20 RV Road Trip Ideas (Best RV Vacations for Families!)
Are you looking for some fun RV vacation ideas? Want to go on the best RV road trip ever?!
Perfect! You are in the right spot!
We recently rented an RV and tried it out! My family loved it! I highly recommend a family RV trip!
In this post, we are going to list some of the best RV road trips in the USA! From the East Coast to the West Coast and even Alaska, these locations are the best rv trips for families. Each section will list some fun things to do in the area and convenient places to camp with your RV.
Let’s explore some of the best RV trips with families!
If you want to save this information for later be sure to pin this to Pinterest
This post may contain affiliate links (Including Amazon) that will give me a commission at no additional charge to you.
Planning an RV Trip
Planning a RV vacation can be overwhelming. This post is not going to be a complete post on how to plan a RV trip, but will be focused on helping you create a RV route planner or an RV itinerary.
There are so many amazing RV routes in the USA. Rving across the country is an unforgettable experience. Traveling in an RV is the best way to Glamp! (meaning enjoy nature but not in a tent!)
Let’s get started with some RV road trip planning and then we will list some amazing RV destinations.
Rent an RV for a RV Road Trip
RVing is awesome! If you have an RV you know exactly what I mean. If you do not have an RV but are super interested in RVing, I highly recommend renting an RV.
There are a few companies out there that are sort of like Airbnb except they only rent out RV’s. RVShare is one of my favorites. One thing I like about RVshare is that you have all types of RV’s. There are luxury Airstream to standard RV Campers.
We used them last year and I would use them again and again.
Once you book an RV, you can start planning your RV vacation. If you already have an RV then you are ready to start planning!
Get Your Free USA Road Trip Guide
I created a fun 27-page USA road trip guide. There are fun ideas for road trips and places to stop in each area. Some of them are great for RV’s and others are better for cars.
If you would like a FREE copy, I will send you an email!
1. Hampton Beach New Hampshire RV Vacation
Experience a quintessential New England beach town from your RV! It is one of the best RV trips for families!
RV Vacation Ideas
Hampton Beach State Park is located along the Atlantic Ocean on the small 30-mile coastline of New Hampshire. The State Park is known for their on-beach RV park and offers beautiful views of white sand beaches, rocky jetties, and views of Hampton Harbor.
In addition to stunning scenery, the park has a ton of activities to do, especially for families. There are weekly fireworks, live music, dancing, and talent shows.
While the beach park is open all year, the RV park is only open from May 26- October 8. The RV park has 28 spots with full campsite hookups.
Reservations
Reservations can be made up to 12 months in advance on the ReserveAmerica site. Reservations will cost $30-50 dollars ($30 for day use only, and $50 for overnight) and will fill up quickly so book well ahead of time to get an RV spot.
Contributed By: Yourguidetowandering.com
2. East Coast RV Road Trip to Williamsburg Virginia
If you want to combine a love of East Coast historical sites and RVing. Traveling in an RV in Virginia is amazing!
Virginia RV Route
You can start at one of the best East Coast National Parks Shenandoah where you will be able to hike, horseback ride, and visit Luray Caverns. There are over 33 RV campgrounds in the area. But if you want to make this the best family RV trip head to the Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Luray.
Next, you can visit Monticello (Thomas Jefferson’s Estate) and Richmond as your head to Williamsburg.
There are so many fun things to do in Williamsburg. You can visit the historic triangle which includes Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown. You can also go to Busch Gardens Amusement Park which is one of the most beautiful parks in the country.
American Heritage RV Park is one of the best places to stay in Williamsburg.
3. RV Road Trip to South Carolina
RV Road Trip
Best RV Family Trip (Fun Things to Do)
4. RV Road Trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains
As a segment of the large Appalachian Mountains, the Blue Ridge Mountains are the perfect spot for an RV vacation in the USA.
After all, these incredible peaks stretch out for 550 miles from Pennsylvania all the way to Georgia.
RV Trip Destinations
However if you’re not sure where to park with your RV then you can stop at Spacious Skies Bear Den in North Carolina.
It sits right near milepost 324.8 of the wonderfully scenic Blue Ridge Parkway and features upwards of 13 miles of hiking trails that are just waiting to be explored.
Alternatively, you could also try Mount Pisgah Campground since it sits at the highest point of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is located a mere 40-mbutes from Asheville. Sliding Rock is also in the area and a fun local landmark to explore.
RV Itinerary (Fun Things to Do)
However, other fun things to do in the Blue Ridge Mountains include hiking segments of the Appalachian Trail, visiting Clingman’s Dome, exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and so much more.
