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How to Plan a Camping Road Trip

Hit the open road with these top travel tips

If you want to see the country this summer, the best way to get out on an adventure is to pack up the car and go on a camping road trip. The thrill of hitting the open road and heading where the wind blows is pretty appealing, especially when you'll be camping in the great outdoors to boot. A spontaneous road trip can offer some of the best experiences and memories that you’ll ever have, but a road trip with no plans can also be a disaster. With a little research before you go, however, you'll be able to maximize your time and see some great sights.

Have a Destination in Mind

It's possible that you just want to see where the road takes you, but it doesn't hurt to set your compass towards a great destination. You don't have to have plans entirely set in stone, but a general idea or theme is a great starting point. If you're unsure where you want to go, consider visiting a national park . Often called "America's Best Idea," the U.S. park system preserves the natural splendor of the country and is a must-see for every American. Many parks are close together or surrounded by national forests and wilderness areas that are ideal for camping. Buy a map of the region (it doesn't hurt to have a hard copy as back up) that you want to explore and start doing some research on the top camping areas.

Know When to Go

Once you have a destination in mind, consider the time of year and the seasonal climate of the regions you'll be camping in. Summer months and holiday weekends can be quite busy on the highways and popular campgrounds are usually booked up months in advance. A spontaneous road trip might sound great, but during peak travel times, a trip with no plans can be disastrous.

If you decide to travel outside of the summer, research the weather and average nightly temperatures of your destination during the months you'll be traveling, before deciding whether or not you'll want to spend the night in a tent. For example, even if you're camping in a desert environment like Joshua Tree National Park in sunny Southern California, nighttime temperatures in the winter can drop below freezing.

Consider How Much Time You Have to Travel

The biggest mistake most road trippers make is trying to drive too far in too short a period. Map the mileage of your planned route and consider how many days you’ll have on the road. You don’t want to spend the entire time in your car, so plan your route according to the number of miles you are comfortable driving each day and consider having days without travel so you can relax and take your time at key destinations. Just because you can technically drive hundreds of miles in a single weekend doesn't mean you should!

Notify Your Bank That You Will Be Traveling

Driving hundreds of miles each day, filling up on gas, and buying groceries in different towns can be a red flag to your financial institutions. If you aren’t carrying much cash, the last thing you want to deal with is having your account frozen with no cash in the middle of nowhere. A quick phone call to let your bank know the dates you’ll be traveling will prevent this problem and save you a big headache.

Have Your Car Serviced Before You Hit the Road

Among all the things that could go wrong on a road trip, your car breaking down might be one of the worst possible scenarios. Unfortunately, this does happen with even the most well-maintained vehicles, so a basic tune-up is always a good idea before you go for an extended drive. Always have the oil and filters changed and do a basic service on your vehicle before you hit the road.

You don’t need a lot of gadgets and accessories to have a good road trip. Of course, you'll want your basic camping gear and a few extras to have a good time, but don't overstuff your car with items you don't need. Not only are you weighing it down, which burns gasoline, but trying to find the Frisbee or cookstove in a fully packed car can be difficult and frustrating. Many items you can also pick up on the road somewhere if you decide you really do need them halfway through the trip.

Know the Roads

Though many cars and smartphones have GPS mapping systems, it helps to see the big picture on a real map, so make sure you have the correct maps and that your planned routes are free of major construction or closures. If you're visiting an area that gets a lot of tourists, you can usually find a guidebook or resources online with recommended sights, activities, and informational background on the destination. If you can’t find a guidebook before you go, try to find a visitor's center or regional office where you can get free information on area attractions.

Reserve Campsites in Advance

If you have a detailed route, consider booking campsites before you go. Knowing that you have a place to go each night will help ease the stress of traveling, especially during busy summer months. You don't want to be driving around until midnight looking for an available campsite. If something comes up and you have to find a campsite at the last minute, camping apps can help you find an available campsite and reserve it on the same day.

Rather than stocking up with two weeks' worth of food before you go, pack only the non-perishable essentials like oils, spices, and coffee. For your fresh ingredients, shop at local stores and farmer’s markets near your campsite. One of the best parts of traveling is the regional cuisine and seasonal food that you may not have available where you live. Shopping local also supports the communities in the towns that you visit.

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24 Most Scenic Places to Camp in the United States

From the piney woods of Maine to the sandy beaches of Florida, here's where to enjoy the great outdoors.

summer camping road trip

You may be wondering, "What are the best places to camp near me?" One of the greatest things about traveling around the U.S. is that from coast to coast, there's really no shortage of beautiful places to camp. Nature lovers can enjoy fresh air, glorious mountains, and clear lakes and streams during a weekend (or longer) camping trip. Not only can you set up a tent at these picturesque locations, they also come with plenty of picnic areas, hiking trails , and ample opportunities for fishing, swimming, and other outdoor activities in the great wide wilderness. From scenic forests in Maine to peaceful beaches in Florida and majestic mountains in Alaska, these are some of the most beautiful places to camp in the U.S.

Many of these parks have distinct, built-up campgrounds to choose from with features like running water and electricity for RV parking that are ideal if you're planning a road trip . More experienced and outdoorsy types can also find plenty of spots for backcountry camping, where they can really rough it in the wild. Either way, don't forget to bring your sleeping bag and check the website to make sure your desired campground is open before you head out — lots of these sites are only open seasonally after all.

Also be aware that most of the campgrounds and national parks on this list are home to wild bears, whether black, brown, or grizzly. Remember to always be aware of your surroundings, read up on bear safety before you go, and take extra precautions — like locking up your food carefully in the appropriate storage and keeping some bear pepper spray handy — while you're there.

Acadia National Park, Maine

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Located on Mount Desert Island, Acadia National Park is the Pine Tree State's natural jewel. The park boasts nearly 50,000 acres of forests, 24 lakes and ponds, and 158 miles of hiking trails, offering a scenic backdrop for all your adventures. You'll also find five campgrounds to set up your tent: Blackwoods (close to Bar Harbor), Seawall (less touristy), Schoodic Woods (situated on the Schoodic Peninsula), Duck Harbor (located on Isle au Haut and only reachable from the mainland by mailboat) and Wildwood Stables (available to guests with stock animals only). Reserve campsites online ahead of time up to 60 days in advance. All campgrounds close seasonally during the winter, though they reopen in May for spring, summer, and fall camping.

