There’s no better way to explore the U.S. than embarking on a cross-country RV trip! Whether you want to see the Rocky Mountains or drive along the historic Route 66, we have the perfect road trip options for you. Check out the six best U.S. RV road trips below!
- California Road Trip
- Gulf Coast Road Trip
- New England Road Trip
- Pacific Northwest Road Trip
- Rocky Mountain Road Trip
- Route 66 Road Trip
California Road Trip
- Total Distance: ~820 miles
- Estimated Drive Time: 16.5 hours
- Locations: Anaheim, Los Angeles, Sequoia National Park, Yosemite National Park, San Jose, Monterey, Big Sur
California has major cities, beautiful beaches, and impressive national parks. Whether you’re cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) or making pit stops at must-see beaches and mountain ranges, embarking on a California RV trip affords plenty of unique opportunities to discover all The Golden State has to offer.
Anaheim, CA
From theme parks to regional parks, there’s so much to see and do in eclectic Anaheim. Enjoy quick access to major attractions including beaches and theme parks by staying at Anaheim Harbor RV Park. Take a step into “The Happiest Place on Earth”—the original Disneyland—which offers plenty of options for RV parking. Get up close with natural wildlife at regional parks near Anaheim like Santiago Oaks Regional Park, Yorba Regional Park, or Featherly Regional Park. Or spend an evening touring some of Anaheim’s best breweries!
Los Angeles, CA
Get your PCH road trip rolling with a stop in Los Angeles! Not only is the weather warm year-round, but there are plenty of things to do in L.A. Embrace the nice weather by relaxing on the beach, shopping near the coast, or walking along the Santa Monica Pier at Santa Monica Beach. Be the ultimate tourist and hit up favorites like the Griffith Observatory, Hollywood Sign, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. And enjoy some delicious Korean BBQ in Koreatown before hitting the road again.
Sequoia National Park
Before making your way further north, RVing in California has to include a trip to the rugged foothills of Sequoia National Park. Named after its massive sequoia trees—including the world’s largest tree, General Sherman—the park serves as a great place for outdoor camping, backpacking, and watching wildlife. Plus, Sequoia National Forest is home to over 1,000 miles of natural trails for you to hike, including Long Meadow Grove’s Trail of 100 Giants!
Yosemite National Park
Visited by over 3.5 million tourists each year, Yosemite National Park is a renowned spot and one of the best places for outdoor enthusiasts going on a West Coast RV road trip. Go horseback riding on stock-use trails, raft down the Merced River, or rock climb the rough cliffs of the Tuolumne Meadows. Or appreciate the park’s biological diversity—including shimmering waterfalls and deep glaciers—by hiking to observation sites like Yosemite Falls or Tunnel View.
San Jose, CA
Go road-tripping in California down to San Jose for vibrant cultural experiences and top attractions! Hike and bike through high-elevation trails featuring deep caverns and towering redwoods at Castle Rock State Park. Appreciate exhibits celebrating Japanese art and culture at the Japanese American Museum of San Jose, or browse the shops and restaurants down at Vietnam Town. Or dare yourself to walk down the haunting hallways of the Winchester Mystery House.
Monterey, CA
If you’re looking for seaside recreation with the bonus of seafood, add Monterey to your RV road trip itinerary. Go sailing, whale watching, or cast your line off the Old Fisherman’s Wharf pier. See marina wildlife up close such as California sea lions, bay ghost shrimp, or apple anemones at Monterey Bay Aquarium. Or pull out a chair for Monterey seafood with Salmon Tacos at Crab House, Calamari Steak at Cafe Fina, or Sandbar Cioppino at Sandbar & Grill.
Big Sur, CA
Gorgeous beaches, lush forests, and rocky cliffs are just a few of the features that make Big Sur special. Go hiking or relax on the sandy shores of Pfeiffer Beach just off the trails of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park—which offers RV-friendly campgrounds. Observe marine life at the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Experience the Big Sur coastline up close, watch the sunset from the shore, and more at Limekiln State Park. And end your trip by marveling at the McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
Gulf Coast Road Trip
- Total Distance: ~1,320 miles
- Estimated Drive Time: 20.5 hours
- Locations: Corpus Christi, Houston, Kisatche National Forest, Biloxi, Panama City Beach, Orlando
It’s hard to imagine an RV road trip that doesn’t include travels along the sunny Gulf Coast. Whether you’re hoping to RV near Disney World or take a dip in the ocean, a Gulf Coast road trip is perfect for a family summer vacation or an adventurous spring break!
