Hiking with Kids in RV-Friendly Areas | Tips and 10 Destinations

Loading up the RV for a family camping trip opens up a world of adventure. As the kids gaze out the windows at magnificent mountain vistas and forests rolling by, their anticipation builds for the coming days of exploration. Hiking offers the perfect activity to satisfy their curiosity about the natural world while tiring them out for cozy nights around the campfire. By planning trips to RV-friendly national and state parks, you gain access to hundreds of miles of scenic trails leading through landscapes brimming with beauty and wildlife.

Finding trails suited for your children’s ages and abilities lets the whole family embark on an engaging quest into nature together. The exercise, fresh air, and discovery stimulate young bodies and minds alike. Hiking builds confidence as kids master new terrain and makes science and history lessons interactive when they get to examine real plants, animals, fossils, and geology up close. Spending these active days bonding with loved ones away from distraction forges priceless connections and memories that will be treasured for a lifetime.

This guide covers everything you need to know to plan rewarding hiking adventures with your kids while RV camping. Learn how to select destinations and trails that match your crew’s interests and fitness levels. Discover tips for keeping young hikers happy and motivated on their paths. Check out the top parks offering breathtaking scenery paired with convenient campground access across North America. Read on to start organizing your next memorable journey!

How to Choose an RV-Friendly Hiking Destination?

Selecting the right place to hike with kids in an RV involves some key considerations.

When researching potential hiking trails, look at the length, difficulty level, elevation gain, and amenities. For young kids or beginner hikers, choose easy, relatively flat trails under 3 miles. Older or more experienced kids can handle longer distances or moderate inclines. Make sure the trails have bathroom facilities and water fountains available.

Use campground listing sites to find RV parks, campsites, and resorts near national and state parks with hiking trails. Check their proximity to trailheads and confirm they can accommodate large RVs. Consider amenities like playgrounds, pools, and recreation programs to keep kids entertained after hiking.

Factor in your children’s ages, interests, hiking skill levels, and physical conditions to determine appropriate destinations. A teenager may enjoy challenging, rock-scrambling hikes, while a 6-year-old needs gentler, paved trails. If anyone has mobility limitations, choose flatter, wheelchair-friendly paths.

How to Gear Up for Hiking with Kids?

Having proper gear makes all the difference in keeping kids comfortable, motivated, and safe while hiking, so come prepared with –

Footwear & Clothing

• Sturdy waterproof hiking boots or athletic shoes providing stability, traction, and protection from rocks and branches underfoot
• Moisture-wicking socks to prevent blisters
• Lightweight, breathable shirts and pants to prevent overheating and sunburn
• Windproof outer layers for warmth during cooler weather or at high elevations
• Wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses for sun protection

Hydration & Nutrition

• Backpack hydration systems, reusable water bottles, or bottled water
• Electrolyte tablets or powders to replenish minerals lost through sweat
• High-protein snacks like beef jerky, nut bars, and trail mix containing nuts, seeds, and dried fruit
• Fresh fruits like bananas, apples, and oranges

First Aid & Tools

• Adhesive bandages, gauze, antiseptic cream, antihistamine, bee sting wipes
• Tweezers for splinters and tick removal
• Child-dosed acetaminophen, ibuprofen, anti-nausea, antihistamine meds
• Resealable plastic bags for collecting trash and protecting phones/ electronics
• Swiss army knife or multi-tool with knife, scissors, screwdrivers, pliers
• Waterproof matches, fire starter, emergency space blanket

Reapply sunscreen and insect repellent regularly. Having family radio allows easy communication if anyone lags or runs into issues.

5 Essential Tips for Hiking with Kids

To ensure your kids have an enjoyable time on the trail –

a) Start with short hikes under a mile so they don’t get overwhelmed or exhausted. Pay attention to their energy levels before extending distance or duration.

b) Engage their curiosity by pointing out plants, animals, fossils, rock formations, and other natural wonders. Let them stop frequently to observe things along the path.

c) Make a fun scavenger hunt by providing a list of things to spot, like different flower colors or animal tracks. Offer prizes for those who find the most items.

d) Take snack breaks in scenic locations to refuel. Have a trail mix or fruit feast while sitting on big boulders or logs.

e) Be ready for changing weather by packing extra layers, rain ponchos, and emergency space blankets. Know when to turn around in severe conditions.

Top 10 RV-Friendly Hiking Destinations

Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia National Park protects 65,000 gorgeous acres along the rocky Maine coastline. Over 45 miles of carriage roads and 120 miles of interconnecting trails traverse forests and granite mountaintops with panoramic views of islands and ocean as far as the eye can see. Must-see sights accessible by easy hikes under a mile include Thunder Hole, where waves crashing into a carved inlet in the cliffside resemble booming thunder, and the park’s highest point, Cadillac Mountain. Or try more challenging treks like the 4-mile Beehive Loop scramble offering non-stop vistas across Frenchman Bay.

