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10 Epic Bucket List RV Road Trips in the US

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I’ve lived in an RV since 2016, and traveled thousands of miles across the country (and into Mexico and Canda). In this guide to the best bucket list road trips in the USA, I share my favorite RV road trips.

Ready to start planning your own RV trip across America? Let’s get started.

• 1.1 Renting an RV
• 1.2 Finding Campgrounds
• 1.3 Buying Gear for your RV Road Trip
• 2.1 Olympic Peninsula
• 2.2 Utah National Parks
• 2.3 Route 66
• 2.4 California’s Pacific Coast
• 2.5 Blue Ridge Parkway
• 2.6 South Florida
• 2.7 Upper Peninsula of Michigan
• 2.8 Columbia River Gorge
• 2.9 Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon
• 2.10 North to Alaska

Planning your RV Road Trip

If you already an experienced or full-time RVer, go ahead and skip down to the bucket list RV road trips . Otherwise, here are some key planning tools to utilize before your first RV trip.

Renting an RV

If you do not already own an RV, it is best to rent a rig for your first RV road trip in the USA. A rental RV allows you to test drive the type, layout and travel style of an RV before you make a large investment.

RVshare allows you to rent fifth wheels, travel trailers and motorhomes directly from local owners. They have every type of rig available, and you can filter by price and features to pick the perfect RV.

Finding Campgrounds

After you’ve secured an RV, you need to find places to sleep. Fortunately, there are several great apps to help you find campgrounds and RV parks in the USA. If you are visiting an area during the peak season (i.e. Winter in Florida) you will need to make campground reservations in advance.

However, if you are traveling during less busy times, it is best to leave a few open days between reservations so you can be more spontaneous.

To find RV parks and campgrounds, download the AllStays Camp & RV app ($9.99). The AllStays app has an interactive map that allows you to find campsites directly along your route.

AllStays has the most comprehensive list of campgrounds and RV parks for people RVing in the USA. The app also shows truck stops, dump stations and RV services so you can easily find fuel and supplies.

For free RV camping , use the Campendium website to find no cost RV campsites. Free camping is a great way to save money and find more secluded locations.

However, most free campsites do not offer water, electric or sewer hook-ups, so you should be prepared to “rough it.” If you plan on dry camping or boondocking at free campsites, choose a rental RV that has a generator on board.

If you are planning an extended RV round trip, consider joining one or more RV membership clubs to enjoy discounted camping fees.

Buying Gear for your RV Road Trip

The last step in the planning process for an RV road trip is buying all the gear you need. Review our Amazon list of must have RV supplies and either buy them or verify that your rental RV comes equipped with the proper gear.

I also highly recommend buying a road trip journal to record your adventures and experiences RVing in the USA.

10 Best RV Road Trips in the USA

Olympic peninsula.

Driving highway 101 around the Olympic Peninsula is a short but sweet RV road trip. The complete Olympic Peninsula rod trip is just over 300 miles, so it can easily be completed in a few days.

On the other hand, there is so much to see in this region you could also stay for weeks. The main attraction on the Peninsula is Olympic National Park which features a lush rain forest, stunning mountain peaks, crystal clear lakes and the Pacific Coast.

There are plenty of RV campground options in the area. There are several private campgrounds just off highway 101 and there are 10 campgrounds in the National Park that can accommodate RVs.

Most National Park campsites are designed for RVs up to 21 feet long, and none of them accept rigs over 35 feet. If you plan to camp in the park, make sure to travel in a smaller RV.

While the National Park is the main feature, there are several other sights to see along this route. For incredible views, take a side trip to Cape Flattery, the most northwesterly tip of the contiguous 48 states.

To reach Cape Flattery, first head to the town of Neah Bay from highway 112. In Neah Bay, go as far west as you can, follow signs to Cape Flattery Road and head south. After 7.7 miles the road will take you to the trail head parking lot.

Don’t forget to stop in Neah Bay and purchase a Makah Recreation Pass , which is required to hike on the trail. The trail is an easy 1.5 mile round trip that winds through the forest and ends in stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

Utah National Parks

Utah has five National Parks with jaw dropping scenery. Combining all five parks into a single road trip is an unforgettable adventure, and one of my personal favorite experiences RVing in the USA.

Start your adventure in Zion National Park then drive on Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches and Canyonlands. Allot at least 2 days in each park to make sure you have ample time to hike and relax. Since most of the trails in National Parks are not pet-friendly, this is not a great RV road trip with dogs.

All of the Utah National Parks, except Canyonlands, have RV-friendly campgrounds that can be reserved in advance. Reservations are accepted 6 months ahead of time and should be made exactly 6 months in advance for summer reservations.

None of the NPS campgrounds offer electric hook-ups, so RVers looking for more comfort should stay in private campgrounds near the parks. Reservations for RV parks also need to be made at least six months in advance to guarantee availability.

Don’t forget to add a few Utah State parks into your road trip itinerary. Dead Horse Point State Park, located just outside of Canyonlands, offers dramatic views of the Colorado River and the pinnacles of Canyonlands.

This state park has two campgrounds with 30 and 50 amp electric outlets. An hour from Zion, Sand Hollow State Park is a great summer stop if you are looking to get in the water.

The main feature of this state park is a refreshing reservoir with boat rentals. Their Westside campground also offers spacious campsites with full hook-ups.

Route 66, also know as the Mother Road, is the most iconic and celebrated RVing route in the USA. Historic Route 66 covers over 2,400 miles, starting in Chicago and ending at Santa Monica, California.

For the classic experience, I would recommend sticking to the westernmost portion of the route. This area features many kitschy attractions that will take you back in time. Start your journey in Amarillo, TX and take Route 66 all the way to the Pacific Ocean in California.

There are many RV campgrounds along historical Route 66. Simply use the AllStays app to find campgrounds with good reviews at your desired stopping points.

State park campgrounds are a good option if you are looking to incorporate more outdoor adventures into your road trip. Consider camping at Santa Rosa Lake, Homolovi Ruins and Malibu Creek State Parks.

Hualapai Mountain Park, 11-miles off of the road in Arizona, offers a great break from the desert. The campground sits in the Hualapai Mountain Range, so you can enjoy views of the desert below from a cooler elevation.

You want to take your time driving down Route 66, so you have plenty of time to stop for roadside attractions and detours. Starting in Amarillo, check out the Cadillac Ranch, an art installation made using old Cadillac cars.

During your RV road trip, stop at the ghost town of Oatman, Arizona that has a friendly local population of wild burros.

California’s Pacific Coast

The Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) hugs the Pacific Coast of California for 650 miles. The route is best driven from north to south, so you are on the ocean side of the road for the entire drive.

This coastal road trip is not for the faint of heart. The route features winding turns, small shoulders and big drop offs. I would recommend this RV road trip for more experienced drivers not first time RVers. Drive slow and plan short days to keep this drive fun and safe.

There are several state park campgrounds and private RV parks available along Highway 1. Spend a few days at the San Francisco RV Resort just outside of the city. This resort is pricey, but it features stunning ocean views, full hook-ups and easy access to the city.

Also stop at Doheny State Beach campground in Dana Point. This campground does not have any hook-ups, but there are campsites available right on the beach.

One of the most iconic stops along the California Coast is Big Sur. Plan to spend at least a few days of your road trip exploring this area.

The hike to McWay Falls should definitely be on your travel and adventure bucket list. The trail is less than a mile, but the views are incredible. You can access the trail head directly off of Highway 1.

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway stretches through the mountains from Afton, Virginia to Cherokee, North Carolina (my home state). This road is an iconic route for people RVing in the USA.

There are plenty of overlooks and the speed limit never exceeds 45 mile per hour, making for a leisurely RV road trip. The route has many sweeping curves, but is generally easy to drive without many tight turns. The vistas are stunning during the peak fall season when the leaves are changing, but be prepared for crowds during this time.

There are eight National Park Service Campgrounds on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Most of these campgrounds do not have hook-ups, but they offer potable water, bathrooms with flush toilets, picnic tables, fire rings and RV dump stations.

These campgrounds are open from May to October for a fee of $20 per night. If you are looking for higher-end accommodations, there a plenty of private RV parks a short drive off the parkway. Near Asheville, North Carolina, spend a night or two at the stunning mountaintop RV sites at Mama Gertie’s Hideaway Camp.

Views and hiking are the two main features of the Blue Ridge Parkway. One of our favorite hikes in the area is Crabtree Falls. The trail head is located at milepost 339.5.

There are two trail options: an easier 3 mile out and back hike on the same trail or a more strenuous 3.5 mile loop trail that climbs a ridge above the falls. The main feature of the hike is the 70 foot waterfall but there are also beautiful wildflowers in the early summer.

South Florida

If you are looking for a winter destination to RV in the USA, look no further than the Sunshine State. While many RVers park in one spot for the winter, a Florida road trip is a much better adventure.

I recommend starting your Florida road trip near Everglades National Park and driving down the Florida Keys.

Start your trip at the Miami Everglades RV Resort, a full hook-up RV park near the Everglades that offers amenities including a pool and game room. In the Keys, Sunshine Key RV Resort is another high-end RV park located right on the water.

For a more affordable camping option in the Keys, stay at Bahia Honda State Park which offers campsites with electric for $38 per night. Be sure to make your campground reservations six to twelve months in advance to avoid being stuck without a place to stay.

If you make it all the way to Key West, consider leaving your RV behind for the day to visit Dry Tortugas National Park. The park which is an island 70 miles west of Key West is only accessible by boat or seaplane.

Daily ferries shuttle visitors from Key West to the park, or you can arrive in style by flying in with Key West Seaplane Adventures. Once you arrive, you can spend the day swimming, snorkeling and exploring the 19th century fort.

Upper Peninsula of Michigan

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan (The U.P.) is a beautiful natural playground for campers RVing in the USA. Summer is the best time to visit when you can count on warm, pleasant weather.

The U.P. is accessed from I-75 on the lower peninsula of Michigan. From there, you can plan your own route around the U.P.

Straits State Park is a great place to start and end your U.P. RV road trip. Located right after the bridge onto the Upper Penninsula, the park has two campgrounds with electric hook-ups. From this location, you can easily access the ferry to car-free Mackinac Island.

Also consider staying at Indian Lake State Park which offers lake front campsites. There are also plenty of private campgrounds on the U.P. for the remainder of your road trip.

Just 10 minutes from Indian Lake State Park is The Big Spring ( Kitch-iti-kipi ) . The natural spring has crystal clear blue water that makes for a beautiful photo opportunity.

While you can’t swim in the spring, the park offers a self-operated observation raft that you can take out onto the water. Through observation windows on the raft floor, you can see trout swimming below. Also, don’t forget to eat a Pasty, a local meat pie delicacy.

Columbia River Gorge

The drive along the Columbia River Gorge is one of the most scenic drives in the Pacific Northwest. The gorge reaches heights of 4,000 feet, and the river serves as the boundary between Oregon and Washington.

I recommend starting in Troutdale, Oregon and driving on Interstate 84 to at least Hood River. This trip is a very short drive, but you can extend the trip by taking detours over the river to the Washington side.

This is a perfect first time RV road trip, allowing you to drive just 30 minutes between RV parks.

In Troutdale, stay at the Sandy Riverfront RV resort. This full hook-up campground offers direct access to the Sandy River where you can swim and float on hot summer days.

At the end of your trip, stay at the Blue Barn Grill & RV park on the Washington side of the river. In between, small RVs (20 feet max) can stay at the Eagle Creek campground within the National Scenic Area.

Even though the Columbia River Gorge is a short trip, it is not lacking in activities. There are stunning waterfalls, local breweries and hundreds of hiking trails to explore. One can’t miss hike along the gorge is Beacon Rock.

The trail is a one-mile hike up the 848 foot Beacon Rock, the core of an ancient volcano. The hike involves many switchbacks and steep drop-offs, but handrails make it safe for even casual hikers. At the top you are rewarded with vast views of the Columbia River Gorge.

Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon

If you are looking to incorporate both city life and the great outdoors into your RV road trip, consider driving from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon. The drive from Las Vegas to the south rim is just over four hours, but you can spend a significant amount of time at each destination.

If you are renting an RV , you can take a round trip route so you can fly in and out of Las Vegas. Alternatively, this trip can be combined with a Utah National Park or Route 66 road trip for a longer adventure.

There are many large RV resorts around Las Vegas that offer pools, outdoor activities and shuttles to casinos. If you want to stay right on The Strip, camp at Circus Circus RV Park. The campground offers full hook-up sites on the Circus Circus property, and campers have access to all the same amenities as hotel guests.

Once you reach the Grand Canyon , stay at the Trailer Village campground which offers full hook-up RV sites close to the south rim of the canyon.

Don’t forget to stop along the way to the canyon and explore Arizona a little more. Stop in the town of Chloride for some history and culture. The old silver mining town now features some interesting art with many residents creating junk art sculptures on their property.

Just outside of town, park the RV and walk 1.5 up a rough dirt road to see the murals of Chloride miner, Roy Purcell. Painted in 1966, these murals are a sight to see, covering 2,000 square feet of rocks and granite.

North to Alaska

Once you have completed some shorter road trips RVing in the USA, consider upping your road trip game and driving to Alaska. Leaving from Washington state, you can drive through British Columbia and The Yukon to reach Alaska.

Allow an absolute minimum of one month for this RV road trip, so you have plenty of time for driving and exploring. Ideally, this RV road trip would take two to three months so you have plenty of time to explore Western Canada as well.

On the route to Alaska, you will find plenty of RV parks off the highway. The AllStays app will help you find campsites in the US, as well as Canada.

Once you arrive in Alaska, the whole state is your campground. Alaska is one of the few places in the USA where it is legal to camp almost anywhere. Check out Call to Wander’s post for some Alaska campsite recommendations.

Once you reach Alaska, be sure to make it to Denali National Park. The park features Denali, the highest peak in North America, as well as plentiful wildlife.

The only entrance to the park is 240 miles north of Anchorage off Alaska Highway 3. There are RV-friendly campgrounds within the park, so you can enjoy the experience of camping right beside the natural wonders.

If you are new to RV travel, download our free RV setup and departure checklists to guide you when parking and packing up the RV.

Also, save our list of 250 road trip questions to help pass the time while you are driving.

Ready to hit the road and go RVing in the USA? Comment below to tell us which RV road trip is on the top of your bucket list.

Happy Camping!

Christina Pate is a seasoned full-time RVer who, along with her husband Justin, has journeyed across the US, Canada, and Mexico. Drawing from her extensive travels, RV repairs and RV renovations, she founded Travels with Ted to guide and inspire fellow RV enthusiasts. Christina is also the co-author of The Owner’s Guide to RV Maintenance and the creator of My RV Log Book .

Best RV Road Trips: 9 Top Routes Around the USA

I’ve been to all 50 states, 49 of them in an RV. There are beautiful places to explore all around the United States, but there are some great places that surpass the rest.

The type of routes that make you feel like you’ve won the life lottery. The ones that make you ask, “Is this even real life?!” 

Whether you’re a full-time RVer or planning a family vacation for the summer, you may be feeling overwhelmed at the options of where to go next and wondering which roads are the best and most scenic to enjoy through RV travel.  

After over 50,000 miles behind the wheel and exploring every corner of this country, I’ve compiled the best RV road trips for you to explore!

Length of Route: Approximately 1,650 miles from Seattle, Washington to Los Angeles, California Best Time of Year to Go: Spring/Summer/Fall

Imagine cruising down the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California, with practically perfect moderate temperatures year-round. There’s no need for AC, just roll the windows down and inhale that salty ocean breeze.

Welcome to the Pacific Coast Highway, one of the best road trips in North America.

To be fair, this route can be as beautiful as it is challenging to drive, depending on the size of your RV. There are many sections along the PCH that are not big rig friendly. 

While the weather is moderate compared to other parts of the country, you can expect some freezing temperatures in the winter or even early spring in some parts of the Pacific Northwest along the route. 

Most folks are surprised to learn that the summer months are actually one of the least desirable times to visit California due to what the locals call ‘May Gray’ or ‘June Gloom’.

The marine layer tends to be thick and chilly, making the roads more dangerous to drive and less scenic.

PCH Must-See Sites

• Olympic National Park, WA
• Cape Disappointment State Park, WA
• Cannon Beach, OR
• Natural Bridges, OR
• Trees of Mystery, CA
• Redwood National Park & State Park, CA
• Fort Bragg, CA
• Point Reyes National Seashore, CA
• Big Sur, CA 
• Pismo Beach, CA
• Santa Monica Pier, CA

PRO TIP: Drive the route from North to South for the most spectacular views.

Length of Route: Approximately 125 miles from Fernandina Beach to Daytona Beach (continue on Highway 1 to Key West, 540 miles) Best Time of Year to Go: Winter

There’s really nothing like RVing in Florida during the winter. While folks shovel snow up north, you’re walking barefoot on the beach or soaking in the historical sites along Florida’s east coast. 

This route includes the A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway (72 miles), as well as surrounding must-see cities and sites.

A1A and Coastal Florida Must-See Sites

• Fernandina Beach
• Little Talbot Island State Park
• Guana Tolomato Matanzas 
• Saint Augustine
• Fort Matanzas National Monument
• Daytona Beach

BONUS: Continue south on Highway 1 across the famous Seven Mile Bridge to the Florida Keys and end your journey in Key West (#8). Be sure to sightsee in Miami (#7), and kayak in Crystal River to see the manatees!

3. blue ridge parkway.

Length of Route:  Approximately 450 miles from Gatlinburg, Tennessee to Shenandoah National Park Best Time of Year to Go: Summer/Fall

Known as America’s favorite drive, this road trip belongs on the bucket list of every RVer. But like many scenic parkways, there are windy curves, mountains to traverse, and tunnels to go through.

It’s crucial to know your rig’s height and not to push your tow vehicle’s limits over the passes of Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia.  

Blue Ridge Parkway Must-See Sites

• .Gatlinburg, TN
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Asheville, NC
• The Blowing Rock, NC
• Roanoke, VA
• Skyline Drive/Shenandoah National Park

4. The Grand Circle of National Parks

Length of Route: Approximately 1,370 miles roundtrip Best Time of Year to Go: Spring

You may have heard of the Utah 5, but did you know you can easily expand that itinerary to include parks in Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona? 

This is one of the best RV road trip routes for the National Park geeks.

Must-See Sites

• Zion National Park
• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
• Capitol Reef National Park
• Canyonlands National Park
• Arches National Park
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
• Telluride, CO
• Mesa Verde National Park
• Shiprock, NM
• Petrified Forest National Park
• Grand Canyon National Park
• Lake Powell

5. National Parks of the Northwest

Length of Route: 476 miles from Jackson, Wyoming to West Glacier, Montana Best Time of Year to Go: Summer/Fall

Pack up the kids and get them away from the screens. I guarantee the views out the windows of this route will be better than any new TikTok trend. 

This route involves a bit more planning to time it out just perfectly. You want to avoid the peak season summer crowds at Yellowstone but not arrive too late to Glacier National Park to drive the Going to the Sun Road . I would say late summer or early fall will be your best bet for this trip. 

Northwest Parks Must-See Sites

• Jackson, WY
• Grand Teton National Park
• Yellowstone National Park including: Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone Canyon, Grand Prismatic Spring
• Bozeman, MT
• Glacier National Park

6. Tour of New England

Length of Route: 761 miles from Newport, Rhode Island to Burlington, Vermont Best Time of Year to Go: Fall

The only downfall of traveling this route is you’ll have a hard time keeping it on the road when you want to be sightseeing around every corner.

While the West gets a lot of credit for epic road trips, the beauty of the Northeast is often underrated for its road trip potential.

• The Cliff Walk Newport, RI
• Cape Cod National Seashore
• Boston, MA 
• Portland, ME
• Acadia National Park
• White Mountains, NH
• Green Mountains, VT
• Burlington, VT

7. The California Loop

Length of Route: Approximately 2,200 miles from Sacramento, California roundtrip Best Time of Year to Go: Spring/Summer

Being born and raised in California, I can honestly say you could spend an entire lifetime exploring the Golden State and not be able to see and do it all, but the California Loop hits the highlights.

This scenic route could take you a couple of weeks or a few months to complete!

• Yosemite National Park
• Sequoia National Park/Kings Canyon National Park
• Eastern Sierras
• Death Valley National Park
• Joshua Tree National Park
• Palm Springs
• Los Angeles
• Santa Barbara – side trip to Channel Islands National Park
• San Francisco
• Napa Valley

8. Arizona Road Trip

Length of Route: Approximately 1,300 miles roundtrip from Tucson Best Time of Year to Go: Spring/Winter

Join the snowbirds and take a tour of Arizona. Like the California Loop, this Arizona road trip hits a lot of the popular destinations while taking you from South to North, East to West, and back. 

• Saguaro National Park
• Kartchner Caverns
• Casa Grande National Monument
• Montezuma Castle National Monument
• Meteor Crater Natural Landmark
• Winslow – don’t forget to stand on the corner! 
• Monument Valley
• Antelope Canyon
• Organ Pipe National Monument

I may have saved my personal favorite of the best RV trips for last because nothing says ‘road trip’ more than this next one.

9. Route 66

Length of Route: 2,448 miles from Chicago, Illinois to Los Angeles, California Best Time of Year to Go: Summer/Fall

The Mother Road. The ultimate All-American road trip, Route 66. When you think of a nostalgic road trip driving off into the Western sunset, you probably imagine a scenic drive along Route 66. 

While most of the original road has been surpassed by I-40, you can still step back in time along a surprisingly 85% preserved original route that starts in downtown Chicago and ends at the famous Santa Monica Pier in Southern California.

FUN FACT: Oklahoma has the most drivable miles of Route 66 than any other state. 

The original Route 66 road is RV friendly, although it can sometimes be a bit bumpy and riddled with potholes. But I think that adds to the nostalgia of it, and forces you to slow down and soak it all in.