White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire and Maine

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If you're up for a rugged hike, look no further than the northernmost section of the Appalachian Valley, located near the start of the Appalachian Trail (or the end, depending on which direction you're hiking). The sights in White Mountains National Forest are particularly magical during the fall when leaf-peeping season is at its peak. Here, you'll find several campgrounds and cabins , from fully developed campsites fit for families to stark backcountry spots better suited to those who enjoy wilderness camping. The Barnes Field and Hancock campgrounds are open year-round — Barnes Field sites must be reserved ahead of time from mid-May to mid-October but are available on a first come, first served basis during the winter, while group sites at the Hancock campground can be booked anytime.

Minnewaska State Park Reserve, New York

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Just 94 miles from New York City, Minnewaska State Park Reserve sits on Shawangunk Ridge more than 2,000 feet above sea level and surrounded by rocky terrain. That's a lot of space to hike, bike, and — especially — enjoy the view. Reservations for the Sam F. Pryor III Shawangunk Campground can be made online starting each year in March, as it's closed during the winter months. There are 50 tent sites (24 walk-in sites and 26 drive-in sites), as well as five car-camping sites, and amenities such as Wi-Fi, coin-operated showers, and communal fire pits and picnic pavilions.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

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About a 90-minute drive from Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park offers more than 500 miles of trails, including the popular but strenuous 9.4-mile trek up Old Rag Mountain that's a must-do for avid hikers (book your day-use ticket ahead of time online). This glorious park, spread out over 199,200 acres, offers plenty of views of lush forests and waterfalls. Its facilities are open in the spring, summer, and fall, and there are five campgrounds to choose from. Note that while most campsites can be reserved online up to six months ahead, you must actually be there to book one of the first come, first served campsites — people tend to book long weekend stays starting on Thursday or Friday, so plan your trip accordingly. Text SHENCAMP to 888777 for the latest updates on first come, first served campsite availability.

Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland

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The Assateague Island National Seashore campgrounds are about nine miles south of Ocean City, Maryland, with 37 miles of beaches for camping, swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, crabbing, biking, kayaking, and spotting wild horses. Though Assateague Island National Seashore is located in both Maryland and Virginia, camping is only available on the Maryland side. Campers are not allowed to bring in firewood from outside Maryland, and if you're bringing any furry friends along, you'll need to ensure they're up to date on all their shots and sign a pet policy agreement. Campsites can be reserved ahead of time online from mid-March to mid-November and most come with picnic tables and a fire ring.

Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

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You can have one of the world's largest barrier reefs right outside your tent when you go camping at Dry Tortugas National Park , located just off the coast of Key West in South Florida. Campers can rent snorkel gear, spend their days relaxing on the beach, or check out Fort Jefferson , a 19th-century fortress used by the Union army to blockade Confederate shipping channels during the Civil War. This area is also great for stargazing at night and bird-watching during the day, so pack a pair of binoculars. All campers are advised to plan ahead and bring everything they'll need (including tents, fresh water, ice, food, and fuel), carry out all trash, and book their ferry transportation from Key West as early as possible, as tickets tend to sell out months in advance.

Big Bend National Park, Texas

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If you're looking for a great place to go rafting, canoeing, and kayaking, Big Bend National Park along the Rio Grande in Texas is an excellent choice. There are also trails along the park's desert, mountain, and river landscapes for hiking or backpacking. You'll find three developed campgrounds (Chisos Basin, Rio Grande Village, and Cottonwood), an RV camping area, and plenty of opportunities for backcountry camping. All require advance reservations, while backcountry permits are required for river trips and approved backcountry use at the park's primitive sites.

Ozark–St. Francis National Forests, Arkansas

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Arkansas has loads of countryside that is often overlooked. In the Ozark–St. Francis National Forests , you'll find 1.2 million acres of recreational space, home to nine beaches, many lakes and streams, and more than 1,000 miles of hiking trails. Campers can choose between a number of developed campgrounds for RV and tent camping, some of which, including Cove Lake, Redding, and the Blanchard Springs Recreation Area, are open year-round. Other campgrounds, such as Long Pool, Storm Creek, Shores Lake, and Lake Wedington, are open seasonally from May through October. Primitive camping within the five wilderness areas is also permitted — just remember to bring some water (or a water filtration device) and leave no trace.

Badlands National Park, South Dakota

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Don't underestimate the beauty of the Badlands . The climate may be rough, but it's still gorgeous. Between the many rock formations you'll see throughout Badlands National Park , you'll also find prairies and places to peek at ancient fossils. There are two campgrounds within the park. The first, Cedar Pass, offers 96 campsites, scenic views of the various rock formations, and amenities such as running water and electricity. The other, Sage Creek, is a smaller campground with 22 first come, first served sites and no running water, although you can usually see the bison wandering around.

Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Idaho

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The steep Smoky Mountains offer stunning views, reminiscent of something out of a Bob Ross painting. There are dozens of campgrounds throughout this 756,000-acre wood, but one of the best spots is Sawtooth National Recreation Area . It's a fantastic place to go hiking, camping, fishing, canoeing, rafting, boating, trekking, or cycling, and just get back to nature. While half the sites are available on a first come, first served basis, reservations can be made online ahead of time, with camping season taking place each year from late-May to mid-September.

Glacier National Park, Montana

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There are 13 developed campgrounds and more than 1,000 sites so you can stay and bask in the beautiful views of Montana's magnificent Glacier National Park . Hikers can also enjoy more than 700 miles of trails through forest, meadow, and mountain terrains. Several of Glacier National Park's campgrounds are available on a first come, first served basis , while others require advance reservations . Check the website to see which of them will be open if you plan on doing some wintertime wilderness camping; otherwise, the main camping season happens spring through fall each year.