Corpus Christi, TX
Trade in the open road for some relaxation time at beaches in Corpus Christi. Windsurf, swim, camp, and explore the lagoon at Padre Island National Seashore. Discover popular attractions and learn about the Navy’s history onboard the USS Lexington. Squeeze in some time with marine life like sandbar sharks, green sea turtles, or Atlantic stingrays at Texas State Aquarium. Or head into town for great Corpus Christi food at Republic of Texas Bar & Grill, Doc’s Seafood & Steaks, or La Playa Mexican Restaurant & Cantina.
Houston, TX
There’s so much to do in Houston, you may want to stay longer just to fit it all in! Visit renowned tourist attractions like the Space Center Houston, Houston Zoo, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and the Battleship Texas Foundation. Soak up some sun at one of the many beaches near Downtown Houston. And don’t forget to hit up amazing Tex-Mex restaurants in Houston like Pappasito’s Cantina, Los Tios, and Armandos.
Kisatchie National Forest
Want to move your motorhome vacation away from the beach? Make your way into Louisiana and spend some time navigating the lush wilderness at Kisatchie National Forest. With plenty of RV-friendly camping areas, park your camper and take a few days to hike, bike, horseback ride, canoe, and more. You can always pop into nearby Alexandria if you need a further change in scenery, too!
Biloxi, MS
Not only can you hit the beach and swim in the warm Gulf of Mexico waters near the city of Biloxi, but there’s plenty to do in town, as well. Learn about the Gulf Coast’s seafaring and seafood history at the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum. Test your luck at Beau Rivage Casino. Take in amazing Mississippi views at the landmark Biloxi Lighthouse. And get your hands on some of the best seafood in Biloxi with Cajun specials from The Reef, Taranto’s Crawfish, and Half Shell Oyster House.
Panama City Beach, FL
One of the best summer vacations in Florida, Panama City Beach is perfect for spring breakers and families alike. You can experience waterfront recreation ranging from snorkeling and diving to swimming with dolphins in PCB. Strap into heart-racing thrill rides like The Dragon Wagon, The Vertical Accelerator, or The Cobra at Cobra Adventure Park. See oddities, watch a 7D movie, and find your way out of a mirror maze at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum. Or stay out all night at one of many Panama City Beach dance clubs!
Orlando, FL
Orlando is one of the most RV-friendly cities and a great starting or ending point for your RV vacation! Visitors can spend several days at theme parks alone with fantastic destinations in Orlando like Disney World, Universal Studios, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and SeaWorld. Or you can head north to camp, fish, kayak, horseback ride, and more at Ocala National Forest.
New England Road Trip
- Total Distance: ~730 miles
- Estimated Drive Time: 14.5 hours
- Locations: Bar Harbor, Bristol, Lincoln, Cape Cod, Mystic, Catskill
Looking for the best East Coast RV trips with scenic drives? Add the Northeast Atlantic to your travel itinerary—especially if you plan to travel in autumn! You’ll discover lighthouses, quaint oceanside towns, and tons of Colonial charm by RVing in New England.
Bar Harbor, ME
The small town of Bar Harbor is known for its natural charm and wonderful views! Park your RV at Bar Harbor Campground and spend some time hiking through the mountains and wandering the shoreline at Acadia National Park. Once you’ve hiked, biked, and rock climbed to your heart’s desire, head into town for great Maine seafood like Ahi Tuna Poke from Geddy’s or a Lobster Roll from Thirsty Whale Tavern.
Bristol, ME
The historic villages of Bristol Mills, Chamberlain, New Harbor, Pemaquid, and Round Pond all make up the quiet New England town of Bristol, giving you plenty to see and do! Head to the lighthouse at Pemaquid Point for beautiful views of the Gulf of Maine. Find a spot near the water where you can park your travel trailer at Lake Pemaquid Campground. Or enjoy fresh seafood selections like Oysters, Lobster Chowder, or the Crab Cake Plate at Muscongus Bay Lobster.
Lincoln, NH
Set right in the middle of White Mountain National Forest, you’ll never want to leave Lincoln once you visit. From the scenic views of Kancamagus Highway (also known as NH-112) to walking through the amazing Ice Castles, there’s a little something for everyone in this New Hampshire town. If you want more adventurous activities, go ziplining with Alpine Adventures or spend a weekend skiing and snow tubing at Loon Mountain Resort.
Cape Cod, MA
Navigate the stunning Massachusetts coast in your RV and make your way into Cape Cod! A breathtaking spot to visit, you’ll find a plethora of sandy beaches, golf courses, and seaside diners here. Dip your toes in the water or relax under the sun at Chapin Memorial Beach. Learn about the true tale of the sunken Whydah Gally pirate ship and its treasure at the Whydah Pirate Museum. Or get acquainted with the city by visiting each of Cape Cod’s 14 lighthouses!