Route 66 Must-See Sites

• Chicago, IL
• Springfield, IL – Abraham Lincoln Historical Sights
• The Route 66 Museum and Welcome Center in Litchfield, IL
• Henry’s Rabbit Ranch, IL
• Saint Louis Arch, MO
• Meramec Caverns, MO
• Galena, KS – Inspiration for the Disney Pixar film Cars
• The Blue Whale – Catoosa, OK
• Oklahoma Route 66 Museum
• The Midpoint Cafe & Sign – Adrian, TX 
• Cadillac Ranch – Amarillo, TX
• The neon lights of Tucamacari, NM
• Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
• Delgadillo’s Snowcap – Seligman, AZ
• The ghost town of Oatman, AZ (*note – the original route is a windy and narrow mountain road, so proceed with caution).
• The End of Route 66 at the Santa Monica Pier, CA

You could spend a week or a month soaking in all of the sites of Route 66. There’s no wonder it’s one of the best RV road trips. My best piece of advice is to take your time to see it all.

Go slow, read the signs, take touristy pictures, talk to the locals, and support the businesses that are still serving the small towns along the route. Go back to a simpler time along the Mother Road.

Best RV Road Trips for Beginners

There are countless popular destinations and beautiful scenery to be seen all around the United States, but the above road trips are a great way to get you on the open road!

If you’re a beginner RVer, remember to slow down and take your time planning. Also, try to avoid a strict schedule. This is the best way to have a pleasant trip and ensure you aren’t overwhelmed with the logistics and unpredictability of RV life.

Instead, you’ll be sure to fully enjoy the places you see and make tons of priceless memories on some of the best roads in the US.

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Kerisa has been traveling the U.S. with her husband and fur kids in their 89 sq. ft. home on wheels since 2020 and has been to all 50 states. She is the copywriter/owner of Outside Voice Collective and blogger at the Traveling Tiongsons. You'll most likely find her behind the wheel on a scenic byway or relaxing around a campfire with a good glass of wine at the end of the day.

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5 Great RV Road Trip Routes in the United States

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RV camping is one of the most exciting and rewarding ways to explore the United States. Few modes of transport allow travelers to cover so much distance for little money while coming face-to-face with the nation's natural treasures.

We've come up with five route suggestions for folks looking to hit the road and tour America's most beautiful natural preserves.

» Learn more: The beginner’s guide to renting an RV

California loop

Distance: 2,226 miles

California offers a cornucopia of natural beauty, from towering redwood forests to dusty deserts to breathtaking seascapes and shorelines. This 14-destination loop will take RV travelers across the entire state. While we start our journey just northeast of San Diego and go in a clockwise loop, you can use any location as your starting point. We've highlighted some of the top nature and camping destinations across California, but feel free to improvise as there is no shortage of parks and preserves in the Golden State.

A. Anza-Borrego State Park

B. Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park.

C. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

D. Big Basin Redwoods State Park

E. Point Reyes.

F. Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.

G. Klamath National Forest.

H. Shasta National Forest.

I. Lake Tahoe.

J. Grover Hot Springs.

K. Yosemite National Park.

L. John Muir Wilderness.

M. Death Valley.

N. Joshua Tree National Park.

Rocky Mountains

Distance: 2,826 miles

The Rocky Mountains stretch over 3,000 miles from New Mexico to British Columbia and offer a life's worth of exploration opportunities. You could spend weeks at Yellowstone and Grand Teton alone. We've chosen just a few of the more popular destinations and suggest you set aside a hefty chunk of time for this trip. Again, the locations are ordered clockwise, but you can jump in at the most convenient destination. We begin in southern Idaho.

A. Sawtooth National Forest, Idaho.

B. Craters of the Moon Monument, Idaho.

C. National Elk Refuge, Wyo.

D. Grand Teton National Park, Wyo.

E. Yellowstone National Park, Mont.

F. Glacier National Park, Mont.

G. Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, Mont.

H. Devil's Tower National Monument, Wyo.

I. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colo.

J. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colo.

K. Mesa Verde National Park, Colo.

L. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colo.

Distance: 2,332 miles

The classic American road trip, Route 66 spans from Chicago to Los Angeles. Unlike the other trips we list here, Route 66 is less a nature excursion and more a nostalgic cruise along a collection of museums, diners and roadside attractions. Route 66 has hundreds of potential stops; we've chosen just a few. If you plan on taking Route 66 both away from home and back toward it, remember to leave plenty of attractions for the return trip.

A. Chicago, Ill.

B. Route 66 Association Hall of Fame and Museum, Ill.

C. Lincoln's Tomb, Ill.

D. St. Louis, Mo.

E. Mark Twain National Forest, Mo.

F. Galena Mining and Historical Museum, Kan.

G. Route 66 Vintage Iron Motorcycle Museum, Okla.

H. Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, Okla.

I. Palo Duro State Park, Texas

J. Cadillac Ranch, Texas

K. Route 66 Auto Museum, N.M.

L. Red Rock State Park, N.M.

M. Petrified Forest National Park, Ariz.

N. Meteor Crater, Ariz.

O. The Grand Canyon, Ariz.

P. Los Angeles, Calif.

New England loop

Distance: 1,515 miles

A road trip around New England offers a balanced blend of verdant forests, rocky seascapes, colonial history and gorgeous seaside towns. We start our loop in upstate New York, heading east and north into the parks of upper New England. After Acadia, head south along the coast for breathtaking ocean views. A collection of historic New England towns (Salem, Cape Cod and more) will provide a break from the greenery and a lesson in American history. Pick up the route at the location closest to you.

A. Adirondack State Park, N.Y.

B. Green Mountain National Forest, Vt.

C. White Mountain National Forest, N.H.

D. Allagash Wilderness Waterway State Park, Maine

E. Acadia National Park, Maine

F. Minute Man National Historic Park, Mass.

G. Salem, Mass.

H. Boston, Mass.

I. Cape Cod, Mass.

J. Jamestown, R.I.

K. Fort Adams State Park, R.I.

L. Mystic Seaport, Conn.

M. Hammonasset State Park, Conn.

N. Fort Hale Park, Conn.

O. Ferris Lake, N.Y.

Distance: 5,776 miles

The Southern states have plenty to offer in terms of nature, culture and relaxation. A satisfying southern RV expedition will sample forests, beaches and everything in between. This loop starts in historic Savannah, drops down into Florida and meanders along the Southern coast before launching back east into Tennessee and Virginia. The last leg of the journey comprises a series of beaches for a proper cool down at the end of a long journey. Of course, you can begin anywhere along the route and eventually end up back where you started.

A. Savannah, Ga.

B. Ocala National Forest, Fla.

C. Big Cypress National Preserve, Fla.

D. Everglades National Park, Fla.

E. Apalachicola National Forest, Fla.

F. Blackwater River State Park, Fla.

G. De Soto National Forest, Fla.

H. New Orleans, La.

I. Kisatchie National Forest, La.

J. Houston, Texas

K. Sam Houston National Forest, Texas

L. Ouachita National Forest, Ark.

M. Ozark National Forest, Ark.

N. Memphis, Tenn.

O. Nashville, Tenn.

P. Cherokee National Forest, Tenn.

Q. Chattahoochee National Forest, Ga.

R. George Washington National Forest, Va.

S. Virginia Beach, Va.

T. Myrtle Beach, S.C.

U. Hilton Head, S.C.

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Are These the Best RV Road Trips in the U.S.?

We’re always trying to bring you great routes to travel, but we just came across a list of what just may be the best rv road trips in the u.s..

• 1 We’re always trying to bring you great routes to travel, but we just came across a list of what just may be the best RV road trips in the U.S.
• 2 National Parks & Highway 12 (Salt Lake City to Grand Canyon)
• 3 The Blues Highway (Nashville to New Orleans)
• 4 Pacific Coast Highway (California)
• 5 Pacific Coast Scenic Byway (Oregon)
• 6 The Overseas Highway: Miami to Key West of U.S. Highway 1
• 7 What About the Florida Keys?
• 8 Blue Ridge Parkway (West Virginia to Tennessee)
• 9 Adirondacks (NYC to The Finger Lakes)
• 10 Ohio’s Amish Country Byway (Ohio)
• 11 Black to Yellow Route (Wyoming)
• 12.1 CLICK HERE to read a fascinating mystery you can learn about on the Natchez Trace involving Meriwether Lewis, of Lewis and Clark fame
• 13 New ebook from Mike and Jennifer Wendland – the Natchez Trace

The list we’re talking about was compiled by the good folks at TripSavvy.com . To make it easy for you to read, we put the list below.

Of course, the proverbial $64 million question is: are these actually the best RV road trips in the U.S.? Let us know in the comments below!

National Parks & Highway 12 (Salt Lake City to Grand Canyon)

Drivers who head southbound from Salt Lake City, Utah will pass a playground of gorgeous national parks stretching to neighboring Arizona. Highway 12 Scenic Byway is a 122.9-mile route that’s regarded as one of the most beautiful drives in the world. It is a designated “All-American Road” that stretches from Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon National Parks. That means a wide range of breathtaking views, from desert red rock and alpine forest.

Visitors might want to consider a stop at Anasazi State Park and the Anasazi ruins that date back to 1050 A.D. and are located in Boulder, Utah. Continue on to the incredible Grand Staircase-Escalante where you might want to consider parking your RV for the night at Yonder Escalante , which offers plenty of RV sites. From there, continue on with visits to Bryce and Zion National Parks, before finishing at the Grand Canyon in Arizona.

The Blues Highway (Nashville to New Orleans)

Highway 61 is also known as “The Blues Highway.” It is recognized as the famous road written about by dozens of blues artists, and road trippers will travel through a piece of history and enjoy a wide variety of scenic views.

Starting in Nashville (which we documented a trip to a while ago here ), home to country music’s most famous stage and the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum , continue on to Memphis, where Elvis Presley fans can fully immerse themselves in the King of Rock n Roll’s life. After a visit to Graceland , head on to Mississippi and finally New Orleans, where the French Quarter has long inspired musicians, writers, and artists.

Pacific Coast Highway (California)

Stretching along most of California’s coast, the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is one of the best-known coastal drives in the country. RVers who start in Dana Point, California will travel through Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Big Sur, and San Francisco. Road travelers will pass stunning cliffs, the iconic Hearst Castle, and redwood forests. Many consider a hike down Fern Canyon , where part of “Jurassic Park: Lost World” was filmed, a must. Be sure to check out some of these previous RV Lifestyle posts for more.

Pacific Coast Scenic Byway (Oregon)

Looking for an alternative to the PCH that's just as jaw-dropping as the famous California drive? Try Oregon. Starting in Astoria, RVers will travel down the Oregon coast for 363 miles before ending near Brookings. Along the way, travelers will pass by endless options for sand and surf, including Cannon Beach and Whaleshead Beach. Hikers may want to spent some time in less-crowded state parks, like Cape Lookout and Samuel Boardman State Scenic Corridor, or walk under the world’s largest eucalyptus tree (at almost 70 feet tall) along Myrtle Tree Trail .

The Overseas Highway: Miami to Key West of U.S. Highway 1

U.S. Highway 1 is the ideal choice for those looking to experience picturesque views of pristine beaches, sunsets, and palm trees as they pass through charming cities and end at one of the most scenic drives in the nation. Begin with some golf in St. Petersburg at the historic Vinoy Renaissance Resort and Golf Club before heading south to Cape Coral where you can take a dip in the Gulf of Mexico. Head to Fort Lauderdale for picturesque sunsets, then on through the swaying coconut palms of Islamorada. Finally, you will drive across the Overseas Highway and the crystal clear waters of the Florida Keys, ending in Key West.

What About the Florida Keys ?

Do you want to hit Key West, the Everglades National Park, and all the other great things the Keys have to offer? Well, we have just the thing for you. Jennifer and I love traveling to the Keys, so we've created a complete 7-Day RV Adventure Guide: Florida Keys . This downloadable guide includes a suggested itinerary and a list of the best RV parks along the way.

We also have a 7 -Day RV Adventure Guide to Florida's Atlantic Coast and Florida's Gulf Coast . If you're interested in all three, you should check out our Florida RV Travel Guide Bundle .

Blue Ridge Parkway (West Virginia to Tennessee)

It's not hard to see why the Blue Ridge Parkway has the nickname of “America's Favorite Drive.” The 469-mile route offers the best of the Appalachian range, connecting Virginia's Shenandoah National Park with North Carolina's Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Suggested route: Start at the northern entrance in Rockfish Gap, Virginia, then drive south, passing through Roanoke before entering North Carolina. Of course, Asheville is a popular stop.

Adirondacks (NYC to The Finger Lakes)

We have fallen in love with the Adirondacks and New York State. There are mountains, raging rivers, deep gorges, gorgeous lakes and hiking that can’t be beat. Then there is the beautiful Finger Lakes area and, of course, America’s top-rated state park, Letchworth State Park.

Covering a whopping 6 million acres, the world is your oyster when it comes to the outdoors and there's no shortage of hiking and biking trails as well as intimate villages and historical sites.

Along the way, RVers can visit numerous vineyards with tasting rooms in the Finger Lakes wine region. After a beautiful drive through New York state’s rolling hills, RVers will enter the quaint village of Aurora and feel at ease with the calming waters of Cayuga Lake and pristinely restored historic homes that make up the lakeside luxury boutique resort at the Inns of Aurora.

Be sure to check out our Adirondack RV Adventure video below!

Ohio’s Amish Country Byway (Ohio)

Amish Country Byway in Ohio boasts views of natural landscape along winding curves and rolling hills that make it one of the most beautiful backdrops for a road trip. It’s a charming country byway that will offer a great selection of Amish country cooking, old-world artisan shops, and historic sites detailing the history of Amish and German people. Those who feel adventurous might want to get out and explore the Mohican-Memorial State Forest for a few hours.

Black to Yellow Route (Wyoming)

The Black to Yellow Route starts on I-90 traveling from Wyoming’s Black Hills in the northeastern corner to Yellowstone National Park in the northwest portion of the state. The route allows road travelers to see the nation’s first national monument and first national park while enjoying charming towns and scenic byways along the way. Consider a stop in Sheridan, a beautiful small town filled with western history (including The Mint Bar, which was built in 1907 and became a famous cowboy bar) and a growing brewery and distillery scene. You will likely also want to spend some time in Cody. Be sure to check out a video we did on Cody below!

Natchez Trace Parkway (Mississippi to Tennessee)

The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile recreational road and scenic drive through three states. It roughly follows the “Old Natchez Trace” a historic travel corridor used by American Indians, “Kaintucks,” European settlers, slave traders, soldiers, and future presidents. Today, people can enjoy not only a scenic drive but also hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping along the parkway.

Explore the many waterfalls including Fall Hollow Waterfall and Jackson Falls, where you can stretch your legs and go for a cool swim. Quaint towns like Leiper’s Fork offer plenty, such as unique galleries and artisanal boutiques. at the Loveless Café on milepost 444 is a must—this former roadside motel serves fluffy biscuits, pies, and iconic Southern cooking. 

CLICK HERE to read a fascinating mystery you can learn about on the Natchez Trace involving Meriwether Lewis, of Lewis and Clark fame

New ebook from mike and jennifer wendland – the natchez trace.

The Natchez Trace Parkway  will capture your imagination, soothe your jangled travel nerves, open your mind and inspire you with the history that unfolded along its 444 miles.

Each of the 7 Days of the ebook has:

• Suggested Mileposts to explore
• Places to Eat in each area of the 7 sections
• Campground descriptions and links
• Links to all the special places and information
• Links to videos that show more in detail
• and a lot of highlighted information for each section

PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a printed, hard copy guide.

Whether you want to follow the footsteps of explorers, discover natural beauty, or visit historic sites, the Trace has something to grab your attention and leave you eager to see what’s at the next milepost.

You can see why this is one of our favorite US routes to explore.  We’ve traveled it a half dozen times!

Published on 2022-07-20

Mike Wendland is a multiple Emmy-award-winning Journalist, Podcaster, YouTuber, and Blogger, who has traveled with his wife, Jennifer, all over North America in an RV, sharing adventures and reviewing RV, Camping, Outdoor, Travel and Tech Gear for the past 12 years. They are leading industry experts in RV living and have written 18 travel books.

4 Responses to “Are These the Best RV Road Trips in the U.S.?”

July 21, 2022at8:56 am , Paulette Burdick said:

Please stop the political adds and the advertising that is devisive.

July 22, 2022at4:09 pm , Team RV Lifestyle said:

Hi Paulette – Mike does not permit any political ads on his site. Zero. So if you are seeing political ads, that is because you must have visited some sort of political site, and are being tracked that way. The dynamic ad placements are based on the viewers search history- so that is why you are seeing them. Hope that helps – Team RV Lifestyle

July 21, 2022at8:18 am , Joan Harman said:

RE: The Blue Ridge Parkway article-I think you mean to say westERN Virginia and not West Virginia. The Blue Ridge Parkway does not cross into WV (unfortunately).

July 22, 2022at12:26 pm , Team RV Lifestyle said:

thanks for that typo catch – will share so we can fix! Team RV Lifestyle

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Posted on Published: July 7, 2023  - Last updated: February 26, 2024

If you’re seeking the perfect blend of adventure and comfort, an RV road trip may be the perfect getaway! From awe-inspiring national parks to quaint coastal towns and everything in between, the USA offers an incredible array of destinations to explore from the comfort of your home on wheels. Here are the best RV vacations in the USA!

This post may contain affiliate links. For more info, see my  disclosures .

Start packing up the RV (and the family) now! You’re going to love these RV trips all across the country. Whether you’re looking for a route that’s in your home state, or you’re traveling and then renting an RV, this list has something for everyone!

This list goes beyond somewhere to sit your RV – each destination in this guide is an RV road trip with beautiful landscapes, fun national parks to explore, vibrant cities or wide open spaces.

👉Don’t have time to read the whole article? Get the complete Organize Your RV Like a Pro Guide for brilliant organization RV hacks before you go!

Many of these RV routes are best one in the summer months when the weather is (typically) most predictable and reasonable in the USA. But each of these RV vacations below share the best time of year for that particular adventure.

Whether this is your first RV road trip or you’ve been packing up your motorhome or travel trailer for years, these epic destinations are going to blow you away!

Must-see video: RV vacations

RV road trips map

This list covers the best RV trips in the west, east and a bunch of amazing routes in between.  Each pin on this map marks a stop on one of the very best RV routes in the US .

Because I haven’t’ been everywhere in the US in my RV (yet), I’ve asked some of my fellow travel writers to help compile this list of the best RV travel USA ideas! Enjoy!

Epic RV vacations

Get ready to hit the open road and discover some truly unbelievable RV road trips that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Let’s dive in!

1. Great Smoky Mountains: Asheville to Gatlinburg

• Distance: 85 miles
• Recommended time: 2-3 days
• Best time of year: Spring or Fall

If you’re looking for a fun getaway in your RV, then look no further than the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee! One of the best RV vacations in the US, the drive from Asheville North Carolina to Gatlinburg, Tennessee is simply gorgeous.

The Smoky Mountains are stunning year-round, though it’s best to avoid this road trip in winter. The National Park Service often closes the road through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee.

This route can technically be done in an afternoon, but you’ll want to spend a day or two on either side of the road trip, at minimum!

While in Asheville, be sure to visit the botanical gardens and the River Arts District. And of course, one of the best attractions in town is the Biltmore Estate . Visit the estate to see the massive 175,000+ square feet of space on 8,000 acres. It’s spectacular!

The drive west towards Tennessee is beautiful, and the Smoky Mountains make their presence known with the hazy-looking views. Stay on Highway 19 until you get to Cherokee, North Carolina. It’s a great spot to grab lunch, a souvenir and check out the cornmeal and grits mill – Saunooke’s Mill .

Next, get ready for an incredibly scenic drive through US Highway 441 (AKA Newfound Gap Road) in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This scenic road is RV-friendly, although it does have some steep grades so be prepared as you drive through the mountains.

You’ll want to stop at Clingmans Dome for 360-degree views of the Smokies. It requires a 0.5 mile (paved) hike with a steep incline, but is well worth it.

Pro tip: don’t miss the turn to Clingman’s Dome! There’s RV-friendly parking at the parking lot, but turning around on 441 will be difficult in an RV if you miss the turn.

Gap Overlook and Ben Morton Overlook are other stops worth the view, if the parking situation isn’t too full when you’re driving through. Of course, there’s various hiking trails along the scenic route as well.

Gatlinburg is the official end of this RV road trip. It’s quite the touristy town, and parking is not RV-friendly at all. Instead, you can stay at Elkmont Campground inside the national park or Greenbrier Campground just outside of Gatlinburg. As with most national park campgrounds, be sure to book it well in advance to reserve your spot.

If you have a day or two to explore the park, you’ll want to check out the fabulous waterfalls, which are most impressive in the springtime. Laurel Falls Trail , Grotto Falls and Abrams Falls Trail are really popular hikes, although if you have a vehicle you’re towing it’s easier to access Grotto Falls and Abrams Falls as they’re located on narrow roads.

This is one of the best RV vacations that’s great for beginner RVers or those based in the Eastern USA and looking for a quicker weekend adventure.

Recommended by me – Nikki of Inspired Routes

2. Alaska RV road trip

• Distance: 1,200 miles
• Recommended time: 10 days
• Best time of year : June, July and August

Alaska is a fantastic state for a scenic and remote RV vacation. An RV road trip through the rugged 49th state allows you to see mountains, glaciers, forests, panoramic coastline, wildflowers, and plentiful wildlife.

Although driving your RV to Alaska is possible, another popular option is to fly into Anchorage and rent an RV. Either way, you should book your campsites as early as possible . Summer is the busy season in Alaska and the good campsites are often booked out months in advance.

The best  10-day Alaska road trip itinerary  will take you to see the diverse beauty of the inland mountains as well as the coastline. But, make sure to plan for at least 10 days to complete this 1,200-mile RV road trip. Alaska is a huge state and you will need to do a lot of driving to see the highlights.