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

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Just north of Jackson Hole, you can peek at the Rocky Mountains and see plenty of wildlife and lakes. Grand Teton National Park is also located next to the National Elk Refuge , where you can spot hundreds of elk, depending on when you go. While you can stay at one of the six campgrounds inside the national park, Signal Mountain in particular has the best reviews. An RV park and a village with tent cabins are also available should you prefer something beyond traditional tent camping. Whatever you do, reserve as far ahead as you can, since online reservations for campsites open up to six months in advance and tend to fill up quickly. Keep an eye out for roaming bison, mule deer, and moose, as well as the occasional bear.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests, Colorado

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With more than 3,000 miles of trails and three million acres of public land, you're guaranteed a beautiful view of the Rocky Mountains in Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests . You'll see a variety of landscapes among the 59 campsites, including open meadows, evergreen forests, mountains, and lakes. Most are open seasonally, while a select few stay open all year long — check the website for road conditions beforehand if you plan to camp during the winter months.

Arches National Park, Utah

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Nothing beats waking up on a cold morning to see fresh, white snow set against the red rocks of Arches National Park . One of the park's most popular hikes, the Delicate Arch Trail , takes you on an amazing trek full of photo opportunities. Note that Arches only has one campground, The Devils Garden , which offers a modest 51 campsites, although there are other places to camp nearby in the Moab area . Due to its size and the number of people who visit the park during the busier months, reservations are required for stays between March 1 and October 31 — campsites are available on a first come, first served basis from November to February.

Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada

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Located about a 45-minute drive from Las Vegas within Valley of Fire State Park , the Arch Rock Campground is a quiet camping oasis surrounded by dramatic red sandstones. One of just two campgrounds inside the park, Arch Rock offers 29 sites that are open during the busier months (spring through fall), while the other, the Atlatl Rock Campground, has 44 sites and is open year-round. All sites are first come, first served. Established in 1935, the park is home to 2,000-year-old petroglyphs, curious rock formations, and gorgeous vistas featuring its signature red sandstone.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

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There's no place like the Grand Canyon if you want a stunning view. Reservations are recommended for two of the three developed campgrounds during the summer. Backcountry camping is also allowed with a permit. While the South Rim is easier to get to, it can get a little crowded. For a more secluded stay, try the North Rim . Just be aware that it'll take about four more hours to reach it from Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim. There's a reason it's called the Grand Canyon, and you'll need to drive a little over 200 miles to reach the opposite side. Also note that North Rim campgrounds are only open seasonally from mid-May to mid-October, while several sites along the South Rim are open year-round, including the Mather Campground and Trailer Village in South Rim Village. Two other South Rim spots, Desert View and Ten–X, are only open seasonally from mid-April to mid-October and mid-May through September, respectively.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico

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Keep in mind that timed entry reservations are required for anyone who wants to enter Carlsbad Caverns National Park . While most ranger-guided tours at Carlsbad Caverns National Park remain temporarily suspended due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, you can book a spot on the 1.5-hour King's Palace Tour , which offers a look at the unique rock formations found inside the cavern, such as helictites, soda straws, and draperies, among others. The park is also a great place to spot bats in the caves in late summer and early fall. Note that only backcountry camping is available within the park, and every camper is required to secure a permit from the park's visitor center upon arrival (camping facilities and other accommodations can be found seven miles away in Whites City or 20 miles away in Carlsbad). Be sure to ask about the park's seasonal Bat Flight Programs and Night Sky Programs while you're at the visitor center, as these only happen at certain times of the year.

Olympic National Park, Washington

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There's nothing like camping next to this beautiful coastline, marked by several sea stacks. Olympic National Park has 14 different campgrounds, some next to the ocean and others in the rain forest, so you can enjoy a variety of landscapes. Check the Campground Status page on the park's website before you go to see if there are any seasonal or weather-related closures. While most are first come, first served, you can reserve a spot ahead of time online during the summer at the Mora, Hoh Rain Forest, Kalaloch, and Fairholme campgrounds, as well as the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort RV Park & Campground and Log Cabin Resort RV & Campground.

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

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Crater Lake National Park is home to the United State's deepest lake (1,943 feet!) and a sleeping volcano, so there are plenty of photo opportunities for nature lovers. Campers can choose between two campgrounds: Mazama , for RV and tent camping from June to late September, and Lost Creek , which remains closed in 2023 but is normally open from July through mid-October for tents only. And yes, there's also backcountry camping with a permit.

Joshua Tree National Park, California

There are nine campgrounds located throughout Joshua Tree National Park , including Jumbo Rocks , which is known for its big boulder rocks that shelter sites from the wind. It is highly recommended that you book your campsite ahead of time online — especially during the busy season, which happens between November and May, as well as on holidays, weekends, and any spring day — as most of them can be reserved up to six months in advance. Be aware that certain sections of the Cottonwood, Black Rock, and Indian Cove campgrounds may be closed during the summer — those campgrounds as well as Ryan and Jumbo Rocks require reservations year-round, while the others are available on a first come, first served basis.

Yosemite National Park, California

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Everyone who loves nature has to go to Yosemite National Park at some point in their lives, especially for a good camping trip. Nearly 95 percent of the park is designated wilderness, and there are 13 popular campgrounds within its 747,956 acres, as well as backcountry camping for people who really want to rough it. Note that the Tuolumne Meadows Campground is expected to remain closed for renovations through 2023 or possibly 2024 depending on the construction schedule. Visit the campground page on the park's website to learn more about when to make reservations and enter the North Pines Campground early access lottery .

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California

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Want to see some of the biggest trees in North America? Look no further than Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks , where you can set up camp among any of 14 scenic campgrounds . Choose from several different areas throughout the parks — Grant Grove Village, the foothills of Sequoia National Park, the Lodgepole and Giant Forest areas, Cedar Grove, and the Mineral King area — and make your reservations in advance. All campgrounds are open spring through fall, while just the South Fork, Potwisha, and Azalea sites are open all year long.

Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii

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Haleakalā National Park is known for its 10,023-foot dormant volcano, which is a great spot for the best views of Maui's natural landscape. Designated campsites are available in the Kīpahulu and Hosmer Grove campgrounds, while additional lodging is available thanks to the park's historic wilderness cabins. Those seeking something a little more natural can try the Hōlua and Palikū primitive wilderness camping areas. No matter what style of camping you're into, you must make reservations ahead of time to camp here throughout the year and are only allowed to stay three nights per 30-day period.

