque Brandywine Falls, this park is a delightful surprise for RV travelers seeking a springtime retreat in the Midwest.
June – Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana
June is the perfect time to rev up your RV and head to the stunning Lake Michigan shoreline at Indiana Dunes National Park. This relatively new national park site, established in 2019, offers 15 miles of pristine beaches and 50 miles of trails that wind through sand dunes, wetlands, and lush forests. Whether you're diving into the refreshing waves, biking along scenic paths, paddling through serene waters, or spotting shore birds, adventure awaits at every turn. For die-hard RV enthusiasts, just one hour down the road from the Indiana Dunes National Park you’ll find Elkhart, Indiana, the RV capital of the world and home to the RV/MH Hall of Fame.
The first day of summer in 2025 is June 20th, and for this season it’s crucial for RV travelers to keep up with AC maintenance to ensure their air conditioner is operating optimally no matter where your summer road trip is heading. Coleman-Mach recommends RVers replace their AC air filters every 90 days of use to ensure their home on wheels is kept cool and comfortable.
July – Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
In July, Crater Lake National Park in Oregon dazzles with its deep blue waters and surrounding cliffs. The park’s Rim Drive offers spectacular views of this unique mountain landscape. Summer in Crater Lake means hiking trails are open and accessible, providing plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the park’s jaw-dropping scenery.
August – Acadia National Park, Maine
August is the ideal time to visit Acadia National Park in Maine. The summer months invite RV travelers to explore the park’s rugged coastline, granite peaks, and expansive forests. Cadillac Mountain offers stunning sunrise views, and the Park Loop Road provides a perfect tour of Acadia’s diverse landscapes.
September – Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
As fall approaches, Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado is a must-visit. September brings golden aspens and cooler temperatures. With over 300 miles of hiking trails and diverse wildlife including elk, whose bugling season starts mid-September, this park offers endless exploration opportunities against a backdrop of majestic mountain vistas.
Like the first day of spring, the first day of fall, which is September 22, 2025, is another important date for RV owners as it pertains to both seasonal travel and vehicle maintenance. In September, we recommend RV owners complete their annual maintenance of their RV exteriors, cooking appliances, ventilation components, water systems, and climate control systems to ensure safe and optimal operating conditions. Follow our “Annual RV Maintenance Checklist” for guidance on this essential yearly task and utilize Airxcel’s free Service Center Locator to find professionals to help with your annual RV maintenance.
October – Big Bend National Park, Texas
October is a prime time to experience the diverse landscapes of Big Bend National Park in Texas. The park’s desert scenery is complemented by the scenic Rio Grande and the towering Chisos Mountains. With cooler temperatures and vibrant autumn colors, Big Bend provides a unique southwestern experience for RV adventurers.
November – Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee & North Carolina
In November, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddling Tennessee and North Carolina is ablaze with fall colors. The park’s scenic drives and numerous hiking trails offer stunning views of the rolling landscape. As the most visited national park in the U.S., Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides a breathtaking and accessible escape for RV travelers.
With winter coming make sure your heating components are ready for the colder weather to ensure your wintertime adventures are warm and fun. December 21st marks the first day of winter for 2025, so a month earlier check your onboard water heater and furnace to ensure they are working properly. For those in need of new heating systems for their RV, check out the latest innovations from Aqua-Hot Hydronic Heating that boasts water heaters/furnace combos with high-altitude readiness up to 15,000 feet and the cost-effective Suburban Furnace Core Replacement Units that give you the warmth of a brand new RV furnace at a fraction of the price.
December – Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Closing out the year, a visit to the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona in December offers a peaceful and awe-inspiring experience. The crisp winter air and potential for a dusting of snow enhance the canyon’s rugged beauty. With fewer visitors, you can enjoy the park’s iconic vistas and perhaps reflect on a year well spent exploring the wonders of America’s national parks.
As you make your 2025 travel plans to some of the most breathtaking landscapes our country has to offer, remember that each national park holds its own unique charm and adventures. From the towering peaks of the Rockies to the serene beauty of the Everglades, every month brings a new opportunity to connect with nature and create unforgettable memories. So, pack your RV, hit the road, and let the wonders of America's national parks inspire and rejuvenate your travel spirit in 2025.