Starting in the city of Anchorage, head north to Denali National Park for a few nights. After Denali, return south to Anchorage for a night and then keep going south to Seward. 

After spending several nights in Seward, drive to the Kenai River Region for a night or two, and then to Homer for your last few nights.  You’ll end your trip by returning north back to Anchorage.

Highlights of the route include Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park, as well as some epic scenic overlooks and state parks along the way.

Two of the best campsites in Alaska for RV camping are Denali Grizzly Bear Resort near Denali National Park and Miller’s Landing in Seward. 

An RV road trip through Alaska will be an incredible and memorable experience!

Recommended by Diane of Travels with Eli

3. Milwaukee to Ludington (an underrated RV vacation idea in the USA)

• Distance: 148 miles by car ferry or 341 miles driving
• Recommended time: 3-4 days
• Best time of year: Mid-May to October, and this small beach town offers amazing outdoor activities. Hence, you want to visit during sunny spring and summer weather to truly enjoy this natural landscape.

Traveling from Wisconsin to Michigan is a unique road trip with an RV, as you can take the S.S. Badger Car Ferry (even for RVs) and enjoy the ride! 

While onboard, you can shop, watch a movie in the movie theater or simply lounge inside. They also have an outside deck with live music, where you can stroll along the deck, play a board game, or even test your luck at the famous Badger Bingo. Kids will enjoy the toddler play area or the kid’s port play area.

If you do not want to take the ferry, you can also easily drive to Ludington. The drive time varies based on traffic, but it is about 4 hours from Chicago, 4 hours from Detroit, and 5.5 hours from Milwaukee.

There are plenty of  things to do in Ludington , including exploring the natural beauty of the region at Ludington State Park. It’s an outdoor enthusiasts paradise with natural beauty from lakes and rivers, forests, and unique sand dunes.

Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, camping, and even bird-watching in Ludington State Park. Located on Hamlin Lake, RVers will enjoy boating, fishing, kayaking and paddle boarding.

Lastly, don’t forget to climb and explore the unique Hamlin Lake Sand dunes that give you a scenic view of Lake Michigan, Hamlin Lake, and Big Sable Point Lighthouse.

This is one of the best and most unique RV road trips in the US, and one worth adding to your must-do list!

Recommended by Hannah of Getting Stamped

4. Phoenix, Sedona, Grand Canyon and Page Arizona (one of the most scenic RV road trips)

• Distance: 478 miles (one way)
• Recommended time: 5-6 Days

There are so many amazing places to visit within driving distance from Phoenix. On this RV road trip, you will visit 3 of the most iconic destinations in Arizona , Sedona, the Grand Canyon and Page, Arizona.

Start in Phoenix and make your way to Sedona, one of the prettiest places in the world. There are a ton of places in Sedona to see incredible views or go on a  Sedona sunrise hike  to see the gorgeous red rocks illuminated in bright orange and red colors.

One of the best campgrounds to stay at in Sedona is Pine Flat Campground located on the scenic byway 89a. You’ll combine scenic accommodations with tone of the most gorgeous RV vacations in the USA!

After spending 1-2 days exploring Sedona, it’s time to head to the Grand Canyon, which is only 110 miles north. The Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic national parks in the United States, and it’s easy to see why.

Rent some electric bikes and bike along the rim to Hermits Rest and enjoy stopping off and seeing all the incredible views of the canyon.

The best place to stay near the Grand Canyon is at Mather Campground located inside the park. Advanced reservations are required to get a spot at this campground as it’s super popular.

After spending a day exploring the Grand Canyon, head 132 miles north to Page, Arizona. Once in Page, make a reservation to visit the incredible Antelope Canyon which is one of the prettiest slot canyons in the world.

You can also do the 1.5 mile round trip hike to Horseshoe Bend.

The best campground to stay at in Page is The Canyons , which is located only 10 minutes to Antelope Canyon and 10 minutes to Horseshoe Bend.

As one of the best RV vacation ideas, consider taking this road trip in either the spring or fall as the summer in Arizona can get really hot and be super crowded. 

Recommended by Jessica of Unearth the Voyage

5. San Francisco to Lake Tahoe

• Distance: 200 miles
• Recommended time: 3+ days
• Best time of year: summer or early fall

Hands down, one of the best RV vacations is a road trip from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe. With so much to do at the starting point, stopping point and in between, you could easily spend a week or more exploring this route. You’ll want a minimum of 3 days to see the highlights!

Starting in San Francisco, this is a great road trip for those based in northern California or southern Oregon. While driving an RV in San Francisco isn’t the most fun thing in the world, I can say it’s pretty spectacular driving across the Golden Gate Bridge in a motorhome (or travel trailer) !

You can spend a day (or more) exploring the sights in San Francisco; visit Lombard Street, Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz Island, Exploratorium and more. If you’re towing a vehicle, I’d recommend to leave your RV at your campsite and get a ride share around San Francisco.

From there, make your way northeast to Sacramento . Make a quick gas or food stop, or spend a day or more in the fun city. Highlights include the Capitol Building, Old Sacramento Waterfront, the Old Sugar Mill or do a wine tour.

Next, Lake Tahoe is big! So deciding whether to see (and camp) on the north or south side is important, as you’ll take 2 different routes out of Sacramento. Both areas are wonderful for RV travel, and each has unique experiences.

In north Lake Tahoe, see the incredible views of the lake at Sand Harbor State Park, go swimming, mountain biking or hiking. Furthermore, this dog-friendly destination is great for summertime swimming for your furry friends, too.

In South Lake Tahoe, a must-do is a sightseeing cruise of Emerald Bay. Of course there’s more hiking, paddleboarding and kayaking opportunities, not to mention Van Sickle Bi-State Park.

For camping in North Tahoe, try the Tahoe State Recreation Area or the Alpine Meadow Campground. In South Tahoe, consider the Campground by the Lake or Fallen Leaf Campground . As with most other RV vacations on this list, be sure to book your campground far in advance to ensure a spot.

While Lake Tahoe is a year-round destination, the winter driving in an RV (not to mention freezing temperatures) can create challenges. Summer is the best time for this road trip!

6. Santa Fe to White Sands National Park (one of the most underrated RV trips on this list)

• Distance: 397 miles
• Recommended time: 1 week
• Best time of year: late spring

Travel through the heart of New Mexico on an unforgettable Santa Fe to White Sands RV road trip. It’s a perfect route for RVs as the roads are largely flat with incredible views . Even in the areas where the roads turn hilly, it’s nothing that the average rig can’t handle!

Start your adventures in historic Santa Fe, the nation’s oldest capital city. Explore the Plaza and the oldest church in America before settling into your RV spot at the welcoming Santa Fe KOA.

Next, head over to Albuquerque, where you can tour the Old Town, hike in nearby Petroglyph National Monument, or experience the awe-inspiring Albuquerque Balloon Festival. 

Head south to the quirky Roswell, New Mexico, to uncover what happened in this town in 1947. Even if you don’t believe in alien encounters, the town’s extraterrestrial theming is out of this world.

Finally, complete the last leg of your New Mexico RV road trip by heading over the Sacramento Mountains into Alamogordo.

Camp at the Alamogordo/White Sands KOA, which offers free coffee in the morning, pedal bike rentals, a pool, a big game room, and a playground. You can also rent saucers for your White Sands National Park sledding from the front desk.

In Alamogordo, you can take a photo with the world’s largest pistachio at McGinn’s Pistachioland –don’t miss out on their homemade pistachio ice cream!

The New Mexico Museum of Space History is also an excellent way to spend several hours in Alamogordo. You can even visit the grave of the Ham, the famed monkey who flew to space and back in 1961.

The real gem in Alamogordo is White Sands National Park, which is about 15 minutes west of Alamogordo. Plan to spend at least  one day in White Sands  in order to get the most of the sledding, Dunes Drive, Junior Ranger program and more.

Recommended by Natalie of Camping Kiddos

7. Las Vegas to Zion plus the Grand Canyon

• Distance: 425 miles
• Recommended time: 5-10 days

Ready to go on one of the most scenic RV road trips in the USA?  Start your adventure by flying (or driving) into Las Vegas and picking up your RV.

After your RV is ready to go, set out from Las Vegas making your way to Springdale, Utah – the gateway to Zion National Park.

Springdale is the closest town to Zion with plenty of restaurants and RV parks. Watchman Campground, with both campsites and RV hookups, is one of the best places to stay in the area.

Along the way to Zion, there are several different stops along I15 for more sightseeing and breaks from the road, including Valley of Fire State Park and Red Rock Canyon.

Zion is one of the most scenic national parks, home to the red cliffs of Zion Canyon, forested trails, waterfalls, and the Emerald Pools. There are lots of hiking trails, including the famous Angel’s Landing.

Next, hit the road towards Grand Canyon National Park. You can stop at Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell, or the town of Page along the way.

After exploring the Grand Canyon, start making your way back to Vegas. Along the way, visit the Route 66 Museum in Kingman, visit the “living ghost town” of Chloride, or make a pitstop at the Hoover Dam before arriving back in Las Vegas.

Once your road trip is over, spend a few days in Las Vegas unwinding at the pool and exploring one of the USA’s most fun cities.

Recommended by Sydney of A World in Reach

Best RV trips in the west

The west coast of the USA is full of dramatic landscapes, curvy roads and scenic views that honestly just seem impossible. Some of my favorite RV trips have been along the west coast.

Let’s keep this list going…

8. Sequoia National Park to Monterey via Big Sur (a personal favorite on this RV vacations list!)

• Distance: 300+ miles
• Recommended time: 3-5 days
• Best time of year: Spring, summer or fall

If you’re looking for the best RV vacations, then this incredibly scenic drive is it! You’ll see the giant Sequoia trees, California’s stunning coastline through Big Sur and the charming town of Monterey.

You’ll want to spend 1-2 days visiting Sequoia National Park , where you can see the General Sherman Tree – the world’s largest tree by volume! Fun hikes like Congress Trail and Moro Rock will help you fall in love with this fun park.

Note: some roads in the park are quite narrow and depending on the size of your RV, you’ll need – or maybe want – to take the park shuttle .

At Sequoia, there’s the Dorst Creek Campground, perfect for RVs inside the park. Alternatively, the Sequoia Resort and RV Park is near the park entrance.

From Sequoia National Park, you’ll actually head southwest, even though Monterey is slightly north.

Drive through Visalia (a great spot to grab gas) and continue southwest to the s mall town of Cambria, California. Stretch your legs on the boardwalk trail along the beach or shop and dine in the charming downtown.

North of Cambria, you’ll take the incredibly scenic California Highway 1, or the Pacific Coast Highway. While there are too many things to do in Big Sur to mention here, a few RV-friendly highlights include the Sand Dollar Beach, McWay Falls and the Bixby Creek Bridge.

If you’re looking to stay in Big Sur and enjoy a few days exploring the area, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a great spot for RV camping in the heart of Big Sur.

Ending your trip in Monterey, you’ll want to check out the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, Old Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row . It’s such a fun city, I’d recommend spending 1-2 days exploring the sights.

9. Glacier to Yellowstone National Park

• Distance: 420 miles
• Recommended time: 7.5-hour drive
• Best time of year: Summer and Fall

There’s just something about the American West that is freeing and magical. It feels like home when you’re out on the open road without a care in the world. 

This is what you get as you road trip between Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park. But, thankfully, there’s much more to do in this road trip than just gazing out at the vast landscapes. It’s one of the best RV road trips in the west!

You can start your trip in either direction, but for this one, we’ll begin in Glacier and head south to Yellowstone .

At Glacier, you’ll be home to arguably the best views of any National Park in America. With towering peaks cut by glaciers, turquoise waters with glacier silt, and wildlife galore, it’s a mesmerizing experience. 

Do note that you need reservations to enter most of Glacier’s top spots, such as Many Glacier or Going to the Sun Road, or be willing to wake up before 6 am to beat the crowds. 

I suggest spending at least five days in Glacier to see both sides. Your best places to visit are Grinnell Glacier, Iceberg, Hidden and Two Medicine Lakes. 

If you’re curious how long you should allocate for each destination, I’d recommend spending 67% of your time in Glacier – it’s that good!

As for the specific driving portion of it, there’s little to see between the two famous national parks. I suggest cruising through the heartland and getting to Yellowstone quickly. 

Once in Yellowstone, make sure to hit the classics: Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, Morning Glory, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. You can see a lot of the park in just two days, allowing you to keep this  epic road trip  to a reasonable length. 

Recommended by Alec of Explore with Alec

10. Joshua Tree and Death Valley National Park (one of the most interesting RV routes in the US)

Distance: 577 miles (if starting and ending in Los Angeles) Recommended time: 5 Days Best time of year: Fall to Spring

A  Joshua Tree and Death Valley road trip  is the ultimate Southern California experience! Los Angeles makes for an easy starting point, but you can also choose to start in Las Vegas . This whole RV road trip is around 600 miles and you will want to plan a minimum of 5 days.

Spend at least one full day in Joshua Tree, visiting all of the best hikes including the Cholla Cactus Garden, Arch Rock, Barker Dam and Hidden Valley. Joshua Tree is also an amazing spot to stargaze if the weather is clear.

Staying in the park will allow you to make the most of your trip, so reserve your campground in advance!

After having your fill of Joshua Tree, drive up to Death Valley National Park to continue on with one of the best RV vacations.

There are a few reservable campsites in Death Valley, but if you do not get one, there is also a large first-come, first-served campground near Furnace Creek .

In Death Valley, you do not want to miss spots like the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Zabriskie Point, and Gold Canyon.

Make sure to stop at the lowest point in North America- Badwater Basin Salt Flats!

Keep in mind some side roads are restricted to vehicles under 25 feet long like Artist Palette Drive, but the majority of the popular spots are accessible.

Plan this trip when it is not too hot out, as Death Valley has the hottest recorded temperature on Earth! Fall and Spring are the best time to visit.

The desert temperatures can drop at night and it can get very windy, so this makes a perfect RV road trip, as you can shelter from the elements.

Recommended by Val of Voyages with Val

11. Ashland to Crater Lake National Park

• Distance: 92 miles
• Recommended time: 1-2 days
• Best time of year : July – September (These are often the only months the roads are not closed due to snow!)

Oregon is a state full of beautiful scenery, and makes for one of the best RV trips west coast. Perhaps one of the most beautiful spots is Crater Lake.

This natural lake is the deepest in the United States and one of the most pure. From the blue water to the fresh, clean air, an RV vacation from Ashland to Crater Lake National Park will not disappoint.

Visitors can explore the rim of the lake on a variety of hiking trails. Boats even take visitors to Wizard Island to get a unique view of the stunning scenery. 

The RV road trip from Ashland to Crater Lake is beautiful in its own right. Highway 62 often travels along the Rogue River. You’ll pass through little towns with charming names like Shady Cove and Prospect. 

As you get closer to the lake, watch for bald eagles flying overhead or nesting on top of trees. But the highlight of the day will be cresting the final ridge and getting your first glimpse of the lake . It’s truly breathtaking.

There is one campground nearby that allows RVs. Mazuma Campground is seven miles from the Rim Village Visitor Center .

It’s a beautifully maintained campground and very popular. Be sure to make reservations in advance to secure your spot.

The road trip from Ashland to Crater Lake is short enough for a day trip, but one day may not be long enough to get your fill of the astounding beauty.

Recommended by Sherry of  Digital Nomad and a Dog

12. Highway 395, California (another stunning route on the RV vacations list)

• Distance : 201 miles
• Recommended time: 7 days
• Best time of year: Spring or fall

The entire length of Highway 395 is gorgeous, but its southern portion, from Bridgeport, California to Death Valley National Park is next-level epic . It’ll surely be one of your most memorable RV trips on the West Coast (maybe even the whole USA!)

You can even drive along this route as part of a longer trip, such as from Yosemite National Park, whose Tioga Pass entrance is right by Bridgeport (note that this is only accessible from mid-summer through mid-fall).

You’ll drive along the stunning Sierra Nevada mountains the entire time —not only is the scenery breathtaking, but the drive is an RVer’s paradise, with tons of campgrounds and dispersed camping along the way.

Start in the charming town of Bridgeport, where you’ll find the under-the-radar  Buckeye Hot Springs  and Travertine Hot Springs. As an added bonus, there’s lots of dispersed camping spots right by Buckeye in Stanislaus National Forest!

Continue on to Mono Lake , one of the oldest in the United States at over one million years old. The lake is famous for its tufas, unique spires that are a byproduct of calcium carbonate. 

The ski town of Mammoth Lakes is your next stop on one of the best RV road trips in the US. If you visit in the spring, there’s a good chance you’ll still be able to enjoy the fresh powder on Mammoth Mountain , one of the best ski resorts in the country. This area is actually one of the best snowy winter vacations in USA !

During the spring, there’s plenty of natural hot springs to enjoy in Mammoth Lakes as well. 

Next up is Alabama Hills , which looks like something from another planet, with enormous monzogranite boulders scattered across the desert floor and the towering peaks of the Sierras in the background.

Score a spot at the Tuttle Creek Campground to have this scenery as your backyard for a night.

Finally, Death Valley National Park will be the endpoint of your visit. This park is one of the most dynamic in the national park system, offering colorful badlands, sand dunes, salt flats and towering mountains.

If you’re interested in doing more than quickly driving through the park, plan your road trip in either early spring or late fall—it’s famously sweltering in the summer months!

This is easily one of the best RV vacations for those based in or near California.

Recommended by Jessica of Uprooted Traveler

13. Los Angeles to San Diego

• Distance: 120 miles
• Recommended time: 3 days
• Best time of year : Late spring or early fall

A RV road trip from Los Angeles to San Diego is magical. The 110 mile-drive is filled with scenic sights, beaches, and parks.

If driving straight through, expect it to take right around 2 hours, but I highly recommend at least 3 days to ensure you have time to see everything.

The most popular route (and the most scenic of them all) is the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). It is also known as Highway 1. It offers the stunning views of the California coastline.

While driving, make sure to take the exit 62 to Las Pulgas Road because it offers an oceanic panoramic view that can take your breath away.

After continuing down Highway 1 on one of the best RV trips west coast, you will pass by Huntington Beach and Laguna Beach . They are some of the most popular beach towns in California. If you have time, they would be a good place to stop for brunch, swimming, or just to soak up the sun.

It’s no secret that California is home to some busy roads! The best time of the day to start this road trip is before morning rush hour to avoid the congestion. If you do not make stops along the way, you could even make it all the way to San Diego without any traffic issues!

Finally, after arriving in San Diego you can check out the exciting theme parks such as Seaworld, Disneyland, or Legoland. There’s so many things to do in San Diego with kids , it makes for a great family RV vacation for the whole family!

No matter how you choose to spend your time in California , it will surely be one of your most beloved RV vacations!

Recommended by Ossama of Awesome Traveler

RV road trips in the east

Traditionally the western part of the USA is known for its outdoor adventure, and a great spot for RVers. However, the eastern part of the US has some pretty spectacular RV vacation ideas too. Check these out!

14. Florida’s A1A

• Distance: 338.7 miles
• Recommended time: 6-8 days
• Best time of year: Winter

Hop in the RV and fire up the AC for a scenic trip along Florida’s A1A. This State Road runs from Fernandina Beach, just south of Georgia on Amelia Island, to the lively Key West , south of the Sunshine State. It’s one of the very best RV vacation ideas in the USA.

While the drive is pretty, there’s plenty of opportunity to get off the route to see Florida’s coastal cities.

Visit some of the “oldest” streets and buildings in the country at  St. Augustine , spend the day at the beach in Flagler, or watch the fast cars of Daytona.

Continue along the road and be sure to climb the stairs at Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse in New Smyrna, go shopping at West Palm Beach and admire the Art Deco in Miami Beach.

Finally, you’ll get to drive over the famous Seven Miles Bridge to the Florida Keys.

According to Google Maps , doing the route with no stops would take just over nine hours. However, many locations featured in the trip are notorious for traffic, so factor this time in. 

Obviously, you’ll want to make stops at attractions, how many will be dictated by your set vacation time! 

There are plenty of options for RVs to camp along the route, such as the Beverly Beach Camptown RV Resort, which has Atlantic Ocean views. Bliss. 

The best time to visit the East Coast of Florida depends on hurricane patterns, with the season running from June until November.

Also, the summer months might be too humid for out-of-staters. While winter is too cold for locals, visitors enjoy the warm temperatures, relatively crowd-free beaches, and the chance to see manatees!  

Recommended by Amanda of Hey! East Coast USA

15. Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park (a great RV vacation for fall colors!)

• Distance: Skyline Drive is 105 miles from Waynesboro to Front Royal, Virginia. 
• Recommended time: 3 hours to drive this 35-mph road, but you’ll want to stop and stay in one or two of the campgrounds. 
• Best time of year: October is the perfect time to take in the fall colors and enjoy cooler weather. 

If you’re looking for one of the most beautiful RV routes in the United States, then Skyline Drive is a must-do! Spanning 105 miles of gorgeous mountain scenery in Shenandoah National Park, this picturesque roadway is perfect for RV travelers.

It traverses the entire length of the park and offers easy access to all the amenities and activities the park has to offer.

Although you can drive the entire length of Skyline Drive in just a few hours, you won’t want to leave that soon. And with four  campgrounds in Shenandoah National Park , you don’t have to either!

All of the campgrounds have plenty of pull-thru and back-in sites for all sizes of RVs. There aren’t any hookups (water, power, or sewer), but they do have bathrooms, showers, and dump stations. They are seasonal with a range of operation between March and November each year. 

The drive is home to 61 overlooks allowing your ample opportunity to stop and take in the views of the Shenandoah Valley and the Massunutten mountains.

If you want to experience more of the park on foot, be sure to enjoy some of its 500 miles of trails, including some of the most beautiful waterfalls you’ll experience on the east coast. 

One caution for RVers is the low clearance Mary’s Rock Tunnel near Thorton Gap at mile 32. The clearance is only 12’8”, but there are four entrances to Skyline Drive so if your RV is higher than that, you can access it via one of the other points. 