Denali National Park, Alaska

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If you've never been to Alaska, you're missing out, as some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States can be found here. Denali National Park offers 6.1 million acres of land full of wildlife, beautiful trails, and plenty of plants, creeks, and mountains, including Mount McKinley, North America's tallest peak. Choose from five established campgrounds — not counting the Wonder Lake campground, which will be closed through 2024 — and be sure to reserve your spot online as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

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Whoever said the West Coast is the best coast never hit up these adventures on an East Coast road trip.

By: The Outbound Collective + Save to a List

summer camping road trip

What says summertime more than camping near the beach? How about a road trip from Maine to Florida stopping at some of the best campsites along the Atlantic Coast? Well, that's even better. If you're feeling an urge to hit the road we've got a lineup that will do the trick.

Start from the north and work your way down in one go or make the most of your weekends and hit up any one of these amazing places this summer. You won't be disappointed. Check out KOA for lodging options along the way!

1. Bar Harbor

Wooden stairs leading down through a forest of trees to the water at Backwoods Campground in Bar Harbor.

Nothing screams dreamy East Coast summer more than a camping trip in Maine. Bar Harbor is an ideal location for easy access to some of the best Acadia National Park hikes. A bus route that runs throughout Acadia, making it especially convenient for getting to all the major spots you want to hit up. 

Closest big city airport

Bar Harbor is about a 1 hour and 20 minute drive from Bangor International Airport in Maine.

2. Dunes Edge in Provincetown

White row boat on the sand with boats floating on calm, glassy blue water in the background of Provincetown, Massachusetts.

If being by the serene seaside in the summer months is your vibe, you’ll definitely want to check out this camping spot by the dunes of Cape Cod in Provincetown, Massachusetts. This family-friendly campground caters to everyone.

Spend the day swimming at the nearby beaches (Herring Cove and Race Point), exploring the dunes, biking/walking on the recreational path, or wandering through the nature trails. Apply for a permit to make fires on the beach along with an oversand vehicle permit to have fun driving by the dunes.

Dunes Edge in Provincetown, Massachusetts is roughly a 2 hour and 12 minute drive from Boston Logan International Airport in Massachusetts.

3. Fire Island

Sandy beach with beach grass and a tent in the distance on Watch Hill, Fire Island.

Make your way to Fire Island for your next East Coast road trip destination. If you don’t have a car, it’s a relatively inexpensive and quick trip from New York City via train. It’s the perfect escape from the city in the hot summer months. 

Once you arrive at Patchogue, you’ll need to head over to the Davis Park Ferry Terminal and purchase a round trip ticket (cash only). The ferry will bring you to Watch Hill– a lovely ride across the Long Island Sound. At the marina where you'll arrive, there’s a snack bar, outdoor bar, and restaurant if you decide you don’t want to rough it for your entire stay.

The Davis Park Ferry Terminal in Patchogue, NY is roughly a 17 minute drive from Long Island MacArthur Airport and a 55 minute drive from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.

4. Assateague

Car with two kayaks on its roof parked on the sand with a marshy background during sunset at Assateague Island.

A trip to Assateague Island in Maryland is possibly one of the most unique East Coast road trip spots. The island encompasses roughly 37 miles of stunning beaches along the coast of Maryland and Virginia. Engage in the usual beach activities (swimming, sunbathing, surfing, fishing, paddle-boarding, and kayaking through secluded coves), all while seeing gorgeous wild horses (Chincoteague ponies) roaming the island.

It’s approximately a 2 hour and 32 minute drive from Ocean City, Maryland and a 2 hour and 56 minute drive from Chincoteague, Virginia to the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport in Maryland.

5. Ocracoke Island, NC

The camera is near ground-level on a beach as a frothy wave rolls in. The sun is setting in the distance and the sky is a dark blue fading into purple, pink, orange, and yellow.

Let this epic summer road trip take you to the stunning coast of Ocracoke Island in North Carolina next. To arrive on this island, take the ferry from Cape Hatteras which is free and runs regularly. This is an idyllic spot to listen to the waves lapping against the shore. There are miles of beach where you can enjoy fishing, kayaking, beach walking, or hiking along the miles of trails at the nature preserve.

Cape Hatteras, North Carolina is about a 4 hour and 11 minute drive from Raleigh-Durham International Airport in North Carolina.

6. Carolina Beach

Sandy beach, ocean, and a pier in the distance during an orange sunset at Freeman Park on Carolina Beach.

Fully lean into summer beach life on this beautiful stretch of sand. Carolina Beach, North Carolina is an old beach town along a sandy coast. If you have an oversand vehicle you want to drive on the beach, you’ll need to obtain a daily access or season pass. There are trash cans and porta potties located along the beach. Be sure to properly and respectfully dispose of your waste to keep this beautiful area pristine. Kick back and enjoy the sun sinking beneath the ocean horizon.

Carolina Beach, North Carolina is an approximately 30 minute drive from Wilmington International Airport in North Carolina.

7. Capers Island

Sandy stretch of beach with glassy water reflecting a purple sky on Capers Island.

Head further south on your east coast summer road trip to Capers Island, South Carolina, just minutes from the charming and full of life city of Charleston, South Carolina. Kayak across the Copahee Sound to Capers Island, which is right next to Dewees Island. Start from Gadsdenville Public Boat Landing where you’ll kayak into a narrow channel. It’s about a 4 mile paddle from the landing to the island. Be sure to launch during high tide or you’ll run the risk of dragging your kayak through mud. Aside from paddling, you can spend the day hiking around the island, exploring the palmetto trees on the east side or weaving through one of the forest trails more inland.

The Gadsdenville Public Boat Landing is about a 3 hour and 24 minute drive from Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina.

8. Hunting Island State Park

Large tree branch lying on the sand with a flat ocean in the background under a dark purple and peach colored sky at Hunting Island State Park.

