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Your Guide to the Best U.S. RV Road Trips

There’s no better way to travel the country than in an RV! 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 five best RV road trips in the USA below!

Rocky Mountain Road Trip

Searching for the best national park road trip? Look no further! Follow the Rocky Mountains from Idaho to Colorado to see some of the most beautiful natural wonders America has to offer. This RV adventure will come with a lot of time on the road, but the views will be worth it.

Sawtooth National Forest

A Rocky Mountain RV route promises endless breathtaking views and frequent adventure along the way, and Sawtooth National Forest delivers on both fronts! 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 steak at Mountain Village Restaurant or a cold drink at the old-fashioned saloon.

Yellowstone National Park

Old Faithful Geyser Erupting in Yellowstone National Park. Photo by Instagram user @everaertsimon

Photo via @everaertsimon

You could spend weeks weaving through Yellowstone National Park! See the famous geyser Old Faithful, go camping in the backcountry, and catch a glimpse of black bears, grizzly bears, and bison. No matter what you choose to do or plan to stay, just be sure to make a reservation ahead of time, as RV camps fill fast.

Grand Teton National Park

Mountains and Forests in Grand Teton National Park. Photo by Instagram user @grandtetonnps

Photo via @grandtetonnps

Get your fix of hiking among alpine glaciers, boat down Snake River, go cross-country skiing, and more at Grand Teton National Park! If you want to experience even more of the diverse Wyoming landscape after you leave, head west to the check out Shoshone National Forest, where you can camp, hike, and picnic.

Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests

Snowy Mountain Range and Lake in Medicine Bow National Forest. Photo by Instagram user @kathryncondrey

Photo via @kathryncondrey

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 Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests. Spanning across both states, this is a great spot for outdoor activities like mountain biking, ice fishing, snowboarding, and horseback riding.

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Rocky Mountain National Park

Gorgeous Lake and Forest with Rocky Mountains in Background. Photo by Instagram user @gcb_photo

Photo via @gcb_photo

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 in the wilderness, so give your trailer a break and camp awhile! You can also make a quick supply run in Estes Park and grab a bite to eat at Mountain Home Cafe or The Grubsteak Restaurant.

White River National Forest

River Flowing Through White River National Forest. Photo by Instagram user @lisapittman

Photo via @lisapittman

White River National Forest is the perfect place to either kick off or end your Rocky Mountain road trip. Take in the gorgeous views of the Rockies, get your fill of fishing, go bird watching, and more! If you want to enjoy more of the Rockies, visit nearby Aspen or Breckenridge for skiing and snowboarding.

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East Coast Road Trip

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 a whole lot of Colonial charm as you venture through New England.

Bar Harbor, ME

Sunset View Atop the Cliffs at Bar Harbor. Photo by Instagram user @visitbarharbor

Photo via @visitbarharbor

The small town of Bar Harbor is known for its wonderful views! Park your RV at Bar Harbor Campground and spend some time hiking the mountains and shoreline at Acadia National Park. Once you’ve hiked, biked, and rock climbed to your heart’s desire, head into town for great seafood at C-Ray Lobster or La Bella Vita.

Bristol, ME

Lighthouse by the Bay at Pemaquid Point. Photo by Instagram user @kerfuffle_slug

Photo via @kerfuffle_slug

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 great views of the Gulf of Maine. Find a spot near the water where you can park your travel trailer at Lake Pemaquid Campground. Or get fresh seafood at Muscongus Bay Lobster.

Lincoln, NH

River and Forest in the Fall in Lincoln, NH. Photo by Instagram user @tononphoto

Photo via @tononphoto

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 everything in this New Hampshire town. If you want more adventurous activities, go ziplining with Alpine Adventures or spend a weekend skiing at Loon Mountain Resort.

Cape Cod, MA

Sandy Beach and Waterfront at Cape Cod. Photo by Instagram user @latour_hotels

Photo via @latour_hotels

Weave along the beautiful 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 on your stop. Dip your toes in the water at Chapin Memorial Beach. Learn about a sunken pirate ship and its treasure at the Whydah Pirate Museum. Or visit all 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 Mystic Seaport. Go hiking or bird-watching at Peace Nature Sanctuary. Try traditional new England seafood at S&P Oyster Company, or grab a slice of heaven at Mystic Pizza (Yes, the one from the movie!).