The park offers 541 campsites at Blackwoods, Seawall, and Schoodic Woods campgrounds from May through October. No RV hookups are available, but sites accommodate rigs up to 45 feet long. Showers, dumping stations, and a camp store selling firewood, groceries, and souvenirs are onsite. Nearby private RV resorts like Smugglers Den in Southwest Harbor or Narrows Too in Bar Harbor also give convenient access to Acadia’s trails.

Zion National Park, Utah

Southern Utah’s awe-inspiring Zion National Park encompasses 146,000 acres of soaring red and white sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons carved by the Virgin River, and hanging gardens and waterfalls nourished by seeping springs. Popular short family hikes include the 2-mile Riverside Walk following the tumbling Virgin River and the Emerald Pools trails finishing at small waterfalls and reflection ponds ringed with vibrant wildflowers. More adventurous older kids will love exploring the infamous 16-mile “Grandaddy of Slot Canyons”, The Narrows, hiking along the riverbed between sheer 1,000-foot walls.

Watchman Campground offers 427 first-come, first-served sites from March through November for both tents and RVs up to 40 feet long (no hookups). Larger RVs can stay at commercial campgrounds in nearby Springdale like Zion Canyon Campground or Zion River Resort with full amenities. Shuttles into the park from Springdale help minimize traffic congestion on Zion’s limited roadways.

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

From alpine meadows strewn with columbine, Indian paintbrush, and other colorful wildflowers to serene mountain lakes and tumbling waterfalls, Rocky Mountain National Park’s355 miles of hiking trails traverse supremely scenic High Peaks backcountry. Enjoy easy yet exceptional hikes around sparkling Bear Lake, Fern Lake, or Chasm Lake boasting towering Long’s Peak vistas. Along the historic Old Fall River Road pass, kids will love spotting bighorn rams grazing near the Alpine Visitor Center at 11,800 feet elevation. More demanding climbing routes like Lumpy Ridge’s Devil’s Thumb reward intrepid preteens and teens with its namesake rocky outcropping 360° views.

The popular Moraine Park and Glacier Basin campgrounds offer 245 forested pull-through sites combined but book up 6 months in advance. No hookups are available, but flush toilets, dump stations, potable water, camp stores, and evening ranger programs make camping convenient. Off-season and last-minute RV travelers can opt for nearly 300 additional first-come, first-serve sites in the park as well.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, and North Carolina

Stretching across 800,000 acres and straddling the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park harbors incredible biodiversity, with more tree species than any other American national park. Over 800 miles of hiking trails trace rugged forests, wildflower meadows, rushing streams, and majestic mountain vistas. Family-friendly options include the flat, shady 3-mile roundtrip to Abrams Falls past enormous tulip trees and the 0.6-mile nature trail around the historic Mingus Mill. The famous Appalachian Trail and segments like the leg from Newfound Gap to Charlie’s Bunion offer challenging long-distance treks with exceptional panoramas for teen hikers.

The park’s 10 campgrounds with over 1,000 sites fill nearly every night during peak summer and fall foliage season. Make reservations up to 6 months in advance for Elkmont, Smokemont, and Cades Cove looping sites accessible for most motorhomes and travel trailers. Primitive backcountry camping is also available with proper bear-proof food storage precautions.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

As one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon astounds with its immensity, layers upon layers of rock strata, and gorgeous color palettes. Trails ranging from easy rimside rambles to daring multi-day treks descending into the canyon cater to all ages and abilities. Don’t miss the 13-mile Rim Trail skirting the South Rim with endless vistas of buttes, side canyons, and the Colorado River far below. Leisurely descent routes like the Bright Angel Trail or North Kaibab Trail allow kids to hike down below the rim and then ride the park shuttle back up. Thrill-seeking teens tackling hardcore Rim-to-Rim hikes will cherish that sense of accomplishment forever.

Mather Campground and Trailer Village RV Park offer over 500 combined paved pull-throughs and back-in sites year-round on the South Rim equipped with fire rings, picnic tables, and access to restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers. Water spigots, dump stations, and camp stores stocking firewood and groceries are available. North Rim campgrounds close seasonally due to heavy snowfall.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho

Boasting over 2.2 million stunning acres, Yellowstone National Park holds the greatest concentration of geysers, hot springs, and other geothermal wonders on earth, including its world-famous “Old Faithful”. Walk the 2.2-mile Midway Geyser Basin Loop to also view brilliant Grand Prismatic Spring and Excelsior Geyser. Less crowded trails like Lone Star Geyser Trail and Mystic Falls Loop offer wilderness solitude and abundant wildlife like bison, moose, bears, elk, and Bighorn sheep. Heart Lake Trail and Avalanche Peak cater to avid adolescent hikers able to handle steeper ascents and mileage for backcountry lake views.