Hunting Island State Park on Saint Helena Island, South Carolina was once a hunting reserve. Now, this roughly 5,000 acre park which features miles of beach, maritime forest, a salt water lagoon, and an old lighthouse is a place where visitors can freely explore. There are plenty of nature trails in addition to miles of shoreline to walk along. The summer is the perfect time to enjoy activities like fishing, boating, kayaking, and mountain biking here too. A 1,200 feet fishing pier at the nearby Fripp Inlet is known for its shark fishing– so if that interests you, definitely bring a rod! Learn more about native animals and their habitats at the Nature Center and bring your camera for a stroll along the Marsh Boardwalk to snap some gorgeous photos.

Hunting Island State Park is a roughly 1 hour and 54 minute drive from the Charleston International Airport in South Carolina.

9. Stafford Beach in Cumberland Island

Green tent under a canopy of long tree branches with green leaves on Cumberland Island.

This is the perfect fairytale-like beach hideaway that’s a must-stop on your east coast summer camping road trip. To arrive at Stafford Beach on Cumberland Island, you’ll need to take a ferry from St. Mary’s, Georgia. Aside from swimming at the beach, take time to watch the sunrise, hike some of the nearby trails, and check out the Plum Orchard Mansion.

St. Mary’s, Georgia is about a 29 minute drive from Jacksonville International Airport in Florida.

10. Amelia Island

Sandy beach with some sea grass and a car with a tent setup on its roof at night. Ocean and cloudy dark sky in the background on Amelia Island.

To complete this ultimate summer beach camping road trip, head to Amelia Island near Fernandina Beach, Florida. Gather a group of friends to simply chill in the sand for the weekend or go full water sport mode by enjoying activities like swimming, surf fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing. Even after a full day of activity, set a goal to wake up early for sunrise– you won’t be mad you did!

Amelia Island, Florida is about a 30 minute drive from Jacksonville International Airport in Florida.

Did we miss any worthwhile spots along this east coast summer beach camping road trip? Let us know or add your adventure photos/insights on the Outbound app . 

Find awesome lodgings across America with KOA !

Cover photo:  Blake Rouse

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Best RV Road Trips: 9 Top Routes Around the USA

Pinterest image of RV driving down a small road in the American West with text overlayed "9 RV Road Trip Routes + route maps and must-see stops".

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?!” 

RV motorhome on small road in the American West.

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

Wide view of the Pacific Ocean from the PCH.

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.

Route map of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) starting in Olympic National Park and finishing at the Santa Monia Pier in California.

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

Ocean view in Florida at sunset from the A1A.

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 Florida route map starting in Fernandina Beach and ending in Key West.

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

View from the Blue Ridge Parkway of the mountains.

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 route map starting in Gatlinburg, Tennessee and finishing in Shenandoah National Park.

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

Famous arch in Arches National Park.

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.

The Grand Circle of National Parks route map including many national parks in Utah, Arizona, and Colorado.

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

Hot spring in Yellowstone National Park.

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. 

Route map of National Parks of the Northwestern USA. Starting destination is Jackson, WY finishing in Glacier National Park.

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

Bird over a foggy lake in the northeastern US.

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.

New England route map starting with Newport, Rhode Island and finishing in Burlington, Vermont.

  • 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

Canyon view at sunset in California.

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!

Route map of the California Loop starting and ending in Lake Tahoe.

  • 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

Cactus in the Arizona desert at sunset.

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. 

Arizona road trip route map that starts and ends in Tucson, Arizona.

  • 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

Blue Swallow Motel exterior view with neon sign and classic car parked out front on route 66.

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.

Map of Route 66 including many must-see attractions marked on the map.

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!

Open road in the forest from point of view behind the wheel.

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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summer camping road trip

Travels with Ted

Travels with Ted

10 Absolute Best Summer RV Destinations

Best Summer RV Destinations

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Winter RV trips are limited to a few warm destinations, mainly in Florida , Arizona and Texas . However, the widespread hot summer weather brings endless options for RV travelers.

After over six years on the road, we’ve found some amazing destinations that are perfect for summer vacations. In this article, we share the 10 best summer RV destinations that offer pleasant weather, exciting activities and great campgrounds.

  • 1 Banff and Jasper National Parks
  • 2 Denver, Colorado
  • 3 Florida Keys
  • 4 Mammoth Cave National Park
  • 5 Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
  • 6 Missoula, Montana
  • 7 North Carolina’s Outer Banks
  • 8 Redwood National and State Parks
  • 9 Troutdale, Oregon
  • 10 Fayetteville, West Virginia

Banff and Jasper National Parks

Best Summer RV Destinations

The first mistake many travelers make when selecting the best summer RV destinations is limiting themselves to the United States. Banff and Jasper National Parks in Canada offer some of the most breathtaking scenery and impressive hiking in the world.

Seeing the bright blue waters of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are experiences that I will treasure for a lifetime. RVers can book a full hookup campsite at Banff’s Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court.

Jasper National Park also has several campgrounds that can accommodate RVs, including the Wabasso Campground which offers full hookups.

See our complete guide to RV travel in Canada for more information on the logistics of crossing the border and traveling in a foreign country.

Denver, Colorado

RV Campground at Bear Creek Lake Park

Typically cities don’t pop-up on lists of the best summer RV destinations, but that is an oversight. Camping near a city provides the best of both worlds. RVers can enjoy the natural Colorado beauty, while also taking advantage of all the cultural activities offered in Denver.

I would recommend camping just outside of the city at Bear Creek Lake Park . The park is only a 30 minute drive to downtown but offers a peaceful atmosphere with spacious sites.

Campers are also just a short drive from the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater where they can enjoy awesome outdoor summer concerts.

The central location allows RVers to drive west for a day trip into the mountains or head east into the city to visit restaurants, museums or attend a Colorado Rockies games.

Florida Keys

Best Florida RV Parks for RV Camping

The Florida Keys are typically thought of as a winter destination, but hear me out. Visiting popular winter RV destinations in the summer has many benefits, including less crowds and more campsite availability.