Just don’t leave North Carolina without taking a unique ride aboard the historic Tweetsie Railroad in Boone.”
Contributed By: Southerntrippers.com
5. RV Road Trip to the Everglades Florida
The Everglades National Park, near Miami, is a must-see destination for RV enthusiasts looking for an unforgettable RV road trip vacation in the USA. With its vast expanse of unique wetlands and diverse wildlife, this natural wonder offers an unparalleled outdoor experience.
RV Road Trip
When it comes to RV camping, the Everglades offers a range of options. From tent camping to RV hookups, visitors can choose from various campsites throughout the park.
Long Pine Key Campground is popular, offering spacious campsites with electric and water hookups. Another option is the Flamingo Campground, which is situated at the park’s southern end and offers scenic waterfront views.
Family RV Trip (Fun Things to Do)
Once you’ve parked your RV, there is a wealth of activities to enjoy in the Everglades. One popular option is to take a guided airboat tour of the wetlands, which offers an up-close look at the park’s unique ecosystem and wildlife, including alligators, turtles, and birds.
Visitors can also explore the park’s hiking trails, rent kayaks or canoes, or enjoy a relaxing picnic by the water’s edge.
For those interested in learning more about the Everglades’ rich history and culture, several educational opportunities are available.
The Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center offers exhibits and programs that explore the park’s natural and cultural heritage, while the Nike Missile Site HM-69 Historic District provides a glimpse into the Cold War-era military history of the region. Shark Valley is another amazing place to check out in the Everglades.
Contributed By: Guideyourtravel.com
6. Minnesota North Shore Family RV Trip
One of the best RV road-trip vacations is the scenic North Shore in Minnesota. Hugging Lake Superior for nearly 150 miles, you’ll find stunning photo ops along the way.
RV Road Trip Route
Start your RV road-trip adventure in beautiful Duluth and drive all the way to Grand Portage located on the Canadian border.
While much of Highway 61 (aka North Shore) is two lanes, this scenic byway in Minnesota is RV-friendly. You’ll find adequate RV parking at most Minnesota North Shore state parks, waysides, and photo-op stops.
One of the best places for RV vacation camping areas on the North Shore is Temperance River State Park in Tofte, Minnesota. This scenic campground overlooks Lake Superior and is one of only four state parks on the Minnesota North Shore with electrical hookups for RVs.
RV Itinerary (Fun Stops to Make)
A few of the must-see RV road trip stops on Minnesota’s North Shore includes:
- Duluth harbor to watch ships come in (Lake Superior – the world’s largest freshwater lake looks and acts like an ocean)
- Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
- Gooseberry Falls State Park (four easy-to-access waterfalls)
- Lutsen Mountains Gondola Ride
- Black Sand and Pink Pebble Beaches
- Betty’s Pies (RV parking available)
This local’s guide to Minnesota’s most scenic drive for the perfect RV road-trip vacation on MN’s North Shore will help you on your way.
Contributed By: Kmfiswriting.com
7. RV Family Road Trip Michigan Upper Arm
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula offers wildlife, waterfalls, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and charming resort towns. For RVers, Woodland Park in Grand Marias offers Lakefront sites with views of Lake Superior.
It is one of the best RV vacations in the USA!
RV Vacation Route (Fun Stops Along the Way)
Lake Superior Brewing Company is a local favorite for dinner in Grand Marias & is a quick walk from Woodland Park. Grand Marias is famous for being at the dead end of Michigan Highway 77 & is the eastern gateway to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
From Woodland Park, take Highway 58 towards Munising for a scenic day trip with stops at Sable Falls, Grand Sable Dunes, Twelve-mile Beach, & Miner’s Castle.
In Munising, hop on a tour boat to see Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore up close, including waterfalls tumbling into Lake Superior over the cliffs only visible from a boat. On the way back to camp, stop and get some Pasties, a Northern Michigan hand-held meat pie that Yoopers love!
Before leaving Grand Marias, make sure to get out on the beach at night to hunt for Yooperlights , a fluorescent sodalite rock that glows under a black light.
Contributed By: Wanderwests.com
8. Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado RV Road Trip
If you’re looking for one of the best RV road trip vacation ideas in the US then you can’t beat Rocky Mountain National Park.
After all, this stunning alpine oasis is situated near Estes Park and features gorgeous mountains and amazing alpine likes that make it the fourth most visited national park in the country.
RV Vacation Campsites
So, if you’d like to visit with your RV you have a few options available to you. You could head to Moraine Park which offers spots for RVs up to 40-feet long.