This fun drive is by far one of the best RV trips in the US, and one worthy of putting on your bucket list!

Recommended by Julie of Chickery’s Travels 

16. Boston to Portland

• Distance: 110 miles
• Recommended time: 2-5 days
• Best time of year: Summer or Fall

Making a trip from Boston, MA to Portland, ME can be a fun and easy road trip for those who are looking for a short but beautiful RV route.

Normally the drive is just two hours long (110 miles) on I-95, but if you can spare some extra time there are plenty of scenic stops and charming seaside towns to extend your drive. 

Start your journey in Boston, Massachusetts which is a fun city to explore in itself. If you have a day or two, be sure to check out these date ideas in Boston if you’re on this road trip as a duo!

Don’t forget to stop at world-famous Fenway Park (Go Sox!). Check out the Freedom Trail and join a guided walking tour of some of the city’s most iconic historic sites.

Continue your journey in Salem, Massachusetts and explore the history of the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. If you’re visiting in October, there are specialized tours like Hocus Pocus and ghost tours that will help you get in spooky mood!

Head north to the charming seaside town of Ogunquit, Maine for a quintessential  New England beach town . This picturesque town is only four miles long and boasts stunning ocean views as well as a quaint town center. Dont forget to grab a lobster roll!

Cape Elizabeth Maine is a perfect stop to see some quintessential New England lighthouses. There are three main lighthouses – Portland Head Light, Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, and Bug Light. 

Finally, end your trip in the city of Portland. It is a hub for art and culture, with plenty of food and drink spots to explore. It’s a fun town to explore, and a perfect stopping point for one of the best RV vacations routes in America.

Visit local breweries like Allagash or Moon Dog Craft Brewery, or take a ferry out to Peaks Island to explore the seashore. 

Optional: you could even take the road trip a step farther and go north to Acadia National Park or Bar Harbor. Maine has so many destinations to offer visitors but a Portland RV road trip is a must!

Recommended by Sierra of Your Guide to Wandering

17. Miami to Islamorada (top routes for RV travel USA)

Distance: 90 miles Recommended time: 2 – 3 days Best time of year: Winter and Spring

Traveling to the Florida Keys with your family or friends is an exciting RV road trip. While Key West is the most well-known island to visit, traveling to Islamorada is even better.

Islamorada’s waters are famous for their clarity and rich marine life , earning the title of “Sport Fishing Capital of the World.” Legends like Zane Grey and Ernest Hemingway used to frequent the area to catch big game fish.

It’s situated about 80 miles southwest of Miami, and the driving distance between the two destinations typically covers around 90 miles, depending on the route. Depending on traffic and route selection, it usually takes between 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours to reach Islamorada. However, you’ll want to spend time in Miami and Islamorada to enjoy the destination.

The best time of year to visit Islamorada is during the winter and spring months, specifically from December to April. This period is characterized by warm and pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and water sports. 

The average temperatures range from the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit (24-29 degrees Celsius), providing comfortable conditions for exploring the area.

Additionally, visiting during this time allows you to avoid the peak tourist season, which occurs during the summer months when temperatures are hotter and the area can be more crowded.

You’ll definitely want to stay at least 2 days in Islamorada if not 3. This is a great, relaxing drive allows you to get in touch with marine life and nature, and is by far one of the best RV road trips.

While in Islamorada, be sure to visit Olive Morada , which is a local shop that has delicious olive oil and balsamic vinegar, which you can do a free tasting. Plus, it’s a great shop if you are in need of souvenirs that are not cheesy.

A stay at Tavernier Elks Lodge makes this one of the best RV vacations in the USA. Just be sure to reserve your campsite early as space is limited!

Islamorada is a great RV road trip because it is gorgeous, relaxing, and allows you to reconnect with nature and loved ones.

Recommended by Fuse of Fuse Travels

More RV vacations in the US

Rounding out this list are a few of my personal favorites. From the incredible dramatic landscapes of Utah, the underrated Midwest and the beachy coasts, let’s finish out this guide to the best RV routes in the US!

18. Utah’s Mighty 5 (another favorite on this list of RV road trips)

• Distance: 362 miles
• Recommended time: 6-10 days
• Best time of year: spring or fall

This is it! One of the very best RV vacations in the United States, and it’s sooo good! This Utah national parks road trip covers a lot of ground, and some truly spectacular sights.

Starting in Moab, Utah, you’ll discover two nearby national parks. There are many things to do in Moab and you’ll want to spend at least two days there. A great RV campground between Arches and Canyonlands is Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway.

Spend a day exploring Arches National Park. Hike to the famous Delicate Arch and see The Windows area , where there’s several arches within a few minutes walk from the parking lot.

In Canyonlands National Park, be sure to visit the Grand View Point Overlook, Green River Overlook and Mesa Arch. The canyon is beyond impressive! And with fewer visitors than Arches, you may even get a break from the crowds!

Between Moab and Capitol Reef National Park, enjoy the incredible Utah Scenic Byway 24 in your RV . In Capitol Reef, visit the Fruita Historic District and the orchards, and hike the Hickman Bridge Trail . On your way to the next park, stay in Wonderland RV Park .

A personal favorite along this incredible RV road trip is the Scenic Byway 12 between Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon. The views are out of this world – and just continue as you see the famous hoodoos in Bryce Canyon National Park.

Bryce Point and Inspriration Point offer amazing views of the park. And if you’re up for a hike, check out the popular Queens Garden Trail and Navajo Loop to hike down into the canyon through the funky rock formations. So fun!

Your last stop on this RV vacation is Zion National Park. Home to an amazing canyon, this park is often a bucket list check for travelers. The Zion Canyon Campground just outside the park or Watchman Campground inside the park are both great for RVs.

Hike the Canyon Overlook Trail or The Narrows for incredible views of Zion. And regardless of whether you’re traveling to Zion with kids in the RV or not, this will be a highlight of your trip!

Pro tip: When you’re driving through Zion, the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel is tricky to navigate. You’ll pay a separate fee to drive an RV through the tunnel, and you’ll want to time it right to arrive during business hours because the NPS will actually block off traffic to allow your RV to drive down the center of the road. It’s quite the experience!

When you’re thinking about RV travel USA, the Mighty 5 in Utah is the perfect adventure!

19. Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Scenic Byway Trail

• Distance: 293 miles
• Recommended time: 2+ days
• Best time of year: summer

This is truly a hidden gem in the US, and one of the best RV vacation ideas if you live in the Midwest . It connects Toledo with Conneaut, hitting major towns like Sandusky and Cleveland. It’s RV-friendly and offers a ton of outdoor recreation along the way.

The Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Scenic Byway Trail is located along Lake Erie, one of the Great Lakes in the northern US. Although you could technically drive this in one day in an RV, it’s much more exciting to stop at the many adventures along the way.

Starting at the west end of the trail in Toledo, check out the botanical gardens, museums, zoo and restaurants. Just near Toledo is a fun Ohio pumpkin farm , Fleitz Pumpkin Farm. In Port Clinton, be sure to enjoy a meal in the adorable downtown. Afterwards, head to the beach at Waterworks Park and the Port Clinton Lighthouse.

One of my favorite stops along this route is the Marblehead Lighthouse. This free attraction is also the most photographed spot on Lake Erie. It just screams summer on the lake vibes!

There’s also so many things to do in Sandusky Ohio , nearby. Get your thrills at Cedar Point, the 2nd oldest amusement park in America. And bonus: it has RV-friendly parking.

Further along the Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Scenic Byway Trail is Cleveland, the home of rock and roll. Enjoy the North Coast Harbor, the Great Lakes Science Center and of course, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

The next stop in your RV should be Headlands Beach State Park in Mentor. This gem includes a natural, mile-long beach perfect for relaxing. A perfect addition to one of the best RV trips in the Midwest!

Lastly, Conneaut Township Park is a fun spot to see on the far eastern end of the scenic trail. If you’re a history buff, you won’t want to miss the D-Day reenactment at the park each year.

Other outdoor adventures along the route include hiking, biking and a plethora of water sports. There’s also so much wildlife to be seen, especially in the active summer months. This underrated and scenic RV vacation is one of the best in the Midwest!

20. Denver to Santa Fe (another underrated spot on this list of RV vacation ideas)

• Distance: The easiest and quickest route from Denver, CO to Santa Fe, NM is 392 miles.
• Recommended time: This drive could easily be done in one day or could be drawn out over 3-4 days.
• Best time of year: Fall is one of the best times to take this road trip because of the moderate temperatures and fall foliage that you get to experience along the way.

A road trip from Denver to Santa Fe must be on your bucket list as one of the best RV vacations to embark on throughout the United States. This trip takes about 6 hours in length, making it the perfect road trip to take in one day or to spread out over 3-4 days! 

As you make your way from Denver towards Santa Fe, you will pass through an abundance of beautiful terrain and popular towns. 

About an hour and a half into the drive, you will pass through the marvelous town of Colorado Springs!

For those looking to catch some tremendous views of the surrounding mountains and red rock formations, be sure to stop by the Garden of the Gods . This is the perfect stop for those looking to stretch their legs for a bit and take in the beautiful Colorado landscape. The Siamese Twins Garden of the Gods hike is perfect for a quick adventure!

For those looking to extend their stay in the area, the Garden of the Gods RV Resort is the perfect destination to stop for a night or two along the way. 

After visiting Colorado Springs, we recommend continuing your drive one of the best RV road trips, south through several smaller towns and along I-25 until you arrive at the charming city of Santa Fe so that you can spend as much time exploring this marvelous town as possible. 

We recommend staying for a minimum of 72 hours in Santa Fe so that you can take in the immense history, culture, and cuisine that this delightful city has to offer!

Recommended by Abby of Trekking Price’s

Related read: Denver to Albuquerque Drive: 10 Scenic Stops You Can’t Miss

21. Austin to Corpus Christi

• Distance: 217 miles
• Best time of year: December – May

This fun and unique RV vacation idea for those located in or near Texas! Because of the extreme heat in Texas, this road trip would be best done in the winter or spring. Just make sure your RV is set up for freezing temperatures as that can sometimes in the deep of winter too.

Start this adventure in the lively town of Austin . With a plethora of street art, live music, good food and entertainment, spend a day (or 2) in Austin.

For outdoor adventures, go hiking in McKinney Falls State Park or check out the views from the top of Mount Bonnell. There are plenty of Austin campgrounds for RVs, too.

From Austin, drive southwest to San Antonio. Visit the famous San Antonio River Walk for entertainment and restaurants. For some thrilling entertainment, visit Six Flags Fiesta Texas, which is open year-round.

Check out The Alamo and the Historic Market Square to round out your time in San Antonio. The KOA in San Antonio puts you in a good position for hopping on and off the main roads while putting you close to the action.

After leaving San Antonio, head south to Corpus Christi. This Texas town has some fun things to do including museums, shopping and restaurants. But the star of the area is the beach-camping in your RV!

Just southeast of Corpus Christi are a few RV parks where you can camp on the beach. Wake up to the sound of the ocean from your RV – so fun! The Port Aransas area is lots of fun, and is home to On the Beach RV Park, which offers a great stay. Book in advance to get a good spot!

For an off-the-grid adventure, you can camp, hike and enjoy water activities at Padre Island National Seashore. There’s no RV hook-ups, but there is water and a dump station in the park.

If you’re looking for the best RV travel USA, this road trip is certainly a fun one, and unique because of beach camping.

22. New Orleans to Panama City (another gorgeous route on this list of best RV vacations)

• Distance: New Orleans to Panama City: 327 miles (via I-10 E), 386 miles (via I-10 E and US-98 E)
• Recommended time : 1-2 days  
• Best time of year: May – October 

An RV road trip is one of the best ways to explore a new part of the country. With the freedom to pull off or take a detour on a whim, road trips always make for memorable adventures. The stretch of road between New Orleans to Panama City offers a great RV vacation experience. 

Travelers should begin their road trip in New Orleans, home of jazz, voodoo history, riverboat adventures, and so much more. Make sure to take a  New Orleans food tour or cemetery tour before continuing on toward Panama City. 

Travelers who want to travel efficiently and stick to the shortest route won’t run into any exceptionally fun cities or attractions, except for Mobile, Alabama. But, those who have a bit more time to work with might enjoy slight detours to Biloxi, Mississippi, and Pensacola, Florida. 

There are some amazing beaches to explore along this route if schedules allow for a detour to the coast. Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola Beach, and Santa Rosa Beach are just some of the picturesque places travelers can visit along their way to Panama City.   

Travelers who avoid the coastal detour will also be able to enjoy the beach upon arrival in Panama City. Panama City Beach is a wonderful place to spend some time in the sun as well as St. Andrews State Park. 

Spring through early Fall is the best time of year to take this road trip. Here’s to wonderful RV adventures! 

Recommended by Candice of Exploring the Gulf

23. Badlands to Theodore Roosevelt National Park (get ready for beautiful landscapes on this RV road trip)

• Distance: 338 miles
• Recommended time: 3 – 4 days
• Best time of year: spring, summer or fall

An all-American road trip, this scenic route has surprisingly dramatic landscapes! This is one of the most underrated RV vacations on this list, but is sure to be a fun one.

Starting in Rapid City or Wall, South Dakota, head to Badlands National Park. You’ll want to spend a full day here to see the highlights. Drive the scenic loop, with 16 overlooks in just 39 miles, it’s RV-friendly. The Notch Trail is a must-do if you love hiking, and Pinnacles Overlook is one of the best with ample parking.

From there, take a slight detour before heading to North Dakota to see Mount Rushmore , one of the most famous South Dakota landmarks .

An American classic, this presidential tribute is a fun attraction for all ages to visit. Completed in 1941, Mount Rushmore welcomes over 3 million visitors – almost 3x the amount of the nearby national park!

Rapid City is a great spot to set up camp for the night. Or, there’s plenty of campgrounds near Sturgis, South Dakota as well. And if you’re in the off-season, stop in town and pick up a souvenir on your road trip!

Pro tip: summer is a great time for this RV road trip, but I’d suggest avoiding late July and early August. This region in South Dakota is extremely congested with the annual Sturgis event, making it extremely difficult to find a campground and a dramatic increase in traffic to the area.

From Sturgis, it’s about 3.5 hours north to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. To see the highlights of this park, you’ll want 2 full days. There are 3 distinct areas of the park: South Unit, North Unit, and Elkhorn Ranch. The Elkhorn Ranch Unit is partially unpaved, and not very RV-friendly so we’ll skip that in this guide.

The South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park is by far the most visited area . Drive the Wildlife Loop Road, where visitors can often see bison, elk, bighorn sheep and pronghorn. Hike the 1-mile Painted Canyon Nature Trail or Buck Hill, which is barely more than a walk to an overlook rather than a hike.

The North Unit feels much more deserted versus the southern area of the park, yet offers expansive views. Take the scenic drive in hopes of seeing mule deer, coyote, pronghorn and even beavers! The Little Mo Trail is a crowd favorite, coming in at less than a mile and paved.

If you want to get campground reservations for your RV, plan your trip in advance as they sell out quickly, especially in the summer months.

So the next time you think about RV travel USA, consider the Dakotas a great spot for a vacation!

RV vacations recap

What an epic list of RV vacations to take in the United States! From fan-favorites, to underrate gems, the options are truly endless! Where will your home on wheels take you next?

Here’s a quick recap of the best RV trips from the above list!

Best RV routes

• Great Smoky Mountains: Asheville to Gatlinburg
• Alaska RV road trip
• Milwaukee to Ludington
• Phoenix to Page, Arizona
• San Francisco to Lake Tahoe
• Santa Fe to White Sands National Park
• Las Vegas to Zion plus the Grand Canyon
• Sequoia National Park to Monterey via Big Sur
• Glacier to Yellowstone National Park
• Joshua Tree and Death Valley National Park
• Ashland to Crater Lake National Park
• Highway 395, California
• Los Angeles to San Diego
• Florida’s A1A
• Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park
• Boston to Portland
• Miami to Islamorada
• Utah’s Mighty 5
• Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Scenic Byway Trail
• Denver to Santa Fe
• Austin to Corpus Christi
• New Orleans to Panama City
• Badlands to Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Related content to read next: 30 Gorgeous West Coast Road Trip Routes You Gotta See to Believe 29 Amazing Road Trips USA: Scenic (& Underrated) Routes You’ll Love 26 Absolute Best (and Underrated) Fall Drives in the US You’ve Gotta See to Believe

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Sunday 9th of July 2023

Yeeees Nikki!

You choose the best trips as you are so good at including gorgeous natural sights and hikes along the way! The Alaska trip looks like a dream! I am also looking forward to your post after your next Canadian Rockies trip. :)

Monday 10th of July 2023

Thanks so much Josy! Your comment was so nice! Yes, I can't wait for new adventures taking the RV into Canada, too!💙

Anna Schaeffer

Saturday 8th of July 2023

I'm hoping to get a five wheeler in the next year or two! Pinning this for later. Great post!

Oh yay Anna! This would be great inspiration for a new RV!!

I don’t own a RV but this article makes me want to rent one and try these trips! Great roundup.

Oh Terri that's a fabulous idea! You could literally go anywhere on this list too - just fly into the nearest airport, rent an RV and hit the road!

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North America , UNITED STATES

10 best us road trips to make in an rv.

Ah, road trips.

The stuff that dreams and epic movie scripts are made of.

Traveling the US in an RV opens up endless possibilities for adventure. So endless, in fact, that you might have trouble making a decision on where the heck to go!

Luckily (and with help from the great folk over at RVshare) I’ve compiled a list of the most historic, famous and best US road trips so that you can just pick one and get out there.

So whether you’re a weekend warrior or a full-timer, all you’ve got to do is just read on and decide which is the next perfect trip for you.

Related Posts

• How to Save Money on Gas During a Road Trip
• 10 Lessons Learned from my 8 Month Vegan Road Trip
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This article was written in conjunction with RVshare and contains affiliate links, meaning Big World Small Pockets may receive a small commission on any purchases at no extra cost to you.

Great RV Road Trips You Can Take in a Weekend

Interested in packing your weekend itinerary full of scenic roads and must-see destinations? Then these short road trips serve up the best of both worlds in a tight time frame.

They’re perfect if you’re renting an RV from a rental network like RVshare , or if you just have to be back at work on Monday.

Get a Great Deal on an RV Rental here !

#1 Hermann Wine Trail

One of the shortest drives on this list of the best US road trips, is the Hermann Wine Trail, which offers plenty of time to enjoy the sights, smells and tastes of Missouri wine country, as you meander along the Missouri River for 20 miles, from Hermann to New Haven.

Though short in distance, the Hermann Wine Trail is chock full of things to do.

There are seven wineries and tons of monthly events along the route – more than enough to keep occupied for a few days!

#2 The Florida Keys

Looking for something a little more tropical?

Then the Florida Overseas Highway is ideal! Spanning the Keys from Key Largo to Key West, this best US road trip is roughly 100 miles in total.

Along this route you can enjoy snorkeling, swimming with dolphins and exploring state parks / museums, as well as the breathtaking views from each of the 42 bridges connecting the islands.

The Overseas Highway is easily one of the most scenic roads in the country, which certainly places it as one of the best US road trips you can take.

See How Much you Could Make by Renting your RV HERE !

#3 the alabama coast.

The Alabama Gulf Coast is home to some of the most historic sites in the US.

Tour the stately mansions and their gardens, or check out the World War II battleships and submarines instead.

The Alabama Coastal Connection also takes you on a cultural journey, through a fascinating and rich landscape in which Creole, French, and Spanish heritage all mix.

Start in Mobile and travel south along Route 98.

Then loop down and around the State’s many scenic byways.

#4 Cherohala Skyway

This entry on my list of the best US road trips takes you through the plains and mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina.

The 40-mile journey begins in Tellico Plains in southeast Tennessee. From here, you can then explore the many overlooks and rivers along the Skyway.

You’ll also wind through the Great Smoky Mountains, where there’s plenty of hiking and historical landmarks to enjoy.

Your trip ends in Robbinsville, North Carolina, home to the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, which is well worth a visit.

Don’t Forget These Items for Your Road Trip

• Kleen Kanteen Water Bottle
• Thermos Mug
• Sony A6000 Mirrorless Camera to capture all those memories
• Aux Cable for the tunes!

#5 Death Valley

Who can list the best US road trips and not mention Death Valley?!

From the world’s largest tree to the hottest and lowest place this side of the globe, Death Valley is certainly a world of extremes.

There’s a lot of ground to explore here, but a short weekend trip can take you from Los Angeles to Las Vegas through Death Valley and back in 14 hours.

Make sure to plan your route and research the climate ahead of time however – temperatures of up to 134 °F have been recorded out here!

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Long RV Road Trips

If you have more time on your hands and want to go on a longer adventure, then this opens you up to exploring some of the other best US road trips out there!

Even if you don’t have an RV, don’t rule a long road trip out.

You can easily rent one long-term from sites like RVshare .

Then all you need do is pack your bag and plan your route along one of these unforgettable journeys.

#1 Route 66

Route 66 is the epitome of the best US road trips.

Running from Chicago, Illinois to Los Angeles, California, this famed 2,448-mile journey charts the evolution of modern American culture.

Along the way you’ll explore cities, small towns and expansive landscapes.

Just don’t go too wild on buying souvenirs from the roadside landmarks and attractions.

There’s a lot of them and you might have trouble fitting all of your new purchases in your vehicle!!

#2 The Pacific Coast Highway

Another classic adventure on the must-do list of the best US road trips is the Pacific Coast Highway.

Deciding to undertake this journey gives you the perfect excuse take a little more time off from work, especially if you pair it with Route 66 as well!

Whilst enjoying the ocean breeze from this coastal highway, which runs from Los Angeles to Olympia, Washington, you’ll visit many popular cities and towns, as well as take in some of the most sweeping views the country has to offer.

If you have an equal appreciation for the sea and the forest, then this road trip is definitely one you can’t skip.