When making a reservation in the off-season you are more likely to snag one of the prime, waterfront campsites that are all but impossible to reserve in the winter. Don’t limit your Florida Keys vacation to one campground, make multiple reservations and explore the whole area.

The best Keys RV campgrounds include Bahia Honda State Park and Key West’s El Mar RV Resort . Thousand Trails members can stay at Fiesta Key and Sunshine Key RV Resorts for free. Since it will be hot it the summer, the best activities will be swimming, snorkeling and kayaking.

Mammoth Cave National Park

Summer RV destination

One of the most underestimated national parks, Mammoth Cave has tons of actives for families visiting in the summer. In addition to tours of it’s eponymous cave, the national park offers forested hiking trails, horse back riding, biking trails and kayaking trips down the Green River.

Average high temperatures are in the high 80s throughout the summer, but the wooded park provides plenty of shade. There are several RV camping options inside and outside the park. See our guide to camping at Mammoth Cave for all of the options.

As an added bonus, Mammoth Cave is also one of the few national parks that is dog friendly .

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Beautiful Scenery of The U.P.

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan (affectionately referred to as The U.P.) is a beautiful natural playground for RV campers. Summer is the best time to visit as it is the only season when you can count on warm, pleasant weather.

A road trip around The U.P. made our list of the 10 best RV road trips in America . For RV camping, Straits State Park is a great place to start and end your U.P. road trip. Located right after the bridge onto the Upper Peninsula, 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, and is close to the Big Spring  ( Kitch-iti-kipi ) . The natural spring has crystal clear blue water and is a must visit attraction on the U.P.

Missoula, Montana

Ted at Jim and Mary's RV Park

Personally, Missoula is my favorite summer RV destination! Mild weather, incredible outdoor adventures and an adorable town all combine to make it an optimal place to spend the summer.

RVers should book a space at Jim and Mary’s RV Park , which offers some of the most beautifully landscaped campsites in the country. Take a day trip to the National Bison Range for a chance to spot Montana wildlife including bison, elk, bighorn sheep and bears.

Also, visit downtown Missoula for great bars and restaurants, and head to the Riverfront Walking Trail to watch kayakers try to ride Brennan’s Wave. After exploring Missoula, RVers can drive a few hours north to visit Glacier National Park during its peak season.

North Carolina’s Outer Banks

Best Campgrounds in Florida for Families

Who knew you could travel to the islands in your RV? The Outer Banks are barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina that are easily accessed in an RV via bridges. For ocean front camping, stay at the Cape Hatteras / Outer Banks KOA in Rodanthe, North Carolina.

The campground offers campsites just behind the sand dunes, as well as resort amenities including a pool with water slides, an outdoor cinema and golf cart rentals. Outside the KOA, campers should visit the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and the Wright Brothers National Memorial.

Or just relax on the beach and enjoy the perfect summer scenery. Make sure to purchase a KOA Rewards membership for a discount on the nightly rate.

Redwood National and State Parks

Ted in Redwoods State Park

On the opposite coast from the Outer Banks, RVers can find another ideal summer RV destination in the Redwood forests. The connected national and state parks offer scenic drives, impressive hikes and Pacific coast beaches.

Other fun summer activities in the parks include looking for sea life in the tide pools along the shoreline and taking a kayak tour down the Smith River. RV travelers can stay in the parks’ campgrounds or at the nearby Elk Country RV Resort and Campground , which is often visited by a local herd of Roosevelt Elk.

With the average highs in the low 70s in June and the low 80s in July and August, the Redwood region has great weather for campers who can’t stand the heat. If you travel with a dog, check out our complete guide to dog friendly activities in the Redwood parks .

Troutdale, Oregon

Sandy Riverfront RV

Troutdale is conveniently located between two amazing summer destinations. To the west, is Portland which offers cool restaurants and bars, unique museums and other urban amenities. To the east is the Columbia River Gorge, which offers numerous awe-inspiring waterfalls, great hiking trails and stunning river views.

In Troutdale, vacationers should stay at the Sandy Riverfront RV Resort . The RV park offers direct access to swimming in the Sandy River which is a incredible respite from the summer heat. Just across the street from the RV resort, is the Sugarpine Drive-In where campers can cool off with a scoop of ice cream or an icy wine slushie.

Fayetteville, West Virginia

New River

West Virginia is another underrated summer RV destination. The town of Fayetteville, in particular, is a great place for RVers looking for outdoor adventures. One of the biggest attractions in the area is America’s newest national park, New River Gorge.

The national park offers guided whitewater rafting trips, hiking and scenic drives. Whitewater rafting trips run on both the New and Gauley rivers during the summer season, and Adventures on the Gorge offers rafting trips ranging from calm floats to wild rides.

Stay at Riftrafters Campground , which may sound rustic, but is actually a beautiful campground with basic amenities.

No matter where you choose to travel, an RV road trip is the summer vacation of a lifetime. Just, make sure to stock up on important RV supplies before hitting the road!

If you are headed to a hot-weather destination this summer, read our guide to keeping your RV cool inside.

Where is your family headed this summer? Share your planned summer RV destination in the comments below.

Christina Pate, Author of Travels with Ted

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 .

10 Campervan Road Trips to take this Summer

summer camping road trip

Written By Bastian Graf

Summer is one of our favorite seasons to take a campervan trip . Clear, sunny skies and balmy evenings by the campfire make up the essentials of a great campervan road trip.

Summertime is truly the best time of year for exploring nature, where warm weather maximizes the open hiking trails in the national and state parks, making it peak season for RVers. By living in your own campervan, you can rough it or go all out glamping with your choice of campground or RV park.

Live your best Vanlife out on the road at our favorite picks, some of which are classic must-dos while others let you get off the beaten path to the road less traveled.

summer camping road trip

Siuslaw National Forest, Oregon

From the emerald forests of the Oregon mountains to the unique sand dunes and beaches of the Pacific Ocean, there is no shortage of unique environments to explore. Whether you’re more of a beach bum, enjoy whale watching or hiking, the Siuslaw National Forest will have something for your summer vacation.

Cape Perpetua is known for its beautiful views while being surrounded by old-growth Douglas fir, cedar, and Sitka spruce trees. Plus with Oregon’s temperate climate, the weather is comfortable throughout the heat of summertime.