Mystic, CT
Located near the Connecticut-Rhode Island border, the small town of Mystic is filled with history, great views, and good food. Check out the Charles W. Morgan, the last wooden whaleship in the world, located at the Mystic Seaport Museum. Go hiking or bird-watching for Hooded Mergansers and Red-bellied Woodpeckers at the Peace Nature Sanctuary. Try traditional New England seafood like the Crunchy Buttermilk Cod at S&P Oyster Restaurant, or grab delicious slices of Hawaiian and BBQ Chicken Pizza at the film-featured Mystic Pizza.
Catskill, NY
Drive up into Hudson Valley to the city of Catskill, where you can experience all kinds of outdoor recreation. Enjoy boating, picnics, and Hudson River views by stopping at Dutchman’s Landing Park. Make your way across the river to fish, trap, and learn more about upland and wetland habitats at Rogers Island. Or, if you want to spend more time in the mountains, set up at Brookside Campground and head into the valleys of Kaaterskill Wild Forest, where you can see the two-tier Kaaterskill Falls.
Pacific Northwest Road Trip
- Total Distance: ~950 miles
- Estimated Drive Time: 16.5 hours
- Locations: Olympic National Park, Seattle, Portland, Roseburg, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Lake Tahoe
The Pacific Northwest’s dense forests and gorgeous streams are not only ideal for van life road trips, but also for RV travelers seeking an outdoorsy road trip. Though you’ll spend a lot of time in national parks and forests from Washington to Northern California, you’ll also get the chance to stop in bigger cities along the way.
Olympic National Park
Just a few hours from Seattle sits Olympic National Park, one of the most beautiful national parks in the Pacific Northwest. With outdoor activities like boating, fishing, climbing, and camping, there’s no shortage of things to do while you’re there. Have a small travel trailer shorter than 21 feet? Set up camp for the night right in the park! If you’re hauling a big rig, hop over to Cove RV Park instead to unhitch your travel trailer.
Seattle, WA
With the views of Puget Sound and Mount Rainier, and plenty of RV campgrounds, road trippers will love visiting Seattle. Pick up a coffee from the original Starbucks location. See panoramic views of Downtown Seattle and nearby mountains at the top of the iconic Space Needle. Check out local craft stores, farmers, and buskers, or watch a fish-throwing show at Pike Place Market. And don’t forget to explore eclectic exhibits about science fiction, gaming, film, and more at the Museum of Pop Culture!
Portland, OR
Park your RV and explore all that quirky Portland has to offer! Take a peaceful walk through curated collections of magnolias, peonies, camellias, and more at the Lan Su Chinese Garden. Attend keeper talks and participate in animal activities at the Oregon Zoo. Stop for craft beer at one of Portland’s breweries, such as Zoiglhaus Brewing Company, Culmination Brewing, or Occidental Brewing. And of course, no Pacific Northwest RV trip would be complete without stops at Multnomah Falls and Mt. Hood.
Roseburg, OR
Whether you’re coming from the north or south on your RV road trip, the city of Roseburg is a great place to stop! Not only is this small town set in the scenic Umpqua River Valley, but there’s plenty to keep you busy. Tour vineyards and taste fine Oregon wines at Abacela Winery or Spangler Vineyards. Grab your golf clubs and hit the green at Stewart Park Golf Course. Or take a short drive to go camping, hiking, and kayaking with gorgeous views of crystal clear water at Crater Lake National Park.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Located in Northern California, make a stop at Lassen Volcanic National Park. Here, you can spend the day hiking more than 150 miles of California trails to see volcanic peaks and mountain meadows—and be sure to stop by the hydrothermal areas while you’re there! Of course, you can go fishing, boating, and skiing in this national park, as well. When you’re done for the night, head back to your campground for some incredible stargazing!
Lake Tahoe
Break out your bathing suit and get to the sparkling waters of Lake Tahoe! Spend the day sunbathing, swimming, kayaking, or hiking around the lake. Enjoy camping and boating at Emerald Bay State Park. At night, break out some s’mores for the campfire and sleep under the stars. And if you’re planning a winter RV trip, be sure to hit the ski slopes in Tahoe!
Rocky Mountain Road Trip
- Total Distance: ~1,040 miles
- Estimated Drive Time: 19.5 hours
- Locations: Sawtooth National Forest, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Medicine Bow National Forest, Rocky Mountain National Park, White River National Forest
If you’re searching for some of the best national park road trips, look no further than the Rockies! Follow the Rocky Mountains from Idaho to Colorado to see some of the most beautiful natural wonders America has to offer.
