America is a vast and diverse country with countless breathtaking landscapes and attractions waiting to be explored. One of the best ways to fully appreciate these natural and cultural treasures is by embarking on an RV trip.
But with so many amazing destinations, narrowing down the options for your next great adventure can take time and effort. These top 10 RV destinations in America will inspire you for your ultimate road trip!
1. Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park, renowned for its natural beauty and unique geothermal features, is an excellent RV destination in America.
RV Campgrounds
Several RV campgrounds cater to visitors longing for a comfortable and convenient stay:
- Wagon Wheel RV: Offers pet-friendly accommodations, free WiFi, and hot showers.
- Fishing Bridge RV Park: The only Yellowstone-operated RV campsite providing full utility hookups for a hassle-free experience.
- Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park & Cabins: Situated near the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center and accommodates up to 207 sites.
Activities
There’s always a supply of activities to delight visitors at Yellowstone National Park. Wildlife enthusiasts can indulge in bird-watching near the mouth of the Yellowstone River at Fishing Bridge RV Park.
Adventurers can hike numerous picturesque trails, go fishing in freshwater lakes and rivers, or explore the park through horseback riding.
Attractions
Yellowstone is home to an array of unique attractions that draw tourists from all over the world. Must-see geothermal attractions include the legendary Old Faithful geyser and the mesmerizing Grand Prismatic Spring.
History buffs should visit the rustic Old Faithful Inn, a designated National Historic Landmark, to glimpse the park’s early days.
2. Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon National Park is a must-visit destination for RV travelers seeking breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. This iconic wonder of the world promises an adventure that will leave a lasting impression on its visitors.
RV Campgrounds
Various options are available for RV camping within the park, ensuring a scenic stay while exploring the magnificent Grand Canyon:
- Desert View Campground: This secluded campground is 25 miles from Grand Canyon Village and within walking distance of the breathtaking Desert View Overlook. There are no hookups available, but RVs are welcome.
- Mather Campground: The largest campsite at the Grand Canyon with no hookups available. Amenities include laundry facilities, a year-round camp store, and a free dump station.
- Trailer Village RV Park: The only in-park campground that offers full hookups for RV travelers. Located near the Grand Canyon Village, which makes it accessible to many amenities.
Activities
The Grand Canyon offers numerous activities for its visitors, from hiking and adventure tours to mule rides and river rafting. With miles of hiking trails to explore, you can choose between easy, moderate, and challenging hikes.
Park rangers organize various talks, walks, and demonstrations to educate visitors about the park’s natural and cultural history. Or take advantage of the clear skies and minimal light pollution in the park. They provide an ideal environment for observing the wonders of the night sky.
Attractions
The Grand Canyon National Park has a variety of attractions ranging from informative or scenic to interactive and inspiring. Stop by the Visitor Center to learn about the park’s history, geology, and ways to explore the park.
If you’re looking for breathtaking scenery, visit the Desert View Watchtower. This 70-foot-tall stone structure provides panoramic views of the canyon and the surrounding landscape. For a hands-on activity, Yavapai Geology Museum should be on your list.
3. Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park, located on the coast of Maine, is the oldest national park east of the Mississippi River. It spans 47,000 acres and encompasses the Schoodic Peninsula, Mount Desert Island, and Isle Au Haut area.
RV Campgrounds
Acadia National Park offers several options for RV campers. Some of the most popular include:
- Schoodic Woods Campground: Open from May through October and features electric hookups, potable water, flush toilets, and a dump station.
- Blackwoods Campground: A centrally located option that provides easy access to the park’s attractions.
Activities
Acadia National Park has over 120 miles of picturesque hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs. Or take advantage of the park’s 27 miles of carriage roads, where you can enjoy a leisurely bike ride through the scenic landscape.
As you trek, don’t be surprised to see abundant wildlife, including deer, foxes, and various bird species that call the park home. If you prefer to be on the water, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming are popular activities for visitors to enjoy in the park’s many lakes and ponds.
Attractions
Acadia National Park boasts a plethora of attractions to keep visitors entertained. Some of the noteworthy sites include Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond, and the Thunder Hole rock formation.
4. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
RV Campgrounds
Several campgrounds in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park accommodate RVs:
- Pine Mountain RV Park: Family-friendly park with amenities like a swimming pool and splash pad.
- Honeysuckle Meadows RV Park: Resort and campground with Wi-Fi, a swimming pool, an on-site deli, and grills located in a lush valley.
- The National Park campgrounds, Smokemount and Cades: Offer varying RV size limits, accommodating up to 40 feet for motorhomes and up to 35 feet for trailers.
Activities
Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors. With over 100 cascades and waterfalls, exploring the park’s natural beauty is a must-see for any outdoor enthusiast.
Hiking, wildlife watching, and scenic drives are popular activities that can be enjoyed here. Wildlife like deer, bears, and wild turkeys are common in areas like Cades Cove.
Attractions
Beyond the park’s natural attractions, the surrounding areas offer plenty of entertainment options for the whole family. Located just two miles from the Dollywood theme park, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is perfect for combining nature with fun-filled adventures.
Dollywood, co-owned by country superstar Dolly Parton, offers thrilling rides, live performances, and delicious food options.
5. Florida Keys
RV Campgrounds
Several top-rated RV parks provide fantastic camping options in the Florida Keys. Some of the best can be found in our list of 19 of the Best RV Parks in Florida.
Activities
The Florida Keys offer visitors a wide range of outdoor activities to enjoy. These tropical islands provide fantastic snorkeling, boating, swimming, and kayaking opportunities. The unique marine environment in the area allows for up-close encounters with exotic marine wildlife and stunning coral reefs.
Another activity unique to the Florida Keys is visiting various nearby national parks. Some of the nearby national parks include Everglades National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, and Biscayne National Park.
Attractions
The Florida Keys has attractions for everyone, from historical landmarks to natural wonders. One must-visit attraction is the Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary, home to vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life. Another popular site in the area is the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, showcasing the famed author’s life and work.
6. Pacific Coast Highway
The Pacific Coast Highway is a breathtaking and iconic route that takes you along the stunning coastline of California. With its dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and picturesque seaside towns, it’s no wonder this is a top RV destination in America.
RV Campgrounds
Numerous RV campgrounds along the Pacific Coast Highway cater to a variety of preferences:
- Kirk Creek Campground: An oceanside paradise for RV travelers in the Los Padres National Forest.
- San Francisco RV Resort: On a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and boasts picturesque sunsets and abundant wildlife sightings.
Activities
When traveling the Pacific Coast Highway, there’s no shortage of exciting activities to keep you entertained. Enjoy the beautiful scenery, go on scenic hikes, or partake in various water activities such as surfing and wildlife watching.
Attractions
Several tourist attractions are along this legendary route, such as iconic destinations like specific points in San Francisco.
While there, visit landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf or explore the famous redwood forests further north. The picturesque seaside towns, each with distinct charm and character, are attractions worth stopping for during your RV journey.
7. Oregon Coastline
The Oregon Coastline is a picturesque destination for RV travelers, offering stunning views, diverse wildlife, and charming coastal towns. This stretch of the Pacific Northwest shoreline provides a perfect setting for memorable adventures and relaxed getaways.
RV Campgrounds
Along the Oregon Coast, numerous RV campgrounds are available for a wide range of preferences and budgets:
- Fort Stevens State Park: Located on the northwest tip of Oregon, which offers a rich history, large acreage, and an old military installation.
- Heceta Beach RV Park in Florence: A popular choice for its proximity to nearby attractions and amenities.
Activities and Attractions
Oregon Coast visitors will find many activities and attractions suitable for all ages and interests. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the majestic Drift Creek Falls near Lincoln City or the expansive Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area in Winchester Bay.
The Sea Lion Caves in Florence are not to be missed for wildlife lovers, providing a unique opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
8. Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and RV enthusiasts. Spanning over 265,000 acres, and boasts breathtaking mountain views, diverse wildlife, and many recreational opportunities.
RV Campgrounds
Although several campgrounds are within the park, RV-friendly options include Aspenglen Campground and Glacier Basin Campground.