#3 Cross-Country Trip: Historic US-80

What better way to see the US than to travel across the entire south?

The remnants of what was once US-80 will now take you from sunny San Diego all the way east to Savannah, GA, during which you’ll travel through landscapes as diverse as deserts, plains and bayous.

Culture and cuisine are equally diverse along this road. Whether you love Tex-Mex, BBQ or crawfish, you’ll find plenty of mouthwatering eateries in every state along the way!

#4 Cross-Country Trip: The Great Northern

If the sweltering heat of the south is too much for you, then you can always opt to cross the country via the Great Northern, along the US-2, instead.

Totaling more than 2,500 miles from Washington to Maine, this is the longest trip on my list of the 10 best US road trips, but its length will allow you to encounter great prairies, mountains and even hardwood forests.

The Great Northern is definitely a road trip for nature lovers, where unforgettable vistas outnumber bustling towns and cities.

You’ll definitely love this route if you want some time to appreciate the natural beauty of northern America.

#5 The Atlantic Coast

While the east coast is rich with American history and picturesque scenery, the Atlantic Coast is one road trip you’re definitely better to plan ahead.

The trick being to avoid I-95 and stick to any detours and scenic byways instead.

If you do, you’ll journey through historic colonial sites and quintessential New England towns.

You’ll also find famed lighthouses, boardwalks and stunning landmarks along this 2,400-mile coastal adventure.

Depending on the direction you’re travelling, your trip will either end in Maine or Florida.

Travel Insurance for the US

Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

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The United States has so much to offer in the way of culture and natural beauty.

You could easily spend most of your life on the road here and still not experience all there is to do and see.

But it’s worth a shot right?!

Have you made any of these best US road trips before?

Or do you have your own favourite?

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

13 thoughts on “ 10 BEST US Road Trips to Make in an RV ”

I would add Shenandoah to the list. I’m a HUGE proponent of the great American Roadtrip (actually did a big solo one from Philly to Oklahoma via Niagara Falls that was so fun), I would put driving Shenandoah in Virginia as one of my top 5 places to drive in the US.

Great post!

That’s a really great addition Stephanie that I hadn’t even thought about! You solo trip sounds epic too! Thank you so much for wetting our US road trip whistle even further!

Hi. We are 4 swedes doing our first RV trip in the US. We will be going from Orlando to Las Vegas. Any tips on what to see along the way? Thanks

In March, by the way.

Almost too many Leo! How long do you guys have?

I forgot… both Death Valley and Valley of Fire , Nevada are very interesting places for a road trip. Valley of Fire is even better in my mind, even tough it is smaller.

Thanks for the advice Robin, that’s so great to know you enjoyed them, Valley of Fire especially 🙂

We are thinking going to the Florida Keys in July/August. We know it will be really hot… Would you still recommend this road trip at that time of the year?

I’d definitely take climate into account Marco. It’s hard for me to advise about when people should make trips exactly. I personally love the heat, but others can’t stand it or aren’t used to it, so travelling from them in these conditions can be unbearable. I think it’s about judging what you’re used to and what you think you can deal with! 🙂

While it “feels” hot in Florida it is usually attributed to the humidity. Temperatures rarely get into the 90’s and the abundance of water activities along with air conditioning make it a great time to take your trip.

Thanks for the advice Tim – great info 🙂

Hi, Steph, we are planning to come over from Australia. There is 5 of us myself, my husband and our three children 9yrs, 7yrs and 4yrs. we are wanting to hire a motorhome and spend a month seeing all we can. Do you have any advise on routes/places that are a must. I want as much history, adventure and fun as possible. we will land in LAX and fly out from there as well, sowas thinking about doing a big lap around usa as well as stopping at Lake louise in Canada. Any advise for us would be much appreciated. 🙂

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Road Adventures by Mark Wahlberg

• Hot Spots and More

10 BEST US ROAD TRIPS TO MAKE IN AN RV

Great RV Road Trips You Can Take in a Weekend

#1 hermann wine trail, #2 the florida keys.

#3 The Alabama Coast

#4 cherohala skyway.

Don’t Forget These Items for Your Road Trip Water Bottle Thermos Mug Baby Wipes A good camera Aux Cable for the tunes!

#5 Death Valley

Long RV Road Trips

#1 route 66.

#2 The Pacific Coast Highway

#3 cross-country trip: historic us-80.

#4 Cross-Country Trip: The Great Northern

#5 the atlantic coast.

 Published by Big World, Small Pockets. 10/17/2016

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The 5 Best RV Road Trips in the US

In this Article

One of the best ways to truly experience America’s natural beauty is to travel by RV. There are few alternatives that allow you to get off the beaten path yet travel comfortably at the same time. Here are five of the best RV road trips in the US according to travel bloggers Kayla and Bill from The Wandering RV.

Pisces are known for being dreamers. And, as a Pisces, I can keep myself occupied for hours as I weave elaborate daydreams in my mind. For many years, one of my recurring travel dreams is to exchange my house for an RV and take my portable job on the road on a perpetual trip across the United States and Canada . I’d toss away the burdens of a mortgage and lawn care in exchange for a 25 foot rig, and I’d map out the perfect route to meander through all 48 contiguous US states avoiding snow, ice, and extreme heat at all costs.

Lucky for me, my sister helped make this elaborate dream a tiny reality.

While spending our Spring Break at their home in Phoenix, my sister and brother-in-law rented an RV for a weekend trip to Roper Lake. While my sister’s family is full of RVing veterans — including my seven-year-old niece — my daughter and I were wide-eyed first-timers. The trip wasn’t far (only about three hours from their home) or long (just two nights), but we still had a marvelous time cooking over a campfire, looking up at the Milky Way and a million stars, and just getting away from it all for a short while.

When Kayla and Bill, the RV-loving travel bloggers at The Wandering RV asked to share the best RV road trips in the US, I agreed in a heartbeat. Because after that first RV trip , these five beautiful destinations are now on my travel bucket list to experience via RV.

Sage Advice:   Experience the magic of the outdoors by renting your RV through Outdoorsy . It’s like a mobile version of Vrbo !

Have You Taken an RV Road Trip in the US?

Share your favorite photo with me by tagging @sagescott.kc on Instagram and using the hashtag #everydaywanderer

To help offset the costs of running EverydayWanderer.com, you’ll find affiliate links lightly sprinkled throughout the site.   If you choose to make a purchase via   one of these links , there’s no additional cost to you, but I’ll earn a teeny tiny commission.   You can read all of the legal blah blah blah (as my little niece says) on the   full disclosure page .

The rest of this article is written by Kayla Widmer who loves exploring the United States via RV with her husband, Bill. In fact, they’ve been at it for more than five years! Follow the RV lifestyle adventures at The Wandering RV . 

The beautiful landscapes, different cultures, and people you meet while on the road is unlike anything you’ll ever experience. Based on more than five years exploring the US by RV, t hese are the five best RV road trips in the US.

Sage Advice:  If you prefer to road trip through the United States in a car rather than an RV, then don’t miss this  ultimate road trip packing list  that includes a free download so you don’t forget to pack any of the essentials.

1. Acadia, Maine

In addition to being one of the best RV road trips in the US, Acadia, Maine , holds a special place in my heart.

It’s where Bill proposed (on top of Cadillac mountain at 4:50 in the morning while watching the sunrise). It’s where I conquered my fear of heights while hiking up the Beehive Trail, and it’s the perfect place to unwind.  Whether you’re in the mood to lay on the beach or hike a mountain, Acadia is the place to be.

Things to Do In Acadia, Maine

There are so many things you should do while in Acadia, but these are my top five recommendations:

• Grab some popovers at Jordan Pond, then take a hike around the water.
• If you’re not afraid of heights, take a hike up the Beehive Trail.
• Hike Cadillac Mountain to see the sunrise. You’ll have to start hiking around 2:00 am if you want to reach the top before the sun rises, but I promise it will be worth it!
• Check out Thunder Hole. Trust me, you’ll be amazed
• Check out the Charlotte Rhoades Garden and Butterfly Park. 

Sage Advice:  Find more things to do and see in Maine on this dedicated Pinterest board .

2. Las Vegas, Nevada

Nearly 3,000 miles southwest of Acadia National Park is the neon city of Las Vegas, Nevada. But when you hear the words “Las Vegas” what do you think? Gambling. Lost wages. Bright lights. If those are the first few words that come to your mind, it’s time to reevaluate how you see Las Vegas.  Guess what? You c an plan a trip to Las Vegas and avoid gambling (and the Strip) altogether!  Even better, you can avoid expensive hotels by renting an RV in Las Vegas making this one of the best RV road trips in the US .

Sage Advice:  Do you have the lingering smell of stale cigarette smoke in your hair and on your clothes? This is one of the most common side-effects of spending time in Sin City, but these tips will help you enjoy a smoke-free vacation in Las Vegas .

Things to Do In Las Vegas, Nevada

My top recommendations when visiting Las Vegas are:

• Visit the Stratosphere Observation Deck . It’s the tallest observation tower in the USA.
• Check out the Neon Boneyard. It’s where old electronic signs go to die.
• Take a tour deep inside the Hoover Dam .
• Go indoor skydiving . This is the perfect adventure for folks who aren’t sure what to expect from the real thing. 
• Ride in a hot air balloon over Las Vegas and the Nevada landscape. 
• Explore with this interactive scavenger hunt of downtown Las Vegas .

Sage Advice:  If you are traveling by RV with your family, here are ten things to do in Las Vegas with kids .

3. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Oregon is one of my all-time favorite states. Its beauty includes tons of lakes, mountains, and even a beach! But of all the lakes in the Beaver State, Crater Lake is one of the best RV road trips in the US. Formed by a collapsed volcano, Mount Mazama, Crater Lake is currently the deepest lake in the US. It’s also well known as one of the most pristine lakes in the world. When you explore Rim Drive (a road that surrounds Crater Lake), you’ll be able to see some of the volcanic formations.

Things to Do in Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Apart from taking the Rim Drive around the lake, you can also:

• Go on the volcano boat tour
• Visit the Steele Visitor’s Center. It’s the park’s headquarters, a bookstore, and a post office rolled into one.
• Hike every trail you can. Each trail is unique and offers breathtaking views. 
• Ride a boat to Wizard Island. 
• Head to Cleetwood Cove and dive off the 15-foot cliff. You know, if you’re not scared.

4. Mount Rainier, Washington State

From Crater Lake National Park in Oregon, point your RV north to visit Mount Rainier , Washington, because I firmly believe that everyone should visit it at least once in their lifetime. And one of the best ways to visit this geological wonder is by RV. However, a lot of people are afraid to visit Mount Rainier because it’s a 14,410-foot tall active volcano, apparently one of the nation’s most dangerous. But, I don’t think you have much to worry about, because the last time Mount Rainier erupted was in 1894!  So whether you want to hike or gaze upon field after field of wildflowers, Mount Rainier is the place to be.

Sage Advice:   Follow these tips to  adjust to the higher altitudes of Mount Rainier and get answers to all of your embarrassing altitude sickness questions .

Things to Do In Mount Rainier, Washington

A few awesome things you can do while in Mount Rainier are:

• Hike the Sourdough Ridge Trail
• Take a scenic gondola ride
• Board the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad in Elbe for an 18-mile ride into the countryside near the mountain
• Go to Carbon River (known as the inland temperate rainforest)
• Walk through the meadows to see thousands of wildflowers during late spring and early summer

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5. Denali National Park, Alaska

Want to go on a super long RV road trip? Keep heading north through Canada to the Denali National Park in Alaska . This once-in-a-lifetime experience is definitely one of the best RV road trips in the US!  Denali National Park is home to tons of wildlife including grizzly bears , wolves, moose, caribou and more. And if that’s not enough, the terrain changes from tundra to glaciers to spruce tree forests!

Sage Advice:  Don’t want to drive your own RV up to Denali? Check out this post on RV rental companies in the USA !

Things to Do In Denali National Park, Alaska

A few amazing things to do in Denali National Park are:

• Hike the Horseshoe Lake trail
• Take a guided ATV tour into the wilderness to learn more about Denali
• Head to some wildlife viewing spots (bring your camera!)
• View the Alaskan wilderness by air on a flightseeing trip
• Meet future Iditarod champion pups and mush your own pack on this dog sledding adventure

Which of These Best RV Trips in the US Has Captured Your Interest?

Out of the five beautiful places we’ve talked about, which one sparked your interest? Is there another RV road trip in the US that you recommend? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Ready to Go? Use These Helpful Links to Book Your Trip!

• Find low fares with  airfarewatchdog and Skyscanner
• Book your plane ticket with   Expedia or Kayak
• Or take the scenic route on an epic road trip in a rental car or an RV from Outdoorsy
• From hotels to private homes, find the perfect accommodation with Hotels.com or Vrbo  
• Travel in style with a suitcase, carry-on, backpack, or handbag from eBags
• Save on tickets to attractions, sightseeing tours, and more with CityPASS , Tiqets , and Viator
• Don’t leave home without travel insurance from AXA
• Discover the sights, history, and culture of your destination with an interactive scavenger hunt
• Need something else to plan your perfect trip? Visit my travel resources page for more trusted partners. Happy wandering!

Thank you for sharing!

3 thoughts on “The 5 Best RV Road Trips in the US”

These trips look like so much fun! Too many to add to the bucket list. 🙂

I don’t know about you, but I’m definitely itching to get out and about again!

Nevada… I was in love with it thanks to movies, and now I’m totally sure that it’s an amazing place..

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Heading South

Large sandy beaches, turquoise waters and majestic palm trees are the focus of this dream road trip in South Florida.

Best of the West

Unique rock formations, natural arches, deep canyons, rocky ridges: this is the recipe for a road trip in the heart of spectacular natural landscapes.

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This dream California getaway promises a harmonious blend of nature, culture and adventure, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

5 good reasons to rent a campervan for your USA road trip

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It is possible to enjoy a USA road trip all year round, depending on the region you are travelling to.

For a Western USA road trip for example, peak season is from mid-July to mid-August . That is also when there are the most travellers on the road and prices are at their highest. It is also possible to travel in winter ( mid-December to mid-March ), but it is important to note that some destinations, such as the Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon, may even see snow.

Travel in Florida is enjoyable all year round but be aware that hurricane season is from August to October.

Visit our " When should I visit? " section to learn more.

Driving in the U.S.

It's a good idea to learn about the American highway code before setting out on your USA road trip .

And our blog article " Driving in the U.S ." contains useful information, driving tips and some things you'll need to watch out for when driving in the land of Uncle Sam.

When should I book my trip to the U.S.?

For your road trip to California or elsewhere in the U.S., it is best to book at least 6 months in advance .

To be sure of availability, or to at least make sure that the top attractions are not sold out, you need to book early. For some destinations, such as the American West , many travellers book up to 1 year in advance .

Availability isn't the only reason to book in advance. The earlier you book, the more you save.

So there is really no good reason to wait until the last minute to book your trip to the U.S.!

Visit our " When should I book my trip? " section to find out more.

How do I choose between a road trip by car or by RV?

Should you take to the American roads in a rental car or RV ? There is no wrong answer.

Contrary to popular belief, it's not necessarily cheaper to travel by RV.

Check out our " Car vs RV " section to help you make an informed choice!

See all FAQ about U.S. road trips

Consult our complete list of FAQ about road trips in the U.S. or our " Practical Information " section to help in planning your trip to the land of Uncle Sam.

Customize your canadian road trip on the Authentik Canada trip planner .

The Best RV Road Trip Routes: RVing Across America  

Seeking the best RV road trip routes to experience America’s awe-inspiring landscapes and cultural gems? From the iconic “mother road” Route 66 to the majestic Pacific Coast Highway and an epic tour of all 47 National Parks, there’s a road trip that will fit in any calendar ( and any budget) 

These top seven road trips will get you out on the open road. Before long, you’ll be surrounded by scenic landscapes and ready to make unforgettable memories. 

Get ready to explore cityscapes, natural wonders, and everything in between.

How to Enjoy RV Routes Worry-Free

Before we start, here are a few quick tips to help you enjoy your journey.

• Plan the right route: Before starting your trip, ensure your route is suitable for an RV your size. Next, confirm that you can complete the route in a reasonable time frame. You don’t want to drive all that way, but not have time to stop and savor the sights.
• Be prepared for unexpected stops: It’s inevitable. Something will go wrong with your RV on a road trip. So plan ahead. If you’re the handy type known for fixing up cars, then bring your tools along–or just secure roadside assistance through AAA or GoodSam . That way, you’ll have someone who can help if/when something goes awry. 
• Take your time: When you get to your destinations. Give yourself ample time to soak in the area, the beauty, and the culture of your stops. That’s where the real stories happen.

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#7: The Classic: Route 66

Photo courtesy of roadtrippers.com

It’s no longer printed on roadmaps. It can no longer take you all the way from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. But Route 66 is still the epitome of the undying free spirit that moves Americans from east to west and west to east. 

But even though parts of Route 66 are closed now , you can still drive through places like Oatman, Vegas, Springfield, and Galena to experience local attractions, museums, and markets that made the westward move possible. From national monuments like the Gateway in St. Louis, Missouri, to local attractions like the Cadillac Ranch, Route 66 speaks to the soul of every road trip with its novelty, history, and beautiful scenery. 

But before you travel the “Main Street of America,” you should know that there are sections that are in pretty bad shap e. You’ll have to use the interstate for those sections before rejoining the route at a better location. 

Trip Details:

• Distance: 2,448 miles
• Time away (including sightseeing) : 2-8 weeks 
• States crossed : IL, MO, KS, OK, TX, NM, AZ, and CA
• RV recommendation : Any
• Camping accommodations : KOA, Route 66 RV Parks and Resorts

#6: Your Pan-American Tour: US Highway

Photo courtesy of thrifty.com

The Great Northern Route of US Highway 2 is the epic road trip that takes you from sea to shining sea. The longest transcontinental road trip begins at the majestic Acadia National Park in Maine – one of the highest points in the continental US. Then, you’ll follow the trail of great trailblazers Lewis and Clark across to the Pacific Ocean at Olympic National Park. 

Along your 3,600-mile journey, you pass through several other national parks and sacred lands like the Badlands of North Dakota and Theodore Roosevelt National Park. You cross plains, lakes, and the Sawtooth Range until you’ve seen this country from sea to shining sea.

• Distance : 3,600 miles
• Time away (including sightseeing) : 2-4 weeks
• States crossed : ME, NH, VT, NY, MI, WI, MN, ND, MT, ID, and WA
• RV Recommendation : Any
• RV accommodations : Roadside Resorts, National and State Parks.

#5: The National Parks Route

Photo courtesy of drytortugas.com

If you’re an RV explorer who hates missing out on amazing views and breathtaking scenery, this next road trip route is for you. See all 47 National Parks on one epic road trip. 

• Ski down the Y-couloir at Rocky Mountain National Park. 
• Kayak the sea caves along the Acadia Atlantic coast . 
• Find glowing aquatic life as you scuba or snorkel off the Dry Tortugas in the Florida Keys. 
• Watch Old Faith erupt at Yellowstone National Park . 
• Stand in awe at the rim of the Grand Canyon. 

America’s incredible national parks are our national treasures. It’s time we experience what makes them so valuable. And do our part to pass them on to the next generation.

• Distance: 14,498 miles roundtrip 
• Time away (including sightseeing) : 3-4 months+
• States NOT crossed : AL, MS, LA, OK, KS, NE, MO, IA, IL, IN, PA, and VT
• RV Recommendation : Class B , Class C, Class A and travel trailers under 40 ft. 
• RV accommodations : National Parks

…okay, so not many people have 3-4 months to burn on vacation. Or maybe you’re taking the kids and don’t want to be on the road with them that long. 

So here’s a compromise. Take it one state at a time. Starting with Utah’s ‘Mighty Five’ National Parks. 

Save up to $1,200/year on RV storage & parking

#4: mighty five: utah’s national park circuit.

Photo courtesy of Utah.com

The ‘Mighty Five,’ Utah’s National Park Circuit, is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Comprising:

• Canyonlands
• Capitol Reef
• Bryce Canyon 
• And Zion National Park

The circuit is a geological wonder, showcasing distinctive arches, canyons, rock formations, and plateaus. Whether you’re a hiking enthusiast, a rock climbing aficionado, or a nature photographer, these parks offer activities to suit every preference. 

What’s more? These parks are close together. So traveling from one to the other is easier for younger children. (That also means you’ll have more time to explore in the parks during your RV trip and spend less time on the road) . 

• Distance: 900 miles 
• Time away (including sightseeing): 10 days-2 weeks
• States crossed: UT
• RV Recommendation: Class B, Class C, Class A, and travel trailers under 40 ft. 

#3: The Civil War Historic Itinerary

Not all RV vacations are for beauty and renewal. Sometimes they’re for teaching and reflecting. That’s what the Civil War Historic Route is for. It is purposefully short, focusing on key battles and points in the Civil War. 

Yes, there is beauty where green fields now lie hallowed by the brave men whose blood consecrated it. But instead of awe and wonder, let it inspire reflection and dedication to the remembrance of history and its lessons – lest we forget. 

Begin in Fredericksburg, where the Confederacy won a lopsided battle, and end at Gettysburg, taking your time in reflection as you retrace one of the bloodiest wars in our history.

• Distance : 140 miles 
• Time away (including sightseeing) : 3-10 days
• States crossed: VA, MD, and PA

#2: The Pacific Coast Highway Getaway

Photo courtesy of valisemag.com

There’s nothing like the open road to leave it all behind, much like there’s nothing like the beach to let it all go. So whatever huge life change you’re going through – a bad breakup, a job loss, a hard death – the perfect road for you is the Pacific Coast Highway. It’s not too sunny when you start in Olympia, Washington– but not too gloomy. 

Enjoy a stroll through the Hoh Rainforest before rolling down the windows and letting the aroma from the fields of sweet mint and lavender waft through your car. Be sure to clear your mind, so you can appreciate the simple beauty of the waves crashing on the rocks by the time you get to Sea Lion Caves. 