Sawtooth National Forest
A Rocky Mountain RV trip promises breathtaking views and frequent adventure along the way, and Sawtooth National Forest delivers on both fronts! Here, you can spend the day hiking, horseback riding, watching herds of elk, and more. Once you’ve had your fill of nature, head into Stanley, ID, and explore the charming downtown area. Grab a Buttermilk Flapjack Stack for breakfast or sip on the House Cider at the old-fashioned saloon at Mountain Village Restaurant.
Yellowstone National Park
You could spend weeks weaving through the geologic wonders at Yellowstone National Park! See the famous geyser Old Faithful, go camping in the backcountry, and catch a glimpse of black bears, moose, and bison. No matter what you choose to do or where you plan to stay, just be sure to make a reservation ahead of time, as Yellowstone RV parks fill up fast.
Grand Teton National Park
Get your fix of hiking among alpine glaciers, boat down the Snake River, go cross-country skiing, and more at Grand Teton National Park! This wintery getaway is home to over 300 species of birds and 1,000 species of plants, including staggering conifers. If you want to experience even more of the diverse Wyoming landscape after you leave, head west to go camping, hiking, and picnicking in the striking plateaus of Shoshone National Forest.
Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests
You’ll be logging lots of time in your RV as you move between spots in Wyoming and Colorado, but you’ll eventually find yourself in the Medicine Bow and Routt National Forests. Spanning across both states, this is a great spot for outdoor activities like mountain biking, ice fishing, snowboarding, and horseback riding. Just be sure to take a break and look out over the Sierra Madre Mountains and Mt. Zirkel Wilderness Area from the nearby Libby Flats Observation Area!
Rocky Mountain National Park
Enjoy the views at 12,000 feet on Trail Ridge Road and remember to look up at the clear skies while exploring Rocky Mountain National Park. This is another stop where you could spend weeks immersed in wilderness, so give your trailer a break and go camping in Colorado for a while! You can also make a quick supply run in Estes Park—and while you’re there, grab a bite to eat at Mountain Home Cafe or try rotating Colorado favorites like Rocky Mountain Trout at The Grubsteak Restaurant.
White River Nation al Forest
White River National Forest is the perfect place to either kick off or end your road trip through the Rockies. Take in the gorgeous views of the mountains, get your fill of fishing, go bird watching, and more! If you want to explore more of the Rocky Mountains, visit nearby Aspen or Breckenridge for some skiing and snowboarding in Colorado.
Route 66 Road Trip
- Total Distance: ~2,120 miles
- Estimated Drive Time: 32 hours
- Locations: Chicago, Spring
- field, St. Louis, Springfield, Oklahoma City, Amarillo, Tucumcari, Albuquerque, Flagstaff, Grand Canyon National Park, Kingman, Barstow
When you think of hitting the open road with your RV, Route 66 likely comes to mind. This road trip destination is considered the best road trip across the U.S. due to the variety of terrain, attractions, and its place in American pop culture. This ultimate cross-country RV trip takes you from Illinois to Southern California, spanning more than 2,000 miles.
Chicago, IL
The perfect Route 66 RV trip starts out in Chicago—which has enough to keep you busy for a few days! Snap a picture at “The Bean” in Millennium Park. Ride on the Centennial Wheel, Drop Tower, or Wave Swinger at Chi-town’s Navy Pier. Stroll through Downtown Chicago to check out luxury shops and restaurants along The Magnificent Mile. Grab a slice of Chicago deep-dish pizza at Giordano’s. Or sip on a Goose IPA while taking a tour of the brewery and tap room at Goose Island.
Springfield, IL
After arriving in Springfield, you’ll find a variety of family-friendly activities to enjoy. While a Route 66 road trip isn’t well-known for its nature stops, Flower City is full of attractive hiking spots like the Interurban Trail and Wabash Trail. If you packed your bikes, don’t miss out on cycling at Lost Bridge Trail! And while you’re in Springfield, be sure to pay a visit to historic spots like the Lincoln Tomb and Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum.
St. Louis, MO
Traveling to St. Louis is great for sightseeing on Route 66 thanks to iconic spots like the Gateway Arch! Discover highway memorabilia, trails, and scenic picnic spots by parking your RV at Route 66 State Park. In the mood for a thrill? Take on rides like American Thunder, Boomerang, and Fireball at Six Flags. Looking for a more peaceful getaway? Immerse yourself in the beautiful Missouri Botanical Garden. Or if you need some refreshments, grab some of your favorite brews while taking a tour of the famous Anheuser-Busch Brewery.
