--- title: "America Could Soon Get Its 64th National Park, but RVers Should Check These Two Length Limits" url: "https://camperfaqs.com/america-could-soon-get-its-64th-national-park-but-rvers-should-check-these-two-length-limits" author: "Tory Jon" published: "2026-10-12T09:39:42-05:00" modified: "2026-10-12T09:39:48-05:00" --- # America Could Soon Get Its 64th National Park, but RVers Should Check These Two Length Limits Arizona’s Chiricahua National Monument is a step closer to becoming America’s 64th national park. For RVers considering a visit, check your vehicle’s length before making reservations: your rig could fit in the campground but still be too long for the scenic drive. The proposed park has towering rock formations, miles of trails, and a campground with just 23 sites. Visiting in a larger motorhome or fifth wheel takes some planning, though nearby RV parks offer another way to enjoy the area. ## Congress Has Approved the Change The House passed the Chiricahua National Park Act in March, and the Senate passed it on September 30. According to the [Associated Press](https://apnews.com/article/a3964ae146d92ff74aa32be3f179d95a), the designation would make Chiricahua the nation’s 64th national park. As of October 12, a presidential signature had not been confirmed for this article. Chiricahua would also become Arizona’s fourth national park, joining Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, and Saguaro. This is an existing destination receiving a proposed new designation. Visitors can already camp, hike, and drive through the monument. Under the [legislation approved by Congress](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-119hr6380enr/html/BILLS-119hr6380enr.htm), the boundaries would remain the same. The bill also protects tribal access to traditional cultural and religious sites. It includes no provision for campground expansion, new RV hookups, or wider roads. ## What Visitors Can See at Chiricahua Chiricahua sits in southeastern Arizona, where tall stone columns and balancing rocks rise above wooded canyons. The [National Park Service](https://www.nps.gov/chir/index.htm) lists an eight-mile scenic drive and 17 miles of hiking trails. That gives visitors several ways to see the formations, from roadside views to longer walks among the rocks. At the end of the road, Massai Point offers views, exhibits, picnic tables, and a nature trail. A visit can center on the drive and shorter stops without requiring an all-day hike. However, getting there in the right vehicle deserves attention before the trip. ## The Campground Allows Up to 29 Feet. The Scenic Drive Stops at 24. Bonita Canyon Campground lists a maximum length of 29 feet for each vehicle or trailer, including attached racks. Beyond the campground, the scenic drive has a tighter limit. The park’s [vehicle restrictions](https://www.nps.gov/chir/learn/management/lawsandpolicies.htm) prohibit vehicles longer than 24 feet on that stretch of Bonita Canyon Road. Trailers are prohibited beyond the campground regardless of length. A 28-foot motorhome illustrates the problem. It could meet the campground’s length limit, provided the selected site can accommodate it, but it would be too long to continue up the scenic drive. Travel-trailer owners who camp inside the monument can leave their trailer at their reserved site and use a suitable tow vehicle for sightseeing. Day visitors without a campground reservation must disconnect trailers at Faraway Ranch before proceeding farther. These aren't new restrictions, but if you want to cross another National Park off your list, it's good to know before making the drive. ## A Creek Crossing Makes the Campground Limit More Than a Parking Issue The campground entrance includes a steep dip at a creek crossing. Longer vehicles can scrape or bottom out as they pass through. According to the [Recreation.gov campground listing](https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/250901), the 29-foot limit applies to each separate vehicle or trailer. The combined truck-and-trailer length must also fit within the reserved campsite’s driveway. That leaves two measurements to check: the trailer's actual exterior length, including its tongue and any racks, and the total space needed to park both vehicles. Even a rig within the stated limit may still have issues with rear overhang, low branches, uneven ground, or a difficult backing angle. This is where it's a good idea to read the individual site notes before reserving. Another detail can catch dry campers off guard: drinking-water faucets are available, but hose connections and RV tank filling are prohibited. Arrive with your freshwater tank prepared for the stay. ## Just 23 Campsites, With No Hookups The [Bonita Canyon Campground page](https://home.nps.gov/chir/planyourvisit/bonita-canyon-campground.htm) lists 23 sites, all available by reservation. Those are total campsites, not 23 spaces suitable for RVs. Standard sites currently cost $25 per night. Campers have flush toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, and raised grills, but no hookups, showers, or dump station. Generator hours are limited to 8–10 a.m. and 4–6 p.m. Cell reception is unreliable, so download maps and reservation information before arriving. Reservations are especially important in October, during holidays, and from January through April, when the campground often fills. Larger suitable sites can be harder to secure. Year-round camping also comes with an Arizona weather reminder: this campground sits at roughly 5,400 feet. Winter nights can reach freezing or below. Entry to Chiricahua currently remains free, according to the park’s [fees page](https://www.nps.gov/chir/planyourvisit/fees.htm?fullweb=1). The campground charge is separate. ## Where Larger RVs Can Stay Owners of larger rigs can camp outside the monument and visit in a smaller vehicle. NPS specifically recommends that approach in its [driving directions](https://www.nps.gov/chir/planyourvisit/directions.htm), pointing RV travelers toward Willcox or Sunizona. Willcox has options with considerably more room than Bonita Canyon. The [Willcox Wine Country KOA Holiday](https://koa.com/campgrounds/willcox/site-type/rv-camping-sites/) lists extra-long pull-through sites measuring 80 to 100 feet, with full hookups. Another option, [Fort Willcox RV Park](https://www.ftwillcoxrvpark.com/), advertises big-rig access, pull-through sites, and water, sewer, and 30/50-amp electrical service. Staying outside adds a drive to the visit, but it gives larger RV owners access to hookups and room to park. Bring food, water, and enough fuel for the outing; services are limited near the monument. For anyone adding Chiricahua to an Arizona trip, the practical decision starts with the rig. Smaller campers may be able to stay among the trees at Bonita Canyon. Larger setups are better served by a nearby RV park and a separate vehicle for the drive up to Massai Point.