The park’s 1,700 campsites at locations like Bridge Bay, Grant Village, Madison, and Fishing Bridge fill fast, especially during summer months. Non-electric tent and RV sites accommodate rigs up to 45 feet long at most campgrounds. Amenities include flush toilets, dump stations, and potable water. Shower facilities, camp stores with firewood and provisions for purchase, and ranger-led educational programs are available at select grounds.

Glacier National Park, Montana

Distinctive for its rugged mountain peaks, pristine forests, alpine meadows, crystalline lakes, and remnants of glaciers, Montana’s Glacier National Park provides over 700 miles of phenomenal hiking trails. Family-friendly routes include the Trail of the Cedars wandering among 500-year-old red cedars and the 1-mile path to Hidden Lake Overlook rewarded with panoramic vistas across wildflower-filled Logan Pass. Bolder overnight backpackers can traverse the legendary Highline Trail hugging Garden Wall along the Continental Divide.

The park’s 13 campgrounds offer over 1,000 combined sites, including some reservable ones at St. Mary KOA Holiday, Many Glacier, and Two Medicine. Sites fill very early in the high season. Most grounds provide flush toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, and fire grates but no hookup services. Dump stations and camp stores stocking limited groceries operate seasonally. If unable to snag an in-park spot, try offsite RV parks like Glacier Campground, Mountainside RV Park, or Smiley Creek on the park’s western boundary for easy access.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Under an hour’s drive west of Washington D.C. lies Shenandoah National Park. Encompassing 300 square miles of the serene Blue Ridge Mountains, the park contains over 500 miles of hiking trails following quiet streams, Byrds Nest No. 4 Summit, Dark Hollow Falls, and Rapidan Camp’s former presidential fishing retreat.

Matthews Arm and Big Meadows offer over 200 total RV and tent sites, available first-come, first-served. Most parks allow trailers/motorhomes up to 30 feet long. While camping amenities are basic with no hookups, the grounds have flush toilets, showers, and potable water. Offsite KOAs like Shenandoah Crossing and Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Luray provide full-service resort amenities and cottages along with trail access.

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Grand Teton National Park showcases the mighty Teton mountain range, alpine lakes shimmering sapphire blue, forested canyons home to moose and black bears, and wildflower meadows rippling with Indian paintbrush and shooting stars. Nearly 200,000 acres tempt outdoor adventurers with over 200 miles of pathways like the Lake Solitude Trail and backcountry routes including Paintbrush Divide and Alaska Basin for intrepid multi-day backpackers.

The park’s 1,000 sites across 6 campgrounds fill fast during summer but offer unmatched access to extraordinary hiking. Jenny Lake Campground provides outstanding proximity for tackling inspirational summits like 13,770′ Grand Teton but requires entering an online lottery for reservations many months ahead. Sprawling Colter Bay Village with 335 full hookup RV sites plus canvas cabins and tepees welcomes rigs over 30 feet long. Showers, laundry, groceries, and a marina are onsite too!

Yosemite National Park, California

From towering giant sequoia groves to roaring waterfalls flowering chaparral carpeting the valleys, Yosemite National Park is a natural wonderland. 750 miles of trails cater to hikers of every ability level. Trail highlights with incredible payoffs after modest mileage investments include views of Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls, and Half Dome from Glacier Point, the Mist Trail to thunderous Vernal and Nevada Falls, and the Mariposa Grove home to 500 mature sequoias. Wilderness use permits allow remote backpacking excursions to even more stunning sites like the Clark Range and Matterhorn Peak.

Open year-round, the four campgrounds in breathtaking Yosemite Valley with over 300 combined sites operated by an online lottery reservation system. Sites suit tents up to 30-foot RVs but lack electric, water, or sewer hookups. Dump stations, food lockers to stow gear safely from curious bears, and campsites stocking firewood operate seasonally. Curry Village and Housekeeping Camp in the heart of the valley offer tent cabins and heated hard-sided cabins with private baths for the ultimate in-civilized camping luxury after long days tackling the park’s epic panoramas!

No matter which awe-inspiring destination you ultimately select, factoring hiking opportunities into your RV travel plans lets your family strengthen meaningful bonds while creating wonderful memories together.

Additional Kid-Friendly Camping and Hiking Tips

Thoroughly plan driving routes and timeframes when road-tripping to your destinations to prevent long, tedious stretches of highway time cooped up in the RV. Schedule frequent stops at playgrounds, landmarks, or nature centers to let kids run around.

Ensure your RV is stocked with at least a week’s supply of non-perishable food, gallons of water, batteries, propane, medications, and other fundamental provisions so you don’t have to cut adventures short if stores are unavailable.

Research nearby campground amenities before booking sites. Choose locations offering swimming pools, sports areas, recreation halls offering family activities or movie nights, and children’s play areas.

Build regular leg-stretching stops into driving schedules every 2-3 hours. Let kids burn off pent-up energy climbing rocks, beachcombing, or roaming nature center trails for 20-30 minutes before hitting the road again.

When camping and hiking with children, patience and flexibility are essential. Go with the flow if kids get cranky or unpredictable weather changes plans. Spontaneous adventures sometimes forge the most meaningful memories!

Benefits of Hiking in RV-Friendly Areas

Selecting RV parks and campgrounds providing direct access to exceptional hiking opportunities enhances family vacations tremendously. Kids reap abundant benefits from active outdoor adventures connected to camping getaways, including –

Promoting Physical Fitness

Hiking’s low-impact cardio exercise builds young bodies’ strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance while developing lifelong fitness habits. Kids feel proud tackling ascents with their power and mastering new distances or terrain over time.

Stimulating Cognitive Growth

Engaging all senses fully immersed in nature boosts creative problem-solving, emotional intelligence, analytical ability, memory retention, and information-processing skills. Budding scientists examine wildlife, geology, weather, and plant life in situ, grasping concepts better than from textbooks alone.

Strengthening Bonds

Away from digital distractions, meaningful conversations, and shared challenges hiking together teaches compromise, teamwork, and empathy. Simple quiet meals cooked over campfires and nights spent stargazing from sleeping bags forge deeper family connections.

Boosting Mood & Self-Confidence

Exposure to fresh air, sunlight, exercise, and awe-inspiring scenery hike dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins, reducing stress hormones and anxiety. Overcoming obstacles like rugged miles or steep climbs breeds satisfaction and greater resilience.

Creating Lasting Memories

When kids grow up camping, hiking, and adventuring yearly, these rituals reinforce cherished nostalgia around beloved wild places and special times with immediate and extended family for decades to come.

The shared sense of wonder exploring mountains, canyons, waterfalls, wildlife sightings, and sleeping under starry night skies far from city lights leaves an indelible impact on impressionable young minds.

End Note

Exploring breathtaking national parks and forests by RV and foot makes for an unforgettable, bonding family experience. Choose kid-friendly hiking trails matched to your children’s capabilities and interests. Gear up properly for comfort, safety, and energy needs on the paths. Build in engaging games and plenty of snacks and scenery breaks to maintain young hikers’ enthusiasm all day. With thoughtful planning using these tips, your crew can create magical moments hiking together!

What are some good beginner hiking trails in national parks for 6-8 year olds?

Great choices include the Lower Yosemite Falls Trail in Yosemite National Park, the Savage River Loop in Denali National Park, and the Rim Overlook Trail in Crater Lake National Park. All are relatively flat, paved trails under a mile long with exceptional scenery sure to wow kids.

My kids get bored easily hiking. What games or gimmicks keep them motivated on trails?

Bring scavenger hunt checklists for things like different flower colors, animal tracks, bugs, acorns, and pinecones. Offer prizes or treats when they show you items found. Also play trail I-Spy, 20 Questions, Would You Rather, or rhyming games. Use novelty clip-on lenses or binoculars to make nature watching more exciting.

We want to camp in our RV near great hiking. What amenities and features should we look for?

Seeking campgrounds that offer convenient trail access, playgrounds, swimming pools, recreation centers with supervised kids’ activities, and ranger-led programs like night hikes or campfire talks. Electric/water hookup sites also make camping more comfortable.

What do I do if a kid gets injured hiking miles into the wilderness?

First, remain calm and assess if evacuation is necessary. Administer basic first aid using your well-stocked kit. If safe to walk out, assist them slowly back to the trailhead. If immobile or in distress, call emergency services to determine if a search and rescue operation is required.

My toddler can only walk a quarter-mile max. Are there any hikes where we can safely take her in an off-road stroller?

Many national park trails restrict anything but pedestrian use. However, stroller-accessible options include the Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains and the Pa’rus Trail in Zion National Park. Just confirm all-terrain stroller suitability before embarking since surfaces vary. Check online for specific accessibility details to find options for little ones.