Alternatively, you could stop at Moraine Park Campground with your RV as well. Just be aware that no RV sites within the park offer hookups. Therefore, for full hookups, you’ll need to head to Paradise on the River near Estes Park.
Also, be sure to make reservations well in advance since this park is extremely popular – particularly in the summer since the snow is gone and all of the trails are open.
RV Family Trip (Things to Do)
Other than that, enjoy some of the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park, like hiking to Dream Lake, Emerald Lake/Nymph Lake, taking a scenic drive along Trailridge Road, and visit Holzwarth Historic Site.
Contributed By: Foxintheforest.com
9. Wyoming Grand Teton National Park RV Road Trip
Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park is an RVers’ dream, with views of jaw-dropping mountains, wildflowers, and glacial lakes and campsites for every kind of camper.
It is one of the best RV destinations in the US!
RV Road Trip Campsites
Within the national park itself, you’ll find eight campgrounds with a variety of sites and amenities. In fact, six of these campgrounds are RV-friendly and five of them offer some kind of hook-up options.
For the boondockers out there, there are so many dispersed camping areas around Grand Teton, many of which offer incredible views of the famed jagged mountains—but totally for free!
RV Vacation Destinations (Fun Things to Do!)
Once you’ve found the right campsite, the park is full of outdoor adventures just waiting to be had. For example, consider hiking the Jenny Lake Loop, where you’ll walk along a flat loop along the shores of a glacial lake.
For more of a challenge, try the Delta Lake trail, where you’ll climb up a steep incline to the shores of another alpine lake with robin egg blue water, which sits in the shadow of a cartoonishly jagged mountain peak.
On a hot summer’s day, bust out an innertube, paddleboard, or kayak and jump into String Lake. The glacial water is clear, green, and quite chilly—but nothing feels better than cooling down under the hot Wyoming sun, with the epic Tetons towering above.
10. New Mexico RV Road Trip to Colorado
RV Driving Routes
RV Vacation Campsites
11. Scottsdale Arizona to the Grand Canyon
Arizona RV Route
12. RV Road Trip to Page Arizona
RV Vacation Campsites
13. Utah Family RV Road Trip HWY 89
Are you looking for a road trip that combines the beauty of nature with the convenience of having your own vehicle? If so, then an RV trip along Utah’s Highway 89 through some of the most beautiful sections of Utah is just what you need!
RV Road Trip Route
Start at Page Arizona for views of Horseshoe Bend and a dip in Utah’s Lake Powell. Pass through the town of Kanab where there are tons of hikes and slot canyons and where a 30-minute detour will take you to Zion National Park.
As you head north, another detour will take you to Cedar Breaks National Monument on your way to explore Bryce Canyon National Park. Drive through the iconic Red Canyon tunnel (you’ll want a picture here), and stop for some hiking and mountain biking in Bryce Canyon and the famous Thunder Mountain trail.
Hiking trails are numerous on this route allowing nature-lovers opportunities galore to see some wildlife or simply take time out and appreciate the picturesque scenery.
RV Camping Sites
Plus, camping spots abound offering any type of outdoor enthusiast room to spread their wings. The variety of RV-accessible camping is huge with everything from National Parks campgrounds to forest service camping, and several private campgrounds along the way.
While the route from Page to Manti is only 265 miles, you’ll want to spend at least 5 days to fully appreciate all that the area has to offer.
Contributed By: Utahkidsexplore.com
14. Las Vegas RV Road Trip
Picture this: a shimmering mirage in the Nevada desert, an oasis of neon lights and world-class entertainment. Yes, we’re talking about Las Vegas – but did you know that Sin City is also an incredible RV destination?
Las Vegas RV Vacation Campsites
Las Vegas boasts a variety of hotels and casinos that cater to RV travelers by offering designated parking areas. For instance, Circus Circus Hotel & Casino provides an exclusive RV park called The Circusland RV Park.
Another fantastic option for those that prefer Downtown Las Vegas, Main Street Station RV Park which is specifically designed for RVs up to 50ft provides easy access to the nearby casinos and on-site dining options.
For those seeking a more laid-back vibe while still being within arm’s reach of all the action on The Strip, look no further than Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort or Las Vegas KOA at Sam’s Town.
Both campgrounds offer top-notch facilities including full hookups, pools and hot tubs, 24-hour security services, and proximity to popular attractions.
Looking to get away from the crowds? Nature lovers will rejoice in knowing that the beautiful Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area lies just a short drive from downtown Las Vegas and also has a campground with RV parking available.