The park is easily accessed via Highway 101 and can be divided into 3 main areas for visiting depending on what you’d like to see – Florence to Coos Bay, Newport to Florence, and Tillamook to Newport.

Onsite campgrounds like Alder Dune and Cape Perpetua campgrounds have a number of RV sites and basic amenities like flush toilets, picnic tables, and campfire rings. If you prefer full-hookup sites, consider nearby accommodations like  Benton Oaks RV Park  which is just 5 minutes away.

Siulaw State Forest Summer Campervan Road Trip Destinations in the USA

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Another fantastic destination in Oregon, Crater Lake National Park houses the deepest lake in the USA and has the most crystal clear and blue water on the planet. Here you can beat the heat while enjoying buckets of sunshine.

Take your campervan on a tour around Rim Drive, which encircles the entire circumference of the enormous lake to get some great views. Or get up and personal by taking a boat trip to Wizard Island in the center of the lake. Do take note, though, kayaking or canoeing is not permitted to prevent the introduction of species.

You can, however, go fishing license-free! Crater lake carries rainbow trout and kokanee salmon in its blue waters for excellent summer fishing in a picturesque background.

Another nearby spot for fishing is located at Diamond Lake, which also makes it the perfect place to stay.  Diamond Lake RV Park  offers boat fishing and all the amenities for RVers camping there. Plus, it’s the closest RV park to Crater Lake.

Crater Lake National Park Summer Campervan Road Trip Destinations in the USA

Elko, Nevada

The famed grand canyon is sweltering and can even be dangerous to trek in the summertime, but Nevada still has plenty to offer this time of year. Go on an authentic Western experience at Elko and the area’s beautiful Ruby Mountains.

The mountains have fabulous hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing opportunities. However, the historical tours and ghost town adventures are really a highlight of the area. Visit the California Trail, a historic emigrant trail that was traversed by over 200,000 people migrating for the promise of riches between 1840 and 1870. Amazingly, wagon ruts can still be seen across portions of the route.

One of the top RV parks in Nevada is tucked away in the heart of Elko, which will put you right in the center of the action while offering plenty of comfort and ambiance. Stay at  Iron Horse RV Resort  and make your summer camping trip a breeze.

Elko Nevada Summer Campervan Road Trip Destinations in the USA

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Summer is the season for exploring Yellowstone National Park to the fullest as all the roads, trails and natural attractions are open. Much of the local wildlife is also roaming more freely, enjoying the warmth and sunshine much like their human counterparts. Plan some additional time for the road trip as you could potentially be caught in a bison traffic jam.

The geysers and springs are also at their best; visit the Grand Prismatic Spring to see the geothermal colors in their full glory. In addition to the most popular attractions like Old Faithful, make some time in your schedule to get away from crowds and visit some less known areas of the park too!

RV sites are available at all the campgrounds within the park for motorhomes under 40ft, which makes a campervan ideal (also for navigating tricky mountain roads). Most of the sites are dry without hookups except the Fishing Bridge campground, which is unfortunately closed for 2021.  However, there is a  KOA  within 6 miles if you’re looking for a full-service campground.

Yellowstone National Park Summer Campervan Road Trip Destinations in the USA

Glacier National Park, Montana

Previously mentioned in our top picks for must-visit locations in winter, Glacier National Park is equally beautiful in summer and turns into a radically different destination in July and August. The warmer weather brings truly picturesque views of sunlit mountains and greenery against blue glacial waters, yet it never gets too warm at 60-70 degrees.

Glacier National Park is an excellent RV trip as you’ll have amazing opportunities to drive for fantastic sights along Going-to-the-Sun Road, Lake McDonald, and Logan Pass. You’ll get to see a lot of major attractions from the comfort of your motorhome.

The open roads are equally great for cycling, and there are a number of hiking trails where you can observe a diverse range of wildlife that includes 14 large and 50 small mammal species.

If it’s your first time in the area, get a feel for local life in the quaint gateway towns of Columbia Falls and Whitefish nearby. There are also several RV parks to make you feel right at home.

Glacier National Park Summer Campervan Road Trip Destinations in the USA

Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

Our next destination is the unsung gem of the Utah national parks that will take you off the beaten path during your summer vacation. Capitol Reef is a site filled with ochre-colored cliffs, dramatic sunsets, and picturesque slot canyons. Hikes can take you deep into a narrow gorge, to the peak of high cliffs, or through stone arches.

Camping within Capitol Reef National Park is a wonderful experience, the Fruita Campground is right next to historic orchards, harvested for almost a century. Fruit is available throughout most of the summer and available for self-picking.  Each site has a picnic table and firepit, but no hookups.

If a full-service RV park is something you’d prefer,  Wonderland RV Park  is in very close proximity and offers all the comforts you need from full hookups to cable TV and WiFi. Plus it also makes a great home base to venture out to other popular parks nearby like Bryce Canyon, Arches National Park, and even Zion National Park.

Capitol Reef National Park Summer Campervan Road Trip Destinations in the USA

Los Padres National Forest, California

Have an incredible Southern California camping experience by the oceanside cliffs and coastal redwoods Los Padres National Forest. With a great view overlooking the Pacific, it’s a perfect summer escape a short drive away from the town of Big Sur.

Make sure to hike up to Inspiration Point for gorgeous views of the ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains. Another popular trail is the Rattlesnake Canyon Trail, which despite its name, is an approachable hike just steps from downtown Santa Barbara. The shady path provides a good respite in the summertime.

Rancho Oso RV Resort  is a beautiful place to stay for immersion into the Wild West atmosphere with a range of amenities. Take a break from driving and hiking with their fantastic horseriding trails on 310 acres of scenic land.

Los Padres National Forest Summer Road Trip

Saguaro National Park, Arizona

Named after the local cactus, found only in the Sonoran Desert, this small but beautiful national park makes a great stop on a road trip through the rest of Arizona. Some other recommended stops include Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley.

