Recreational vehicles generate noise and traffic and pollution that degrade or destroy the natural ecosystems of wilderness areas. The use of recreational vehicles requires the building of more and wider roads through wilderness areas, and of larger waste disposal systems. Most recreational vehicles have their own generators which are an additional source of noise and air pollution.
In 1995 there were over 9 million recreational vehicles in the USA. Recreational vehicles outnumbered tents three to one in national park campsites.
Recreational vehicles pose as much of a direct threat to parks as do mining and drilling activities.