The allure of Las Vegas is undeniable – from the excitement of its casinos to its fabulous shows and restaurants, it’s no wonder that thousands of RV enthusiasts flock to this city each year.
Contributed By: ThreedaysinVegas.com
15. San Diego Family RV Trip
San Diego is one of the best places for a family RV trip!
RV Vacation Campsites
If you’re traveling with an RV, it can be hard to find a safe place to park it. In the San Diego area, there are a couple of excellent places that actually cater to RV road trip parking, primarily San Elijo State Beach Campground and Carlsbad State Beach Campground.
Both of these areas have a little over a hundred large campsites available that are perfect for fitting just about any size of RV! In addition, both campgrounds are located literally steps away from the beach.
RV Vacation Activities
This makes the area ideal for those keen on spending their days surfing, swimming, or simply sunbathing on the beach and enjoying the gorgeous surroundings!
And after a long day at the beach, you can explore the local food scene with some delicious tacos, burritos, and frozen treats!
So, if you’re looking to get a bit of beach camping in and fill your belly with amazing food, head on over to sunny San Diego!
16. Big Sur California
Big Sur, California is one of the most amazing places for an RV road trip. This epic, winding stretch of Highway 1 spans from San Simeon up to Carmel, and includes waterfalls, stunning vistas, and dramatic coastlines.
RV Itinerary (Stops to Make)
One of the best things to do in Big Sur is to sit back, and cruise along Highway 1, stopping at a few amazing viewpoints along the way like McWay Falls and Bixby Bridge.
The hiking in Big Sur is also excellent- a few must do’s are the hike to the Salmon Creek Waterfall and the Big Sur River Gorge Trail.
Big Sur is also lined with gorgeous beaches, like the large, horseshoe-shaped Sand Dollar Beach and Pfeiffer Beach, with its stunning rock formations.
RV Vacation Campsites
It’s also very easy to find a place to park your RV in Big Sur. Two of the best options for parking your RV in Big Sur are Fernwood Campground and Resort, and Big Sur Campground and Cabins.
Contributed By: Gathering Waves
17. Colombia River Gorge RV Vacation Ideas
Oregon is on the top of many RVers list and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic area is one of the reasons. This 80-mile stretch passes numerous waterfalls, hiking trails, scenic viewpoints and cute towns with great dining and drinking options.
Best RV Road Trip Routes
Note of caution: In some places the historic highway is twisty and narrow and may not be suitable for 5th wheels or larger RVs. Additionally, this area is known for windsurfing, so high-profile vehicles should look at the wind forecast.
Start from Portland and drive Interstate 84 to Troutdale and follow the History Highway signs. Your first stop will be The Portland Women’s Forum Scenic Viewpoint, where you’ll be perched high to get a bird’s eye view of the river and gorge below. Continue down to Crown Point lookout and explore the historic structure and exhibits.
RV Vacation (Stops to Make)
No trip to the Columbia River would be complete without a stop at Multnomah Falls, Oregon’s tallest waterfall and most visited tourist attraction. Take the easy 2.2-mile hike to the top of the falls and reward yourself with an ice cream cone at the historic lodge.
Other great hikes in the gorge include Latourell (easy 2.3 miles) and Horsetail Falls (easy 2.7 miles) where you can actually hike under the waterfall.
More Stops to Make
- Have lunch and shop the cute main street in Hood River. Drive the “Fruit Loop” and visit the various farm stands along way.
- Tour the Bonneville Dam, visit the hatchery and watch huge 1010-foot-long sturgeons, check out the visitor center, and watch salmon swim up the fish ladders.
- Try your hand and windsurfing or kiteboarding—or simply pack a picnic and watch others zip back and forth across the river.
- Take a two-hour cruise on the historic Sternwheeler.
RV Vacation Campsites
The best first come first serve campsites are located at the Port of Cascade Locks Marine Park 16 sites, 12 with power and water.
If that’s full, try Cascade Locks KOA . Just be mindful that the trains run through, so bring earplugs. You’ll be within walking distance of all Cascade Locks has to offer including Thunder Island Brewing and Bridgeside Restaurant (decent food, amazing views.)
The Colombia River Gorge is one of the best RV road trips in the US!
Contributed By: Solowomenrv.com
18. Olympic National Park RV Trip
Olympic National Park is a giant national park with so much to offer. In a couple of days, you can see a temperate rainforest, a stunning mountain range, and the rugged Olympic National Park coast.
It is one of the best RV trips out West!