- Aspenglen Campground: Offers 52 reservable sites with a maximum RV length of 30 feet.
- Glacier Basin Campground: Has 151 campsites and caters to various camping styles, including tents, group sites, and RVs without hookups.
Keep in mind that neither campground offers electric, water, or sewer hookups, which means campers should be prepared for a more primitive experience.
Activities
Rocky Mountain National Park visitors can enjoy 355 miles of hiking trails ranging from beginner-friendly to challenging backcountry treks. Scenic drives, such as the famous Trail Ridge Road, offer stunning panoramic vistas, while wildlife spotting opportunities abound, including elk, moose, and bighorn sheep.
In addition to hiking and wildlife viewing, visitors can participate in various recreational activities such as horseback riding, fishing, rock climbing, and mountain biking. During winter, the park transforms into a playground for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding.
Attractions
Those interested in exploring the park’s cultural and historical aspects can visit the Holzwarth Historic Site, which provides insight into the lives of early settlers.
The Alpine Visitor Center is another popular attraction, offering educational exhibits, guided ranger programs, and a unique gift shop. For stargazers, the park hosts a variety of evening programs and night sky events during the summer months.
9. Zion National Park
Zion National Park, located in southwest Utah, attracts visitors with its magnificent scenery and outdoor activities. It is an excellent stop for travelers coming from Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, or Grand Canyon National Park.
RV Campgrounds
There are several top-notch RV campgrounds in and around Zion National Park. Learn everything you need to know about camping inside the park in our Complete Zion National Park Camping Guide.
To stay outside the park, check out these options:
- Zion Canyon Campground and RV Resort: Only ½ mile from the park. The 12-acre property is near local eateries, a market, and on-site laundry and offers complete hook-ups, power, and water at all sites.
- WillowWind RV Park: Located just a short 30-minute drive from the park. It offers full hookups, restrooms, showers, Wi-Fi, cable, laundry facilities, a fitness center, a dog run, a picnic area, and fire pits.
Activities
Some Zion National Park activities include hiking on famous trails like The Narrows, Angels Landing, and Emerald Pools. Rock climbing, canyoneering, and horseback riding are also available for adventure-seekers.
Attractions
Visitors to Zion National Park will not be disappointed with the numerous attractions found within the park. These include Zion Canyon’s towering cliffs, the Virgin River’s serene beauty, and the enchanting Kolob Arch.
Wildlife watching and photography opportunities are also abundant, with species such as deer, bighorn sheep, and numerous bird species frequently spotted throughout the park.
10. South Dakota’s Black Hills
RV Campgrounds
South Dakota’s Black Hills region offers a variety of RV camping options suitable for every traveler. These campgrounds provide electrical hookups, water and sewer facilities. Learn more about camping in the Black Hills National Forest.
Activities
Hiking and biking are excellent ways to explore the region’s beautiful landscapes, with numerous trails accessible for all skill levels.
Some parks, such as Badlands National Park, also offer scenic drives that allow tourists to take in the breathtaking vistas without the need for rigorous activity.
Attractions
The Black Hills region is home to several iconic American landmarks and attractions. Mount Rushmore, located 25 miles from Rapid City, is a must-visit destination, featuring the impressive sculptures of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.
For a more immersive experience in the region’s natural beauty, explore Custer State Park, which spans over 71,000 acres and is home to wildlife such as bison, elk, and prairie dogs.
Wrapping up the Top 10 Must-Visit RV Destinations in America
From majestic national parks to enchanting coastal drives, there truly is something for every RV enthusiast to enjoy.
Looking for more? Find everything you could want to know on our RV Camping page.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Hey there, I’m Ryan, the face behind Beyond The Tent.
With decades of camping experiences, my journey into the wilderness began on the rustic trails of a farm in southern Minnesota, where my childhood was filled with explorations and camping by a picturesque river.
My family’s adventures across the United States, from the majestic Colorado mountains to the serene national parks and the pristine Boundary Waters Canoe Area of Northern Minnesota have given me a broad perspective. With each journey, whether in state parks or private encampments, and through the homely comfort of our camping trailers, we’ve amassed a trove of stories, experiences, and invaluable camping wisdom.