Springfield, MO
That’s right, another Springfield stop—but this time in Missouri! Take a guided ride through underground Ozark caves at Fantastic Caverns. Walk through hostas and daylilies or visit the butterfly house at Springfield Botanical Gardens. Try some Springfield barbecue from great restaurants like City Butcher & Barbecue, Bubba’s BBQ, and Whole Hog Cafe. Or pull over and celebrate the city known as the birthplace of Route 66 at the Route 66 Car Museum.
Oklahoma City, OK
After you hit Missouri, you’ve got to make time to explore Bricktown in Oklahoma City! This Downtown OKC entertainment district has everything you need—including shopping, dining, and nightlife. Set up camp at Oklahoma City RV parks like Rockwell RV Park, Roadrunner RV Park, or Twin Fountains RV Resort. Then, discover the origins and charm of banjos at the American Banjo Museum. Get acquainted with Wild West culture at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. And before continuing on Route 66 from Oklahoma City, spend time at top family-friendly attractions like Frontier City and the Oklahoma City Zoo.
Amarillo, TX
Get another stamp on your Route 66 passport when you cruise through the Route 66 Historic District in Amarillo. Make a pit stop to compare camper specs on your motorhome at the Jack Sisemore Traveland RV Museum. Head to one of the most popular attractions in Amarillo—Cadillac Ranch—for a quick photo op with graffitied Cadillacs. If you want to spend more time in this historic city, stay the night at Route 66 campgrounds at one of the many Amarillo RV parks. Or enjoy a stay in a rustic cabin or go “glamping” at breathtaking Palo Duro Canyon State Park!
Tucumcari, NM
The city of Tucumcari brings you right to the “Heart of the Mother Road.” This entrance point to the desert is full of diners, museums, and 1950s neon sign nostalgia! Learn about the history of Tucumcari at the Tucumcari Historical Museum and Mesalands Dinosaur Museum & Natural Sciences Laboratory. Grab a Roast Beef Dinner, Chicken Teriyaki, or Patty Melt at Del’s Restaurant. Then, spend the night appreciating hand-painted murals and hot showers at Mountain Road RV Park before hitting the road again.
Albuquerque, NM
After arriving in Albuquerque, set up camp and take advantage of dog parks, sand volleyball courts, a swimming pool, and more at the Route 66 RV Resort. Looking for some fun in Albuquerque? Have close encounters with exotic animals at ABQ BioPark, schedule a hot air balloon flight, check out prehistoric drawings on a hike at Petroglyph National Monument, or ride over stunning Albuquerque valleys on New Mexico’s historic Sandia Peak Tramway.
Flagstaff, AZ
Located in the heart of Coconino National Forest, make a stop on your RV adventure at Flagstaff! In this Arizona city, visitors can keep busy with outdoor recreation while taking in gorgeous views. Take a ranger-led hike to see unique rock formations like Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte, or tour Lava River Cave. View distant stars and galaxies from the world’s first International Dark Sky City at Lowell Observatory. Or make your way into town for craft beers at Flagstaff Brewing Company.
Grand Canyon National Park
Although not technically part of Route 66, you can’t skip out on a trip to Grand Canyon National Park! Countless cacti, magnificent gorges, hiking and horseback riding, and hundreds of species of birds await you on your Grand Canyon road trip. Take advantage of Grand Canyon hikes and recreational fishing on the Colorado River. If you want to stay the night in the park, consider staying at Mather Campground. Here, you can catch the vibrant sunset and sunrise over the canyon before moving on to your next stop!
Kingman, AZ
Known as the “Heart of Historic Route 66,” the city of Kingman is a classic RV destination. Break out your poodle skirt and indulge in an old-fashioned milkshake at Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner. Looking for a drink with a little more bite? Have a taste of specialty rums like the Gold Miner Dark Rum and Gold Miner Agave Rum while touring Desert Diamond Distillery. Or learn more about the local area by visiting exhibits featuring Northwestern Arizona heritage at the Mohave Museum of History & Arts.
Barstow, CA
California offers infinite RV activities with lots to do along the way—and Barstow is the ideal place to stop if you’re looking for a spot between Arizona and California with great views of the Mojave Desert! Pull off and check out the sand dunes, Joshua trees, and wildflowers, or stay the night at one of the RV-friendly campgrounds at Mojave National Preserve. Or learn about the original “Main Street of America” at Barstow’s Route 66 “Mother Road” Museum.
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