As you travel south, through Seattle and Northern California, the sun will begin to peek out, and you can enjoy Humboldt Redwood State Park and west coast sunsets all the way down to San Diego. 

• Distance: 1,675 miles 
• Time away (including sightseeing) : 5-10 days 
• States crossed : WA, OR, and CA
• RV Accommodations : National and State Park Campgrounds, Local RV resorts

#1: Absorb New England in the Fall

Photo courtesy of practicalwanderlust.com

You’ve got time to spare. And you’ve never seen the seasons fade into fall. But now that you’ve got time for a little leaf peeping, what better place than New England and Maine?

You’ll start at Eastport, travel Highway 1 South, and travel down Maine’s rocky coast all the way to Boston. 

The drive itself isn’t long. You could do it in a day if you want. But, instead, take your time stopping at places like Bar Harbor and the Historic Cherry Field – the blueberry capital of the world. 

• RV Recommendation : Class A-C, long trailers may have trouble.
• RV Accommodations : KOA and private RV parks

Before You Set Off on Your Adventure

We’ve traveled from one side of this country to the other–from mountain to coast and from sea to shining sea. And we didn’t even get to talk about what an unforgettable experience the Blue Ridge Parkway holds or the iconic Columbia River Highway – so remember those the next time you’re RV trip planning. 

But even the best RV road trips must come to an end . And as you unpack, you’re thankful that you can make these RV trips with your loved ones. Your RV gives you bonding experiences with those closest to you.

And you want that to last for years to come. 

That’s why, after you clean it out and perform the proper maintenance, you’ll want to look for a safe place to store your RV. 

You’ve been storing it in your backyard. Yet, after talking to other seasoned RVers on this trip, you now realize the importance of covered storage to prevent the oxidation that UV rays cause and lessen the chances of a limb or other debris falling on it and damaging the roof. 

That’s where Neighbor can help. 

Neighbor is a peer-to-peer storage marketplace where you can find safe, affordable storage that’s close to your home. 

You can browse the different spaces near you here .  

So, pack your bags, fuel up your RV, and hit the road. Your next RV adventure awaits!

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Drive Across America in an RV: The Best RV Routes, Maps, and Tools

Is there anything that compares to the exhilaration of an RV adventure? To drive across America from coast to beautiful coast? 

Of course, it helps if you have an inkling where you’re going and how you’ll get there. That’s where RV route planning tools, maps, and guides come in handy.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best resources available for exploration of the United States from sea to shining sea.

Shopping for your Newmar? Let us help.

We’re here to help you find the perfect coach for you.

The Best RV Route Planning Tools, Maps, and Guides

The best road trips start with a safe route that guides you from point A to point B. Most navigation apps, like Waze and Google Maps, were designed for standard cars, though.

If you’ve been driving an RV for any length of time, you know such routes aren’t always compatible with your vehicle. In some cases, a road perfectly fine for a small automobile poses a serious risk for RV navigation. 

Of course, finding an excellent RV route planning tool can prove easier said than done. Did you know that Apple has more than two million apps available  at the App Store? As you can imagine, cutting through the hype and finding the best RV route planning tool is far from easy. Fortunately, we’ve done the hard work for you. Here are three apps that’ll get you where you want to go in a safe, enjoyable way. 

Newmar’s RV Resorts Guide

When you’re in the midst of a road trip, you want to play it by ear. You don’t want to feel rushed to get to a RV-friendly campground because you don’t know where else to go.

Worse yet, you don’t want to make the mistake of relying on an app that gives you bad or outdated information. Especially when it comes to whether or not RVs are accepted at a destination. Or which hookups are available.

That’s where Newmar’s incredible 2024 RV Resorts Guide  comes into play.

This year’s guide boasts over 50 resorts across the United States. Plus, you’ll find a collection of getaway locations in Canada—new to the 2024 edition. Created based on suggestions from RV travelers, it’s got all of the tools you need to ensure the perfect accommodations every time.

Here’s what you’ll get inside:

• Highlights, contact info, and must-know information for each location
• Full-color photos and testimonials submitted by honest-to-goodness RVers
• Profiles of more than 50 resorts across the U.S. and Canada, organized by region

It comes in a mobile-friendly format that you can access from anywhere. So, stop stressing about where you’ll stay and start enjoying the romance of the road.

Mix it Up with Roadtrippers App

RV travel is about so much more than getting to a destination quickly. It’s about savoring the journey and finding many hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path spots along the way. To get the most out of memory-making, give the app Roadtrippers  a whirl.

So many websites or travel apps lead their users to the same unimaginative tourist traps. But what’s the fun in that? Roadtrippers unlocks millions of the world’s most unexpected and fascinating places to its intrepid travelers. 

Your road trips will never be the same. And isn’t that a good thing?

How does it work? Just download the app on your smartphone. Then, plug in your point of origin and destination. Before you know it, you’ll have eclectic, funky trip ideas, no matter your route of choice.

What’s more, you’ll be able to:

• Set guidelines for the distance you’re willing to travel off route
• Book your stay on the app
• Calculate estimated fuel cost instantly
• Search for unique destinations using general categories and subcategories

If you’re looking to bring more creativity into your itineraries, Roadtrippers’ RV maps and RV routes are the easiest way to spice things up.

Get Practical with RV LIFE TRIP WIZARD

RV Life Trip Wizard offers excellent all-around RV trip planning tools. They put painstaking research into planning and finding the best RV-friendly driving directions. But their practical tools don’t stop there. They also help out with finding the ideal campground in a pinch. 

The Wizard allows you to calculate all your costs along the way, including food, fuel, and recreation. And you can map out your entire route ahead of time. 

But is it easy to use? 

Once you’ve downloaded the app, you can browse all the RV sites at your destination. That includes sites not affiliated with the app. What’s more, the app’s drag-and-drop interface makes it easier than ever to visualize and plan your intended route.

The advantages of the Wizard don’t stop there. It works on all devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers. 

The app also:

• Allows you to tailor your preferences such as prioritizing campgrounds where you have a membership
• Download your trip onto your GPS 
• Print a summary of your trip
• Access useful information like complimentary overnight parking or recreational opportunities

What’s more, the app’s intuitive and easy to use. So, you won’t spend countless frustrated hours attempting to figure out how the app works.

Drive Across America

With the resources above, you’ll never have to worry about where to stay, play, or how much you’re spending. Get ready for the ultimate adventure while you drive across America with these fantastic apps. 

No matter where you want to travel or what type of recreational vehicle you have, there are excellent free resources to help you fully embrace the “good life.”

From guides to magazine articles, we’ve got everything you need to make your next vacation an epic adventure. Ready to get started? Check out our complimentary resources , designed to help you live the RV lifestyle to the fullest. 

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Planning Away

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! 

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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 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. 

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

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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 e xplore 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   l ies 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! 

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. 

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 5 th 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.

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 O lympic National Park coast. 

It is one of the best RV trips out West! 

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.

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18 Comments

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!

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Journey With Confidence

22 RV Trip Ideas You’ll Want To Take In the New Year

• Great RVing Destinations

Get on the Road in the New Year!

Planning an RV trip for the new year? The best of this beautiful country is just waiting to be explored. Check out some of these great RV trip ideas for the New Year!

On this list there are some RV trip ideas that are very familiar, some are great for families, others allow you to take in nature and its beauty, and some might have a little more urban flair.

Winners of the Best RV Trip Ideas of the Year

Check a few of these RV trip ideas off your must-do list and add your own. Make sure you plan your travels with RV LIFE Pro to find campgrounds and get RV-safe GPS directions.

1. Disney World

Disney World is one of the best RV trip ideas for families. With 6 theme parks, including 2 water parks, Disney is one of the top places to take the kids.

With its on-site campground, Fort Wilderness , you will find tons of amenities, including shuttles to the parks, heated pools, trails, campfire activities, and much more.

2. Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge

The small town of Gatlinburg is nestled in the middle of the mountains, and you can walk the streets to visit locally owned shops and restaurants.

SkyLift Park, reopened in 2019 with a walk in the clouds known as the SkyBridge, is a must-see. It’s the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America. Walk across glass panels for a view of the canyon, or look up for the best views of the Smokies.

Take a short drive to Pigeon Forge to check out Dollywood, water parks, musical shows, and much more. The area hiking trails have beautiful mountain views that will satisfy the nature lover. Nearby RV parks abound with plenty of fishing, hiking, and relaxing.

3. Charleston, SC

Charleston is one of the best RV trip ideas for those who like history. Some say the Battery, a stretch along the city’s southern tip, is a can’t-miss. Check out the southern-style mansions overlooking Charleston Harbor, and spend time in nearby White Point Garden to see Civil War relics and memorials.

You can start at the 12-acre Waterfront Park, and follow the walking path for a nearly one-mile stroll to White Point Garden. Don’t forget to sign up for a horse drawn carriage ride, a ghost tour, or check out the Charleston City Market, one of the oldest in the country.

Nearby RV parks are plentiful. Be sure to check out the Mount Pleasant/Charleston KOA Holiday with its fishing lake, nature trails, and access to the Oakland Plantation.

4. Niagara Falls

Of course, Niagara Falls is full of attractions, events, festivals, and much more, particularly in the summer. Niagara Falls State Park is really the highlight of your visit to this quaint town.

On the U.S. side, the falls straddle the U.S. and Canada. Don’t miss a ride on the Maid of the Mist, which takes you on a boat ride up to the falls. Yes, you will get wet.

You can also descend 175 feet into the Niagara Gorge. An elevator takes you down to a series of wooden walkways to Hurricane Deck where you will be within feet of Bridal Veil Falls. You might want to plan your trip for the fall when you can add the beauty of the changing colors to your already stunning views.

Spend your evening checking out a local restaurant or winery and then return to see the falls lit at night.

Several KOA RV parks are nearby as well as a Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park .

5. Williamsburg, VA

Another one of the best RV trip ideas for history buffs is Williamsburg, VA. The true heart of Williamsburg is, of course, Colonial Williamsburg. History comes to life as you explore life in the 1800s. The grounds are open to visitors for free so you can explore historic buildings, see historical interpreters, and visit shops, museums, and restaurants.

During the summer, you might find a free concert. You can visit the post office and mail a letter with an official Colonial Williamsburg stamp.

Take the Jamestown-Scotland ferry, its free, across the James River to Scotland and Surry to see the plantations and other historic sites. You can bike the Virginia Capital Trail, one of the first inland paved pedestrian and bicycle trails in North America. Take in musical performances, as well as arts and crafts vendors, walk through the historic campus of William & Mary, the second oldest college in America, or enjoy cuisine from the 1800s.

Drive the 23-mile scenic parkway and take in nearby Yorktown, Jamestown, as well as Williamsburg.

Check out American Heritage RV Park below.

6. Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone is one of the most popular parks in the Western United States and for good reason. The park sits on top of a dormant volcano and has more geysers and hot springs than any other place on earth. The 3,500 sq. mile wilderness recreation area is mostly in Wyoming, but also spreads into parts of Montana and Idaho. There you will find lush forests, canyons, alpine rivers, geysers, including the most famous, Old Faithful. The park is also home to bears, wolves, bison, elk, and antelope.

There are five campgrounds within the park. Be sure and check for any length restrictions. Fishing Bridge Campground is the only place with full hook-ups. There are private campground options outside of the park. You will want to make your reservations well ahead of time to make sure you can stay.

7. Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona is a massive canyon with layers of red rock that are millions of years old. Some 277 miles of the Colorado River runs through the canyon which is one-mile deep and up to 18 miles wide. Hiking, ranger tours, river trips, and backcountry camping are just a few of the things you can do while in the park.

The Trail of Time is a nearly 3-mile walk that traces the Grand Canyon’s geologic history. Along the way, rocks and exhibits explain how the Grand Canyon and its rocks were formed.

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park has one campground with full hook-ups inside the park. It can accommodate RVs up to 50 feet in length and is open year round. You will need to get your reservation at least 6 months in advance. There are plenty of private campgrounds nearby.

8. Redwood National And State Parks

Redwood National Park is home to some of the tallest trees in the world. The park also encompasses prairies, rivers, woodlands, and 40 miles of coastland. Tall Trees Grove is the best place to see the towering redwoods, and Red Creek Overlook is a great place to see the sunset.

Elk Meadows is the most reliable place to see elk in the park. Don’t miss the Avenue of the Giants. Although not technically in the park, this 31-mile drive through the Humboldt Redwoods State Park is a must-see. Make it a day trip; there is plenty to see along the way.

The Del Norte Redwoods State Park is one of four parks in the National and State Parks. It can accommodate RVs up to 31 feet for dry camping. Nearby Ramblin’ Redwoods Campground is one of several that provide full hook-ups and 50-amp electric.

9. Arches National Park

Utah has five National Parks , all of which are beautiful, very different, and very busy. Arches National Park has more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including Delicate Arch, Devils Garden, and other sandstone features such as Balanced Rock, The Three Gossips, and many more. The park is bordered by the Colorado River to the south.

If you are not up for a lot of hiking, you can see much of the beautiful scenery with a car ride. You can stop at one of the many overlooks and take pictures of the unique rock formations.

There are several parks to choose from when visiting Arches National Park. Moab Valley RV Resort is just a short drive from both Arches National Park as well as the town of Moab.

Portal RV Resort , situated between Moab and Arches, is another great place to stay. About a mile north of Moab and about three miles to Arches, the park has a pool and a hot tub, as well as a small, fenced dog park. Sites are level gravel.

10. Zion National Park

Zion is my favorite National Park in Utah and one of the best RV trip ideas. Here are a few hints to get the most out of your trip to Zion.

During peak season from March through late November, cars can’t drive through the park, so you must take the shuttle to the different sites and trailheads. Be sure and get up early to find a parking place at the visitor center. The shuttle begins at 7 a.m. so it’s best to get there as early as possible.

Zion is home to some famous (or perhaps infamous) trails including one of the most dangerous parts of a trail called Angel’s Landing. The Chains Section is a ½ mile route set on top of a 1,488 foot rock section. The path provides a chain to hang onto, but is only a few feet wide in some places.

There are RV spaces in Zion National Park, but they have no hookups. Your best bet is to find a campground nearby and use the park’s shuttle. Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort offers the best RV camping near Zion, with spacious RV sites and other accommodations, as well as a wide variety of activities on the eastern border of the national park.

Zion River Resort in nearby Virgin, Utah has full hook-ups sites. The resort amenities include a pool, hot tub, laundry facilities, and is situated along the Virgin River with walking access to the river from your site.

11. Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is another one of those bucket list RV trip ideas you can’t miss while you spend time in the West. The park is located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains and is famed for its giant ancient sequoia trees, Tunnel View and the stunning Bridalveil Fall, and the granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome.

An easy hike to Bridalveil Fall will take you right to the base. You can feel the spray and hear the water as it crashes on the boulders. From Tunnel View, you get a good look at the falls from a higher vantage point.

Yosemite has some great hiking trails for all abilities. Some are wheelchair accessible paths and others will take one day or several days to hike. The shorter trails are usually busiest, but you can avoid the crowds by tackling some of the longer hikes. Some trails are only accessible in the summer.

When you’ve had your fill of the beautiful scenery, head to Yosemite Village where there are shops, restaurants, and the Yosemite Museum and Ansel Adams Gallery, with black and white photography prints available of the landscapes of the area.

Most campgrounds in Yosemite allow RVs, but you will need to get a reservation at least 6 months to a year in advance. There are only 8 sites that allow for longer rigs. Some sites are first-come, first-served. Be aware there are no hookups anywhere in Yosemite National Park.

12. Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a 1,583 sq. mile wilderness area in Montana’s Rocky Mountains. Visitors can see glacier-carved peaks and valleys while hiking some of the 700 miles of hiking trails. You can also enjoy backpacking, cycling, and camping, and see the area’s diverse range of wildlife including mountain goats, grizzly bears, moose, coyotes, wolves, elk, deer, and many others.

One of the most popular things to do at Glacier is to drive the scenic 52-mile highway through Glacier National Park called the Going-to-the-Sun Road. It crosses the Continental Divide and provides some spectacular views.

Inside the park, only primitive camping is allowed. Sites are first-come, first-serve. Just outside the park inside the Flathead National Forest you can find dispersed camping, and there are a number of RV parks nearby with full hookups.

13. Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs

Choosing just one place to go in Colorado is difficult. There are so many beautiful areas. One of the most visited attractions is Garden of the Gods. You will be in awe of its enormous sandstone formations. Don’t miss a photo op of gravity-defying boulders such as Kissing Camels, Balanced Rock, Tower of Babel, and Pig’s Eye. You won’t need your wallet because Garden of the Gods is free to explore.

While you are in the area, don’t forget to take a drive or a train ride to the top of Pikes Peak. Plan for a three hour roundtrip to the top and get your tickets in advance for the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. Pikes Peak is the highest summit of the southern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. The 14,115 foot peak is located in Pike National Forest, 12 miles west of downtown Colorado Springs. The town of Manitou Springs lies at its base.

Garden of the Gods RV Resort has plenty of amenities and wonderful views of Pikes Peak. According to a reviewer on RV LIFE Campgrounds ,

“There is a free public bus system with a stop near the campground entrance and goes to Manitou Springs for shopping and eating options. Better than trying to take a big tow vehicle into Manitou Springs (its pretty tight all around). Campground location is close to the entrance to Pike’s Peak and Garden of the Gods Nature Center. 30-45 minutes away is the Crags Trail – a ~5 mile out/back moderate hike with great views (gets to almost 11,000′ elevation). And nearby to that trail is the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. Wander in to Colorado Springs about 20 minutes to Ivywild School – a decommissioned, remodeled elementary school built in 1916 that is family friendly with several eateries and a micro brew. It has outdoor seating and saw several furry friends enjoying the atmosphere.”

14. Bar Harbor, Maine

There is a such a beauty to this area, you won’t be sorry for taking some time, either in summer or fall, to explore Bar Harbor and the surrounding area. Located on Mount Desert Island, next to Acadia National Park, this favorite tourist destination offers historic charm, a beautiful coastline, and a plethora of activities for the whole family.

The national park, located on the island, is a rugged 47,000-acre Atlantic Coast recreation area which features rocky beaches, granite peaks, and Cadillac Mountain, the tallest mountain on the U.S. Atlantic Coast. Visitors can enjoy hiking, climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and birdwatching. From the town pier, the Shore Path winds along the bay overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the Porcupine Islands.

Don’t forget to take a whale watching trip, or explore the Village Green in Bar Harbor to enjoy its history and see its landmarks.

There are plenty of private RV parks near Bar Harbor , as well as in the National Park. Just make sure to make reservations well in advance.

15. Mount Washington and the Cog Railway – New Hampshire

Look down on the tops of clouds or view four states on a clear day from the top of Mount Washington, the highest elevation in the northern Appalachians. The best way to get to the top is via the Cog Railway, which has been carrying tourists since 1869. At the top, visit the Sherman Adams Visitors Center, which houses a small museum, a cafeteria, and the Mount Washington Observatory, a research station that studies the mountain’s extreme weather conditions.

Check out the Tip-Top House, a historic former hotel in Mount Washington State Park. Built in 1853, it is the oldest surviving building in the summit area and is believed to be the oldest mountain-top hostelry in the world. It features exhibits about the mountain’s history and is located near the visitor’s facility. It is open to visitors from early May to early October.

Check out the 5,775-acre Crawford Notch State Park, which is a major pass through the White Mountains. The park includes the Willey House historical site and the Dry River Campground with some RV sites (no hookups). Hiking trails in the park lead to popular destinations such as Ripley Falls and Arethusa Falls.

16. Mustang Island

Mustang Island is an 18-mile barrier island on the Gulf Coast of Texas. If you like everything to do with beaches, water, and fishing, you will love this area. You can access the island via the Causeway Bridge from Corpus Christi, or over the Port Aransas Ferry which runs continuously.  

Watch the boats from Roberts Point Park, or explore nature at the Leonabelle Turnbill Birding Center or the Port Aransas Nature Preserve at Charlie’s Pasture. Throw a line in right from the beach or take a walk down the Horace Caldwell Fishing Pier, some 1,200 feet long. In April, brave the crowds and check out the Texas Sandfest. Sculptors from all over the world turn sand into beautiful art pieces.

After a day in the sun and sand, take in some nightlife in Port Aransas. There are many restaurants, bars, and shops to fill an evening with fun. Don’t forget to get fresh shrimp off the Peggy Ann for a tasty treat.  

Find a spot to boondock at Mustang Island State Park, get a permit and park on the beach, or check out some great RV resorts in Port Aransas .

17. Galveston

Galveston is an island city on the Gulf Coast of Texas. While there, you can enjoy the long stretch of beaches with plenty of room to claim your spot and play in the shallow water. Check out Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier with rides, suitable for all ages, as well as games and activities. The 1,130-foot pier is a great family destination and is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and on weekends during the winter.

Stewart Beach is a family-friendly beach with chair and umbrella rentals, a children’s playground, concessions, and a lifeguard. Head to Galveston Island State Park, walk along the boardwalks, kayak and birdwatch on the bay or the ocean.

Moody Gardens is where giant glass pyramids house sharks, monkeys, and other animals. The Moody Mansion, a 28,000 sq. ft. home, is on the National Register of Historic Places and features stained glass, custom carved woodwork, decorative tiles and plasterwork, along with fine stencil work throughout. Guided tours are available, as well as special events and programs. Don’t forget to check out the vintage Cadillacs parked in the garage.

There are many RV resorts and parks that you can stay right along the Gulf with beautiful views and full hookups.

18. Beaver Lake/Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Arkansas isn’t called the Natural State for no reason. Whatever place you pick is going to be beautiful. Beaver Lake and Eureka Springs are a great combination of outdoor fun together with shopping, shows, activities, spectacular views and more.