Catskill, NY

Multi-Tiered Waterfall at Kaaterskill Falls in Catskill, NY. Photo by Instagram user @lopixlo

Photo via @lopixlo

Drive up into Hudson Valley to the city of Catskill, where you can enjoy all kinds of outdoor recreation. Stop by Dutchman’s Landing Park for boating, picnics, and beautiful views of the Hudson River. Make your way across the river to Rogers Island, where you can fish, trap, and learn more about local wildlife. Or if you want to spend more time in the mountains, set up at Brookside Campgrounds and head into Kaaterskill Wild Forest, where you can see the two-tier Kaaterskill Falls.

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Gulf Coast Road Trip

It’s hard to imagine a road trip that doesn’t include travels along the hot, 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-friendly summer vacation or an adventurous spring break!

Corpus Christi, TX

Trade in the open road for some beach time in Corpus Christi. You can surf, swim, camp, and explore the lagoon at Padre Island National Seashore. Learn about the Navy’s history onboard the USS Lexington. Squeeze in some time with marine life at Texas State Aquarium. Or head into town for good eats at Bella Luna, Republic of Texas Bar & Grill, or La Playa.

Houston, TX

Entrance to the NASA Johnson Space Center. Photo by Instagram user @andysmith1993

Photo via @andysmith1993

There’s so much to do in Houston, you may want to stay longer just to fit it all in! Visit popular attractions like the Space Center, Houston Zoo, Museum of Fine Arts, and Battleship Texas State Historic Site. Soak up some sun at one of the many beaches within 30 minutes of Downtown Houston. And don’t forget to hit up restaurants like Pappasito’s Cantina, El Real Tex Mex, and Armandos for amazing Tex-Mex.

Kisatchie National Forest

Want to get away from the beach for a while? Make your way into Louisiana to have some time among the trees at Kisatchie National Forest. Set up camp and spend a few days hiking, biking, horseback riding, canoeing, and more! You can always pop into nearby Alexandria if you need a change of scenery, too!

Biloxi, MS

Sunny Beach in Biloxi, MS. Photo by Instagram user @juliabocchese

Photo via @juliabocchese

Not only can you hit the beach and swim in the warm Gulf of Mexico waters in city of Biloxi, but there’s plenty to do in town as well. Learn more about boating, hurricanes, and seafood at Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum. Test your luck at Beau Rivage Casino. Take in the amazing views at Biloxi Lighthouse. And get your hands on some of the best seafood and Cajun cuisine in Biloxi at The Reef, Tasty Tails, and Taranto’s Crawfish.

Panama City Beach

White Sand Beaches of Panama City Beach. Photo by Instagram user @visit_pcb

Photo via @visit_pcb

One of the best spots in Florida for a sunny vacation, Panama City Beach is perfect for spring breakers and families alike. Go snorkeling, diving, or swimming with dolphins. Head over to Cobra Adventure Park for thrill rides and arcade games. 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 PCB’s many dance clubs!

Orlando, FL

Evening View of the Downtown Orlando Skyline. Photo by Instagram user @ariaatmillenia

Photo via @ariaatmillenia

Orlando is a great starting or ending point for any RV vacation! With Disney World, Universal Studios, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and SeaWorld, you can spend several days at theme parks alone. Or you can head north to Ocala National Forest to camp, fish, kayak, horseback ride, and more!

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Pacific Northwest Road Trip

Traveling through the Pacific Northwest in an RV is ideal for nature lovers looking for 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 as well.

Olympic National Park

Aerial View of Hurrican Ridge in Olympic National Park. Photo by Instagram user @srochellephoto

Photo via @srochellephoto

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 an RV 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 and unhitch your travel trailer.

Seattle, WA

Boats on the Water in Front of the Space Needle in Seattle. Photo by Instagram user @snarielwala

Photo via @snarielwala

With the views of Puget Sound and Mt. Rainier, you’ll never want to leave Seattle. While you’re there, though, pick up a coffee from the original Starbucks location. Take a trip to the top of the iconic Space Needle. Watch the fish-tossing at Pike Place Market. And don’t forget to explore the Museum of Pop Culture!

Portland, OR

Park your RV and explore all that quirky Portland has to offer! Stop for craft beer at one of Portland’s breweries, such as Zoiglhaus Brewing Company, Culmination Brewing, or Occidental Brewing Co. Take a walk through the botanical gardens at Lan Su Chinese Garden or visit the Oregon Zoo. And, of course, no Pacific Northwest RV trip would be complete without stops at Multnomah Falls and Mt. Hood.

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Roseburg, OR

Aerial View of Roseburg, OR. Photo by Instagram user @burtmarketing

Photo via @burtmarketing

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 enough to keep you busy. Tour vineyards and taste unique wines at Abacela Winery or Spangler Vineyards. Grab your golf clubs and hit the green at Stewart Park Golf Course. Or if you don’t mind a bit of a drive, you can even head into Crater Lake National Park for camping, hiking, kayaking, and gorgeous views of crystal clear water.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Flowers and Trees on the Hills and Mountains of Lassen Volcanic National Park. Photo by Instagram user @lassennps

Photo via @lassennps

Located in Northern California, make a stop at Lassen Volcanic National Park! Here, you can spend the day hiking more than 150 miles of trails seeing 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, skiing in this national park as well. You can even go dry camping at this beautiful spot!

Lake Tahoe

Aerial View of Lake Tahoe. Photo by Instagram user @_albina

Photo via @_albina

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. At night, break out some s’mores for the campfire and sleep under the stars. If you make the RV trip during the colder months, hit the ski slopes in Tahoe!

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Route 66 Road Trip

When you think of hitting the open road with your RV, it’s likely Route 66 comes to mind. This road trip destination is considered the best road trip across the U.S. due to the variety of terrain, climates, and attractions, and it makes frequent appearances in pop culture. This ultimate cross-country RV trip takes you from Illinois to Southern California, spanning more than 2,000 miles.

Chicago, IL

You can’t skip out on the Windy City! Snap a picture at “The Bean” in Millennium Park. Grab a slice of deep-dish pizza at Giordano’s. Visit the Goose Island tap room and take a tour of the brewery. Enjoy the rides at Navy Pier. Be sure to take a stroll down the Magnificent Mile to check out the shops and unique restaurants. No matter what you plan to do, Chicago has enough to keep you busy for a few days (or even a few weeks)!

Springfield, IL

Lincoln Memorial in Springfield, IL. Photo by Instagram user @springfield

Photo via @springfield

Once you arrive in Springfield, there are plenty of outings for the whole family. While the Route 66 road trip isn’t well-known for its nature stops, USA Today suggests hiking at Interurban Trail or Wabash Trail. Are your bikes along for the ride? Go cycling at Lost Bridge Trail. Since you’re in Springfield, be sure to pay a visit to the Lincoln Tomb and Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum!

St. Louis, MO

Traveling to St. Louis wouldn’t be complete without stopping by the iconic Gateway Arch! In the mood for a thrill? Head over to Six Flags amusement park. Looking for a more relaxing stroll outdoors? Visit the beautiful Missouri Botanical Garden. Or if you need some refreshments, take a tour of the Anheuser-Busch Brewery and grab some of your favorite brews.

Springfield, MO

Inside of the Fantastic Caverns in Springfield, MO. Photo by Instagram user @adrianakxoxo

Photo via @adrianakxoxo

That’s right. It’s another Springfield stop—this time in Missouri! Explore underground caves at Fantastic Caverns. Walk through the flowers at Springfield Botanical Gardens. Try some BBQ from great restaurants like City Butcher & Barbecue, Bubba’s BBQ, and Whole Hog Cafe. Or pull over at the Route 66 Car Museum to learn more about the “Main Street of America.”

