Unexpected Amenities You May Not Get At A US National Park Campground

When it comes to planning a camping trip to a U.S. national park, there's a long list of things you'll want to keep in mind in order to ensure a smooth, comfortable, and (most importantly) enjoyable experience. From how to pack light and still stay prepared to checking weather forecasts, booking reservations, planning your route, researching local wildlife, and understanding park regulations, preparation is key before you can hit the ground running on your outdoor adventure.

However, beyond the essentials, there are also plenty of comfort-related questions that won't necessarily make or break your trip — but can significantly impact the overall enjoyment of your stay. Some of these questions include ones as simple as: Will the campground have access to showers? Can I pay a little extra for a convenient electricity hookup? Is there access to Wi-Fi, or are those Instagram-worthy photos gonna have to wait?

The answer is ... it depends on where you're going. After all, much like any other form of travel, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to national park campsites — which ultimately means there are plenty of campers who are often surprised to find out that these so-called "common amenities" are absent. Because, believe it or not, not all campsites across U.S. national parks have access to things like hot showers, RV hookups, dumping stations, or pet-friendly services. And, ultimately, it's in your hands to make sure you choose one that meets all of your requirements — unless you're willing to adapt to a more rustic experience at the last minute.

Despite the expectations that many campers might have, the truth is that amenities can vary widely between national parks — and even between campgrounds within the same park. For example, let's take a look at one of the most sought-after commodities: showers. According to a breakdown by the team at RinseKit in 2023, a whopping 68.3% of national parks actually don't have access to on-site shower facilities or stations — which means that visitors have to fend for themselves when it comes to rinsing off. 

So, while popular parks like Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Yosemite might have pay-for showers at select campgrounds, there still are plenty of others that don't provide this convenience. Destinations like Great Smoky Mountains and Zion National Park, for example, are two well-known names that have no shower services. From there, and beyond the comfort of a nice, hot (or lukewarm) shower, other common amenities that you shouldn't simply expect to be available at national park campgrounds — unless stated by the park on its official website — include things like electricity hookups, Wi-Fi access, and, in some more rural or backcountry sites, even flush toilets.

If all these ifs and buts about amenities have left you reeling, the good news is that most potential snafus can be easily avoided with a little preparation. First things first, start your planning by visiting the official park website — officially managed and updated by the National Park Service — and reading through the visitor guidelines and recommendations. These are a good indicator of what you can expect to find at the campground in terms of amenities, as well as other information like nearby attractions, dining options, and seasonal wildlife advisories. From there, you'll have a much better idea of what to expect before your arrival — like whether or not you need to start prepping for a handheld bucket shower, or no shower at all.

As for actually choosing the best campsite at your campground, it all depends on what you're hoping to get out of the experience and how comfortable you want to be. In most cases, we recommend putting together a list of "non-negotiables" that you're unwilling to compromise on, looking into the options at each campground, and then deciding on your spot from there. Because whether you're all about proximity to restrooms, non-rocky ground for tents, or always on the hunt for perfect shade coverage, knowing your priorities will help you choose the most suitable site for your needs.

At the end of the day, however, it's really all about perspective. As most avid outdoor enthusiasts will tell you, a camping trip is more than just a night under the stars — it's an opportunity to reconnect with nature and embrace a simpler way of life. So, while some modern conveniences might be missing, the scenery, fresh air, and unique experiences will more than make up for it.