There’s something unforgettable about being among the first to roll into a new national park. The trails feel untouched, the campsites quiet, and the scenery somehow even more special, because you’re discovering it before the rest of the world does.

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For RVers and campers, newly designated national parks offer a chance to escape the crowds, experience raw beauty, and find new favorite spots before they’re in every travel magazine. And from 2023 to 2025, the U.S. has added a handful of exciting destinations to the National Park System, with more waiting in the wings.

In this guide, we’ll explore what’s new, what’s changing, and how you can be among the first campers to explore America’s next great national parks.

What You’ll Learn in This Article

  • Which national parks and monuments were recently designated (2023–2025)
  • What makes these parks worth visiting and camping in right now
  • What changes in 2025 affect camping (reservations, rules, RV limits)
  • Which areas might be the next official national parks, and how to visit early

Why New National Parks Matter to Campers

Camping in a national park has always been a bucket-list experience. But as America’s love for public lands grows, so does the crowd. In 2023 alone, the National Park Service recorded 325.5 million visits, a 4% increase from 2022. Popular parks like Yosemite, Zion, and Yellowstone now book out months in advance, and that’s assuming you can find a parking spot when you get there.

That’s why newly designated parks are such a big deal. They offer a fresh start, for both nature lovers and the land itself. Places like New River Gorge National Park & Preserve in West Virginia, which became the 63rd national park in 2020, give campers the chance to explore dramatic scenery, world-class recreation, and wide-open spaces without battling long lines or overbooked campgrounds.

And beyond the adventure, visiting these parks early creates a sense of connection. You’re part of their story from the start.

What’s New: The Latest National Parks (2023–2025)

Over the past few years, the national park system has expanded to include a rich mix of rugged mountains, coastal views, historical landmarks, and Indigenous sacred lands. While not all new designations are full “national parks” yet, each is protected and offers excellent opportunities for camping and exploration.

New River Gorge National Park & Preserve (West Virginia)

Officially redesignated in late 2020, New River Gorge has quickly become a top destination for climbers, whitewater rafters, and backcountry campers. With over 1.7 million visitors in 2023, it’s no longer a secret, but it’s still far more accessible than some of the legacy parks. You’ll find campgrounds both in and around the preserve, including spots for RVs.

Frances Perkins National Monument (Maine)

Designated in 2024, this coastal site honors the life of Frances Perkins, the first woman to serve in a U.S. Cabinet position. The area offers quiet hiking trails, educational signage, and access to scenic shoreline, perfect for relaxed, reflective camping. Nearby state parks and private campgrounds provide RV accommodations just a short drive away.

Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni National Monument (Arizona)

This massive stretch of desert land,  nearly 1 million acres, was designated in 2023 to protect the ancestral lands of Indigenous nations near the Grand Canyon. Managed jointly with Tribal groups, it’s a place of cultural reverence and natural beauty. While it’s not a developed national park, backcountry camping is permitted in some zones, and nearby RV-friendly areas make it an adventurous stop for well-prepared travelers.

Camp Hale, Continental Divide National Monument (Colorado)

Named in 2022, Camp Hale preserves the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division, a WWII unit that trained for mountain warfare. It’s now a high-alpine playground for hikers, history buffs, and campers looking for scenic views with a backstory. Located near Vail, the area offers boondocking options and developed campgrounds in surrounding national forest lands.

What Makes These Parks Unique for Campers

What sets new parks apart isn’t just the lack of crowds; it’s the variety of experiences they offer. You won’t find long shuttle lines or souvenir shops here. Instead, you’ll encounter the kind of raw, immersive nature that feels personal and untouched.

Take New River Gorge, for example. Its blend of dramatic cliffs and whitewater rapids makes it a haven for adventure-seekers. Campers can pitch a tent or park an RV right near the action, then spend the day climbing, paddling, or exploring miles of hiking trails.

At Frances Perkins, the experience is entirely different, quieter, more reflective. Imagine early-morning walks along the rocky Maine coastline, camp coffee with a sea breeze, and campsites tucked away from the crowds.

And then there’s Camp Hale, where towering peaks meet history. Here, camping isn’t just scenic, it’s a direct link to America’s outdoor legacy.

Each park offers something different: coastal beauty, desert solitude, forested trails, or mountain air. For campers, that diversity is gold.

Planning Your Visit in 2025: What’s Changed?

As new parks open and old ones get busier, rules around camping have evolved. If you’re planning a 2025 road trip, here’s what to expect:

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Reservations & Permits

Many parks now require timed entry reservations or parking passes, even outside peak season. Others, like Arches and Rocky Mountain, have adopted digital lottery systems for trail access. It’s crucial to check the park’s page before you go, especially for backcountry camping or vehicle-based permits.

Campground Regulations

Expect tighter controls on things like firewood (to prevent pests), generator hours, and maximum stay durations. Many sites now have 14-day limits or require you to move camp after a set number of nights.

RV Restrictions

Some newer sites, especially those with rugged or narrow roads, may not support Class A RV or longer trailers. Before visiting, check whether the park allows your rig’s length and weight. Some also lack dump stations or potable water, so self-contained setups may be necessary.

Future National Parks on the Horizon

A few places across the country are gaining traction as potential future national parks,  and they’re already open to visitors who want to explore before the crowds arrive.

Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument (Maine)

Bordering Baxter State Park, this vast and wild area offers breathtaking views of Mount Katahdin. It’s a remote, off-grid experience,  ideal for boondockers and tent campers looking to disconnect. Public support for national park status is growing, and it may be only a matter of time.

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park (Georgia)

Home to 17,000+ years of Indigenous history, this site near Macon has become a top candidate for full national park status. There’s a strong cultural and ecological case for its upgrade, and if approved, it would become the first national park in Georgia.

Shawnee National Forest (Illinois)

Spanning hundreds of thousands of acres in southern Illinois, Shawnee has long been a favorite of Midwest campers. Local advocacy groups are pushing for redesignation, and with its sandstone formations, dense forests, and RV-accessible campgrounds, it’s a worthy contender.

Visiting these places now lets you experience them before they’re nationally recognized, and gives you a story few others can tell.

Resources to Stay Updated on Park Changes

National park designations and camping regulations can change fast. Here’s where to stay in the know:

Be Among the First to Discover America’s Next National Parks

There’s no better time than now to plan your next national park adventure, especially if you want to experience it before the tour buses arrive. New parks and monuments are opening up opportunities for campers who want something real: wild spaces, quiet mornings, star-filled nights, and trails you don’t have to share.

So get your RV ready, check those reservation windows, and start exploring. With the right planning, you can be among the first to discover America’s next iconic park.

And don’t forget,  share your favorite new park or upcoming trip with the RoverPass community. We’re all on this adventure together.

FAQs: New National Parks

What are the newest national parks?

As of 2025, the newest additions include New River Gorge (WV), White Sands (NM), and Indiana Dunes (IN). Frances Perkins was added as a national monument in 2024.

Will there be a 64th national park soon?

It’s possible. Ocmulgee Mounds in Georgia and Katahdin Woods and Waters in Maine are strong candidates, but these redesignations require congressional approval and public support.

What is the 63rd national park?

That title goes to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, which was redesignated in December 2020.