Oklahoma City, OK

River Running Through Bricktown in Oklahoma City. Photo by Instagram user @bricktown

Photo via @bricktown

When visiting Oklahoma City, make a stop at Bricktown! This entertainment district in Downtown OKC has everything you need—shopping, dining, and nightlife! As for other attractions you should consider during this leg of your RV road trip, check out the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City Zoo, Frontier City, Myriad Botanical Gardens, and American Banjo Museum.

Amarillo, TX

Painted Cars in the Ground at Cadillac Ranch. Photo by Instagram user @shotsbyandy

Photo via @shotsbyandy

Get another stamp in 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. Of course, you can’t forget Cadillac Ranch, one of Amarillo’s most popular attractions. Right off the highway, these graffitied Cadillacs are great for a quick photo op!

Tucumcari, NM

Tee Pee Curious Gift Shop in Tucumcari, NM. Photo by Instagram user @shoedazed

Photo via @shoedazed

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! Grab a ribeye steak at Del’s Restaurant. Learn about the history of Tucumcari at the Tucumcari Historical Museum and Mesalands Dinosaur Museum & Natural Sciences Laboratory. Then, spend the night at Mountain Road RV Park before hitting the road.

Albuquerque, NM

Hot Air Balloons at Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, NM. Photo by Instagram user @petroglyphnps

Photo via @petroglyphnps

In Albuquerque, you can set up camp at the Route 66 RV Resort, which has great amenities like dog parks, sand volleyball courts, a swimming pool, and more to make your stop more comfortable. Looking for some fun? Head to the Route 66 Casino Hotel, schedule a hot air balloon flight, check out prehistoric drawings at Petroglyph National Monument, or spend the day touring filming locations of the hit shows like Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul.

Flagstaff, AZ

Lake, Forest, and Mountains in Flagstaff, AZ. Photo by Instagram user @bombflgmom

Photo via @bombflgmom

Located in the heart of Cococino National Forest, make a stop on your RV adventure at Flagstaff! In this Arizona city, visitors can keep busy with plenty of outdoor recreation while taking in the gorgeous views. Take a ranger-led hike to see unique rock formations like Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte, or tour Lava River Cave. Head to Lowell Observatory to view distant stars and galaxies. Or make your way into town for craft beers at Flagstaff Brewing Company.

Grand Canyon National Park

Aerial View of the Grand Canyon. Photo by Instagram user @grandcanyonnps

Photo via @grandcanyonnps

Countless cacti, beautiful gorges, hiking and horseback riding, and more than 2,000 species of birds await you on your Grand Canyon road trip! If you want to stay the night in the park, consider staying at Mather Campground. Here, you can catch the magnificent sunset and sunrise over the canyon before you move on to your next stop!

Kingman, AZ

Once you get to the city of Kingman, it’s time to 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? Stop by Desert Diamond Distillery for a tour of the distillery and some rum tasting. Want to learn more about the local area? Visit Mohave Museum of History & Arts to see exhibits featuring Northwestern Arizona heritage.

Barstow, CA

California offers infinite RV activities with lots to do along the way! Barstow is the ideal pit stop if you’re looking for a place between Arizona and California! Pull off at Mojave National Preserve and check out the sand dunes and wildflowers! Once in Barstow, learn more about the original Main Street of America at the Route 66 “Mother Road” Museum.

Los Angeles, CA

Downtown LA Skyline Photo from Afar. Photo by Instagram user @urbaniteliving

Photo via @urbaniteliving

Make the most out of your Route 66 road trip with a stop in Los Angeles! Not only is the weather beautiful year-round, but there’s plenty to do in LA. Visit Santa Monica Beach and El Matador Beach. Be the ultimate tourist and hit up favorites like Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood Sign, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Or make your way down to Anaheim for a trip to Disneyland!

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Are you ready to plan the best RV road trip? Pick the route that fits the adventure you’re looking for, load up your RV with road trip essentials, and set out on a great American adventure. And don’t forget to have fun!

Infographic Describing the Best RV Roadtrip Locations Across the US