Ah, there’s nothing like packing the car and hitting the road for a weekend camping getaway. Whether you’re heading to the beach, climbing scenic heights, or trekking into the forest, there is truly no limit to the amount of natural beauty you’ll come across on the road. However, as more travelers seek eco-friendly options, there is a growing need for reliable electric vehicle charging stations for those adventuring in EVs.
Since there are far fewer charging stations than gasoline stops across the country, venturing in your EV requires additional planning to ensure you have enough range between destinations. To help you on your next camping trip, here are 6 EV-friendly national parks that’ll keep you fully charged.
Camping with an Electric Vehicle
Since 2020, the number of EV charging stations has doubled. In February 2024, there were more than 61,000 publicly accessible electric vehicle charging stations with Level 2 or DC Fast chargers in the United States. This growing infrastructure has marked a major shift in the possibility of camping with an EV. However, the number still falls short compared to the 145,000 gasoline stations nationwide. When planning a trip in your EV, it’s essential to consider the availability of charging stations the further you travel from large urban areas toward your destination.
Six National Parks with Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
1. Yosemite National Park – California
Starting off our list of EV-friendly camping destinations is Yosemite National Park, located in California. Known as one of the most famous national parks for its picturesque landscapes, Yosemite also boasts more EV charging options than most other parks. There is an abundance of EV chargers throughout multiple entrances to the park and the surrounding areas, such as Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite Valley, and El Portal. An added benefit is the park’s year-round shuttle service, which you can use to explore as you wait for your car to charge.
Total EV Charging Stations: 6
Total EV Chargers: 9
2. Grand Canyon National Park – Arizona
The Grand Canyon, one of the most iconic natural landmarks in the country, is also becoming more accessible to EVs. To charge your EV when visiting the Grand Canyon, you’ll need to go to the South Rim, as there are no chargers at Desert View or in the North Rim. Head over to the Grand Canyon Village to find most of the park’s EV chargers, including 15 available for public use. If you own a Tesla, your only charging options are in Yavapai Lodge East. All EV chargers in the park are Level II.
Total EV Charging Stations: 7
Total EV Chargers: 27
3. Zion National Park – Utah
Zion National Park draws over 5 million visitors annually with its diverse landscape and soaring cliffs. Due to its popularity, the park has taken measures to increase the number of chargers it has to accommodate EVs. To charge your EV at Zion, you must go to either the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center or the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. Here, you will find dual port Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations. However, these require you to purchase a charge code and are not free. One code purchase will allow you to charge your EV at both locations. Additionally, many of the hotels outside of the park in Springdale have multiple chargers.
Total EV Charging Stations: 2
Total Chargers: 4
4. Everglades National Park – Florida
If you want to explore the country’s largest subtropical wilderness, you must head to Everglades National Park in Florida. Home to many species of birds, reptiles, and mammals, the 1.5 million-acre park also has multiple EV chargers to keep your adventure going. To find most of these chargers, venture to one of the following visitor centers: Shark Valley, Ernest F. Coe, and Flamingo. Each of these visitor centers features at least two chargers. If you’re looking for a DC Fast Charging option, head towards the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center.
Total EV Charging Stations: 4
Total Chargers: 10
5. Yellowstone National Park – Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park, the first national park in the country, is renowned for its geothermal features and diverse wildlife. Since then, the park has embraced the future of transportation by installing multiple electric vehicle charging stations at key locations, such as the Old Faithful Visitor Center and Canyon Village. With these stations, visitors can explore the park’s vast landscape without worrying about their battery life. However, Yellowstone doesn’t stop there. The park has announced its plan to transform the area into a regional hub for EV travel, further promoting its mission of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Total EV Charging Stations: 7
Total Chargers: 13
6. Olympic National Park – Washington
Located in Washington, Olympic National Park is a treasure trove of natural wonders with a perfect mix of rugged coastlines and lush rainforests. For EV drivers, the park is also an excellent destination. Olympic National Park has taken strides to support sustainable travel by installing charging stations at key locations. To charge your EV when visiting, head to Lake Crescent Lodge, Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, or the Lake Quinault Lodge. Whether you’re hiking through the park’s ancient forests or taking a dip in Lake Crescent, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your EV will stay charged throughout your trip.
Total EV Charging Stations: 4
Total EV Chargers: 9
Find EV Coverage That Works for You
Whether you’re considering trading in your car for an EV or have years of being electric, it’s important to always travel with the right insurance. Although there’s no difference between car insurance for electric or gas-powered vehicles, you may still want to consider higher limits to cover any potential repair or replacement costs. No matter where you are in the EV market, our team of insurance specialists can assist you with comparing auto insurance quotes from multiple providers. To learn more about how AIS can help, give us a call at (888) 772-4247 or start a free quote online.
The information in this article is obtained from various sources and is offered for educational purposes. Furthermore, it should not replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.