At Beaver Lake don’t miss War Eagle Cavern. This is a one hour, one-mile guided walking tour that follows a wide, easy walkway beside a stream flowing through the cavern. The cavern features domes, streams, waterfalls, and many formations. During the tour you will learn about the Indians and outlaws and maybe see a bat up close. Above ground are hiking trails and picnic and play areas for the kids. Although not for everyone, you can join the Spelunker Tour that begins where the public tour ends. It takes at least three hours, a group of four or more, and reservations.

In Eureka Springs, make sure you see Thorncrown Chapel with its 425 windows and some 6,000 sq. ft of glass. Ride the tram for a guided tour of historic Eureka Springs. You will see Victorian buildings, landmarks such as Grotto Spring, and hear stories of Eureka’s history.

Ozark Cabins and RV provides full hookups with beautiful views near Beaver Lake and the White River. Book a trout guide or explore many trails on the grounds. You can also get your fishing supplies at the on-site convenience store.

Spider Creek Resort has just one RV pad with full hookups that can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length. It has a beautiful view overlooking both Spider Creek and the White River. The pad includes a separate, private bathroom and shower, as well as a charcoal grill and patio furniture. The resort offers fishing guides, and rentals of jon boats, river boats, kayaks, rafts, and canoes.

19. Upper Peninsula, Michigan

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is one of the most popular RV trip ideas. The Upper Peninsula region borders three of the Great Lakes and is connected to Michigan’s Lower Peninsula by the five-mile-long Mackinac Bridge. In between the two peninsulas is Mackinac Island, a car-free vacation destination accessible by ferry and a must-see on your UP adventure.

While on the island, check out Fort Mackinac with its 14 historic buildings. Check out the museum and listen to interpreters as they depict life in the fort in the late 1900s. See Arch Rock or visit the Butterfly House and Insect World. Stay at the Grand Hotel on the island, play a round of golf, or take a carriage tour.

If you want to get away from the crowds, choose the lesser traveled Drummond Island, known for its wildlife and ORV trails, or Grand Island for wilderness camping and mountain bike riding along scenic overlooks. The Les Cheneaux is a series of islands, great for protected paddling.

Park your RV at Straits State Park with a high, straight view down the center of the Mackinac Bridge. It was used as a survey point during its construction. Also, you can choose a beachfront campsite on the shoreline of the Straits of Mackinac.  

For trip inspiration, check out this Road Trip On The Upper Peninsula Of Michigan .

20. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan

As you spend time in Michigan, check out Sleeping Bear Dunes in the state’s Lower Peninsula. The park is known for its scalable dunes at the Dune Climb. Beaches include Platte River Point, where the river flows into the lake. The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail winds through the forest with views of 19 th century farmsteads.

The park is a great place for stargazing, so be sure and plan to attend a star party. Rangers share the best spots for sky viewing. Check out the historic village of Glen Haven with some of the park’s prettiest beaches. Watch a smithy hammer hot iron into horseshoes, get penny candy at the general store, and visit the neighboring museum.

Paddle, fish, or just enjoy the views. Don’t forget to catch a beautiful sunset as well.

Make an online reservation for the Platte River Campground , which is open year round with RV spots with electrical hookups.

21. Door County, Wisconsin

Why is Door County, Wisconsin one of our favorite RV trip ideas? Try 5 state parks, 19 county parks, and 300 miles of shoreline. Don’t miss the wineries, quaint bed and breakfasts, and unique inns. Pick your own cherries or apples, enjoy a fish boil, or visit Peninsula State Park for views of Green Bay from the top of Niagara Escarpment.

Door County Maritime Museum is also a popular place to visit. This museum has interpretive and educational programming on unique maritime topics and preserves the maritime history of the Great Lakes. Tour a restored tugboat, take a shipyard tour, or enjoy one of the seasonal festivals.

Peninsula State has a number of campgrounds but few with any amenities. Nearby Egg Harbor Campground & RV Resort has 78 full hookup sites with a game room, heated pool, playground, picnic area, and pull through sites. It is also adjacent to Orchards Golf Course.

22. Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

As you travel this beautiful country, make sure you don’t consider Missouri just a pass-through state. For those who like the outdoors, there is an abundance of beautiful state parks, rivers to kayak and canoe, and lakes to enjoy. One of my favorite spots is Lake of the Ozarks. I’ve been visiting there since I was a young child, swimming, skiing, boating, and exploring the 84 sq. mile lake.

If you are ready for a break from the water fun, head out to explore Bridal Cave with its massive rock drapery formations, or Stark Caverns with a large underground lake. Ozark Caverns is famous for its Angel Shower cave phenomenon where a constant shower of water streams from the cave ceiling.

In the area you can find something to suit everyone in your family including spas, golf, go-karts, water parks, local wineries, or lakeside dining. Make a rainy day a shopping day at Osage Beach outlet marketplace.

Lake Of The Ozarks State Park has nearly 17,000 acres of place to hike, ride horses, hit the beach, or launch your boat for a day on the lake. Nearby Ha Ha Tonka State Park was named one of the four most popular state parks in the nation by 10Best. Check out its natural springs, awesome landscapes, and beautiful castle ruins.

Some 20 RV campgrounds are nearby with excellent reviews . You can even find some with lakeside parking for larger RVs.

Start trip planning today

For all of your camping and trip planning needs, look no further than RV LIFE Campgrounds and RV LIFE Trip Wizard . RV LIFE Campgrounds is a trusted source of campground and RV park reviews offered by camping and RV enthusiasts just like you. With its accompanying RV LIFE App , RV LIFE Trip Wizard gets you to your camping destinations utilizing RV-friendly routes specific to your RV and travel preferences.

The perfect itinerary for an epic USA roadtrip (48 states at once)

• Post author: Andrew D'Amours
• Post published: December 28, 2022
• Post category: Travel inspiration / Trip itineraries & destination discoveries
• Post comments: 23 Comments

Do you like roadtrips? They happen to be a very American tradition and we found the perfect itinerary to visit every state in the continental USA during 1 epic roadtrip. A great trip idea for those who have a lot of time but want to stay closer to home .

Personally, I love roadtrips and I hit the road as much as I can, despite also being an aviation geek: you can like both, right? What matters is traveling and seeing new places , no matter how.

So here are the maps and details of the 2 itineraries that allow you to see all the lower 48 states at once, depending on your travel preference.

Basics of the 2 epic USA roadtrip itineraries

The USA is a huge country, almost as big as Europe (it’s even larger than Canada when considering land area alone).

So the USA has a lot of variety in terms of landscapes, but even in terms of culture too (even if many who aren’t from the country don’t realize that).

If you aim to eventually visit every state, any 1 of these 2 itineraries is a great way to almost all of them at once. The only 2 states you’ll have left to visit after this roadtrip will be Hawaii and Alaska.

There’s a version for national parks and points of interest and a version for cities.

I’m on the quest to visit all 50 states myself (in addition to also visiting every country obviously), and I’m not doing too bad with 47 already.

But let’s just say it would’ve been much quicker to get to 48 at once with this roadtrip instead of having to do it over dozens of trips.

Here are the details.

48-state roadtrip – national parks/points of interest version

Here’s a map of the 1st itinerary.

It was conceived by American Ph.D. student Randy Olson, on  his blog , and it was done scientifically to optimize the routing: each stop represents a national park or a point of interest.

So you’re not just seeing every state, you’re seeing cool parts of every state (which sadly wasn’t our case in North Dakota during our very random 1200-miles-nonstop-in-2-days Flytrippers roadtrip across the Midwest just for fun).

Good times. Roadtrips always make for great stories.

Anyway, the itinerary has also been optimized to be as efficient a route as possible to see all 48 states, so you can rest assured you won’t be wasting any time.

If you only stop to sleep, you can complete this roadtrip in only 9 days, but we recommend taking at least a couple of weeks to explore all these places obviously.

And gas is significantly cheaper in the US in case you were wondering. You can start anywhere, it’s a continuous loop, and it passes through many spots near the Canadian border.

You can even take a shortcut from Michigan to Vermont through Canada, as the stop in Cleveland is only to keep Americans without a passport from crossing into the Great White North.

Here is the complete list of all 50 landmarks (48 states + Washington, DC + a bonus stop in California):

1. Grand Canyon, AZ 2. Bryce Canyon National Park, UT 3. Craters of the Moon, ID 4. Yellowstone National Park, WY 5. Pikes Peak, CO 6. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, NM 7. The Alamo, TX 8. The Platt Historic District, OK 9. Toltec Mounds, AR 10. Elvis Presley’s Graceland, TN 11. Vicksburg National Military Park, MS 12. French Quarter, LA 13. USS Alabama, AL 14. Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, FL 15. Okefenokee Swamp Park, GA 16. Fort Sumter National Monument, SC 17. Lost World Caverns, WV 18. Wright Brothers National Memorial Visitor Center, NC 19. Mount Vernon, VA 20. White House, Washington, D.C. 21. Colonial Annapolis Historic District, MD 22. New Castle Historic District, DE 23. Cape May Historic District, NJ 24. Liberty Bell, PA 25. Statue of Liberty, NY 26. The Mark Twain House & Museum, CT 27. The Breakers, RI 28. USS Constitution, MA 29. Acadia National Park, ME 30. Mount Washington Hotel, NH 31. Shelburne Farms, VT 32. Fox Theater, MI 33. Spring Grove Cemetery, OH 34. Mammoth Cave National Park, KY 35. West Baden Springs Hotel, IN 36. Abraham Lincoln’s Home, IL 37. Gateway Arch, MO 38. C. W. Parker Carousel Museum, KS 39. Terrace Hill Governor’s Mansion, IA 40. Taliesin, WI 41. Fort Snelling, MN 42. Ashfall Fossil Bed, NE 43. Mount Rushmore, SD 44. Fort Union Trading Post, ND 45. Glacier National Park, MT 46. Hanford Site, WA 47. Columbia River Highway, OR 48. San Francisco Cable Cars, CA 49. San Andreas Fault, CA 50. Hoover Dam, NV

These are all very enticing attractions, for the most part. It seems I’ve only seen 14 of those, so maybe I should hit the road again after all.

How about you? Tempted?

48-state roadtrip – city version

Here’s a map of the 2nd itinerary.

If you’re more of a city slicker, the map’s author has created a 2nd version that routes you through amazing cities instead.

It is slightly shorter but quite as impressive: it makes you go through the “Best City to Visit” in each state, according to TripAdvisor .

But you won’t have all the lower 48 states, unlike the other itinerary. That’s because no city in Vermont, West Virginia, or North Dakota made the top 400 cities to visit ranking, unfortunately. So plan on making a few extra detours if you want to hit all states at once with this version of the itinerary.

Here is the complete list of all cities:

• Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• Wichita, Kansas
• Denver, Colorado
• Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Phoenix, Arizona
• Las Vegas, Nevada
• San Francisco, California
• Portland, Oregon
• Seattle, Washington
• Boise, Idaho
• Park City, Utah
• Jackson, Wyoming
• Billings, Montana
• Sioux Falls, South Dakota
• Omaha, Nebraska
• Des Moines, Iowa
• Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Chicago, Illinois
• Indianapolis, Indiana
• Louisville, Kentucky
• Columbus, Ohio
• Detroit, Michigan
• Cleveland, Ohio
• Manchester, New Hampshire
• Portland, Maine
• Boston, Massachusetts
• Providence, Rhode Island
• New Haven, Connecticut
• New York City, New York
• Ocean City, New Jersey
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Wilmington, Delaware
• Baltimore, Maryland
• Washington, D.C.
• Virginia Beach, Virginia
• Charlotte, North Carolina
• Charleston, South Carolina
• Orlando, Florida
• Atlanta, Georgia
• Nashville, Tennessee
• Birmingham, Alabama
• Jackson, Mississippi
• New Orleans, Louisiana
• Houston, Texas
• Little Rock, Arkansas
• Branson, Missouri

I do a little better on this list, with 31 already visited. You can see I love cities. How about you?

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If you were looking for an excuse to go on a roadtrip, this is it. And since we always enjoy giving you more for your money, we think 48 states instead of only 1 or 2 is something you’ll enjoy!

What’s the coolest roadtrip you’ve ever been on? Tell us in the comments below.

See the deals we spot: Cheap flights

Explore awesome destinations : Travel inspiration

Learn pro tricks : Travel tips

Discover free travel: Travel rewards

Featured image: The itinerary (image credit: Randy Olson)

Original publication date: May 29, 2018

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Andrew D'Amours

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This post has 23 comments.

Hello Andrew, the PHD student suggests in the 1st Itinnerary that the one stop to make in Washington State is the Hanford Nuclear Reservation?! Flat out, that is a terrible idea. It is in the middle of nowhere, I am just shocked it’s mentioned. Out of all the beautiful and amazing places to see in such a diverse state as Washington, a Nuclear Site was chosen? Surely this student could have done so much better. Thank you for allowing comments.

Having been all around the Olympic Peninsula, I agree that’s there are better stops. But my understanding is that he really optimized for the quickest way to do all 48 and had to choose a point of interest that wasn’t too far off that optimal path, hence that choice (I think).

thanks for sharing this information with us.

I have taken a road trip from California to the the most northeastern part of theUS. west Quaby light house. it was my 1st trip across the us. .I seen so many amazing places.

Quite the drive for sure! Must have been epic.

Why do Americans always think the Statue of Liberty is in NY? it is in NJ. I’ve done road trips now that have taken in 39 states. Here’s a quiz to see how well you know the USA: Which state has only one syllable? Only one city has been name-checked on the moon. In which state is it? Which is the most Northerly of the contiguous states? In which state were Tennessee Williams and Elvis Presley born? Which was the last of the contiguous states to be admitted into the USA? Which four states all share a border with each other? Which state has the lowest population? Twelve cities are name-checked in “Get Your Kicks on Route 66” but only three states. Which? Which state has the longest name? Which two states have the most borders with other states? In which state is the geographical centre of the USA – and which one if you exclude Hawaii and Alaska? Which of the states of the USA has respectively the most Northerly, Southerly, Easterly and Westerly points?

The official Statue of Liberty address is Liberty Island, New York, NY, 10004.

Wow, these comments are very rude for no reason. Thanks for the article, maybe when I graduate from college I’ll consider hitting part of one of these itineraries.

“it’s a huge country (even larger than Canada when considering land area alone).”

Canada – 3.855 million mi² USA – 3.532 million mi² Where does this math fail you?

Where did reading fail you :P? It explicitly says “ when considering LAND area alone ” The quote you copied literally has a link provided under “even larger than Canada” and if you read that, it explains how Canada is only larger than the US due to water area being counted 🙂

There is no stop in North Dakota on the city version. You should stop in Fargo after Billings and before Sioux Falls

I’m 46 years old .. I have been to all 50 states and I’m 17 away from all 50 twice .. I have driven to 47 .. flown to Alaska, Hawaii and Washington..

Wow! That’s impressive :O

This is awesome

This is inspiring! Thank you for sharing!

“this roadtrip in only 9 days“ is extremely false statement. It is only 9 days if you are driving non stop, no breaks to even get out of your car, get gas, or actually see these places. From start to finish drive time it is 225 hours, 16 minutes = 9 days. Wow. Take some time to enjoy the view.

Yes, that’s what we said too 😛

Thanks for the tip 😊

Do you know the total distance of this itinerary? At what moment of the year doing this trip would be the best? Thanks!

Hi! It is 13,699 miles (22,046 km) for the landmarks itinerary and 12,290 miles (19,780 km) for the city version. You can even have the Google Maps links on the creator’s original post (I’ve reposted the link below). As for the timing, I guess it depends on your preferences, but I’d want to avoid that top half of the country (so half the itinerary) in the winter for sure! http://www.randalolson.com/2015/03/08/computing-the-optimal-road-trip-across-the-u-s/

Crappy itinerary! Does not even include Zion National Park… and so many stops in the North Eastern states?? Nobody cares about those places except maybe a couple of places.

As explained, the PhD student who built the itinerary wanted to have one stop per state, and there are many states in the North-East so that’s why there are many stops there. I agree that Zion is an iconic spot, but his goal was also to optimize a routing that was as short as possible so that’s why it’s billed as an itinerary to see all lower 48 states at once and not an itinerary to see *the best spots*. But those interested in doing this can definitely adapt it and add many interesting stops for sure 🙂

Curtis, you are crappy. Obviously this is meant as a guide that can be adapted to add spots. I think it’s awesome.

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Are you ready for a Road Trip? Explore these eleven incredible cross-country road trip routes across the U.S.!

Pacific Coast

Border to Border

The Road to Nowhere

The Great River Road

Appalachian Trail

Atlantic Coast

The Great Northern

The Oregon Trail

The Loneliest Road

Southern Pacific

Classic American Road Trips

Pacific Coast Highway

Starting at the northwest tip of the United States at Washington’s Olympic National Park and remaining within sight of the ocean all the way south to sunny San Diego, this 1,650-mile, mostly two-lane road trip takes in everything from temperate rainforest to near-desert.

Highlights along the Pacific Coast Route: Olympic National Park (WA), Three Capes Loop (OR), Redwood National Park (CA)

Historic Route 66

The romance of traveling along historic Route 66 from where it starts in Chicago and ends in Los Angeles continues to captivate people around the world. If you’re looking for great displays of neon signs, rusty middle-of-nowhere truck stops, or kitschy Americana, do as the song says and “get your kicks on Route 66.”

Highlights along Route 66: Chicago (IL), Meramec Caverns (MO), Tucumcari (NM), Painted Desert (AZ), Santa Monica (CA)

• Barnes & Noble
• Books-A-Million
• Indigo (Canada)
• Powell's Books
• Apple Books

Running coast-to-coast from San Francisco to Ocean City, Maryland, “The Loneliest Road in America” is a 3,200-mile odyssey from sea to shining sea. US-50 passes through a dozen different states, four state capitals, and the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C.

Highlights along the Loneliest Road: South Lake Tahoe (CA), Moab (UT), The Million Dollar Highway (CO), Washington D.C.

Following in the footsteps of pilgrims and pioneers, US‑20 takes in a little of everything during its two-lane trek from Oregon’s rugged coast to the glorious sea and sand of Cape Cod.

Highlights along the Oregon Trail: Cannon Beach (OR), Fort Boise (ID), Yellowstone National Park (WY), Mt Rushmore & Carhenge (NE)

Dubbed the Great Northern in memory of the pioneer railroad that parallels the western half of the route, US‑2 is truly the most stunning and unforgettable, not to mention longest, of all the great transcontinental road trips.

Highlights along the Great Northern: Tumwater Canyon (WA), Glacier National Park (MT), Lake Michigan (MI), Acadia National Park (ME)

The Appalachian Trail

This driving route of the Appalachian Trail parallels the epic hike. From the top of New England to the heart of Dixie, it takes you through continuous natural beauty—without the sweat, bugs, or blisters.

Highlights along the Appalachian Trail: Mt. Washington (NH), The Poconos (PA), Shenandoah National Park (VA), Great Smoky Mountains National Park (NC)

Old Man River, Father of Waters, “body of a nation,” Big Muddy: By any name, the mighty Mississippi River cuts a mythic figure across the American landscape. Tag along from its headwaters in Minnesota to where it meets the sea in Louisiana via the GRR.

Highlights along the Great River Road: Main Street USA (WI), St. Louis (MO), Natchez Trace Parkway (MS), New Orleans (LA)

Starting at the Statue of Liberty and ending with a drive across the Overseas Highway to free-wheeling Key West, these almost 2,000 miles of roadway run within earshot—if not sight—of the Atlantic Ocean.

Highlights along the Atlantic Coast: The Statue of Liberty (NJ), Assateague Island National Seashore (MD), Savannah (GA), Cocoa Beach (FL)

Starting at Canada’s Jasper National Park, and winding down in the Sonora Desert, this route traverses some of the wildest and most rugged lands imaginable: mighty mountains, glaciated valleys, raging rivers, and two very different deserts.

Highlights along the Border to Border Route: Columbia Icefield (AB), Bitterroot Mountains (MT), The Extraterrestrial Highway (NV), Joshua Forest Parkway (AZ)

Once the only entirely paved route from Canada to “Old Mexico,” US‑83 cuts across America’s heartland and remains a must-do long-distance byway—transnavigating this broad, odd nation without once grazing a conventional tourist destination.

Highlights along the Road to Nowhere: Sitting Bull Memorial (SD), Nebraska Sand Hills (NE), Monument Rocks (KS), Paint Rock Pictographs (TX)

Following old US-80 and its contemporary equivalents takes you through more varied cultural and physical landscapes than you’ll find along any other cross-country route. From deserts to bayou swamps and Tex-Mex to barbecue, this route offers a full-flavored taste of America.

Highlights along Southern Pacific: The Desert View Tower (CA), Tombstone (AZ), Roswell (NM), Civil Rights Movement National Historic Trail (AL)

Love Exploring

This Is What A Road Trip Looked Like The Year You Were Born

Posted: January 30, 2024 | Last updated: January 30, 2024

The open road

1910s: a family poses by their car

Although the first car was invented in 1886 , it wasn’t until a couple of decades later that automobiles became more popular and widespread in America. This was thanks to a game-changing invention: Henry Ford’s Model T, which launched in 1908. It ran on gasoline, which made it cheaper and meant it could travel further distances than the electric vehicles that had previously been used. In this photograph from the 1910s, a family poses by their brand new Model T.

1910s: the first-ever RV

You might be surprised to learn that the world’s first recreational vehicle, or RV, was invented back in 1915. The 25-foot (7.6m) long automobile was created by Roland Conklin’s Gas-Electric Motor Bus Company and dubbed the Gypsy Van. It was kitted out with a kitchen, sleeping berths, folding tables, various small appliances, a generator and lighting. It was used by the Conklin family to travel from Huntington, New York to San Francisco, California on a journey that captured the attention of national media. 

1910s: touring the national parks

Since the first national parks were signed into law in the late 1800s, Americans began to gain a greater appreciation for the natural beauty in their backyard. Then the arrival of cars made it easier to access them – although it was still a privilege available to the wealthy few who were lucky enough to own one. Pictured here is a group of visitors on a guided “Two National Parks in Two Weeks” tour that swept through Rocky Mountain National Park and Yellowstone National Park.

