Can you sleep anywhere in a national park?

Yes and No. Most national parks allow for “backcountry camping”, which is the terminology the National Park Service prefers to use. The NPS allows for backcountry camping in certain areas of each park. In some cases, a national park will restrict backcountry camping to designated campgrounds.



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National park visitors can choose from a wide range of lodgings, from simple and luxury tents to cabins and trailers. While some options provide more comfort, others are less expensive and may offer more adventure. Here's a look at lodging options at three of America's most popular parks.

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Yes, you can sleep in your car in Moab as long as you do so at a designated campground or RV park that allows for vehicle camping. Many campgrounds in the area specifically cater to RVs, vans, and car campers. To find a suitable location for car camping, check out Hipcamp.

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The next most affordable camping is in the National Parks ($14-$25 per night, plus a service fee) but these sites are hugely competitive. Be sure to book early if you're banking on staying here. For whatever reason, State Park campgrounds tended to be the most expensive on our trip ($30 per night).

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The only way to spend the night in the parks is to stay at a developed campground (reservations recommended), or hike to a backcountry campsite (free permit required). We have no hotels or lodges in the park. There are plenty of lodging and camping options outside the park.

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Can You Camp in Your Car in the Grand Canyon? Yes, the National Park Service allows you to sleep in your car inside the park, but you still need to reserve a campsite. You cannot just sleep in your car in a parking lot, for example.

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Yes, but you must be prepared and use common sense. With an air conditioned vehicle you can safely tour many of the main sites in Death Valley. Stay on paved roads in summer, and if your car breaks down, stay with it until help arrives.

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Is there cell service in Zion National Park? You can get solid cell reception (for a national park) in Zion, particularly toward the front of the park. It's also possible to get a signal in the surrounding town of Springdale, and in the Zion Lodge, where many adventurers stay the night.

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Winter (December-February): As mentioned, winters in the park are cold and snowy, with the average night temperature falling bellow 15°F.

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