RV Vacation Campsites
Since there are different areas in the park there are several different campgrounds to consider.
In the Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent area, consider Fairholme Campground near Lake Crescent. This would be an excellent base to spend time on the lake or get up to hike in Hurricane Ridge.
The Heart O’ the Hills Campground has an excellent location and RV spots. But, it’s a first come first served campground which can be stressful.
Log Cabin Resort is one of the only campgrounds in the park with shower access if that’s something you need.
In the Hoh Rainforest, your best bet is easily the Hoh campground. You can reserve your spot online. From your campsite, you can head to the visitor center to enjoy some of the easy hikes through the rainforest.
Along the coast, you’ll want to look into South Beach Campground. You can camp right on the beach. The views are incredible. But, it’s first come first serve so plan accordingly. Staying here is worth the effort!
Contributed By: Celiactravelpack.com
19. RV Road Trip to Mount Rainer
Visiting Mount Ranier is a paradise for nature lovers with its snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and vibrant wildflowers. For those seeking adventure, Mount Rainier offers a range of activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife watching.
RV Road Trip (Things to Do)
One of the best things to do while RV road-tripping around Mount Rainier is to explore the park’s hiking trails.
RV Trip Campsites
20. Alaska Kenai Fjords RV Road Trip
The Kenai Peninsula in Alaska is a perfect RV road trip destination, especially if you choose Seward or Homer Spit as your base, where there are RV parks with ocean views.
RV Vacation Campsite
One of the best places for an RV is Homer Spit Campground, which is usually open from early May through the first week of September. From the campground, you have a fantastic view of Kachemak Bay and the glacier tongues that flow into the ocean.
There are toilets, showers, drinking water, a dump station, and fire pits. Some sites have electricity.
RV Family Trip (Things to Do)
But most importantly, Homer Spit offers many outdoor activities. You can go halibut fishing because this is the halibut capital of the world. And after such a trip, you’ll have delicious fresh fish for your stay.
You can book a wildlife cruise in Katechemak Bay to see seals, whales, and puffins or rent a kayak. You can also walk along the beach or go hiking in the area. There are also many bald eagles here, which you can watch in the morning on the beach.
You can take a bear-watching trip from Homer to Katmai National Park or Lake Clark National Park. Both are only accessible by plane or boat as no road access exists.
Contributed By: Thevanescape.com
Best RV Road Trips in the USA
Are you ready for an incredible RV vacation? All of these RV Road trip ideas are perfect to create an RV itinerary!
There are so many amazing places to see in the United States! I know you will have a blast! Good luck picking the best family RV road trip destinations!
Facebook Group
If you have any questions about upcoming trips, come join me in my private Facebook Group. This group is a place where you can ask any question about your upcoming trip and help others plan their trips. It is also a place where I put travel deals.
I love this list of 20 RV road trip ideas! Ever since I was a kid, I have wanted to go on an RV road trip adventure….fast forward to now and I still haven’t made it happen! This list is giving me some great ideas though, and I may have to finally start planning an epic roadtrip. I want to start with Route 66 and then would eventually want to drive up the Pacific Coast for another trip and visit my old haunts in the Pacific Northwest….the Columbia River Gorge was one of my favorite places when I lived in Portland!
That would be an epic road trip!
So many RV road trips to plan — so little time. I love all your routes, they will make great family memories.
That is really what it is about!
These are all great ideas for RV trips. We do a lot of road trips; we’re just missing the RV–lol. We talk about it sometimes, and we had a pop-up camper once. Maybe getting an RV will be our retirement hobby.
I would suggust renting one to make sure you like it!
So many stunning scenic drives in the US! Perfect for summer RV road trips!
So many great options!
We love going on road trips. Currently we car camp our way. We have been considering changing to RV Road Trips.
We would do it again!
I have always wanted an RV. I just love the thought of being able to travel anywhere, while still having some home comforts like a bed, a TV and a usable toilet/kitchen! But with the fuel prices lately, it’s becoming a pipe dream!
It is pretty awesome! My kids loved being buckeled at the table instead of traditional seats!
Such a great list of rv road trip vacation routes! As a child, I always enjoyed rving. I haven’t been able to do so since I’ve been an adult but am always bringing up the idea to my husband. He’s not a camper and would prefer a hotel room any day. I would love to go rving to Big Sur or Olympic National Park.
Those would be beautiful areas!
What a great RV road trip list of ideas. We love adventures in our RV! Thank you for sharing these!
I am ready to hit the road!
I have been to several of these destinations and I think they would be perfect for an RV road trip!
There are some great choices!