1920s: birth of Tin Can Tourism

1920s: an unusual attraction in Yosemite

1920s: a legendary cross-country race

While road trips may have been a way to unwind for many, motorcyclist and car racer Erwin Baker turned these cross-country journeys up a notch – by driving as fast as he could. In fact, he even earned the name “Cannonball”, after a newspaper compared him to a Cannonball Express train during one of his famous cross-country races. Shown here in 1923, in his Oldsmobile 30A surrounded by fans, the racer had just completed a trip from New York to Los Angeles by motorcycle in a record-breaking 12-and-a-half days. 

1930s: road trippers check their directions

1930s: boots allow people to pack luggage

1930s: the first Airstream arrives

1940s: car drives through Badlands National Park

The striated peaks of the Badlands, South Dakota are just as striking in this rudimentary color photograph as they are today. The national park (then a national monument) was located close to US Highways 14 and 6, so when roads were built through it during the 1930s and 1940s there was a significant uptick in visitor numbers.

1940s: automobile ownership on the rise

1940s: car drives through Yellowstone National Park

1950s: road-tripping increases in popularity

By the 1950s, the road trip had become an undeniable fixture of American culture. The postwar years saw a continued boom in car ownership across the country and road conditions had improved a great deal too. In 1959, an engineer at Volvo developed the three-point seatbelt (the kind we're familiar with today) which also made hitting the road a whole lot safer. Pictured here, a road-tripping couple check their map.

1950s: famous stars take to the road

Jack Kerouac's 1957 novel On The Road helped cement the dream of traveling through America’s highways and byways in the collective imagination. Celebrities also helped to give road-tripping a glamorous image. Pictured here is Marilyn Monroe and her husband at the time, playwright Arthur Miller (center, with box), with their friend Milton Green (right), a photographer. Captured in New York in 1956, the trio are about to take a trip to Connecticut in a Thunderbird convertible.

1950s: motels and diners spring up everywhere

Now that more Americans were taking to the road during their vacation time, they needed a place to stay. So the neon signs of motels and diners became an increasingly common sight along the country’s highways. A classic “mom-and-pop” motel would offer affordable lodgings, a place to park up for the night, and often a diner serving home-style food.

1960s: Route 66 gains notoriety

The first all-weather road between the Midwest and the Pacific Coast, Route 66 revolutionized the road trip. It shaved some 200 miles (322km) off the journey between Chicago and Los Angeles, making it easier for people in the rural west to get to cities in the midwest and northeast. In 1960, Route 66 , an American TV series that followed the escapades of a pair of young men traveling the route, aired on CBS. As the so-called Mother Road continued to crop up in popular culture, America's fascination with her grew.

1960s: Aristocrat is the top trailer maker

1960s: camper vans make waves

1970s: VWs dominate the hippie trail

1970s: more campsites spring up

1970s: trailers experience a fall from grace

1980s: motels shut their doors on Route 66

1980s: NASCAR fans gather at Daytona International Speedway

1980s: RVs become more advanced

After a lag in the 1970s due to the oil crisis, the RV industry boomed during the 1980s. Popular movies including National Lampoon's Vacation and The Blues Brothers, whose storylines heavily featured the motorhomes, helped to cement RVs’ place in popular culture. The iconic RV of the decade was the Fleetwood Bounder, released in 1985, which was the first of its kind to include basement storage – now a common fixture in these vehicles.

1990s: tourists take in Alaskan scenery

1990s: old-school trailers are back

1990s: Big Sur maintains its magic

Made popular by the Beat Generation in the 1950s and the hippies of the 1960s, central California’s Big Sur is one of the most popular road trips in the country. Highway 1 is the iconic route which takes travelers along this rugged coastline, with the most visited stretch running between Santa Barbara and Monterey. Here, a classic 1990s compact car drives alongside the sun-splashed cliffs. 

2000s: the most popular RV

2000s: drive-thru in Maryland

2000s: remnants of Route 66

By the 2000s, the historic Route 66 had become a tourist attraction in its own right, with plenty of motels, diners and even a museum profiting off its storied past. At this section near Prewitt, New Mexico, photographed in 2003, the road runs parallel to Interstate 40. It seems a fitting visual metaphor, given the road was ultimately surpassed by the high-speed interstate highway system.

2010s: navigation gets an upgrade

2010s: camper vans powered by solar

2010s: road tripping goes electric

Until very recently, long-distance travel in an electric vehicle has felt like a distant dream. But thanks to the rapid improvements in EVs themselves, which mean they can travel for longer distances, as well as the installation of new charging points across the States, electric-powered road trips look like an increasingly viable option. And  a new cross-country network of EV charging points , running from Los Angeles, California to Washington DC, is making it easier than ever to refuel. Pictured is a motorway sign for a charging point along southern California’s Pacific Coast Highway.

2020s: a pandemic causes problems

The start of the 2020s saw a curveball thrown at the travel industry: the COVID-19 pandemic. Popular destinations, such as Las Vegas (pictured), had their income from tourism almost completely slashed overnight, as lockdowns took hold and flights were canceled. However, when Americans were allowed to travel within the USA again, road trips experienced a renaissance: a survey for Vacationer magazine estimated that 80% of Americans planned to take a road trip in 2022. Many were keen to avoid airports and flying for fear of contracting the virus, and the open road offered a safer way to satisfy the wanderlust.

2020s: remote working on the road

Another unexpected twist from the pandemic was the rise in remote working, which made long-term 'workations' a genuinely feasible option for many: one 2022 survey of RV owners revealed that over half had worked while on the road that year. Looking into the future, an increased awareness of the impact of flying on our planet means travelers will be looking for a different kind of trip, and driving through dramatic landscapes with the ability to stop anywhere certainly presents a more ecological and enriching alternative. It seems the freedom of the road will always beckon.

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Top li doctor killed when she flies out door of airstream trailer — still clutching handle — during family road trip.

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A prominent Long Island pediatrician was killed when she tumbled out of a moving Airstream trailer — still clutching the door’s handle — and onto an upstate highway during a family road trip over the weekend, according to state police and kin.

Dr. Monika Woroniecka — a 58-year-old married mom and children’s allergy and immunology specialist with Stony Brook Medicine — was in the 2024 silver trailer with other family members when she fell through the door shortly after 3 p.m. Saturday and onto State Route 12E in Watertown in a freak accident,  said police  and family.

Woroniecka’s husband, Robert, 59, was driving the gray 2019 Ram pickup truck pulling the trailer at the time, according to a press release.

Motorists who witnessed the frightening fatal fall said the passenger-side door of the Airstream flew open, helped by the wind — while the doctor was clutching its handle, police said.

The helpless woman landed on the shoulder of the highway, striking her head.

She was rushed to Samaritan Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead. 

The traffic accident came as Woroniecka and other relatives boarded the trailer for the final 20 minutes of a road trip from Stony Brook, LI, where the family lives, the troopers said.

The victim worked at Stony Brook Medicine since the early 2000s, according to her medical profile .

“She enjoys working with children and their families and developing a long-term relationship with families while guiding them through chronic allergy-related conditions,” the profile said. “Dr. Woroniecka’s native language is Polish [and] draws Polish-speaking families from far distances.

“Dr. Woroniecka likes to travel, hike, exercise, and spend time with family and friends,” the post adds.

Her grieving family acknowledged to The Post on Sunday that the victim was a doctor on the island, as did the state police, but both declined further comment.

Officials at Stony Brook did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 

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USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

A stay at these 20 luxury RV resorts, nominated by an expert panel as the best in the U.S, gives you the best of both worlds — the comforts of your own RV with the amenities of a five-star resort. The perks go far beyond full hookups and Wi-Fi; many include extras like swimming pools, movie theaters, tennis courts, private docks, and full-service spas.  Which luxury RV resort would you most like to visit? Vote for your favorite once per day until voting ends on Monday, May 6 at noon ET. We'll announce the 10 winners on Wednesday, May 15.  Read the official Readers' Choice rules .

A stay at these 20 luxury RV resorts, nominated by an expert panel as the best in the U.S, gives you the best of both worlds — the comforts of your own RV with the amenities of a five-star resort. The perks go far...   Read More

Best Luxury RV Resort Nominees

Photo courtesy of Denise Barlock

Bluewater Key RV Resort

Key West, Florida

Bluewater Key RV Resort in Key West welcomes RVers with near-perfect weather throughout the year, easy access to nearby attractions and golf courses, and stellar amenities. Enjoy conveniences like a temperature-controlled swimming pool, private tropical tiki huts, a dog park, clubhouse, private docks, and high-speed fiber internet.

Photo courtesy of Camp Fimfo

Camp Fimfo Texas Hill Country

New Braunfels, Texas

Located in scenic Texas Hill Country, Camp Fimfo aptly describes itself as “a Texas-sized retreat on the Guadalupe River," with 1,000 feet of river frontage. The luxury campsite is family friendly and has monthly rates for those who want to make it a real home away from home. Some on-site amenities include a heated pool, water playground, hot tubs, mini golf, waterslides, and pickleball courts.

Photo courtesy of Matt Theriault

Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Cabana Cabins

Auburndale, Florida

Camp Margaritaville RV Resort invites guests to “get into the island state of mind” in central Florida. Located conveniently between Orlando and Tampa, their oversized sites have plenty of room to accommodate all RV sizes and include full hookups, free Wi-Fi and cable access, a charcoal grill, and a picnic table. Each week, the resort features live music and entertainment with delicious food trucks and fun activities for all family members.

Photo courtesy of Disney

The Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort

Orlando, Florida

Equipped with 750 acres of lush Sunshine State land, The Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort are perfect for a little relaxation in between hitting the parks. While wildlife and walking trails abound across the area, guests can also take advantage of the archery classes, canoeing sessions, and on-site pool complete with a lengthy waterslide.

Photo courtesy of Vima Productions

Dark Sky RV Campground

Kanab, Utah

A paradise for astronomy aficionados, Dark Sky RV Campground offers a spectacular perspective on the scenic Utah city of Kanab. In addition to amenities like private bathroom suites and an outdoor kitchen complete with a grill, the site offers 40 acres of pristine land that are almost totally free of light pollution, providing the perfect opportunity for stargazing on clear nights.

Photo courtesy of Austin Marvel

Firefly Resort

Fredericksburg, Texas

During a lengthy journey across Texas Hill Country, Firefly Resort serves as the perfect base for a few days of relaxation. While the massive two-tiered pool complex serves as its centerpiece, there's a wealth of other amenities to enjoy during a stay, with options spanning from a bookable private chef experience to a playground for younger guests to enjoy.

Photo courtesy of Drazen Zigic / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground

Buellton, California

Fire pits, massive pools, and a sprawling playground are just a few of the amenities that await guests at Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground, a lauded property in the heart of Santa Ynez wine country. Visitors can swing by on-property dining venue Feather & Fire for some ultra-flavorful pizza, and any canine pals can enjoy the dog park.

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Hilton Head Island Motorcoach Resort

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Hilton Head is renowned for its incredible golf courses, but there's a lot more to do across the island than just hit the driving range. For those who prefer to stay in, the on-property spa tub, pool, and gym are all top spots, while bike rentals and outdoor pickleball and tennis courts are available for anyone in need of some fresh air.

Photo courtesy of Nena Quick

Las Vegas Motorcoach Resort

Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas Motorcoach (LVM) Resort offers Class A Motorcoach facilities across 41 acres in the heart of Las Vegas. Some 400 landscaped sites are shaded with more than 1,000 palm trees, while amenities include a 10,000-square-foot clubhouse, resort-style swimming pools, a spa, pickleball courts, and a fitness center.

Photo courtesy of Little Arrow Outdoor Resort

Little Arrow Outdoor Resort

Townsend, Tennessee

Located on the edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Little Arrow Outdoor Resort is a top spot for basking in the verdant beauty of Appalachia. Incredible hiking opportunities abound all around the site, while activities like bingo and trivia are perfect for befriending fellow travelers — and to sweeten the deal, spa services can be booked for guests as well.

Photo courtesy of Irina Velichkina / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Luxury RV Resort

Gulf Shores, Alabama

The southern shores of Alabama are renowned for their idyllic beauty, and Luxury RV Resort is perfectly equipped to showcase its wonders. Beyond the 97 RV sites scattered across the property, visitors can play a few rounds of cornhole or shuffleboard, use the kitchen in the on-site clubhouse, or do a few loads of laundry after a long day lounging at the beach.

Photo courtesy of Motorcoach Country Club

Motorcoach Country Club

Indio, California

The Motorcoach Country Club in the Palm Springs area features scenic beauty and the amenities of a five-star resort. Regular activities and events — like bocce ball tournaments, billiards nights, pickleball, and golf outings — keep the community active and engaged.

Photo courtesy of Mountain Falls Luxury Motorcoach Resort

Mountain Falls Luxury Motorcoach Resort

Lake Toxaway, North Carolina

Mountain Falls Luxury Motorcoach Resort, located in the mountains of western North Carolina, gives visitors easy access to Lake Toxaway and the surrounding waterfalls, lakes, streams, and parklands. On-site amenities include pickleball courts, bocce ball, a fitness facility, two swimming pools, and a dog park.

Photo courtesy of Naples Motorcoach Resort

Naples Motorcoach Resort

Naples, Florida

The Naples Motorcoach Resort is one of the only motorcoach resorts with direct access to the Gulf of Mexico. Features like a large infinity pool, spa, fitness center, dog park, private theater, two card rooms, and outdoor pickleball courts lend the feeling of a five-star resort.

Photo courtesy of Kristine Daniels

Normandy Farms

Foxboro, Massachusetts

Normandy Farms, deep in the woods between Boston and Cape Cod, has been serving RVers since 1971. Facilities include a bike park, creative arts center, disc golf course, dog park, fitness center, playgrounds, swimming pools, tennis and pickleball courts, and a wellness center.

Photo courtesy of welcomia // Getty Images

Resort at Canopy Oaks

Lake Wales, Florida

Featuring 200 acres of green space, Resort at Canopy Oaks hosts five styles of RV sites, including waterfront, premium, and platinum. All sites come with concrete pads, full hookups, and free high-speed Wi-Fi. Visitors can enjoy amenities like a resort-style pool, pickleball courts, clubhouse, tiki bar, and an on-site pizza and sandwich shop.

Photo courtesy of Kampgrounds of America, Inc.

Sugarloaf Key/Key West KOA Holiday

Summerland Key, Florida

For visitors exploring the beauty of the Florida Keys via RV, Sugarloaf Key/Key West KOA Holiday offers particularly lavish accommodations. Rental boats, paddleboards, and kayaks are available for guests who want to explore the sparkling shores, while those who prefer to stay inland can hop on a rental bike or spend their time lounging by the property's pool.

Photo courtesy of Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountains

Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountains

Granby, Colorado

Kayaking, bowling, and gold panning are just a few of the activities available for guests at Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountains, a sprawling RV camping site in Colorado's Grand County. During the warmer months, guests can take full advantage of the rushing Colorado River with fly-fishing and bocce ball, while skiing is a top activity for visitors during the winter.

Photo courtesy of The Waves Signature RV Resort

The Waves RV Resort

The Waves RV Resort offers guests easy access to the Gulf Cost’s nearby white sand beaches. As a 55+ active lifestyle resort, the gated, 56-acre RV destination has amenities like a clubhouse, a fitness center, billiard room, and a tiki lounge with fire pits. Lakefront RV sites offer full hookups with cable and Wi-Fi.

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Winding River Resort

Grand Lake, Colorado

Just west of Rocky Mountain National Park, Winding River Resort highlights the spectacular beauty of the Centennial State at its best. All throughout the year, RV owners arrive in droves to take advantage of the massive array of outdoor activities, with fishing, hiking, farm visits, snowmobiling, and horseback trail rides all available for guests.

About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best .

The Experts

Chez chesak.

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‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, an adventure travel writer, board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and 22-year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. While he’s lived all over the U.S. and traveled to more than 30 countries, he has the most fun when he’s exploring with his wife Sally and two daughters. An avid outdoors person, he’s happiest on a trail, on skis, or nestled into a sleeping bag. Learn more about him and his work at www.chezconnects.com .  

Jamie Davis Smith

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Jamie is a travel writer who has visited over 50 countries, many of them with her children in tow. She loves visiting everything from theme parks to ancient ruins and packs strictly carry-on-only. Jamie can be reached at [email protected].

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Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los Angeles-based freelance journalist, editor and party columnist specializing in travel, entertainment, film, food, wine, fashion and the other good things in life. She is a founding/voting member of the Critics Choice Association, who present the Critics’ Choice Awards every January. Her favorite places to be are on the beach in Southern California playing volleyball, scuba diving with the sharks in warm tropical waters or strolling the streets and soaking in the atmosphere of one of the world's great cities (New Orleans and Florence are her favorites).

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Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in Manhattan, she now lives on the sunny island of Montreal and covers  the Caribbean for a variety of publications  including  USA TODAY 10Best, CaribbeanTravel.com and MarryCaribbean.com.  A journalist with a boatload of writer awards under her belt, Melanie's affection for the Caribbean started  young when her family vacationed in Puerto Rico.   An avid fan of spicy food,   Melanie enjoys the diversity of Montreal - especially during the warmer months -when she's not en route to the Caribbean. She  holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto. 

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Olivia Christine Perez is an outdoor + travel wellness expert, author, and the creator of  O. Christine : a travel and wellness platform inspiring thousands of people to travel more and get outdoors for their wellness. Living with an autoimmune disease herself, Olivia helps people find wellness through the outdoors, self-care adventures, and mindful travel experiences. You can follow her work at  ochristine.com  and  instagram.com/ochristine.

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MLB power rankings: Red Sox come home with best pitching staff in baseball

Yeah, so maybe the Boston Red Sox didn’t need Jordan Montgomery or Blake Snell or any other bold-faced name to augment their roster.

They’re coming home with the best pitching staff in baseball.

The Red Sox, consensus picks to finish last in the American League East, won seven of 10 games on a West Coast road trip and return to Boston for their Tuesday home opener with the hopeful feeling their young pitchers all took a step forward in 2024.

They certainly made the biggest leap in USA TODAY Sports ’ MLB power rankings, rising nine spots to No. 10.

Boston easily leads the majors with a 1.49 ERA (Cleveland is second at 2.28), with the starting staff of Brayan Bello, Garrett Whitlock, Kutter Crawford, Nick Pivetta and Tanner Houck combining for a 1.53 ERA, an apparently rousing endorsement of new pitching coach Andrew Bailey.

MLB SALARIES: Baseball's top 25 highest-paid players in 2024

They’ll now enjoy a 10-game homestand to build upon the early success.

A look at this week's rankings:

1. Atlanta Braves (-)

• Spencer Strider elbow woes an absolute gut punch.

2. Los Angeles Dodgers (-)

• Yoshinobu Yamamoto has yet to give up a run in the United States of America.

3. Texas Rangers (+3)

• Quietly outscoring opponents by more than two runs a game.

4. Baltimore Orioles (-1)

• Would help to borrow a run or two from Jackson Holliday's Class AAA Norfolk squad, which has scored in double digits in four of six games.

5. New York Yankees (+2)

• Marcus Stroman hasn't given up an earned run in 12 innings.

6. Philadelphia Phillies (-2)

• By their usual April standards, 4-5 ain't bad.

7. Arizona Diamondbacks (-)

• Geraldo Perdomo tears meniscus, Jordan Lawlar has thumb surgery, so it's Kevin Newman and Blaze Alexander at shortstop.

8. Cincinnati Reds (+5)

• Spencer Steer ranks third in OPS (1.313) and second with 12 RBIs.

9. Chicago Cubs (+8)

• Take a series off Dodgers and Shota Imanaga looks like the real deal.

10. Boston Red Sox (+9)

Tyler O'Neill's five homers tie Mookie Betts atop leaderboard.

11. Seattle Mariners (-2)

• Andres Munoz's ninth-inning meltdown not what the bullpen needed.

12. Milwaukee Brewers (+4)

• Colin Rea is basically Corbin Burnes, as we all assumed.

13. Cleveland Guardians (+5)

• For now, they have the pitching depth to overcome loss of Shane Bieber.

14. Toronto Blue Jays (-9)

• It's early, but ranking 22nd in runs, 24th in OPS confirming worst fears.

15. Tampa Bay Rays (-4)

• Ryan Pepiot strikes out 11, walks none in Coors Field tour de force.

16. Houston Astros (-4)

• Josh Hader has given up a run in four consecutive outings.

17. Pittsburgh Pirates (+5)

• Another awesome April. So what's next?

18. Minnesota Twins (-8)

• Looks like they finally have company up and down the AL Central.

19. San Diego Padres (-5)

• Jackson Merrill enjoys a four-hit game a couple weeks before 21st birthday.

20. Detroit Tigers (+1)

Offense looking a little suspect, once again.

21. San Francisco Giants (-6)

• After 10 games against Padres, Dodgers, schedule should provide opportunity.

22. Los Angeles Angels (-)

• Catcher Logan O'Hoppe batting .417 with 1.167 OPS.

23. Kansas City Royals (+4)

• Is this pitching staff for real?

24. St. Louis Cardinals (-4)

• Sonny Gray set for St. Louis debut Tuesday.

25. New York Mets (-2)

• 3-6 doesn't look so bad when you start 0-5.

26. Washington Nationals (-2)

• They run with wise abandon: 16 steals in 17 attempts, second in majors.

27. Miami Marlins (-1)

• 1-9 start, Eury Perez surgery looks like the prelude to a summer of misery.

28. Chicago White Sox (-)

• "We need to turn the corner soon," says Garrett Crochet. Grim words for early April.

29. Colorado Rockies (-)

• Not sure why fans would boo Kris Bryant, who simply accepted the money he was offered.

30. Oakland Athletics (-)

• Turns out John Fisher does have one friend - Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé.