When it comes to family camping, there are some great national parks that everyone in the family will enjoy staying at. Many campsites offer fire pits, picnic tables, and facilities—but not all. Some campgrounds have visitor centers nearby where kids can explore interactive exhibits and sign up for a Jr. Ranger Program. 

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Whether camping in an RV or planning on tent camping, plenty of family-friendly campgrounds are available. Below we will share some of the best national parks for family camping, from campgrounds in California and Wyoming to Maine and more. So grab your camping gear, water bottles, and camp chairs. It’s time to plan your next family vacation!

1. Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming)

Camping At Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park includes 12 campgrounds to reserve in total. Mammoth Campground is the only campground that offers first-come, first-serve between October 15 and April 1st. In addition, pay showers are available at three campgrounds: Canyon, Fishing Bridge RV Park, and Grant Village. 

The Canyon Campground is the best family camping area as it sits within a lodgepole pine forest (pretty!) and is near the Grand Canyon (a must-see). To explore the village, you can head to Canyon Village and stop at the various restaurants and stores.

  • Recommended Family Camping Area: Canyon Campground
  • Showers: Yes (Canyon, Fishing Bridge, Grant Village)
  • Toilets: Yes

2. Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)

Family Camping At National Parks

Also in Wyoming, the Grand Teton National Park includes 6 campgrounds, 1 RV park, and 1 tent village (don’t forget your sleeping bags!), all of which must be reserved in advance. Most campground sites include metal fire grates, bear boxes, picnic tables, potable water, and pay showers. 

Jenny Lake Campground or Signal Mountain Campground are the best campgrounds to stay at with children. Although these campground areas are also the busiest during the summer months, Jenny Lake has spectacular views and hiking trails.

  • Recommended Family Camping Area: Jenny Lake or Signal Mountain Campground
  • Showers: Yes (pay showers)
  • Toilets: Yes

3. Great Sand Dunes National Park (Colorado)

Family Camping Great Sand Dunes

Within the Great Sand Dunes National Park sits the Piñon Flats Campground, open between April and October (reservations recommended). You’ll find food storage lockers, potable water, and flush toilets (seasonal). There are no showers. 

Great Sand Dunes also has a high-clearance 4WD camping area and various campgrounds outside Great Sand Dunes. In addition, the visitor center features interactive exhibits and a Jr. Ranger Explorer Program that kids will love being a part of. 

  • Recommended Family Camping Area: Piñon Flats Campground
  • Showers: No
  • Toilets: Yes (flush toilets are seasonal)

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4. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (California)

Camping As A Family

Located in California the Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are located in California. The Sequoia & Kings parks include 14 campgrounds. Each campsite holds up to 6 people and includes a picnic table, fire ring, and metal food-storage box. Most campsites need reservations but not all. 

  • Recommended Family Camping Area: Lodgepole Campground
  • Showers: No
  • Toilets: Yes (flush toilets are seasonal)

5. Yosemite National Park (California)

Camping At Yosemite

Yosemite National Park includes 13 campgrounds and requests that families make reservations if planning to camp between April and September. Otherwise, first-come-first-serve usually fills up by noon. 

You will find showers at Curry Village and a mix of vault and regular toilets depending on which campground you stay at; creek water campgrounds have vault toilets and tap water campgrounds have regular toilets. Staying at one of the Yosemite Valley Campgrounds is recommended for families with kids. There is an easy and paved path for little ones at Lower Yosemite Falls. 

  • Recommended Family Camping Area: Yosemite Valley Campgrounds
  • Showers: Yes (Curry Village only)
  • Toilets: Yes (vault toilets and flush toilets)

6. Acadia National Park (Maine)

Camping With Kids

Located in Maine is the Acadia National Park, which includes 8 campgrounds. Two campgrounds are on Mount Desert Island, 1 campground is on the Schoodic Peninsula, and 5 lean-to shelters are on Isle au Haut. 

Blackwoods Campground is only 10 minutes away from the beach and is popular for families with children. All campgrounds should be reserved in advance, as there are no same-day reservations. Acadia National Park camping is open between May and October.

  • Recommended Family Camping Area: Blackwoods Campground
  • Showers: Yes
  • Toilets: Yes 

7. Zion National Park (Utah)

Camping With Children

Zion National Park has 3 reservable campgrounds: Watchman (in Zion Canyon and open year-round), South (closed in winter), and Lava Point Campground (1 hour away from Zion Canyon via Kolob Terrace Road, which is closed in winter). Each campground can hold a max of 6 people and 2 tents. 

Keep in mind that the South and Watchman campgrounds have little-to-no shade. Firewood, showers, and more can be found in Springdale. The Zion Nature Center is near the South Campground and includes the Jr. Ranger Program, for which kids can sign up.

  • Recommended Family Camping Area: South Campground 
  • Showers: No (pay showers in Springdale)
  • Toilets: Yes 

In conclusion, various U.S. National Parks are great for your next family camping adventure. Depending on your preferred camping weather and temperatures, you will likely find a campground that suits your family’s needs. 

Making early reservations is key to not losing out on a spot come family vacation time. Knowing what facilities are nearby is crucial if you need a shower or bathroom close. Lastly, it doesn’t hurt to pack some bear spray as many of these national parks are homes to plenty of curious bears.

Have you taken a family camping trip to a national park? If so, which park did you go to, and how was your experience?