A great activity to do in your campervan is to take a drive along Bajada Loop, it will take you to some of the best hiking trails and views in the park. The Valley View Overlook trail is the perfect way to see plenty of the Saguaro cacti, and the Signal Hill Picnic area shows off some ancient petroglyphs.

Most of the sites are in the Eastern part of the park, where overnight camping is not allowed. However, the Western end of the park has great options for those in RVs at  Gilbert Ray Campground . The campground has 130 RV sites with individual 30-amp electrical hook-ups, as well as potable water and modern restrooms.

Saguaro National Park Summer Campervan Road Trip Destinations in the USA

Garden of the Gods, Colorado

This most photographed region in all of Colorado is just over an hour’s drive from Denver. The iconic red rock formations jump up from the ground at all angles, creating dramatic views against the backdrop of Pikes Peak. Be amazed by the enormous that seem to be perched precariously on cliff edges, and of course, they make great photo opportunities.

Garden of the Gods is located right by Pikes Peak, so it’s a perfect way to include two destinations on your summer adventure. Take the famous Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway, or test your legs and see Pikes Peak by bike. Of course, you can always stay in the comfort of your campervan and drive up to the top – frequent pull-offs are available for you to stretch your legs and admire the view.

Pikes Peak RV Park  is located 10 minutes from Garden of the Gods National Landmark, and 15 minutes walk from Manitou Springs so you can be right in the center of the action. Amenities including full hook-ups, laundry, and showers are readily available for a comfortable stay while you explore the region.

Garden of the Gods Colorado Summer Campervan Road Trip Destinations in the USA

Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Another great road trip destination in the other direction of Denver would be the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool. The largest hot springs pool in the world, it has been attracting guests since the 1800s who come to soak in its mineral-rich waters. Waterslides, a kiddie pool, and cabana rentals, are available making it a perfect summer family escape.

Not just for relaxing, the area is also home to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park where anyone can get their adrenaline pumping through zip lines, cave tours, giant swings, and more. Another way to get your heart rate up is a beautiful hike to Hanging Lake – a steep and rocky 1.2-mile scenic trail that rewards with its view of magnificent turquoise waters.

The area has no shortage of accommodations for you and your campervan.  Glenwood Canyon Resort  and  Ami’s Acres Campgrounds are both well-reviewed choices that put you in excellent proximity to the area’s numerous activities.

Glenwood Springs Colorado Summer Campervan Road Trip Destinations in the USA

Are you ready to make your summer vacation amazing? Get your campervan from one of Travellers Autobarn’s convenient locations in  Los Angeles ,  Las Vegas , or  San Francisco . Campervans are roomy, equipped with solar panels (take advantage of that summer sunshine), and offer unlimited miles so there is no limit for your vacation.

Here are a few other blog stories you might enjoy.

Ultimate Campervan Road Trips for Every Season

Top US National Park Campgrounds and RV Parks to Visit

Guide to Free Camping in the USA

About the author.

Bastian Graf

Bastian is the Sales & Marketing Manager here at Travellers Autobarn. He holds a Master of Commerce in Marketing and International Business Management, and 20+ years experience in campervan hire, road trips and travel.

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5 Great RV Road Trip Routes in the United States

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As travel habits have shifted in light of the COVID pandemic, many vacationers are looking to hit the open road. Whether renting an RV or hopping between campgrounds, road trips offer a good way to vacation while maintaining social distance.

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.

summer camping road trip

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.

summer camping road trip

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.

summer camping road 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.

summer camping road trip

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.

summer camping road trip

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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Home » North America » A Wallet Friendly Guide to an Epic Alaska Road Trip

A Wallet Friendly Guide to an Epic Alaska Road Trip

There is a popular saying about Alaska; Alaska is the way America was.

That right there is why an Alaska road trip is the best budget friendly vacation you can have in the United States. An adventure filled Alaskan road trip with a side of camping and fishing for massive Alaskan salmon takes you back to a simpler time and place before iPhones, Snapchat and Instagram. Alaska feels permanently stuck in the eighties and it is the quaintest flashback to a simpler time and place. I will never in my life forget the Alaskan adventures I had up north in 2002.

Why an Alaska Road Trip?

Drive through this fantastic state on your alaska road trip, welcome to alaska, exploring the alaskan highways, take a break from your alaska road trip to camp amid the grizzly bears, hike in the taiga forests  , eat at every restaurant in talkeetna you can find, fish for wild salmon, take a break from an alaska road trip; fly, the summer solstice; alaska style, what do i need to pack.

As soon as you depart your flight at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport you can see that Alaska is just so vastly different and amazing from the lower forty eight. As you leave the terminal and breathe in that clean Alaskan air you can almost smell the adventures sure to come. Alaska may be the forty ninth state in the United States but travelling here feels like you have left the country. In all my travels, I’ve never been in a place as exceptionally gorgeous as Alaska. If you find yourself in Anchorage in June for the summer solstice you can see for yourself as the summer time sun seems to refuse to set behind Cook Inlet. Imagine the most gorgeous pink and purple sunset that lasts for three hours. That is Alaska.

Alaska road trip

You can safely walk the streets of Anchorage at two a.m. strolling home (to your  tent) from one of Anchorages fantastic watering holes (The cocktail kind; not the filled with elk kind) It will be twilight and creepy feeling because darkness just won’t come as the midnight sun refuse to set. By your third day in Alaska you feel like your sleep pattern is majorly jacked up, and yet every day you keep marvelling at the wilderness beauty that just won’t quit. That is a truly Alaskan experience. That is the thing about doing an Alaskan road trip and driving the Alaska highways; it’s so exceptionally breathtakingly gorgeous up here in the northern state that you don’t even have to make crazy vacation plans. Although take the time to fish for Alaskan salmon and fly to the top of a glacier. These are two experiences you really must have to get the true Alaska vacation vibe. Renting fishing gear (or investing in a great travel rod )and exploring a glacier are memories worth a few extra pennies.

Doing the most simple (And budget friendly!) things in Alaska leads to the best vacation memories. Watch moose grazing by the waterfront, right outside of the Anchorage suburbs, as the ocean waves crash and the sun refuses to set, and you hope the moose decides to stay calm and not charge. This is what makes a summertime Alaska road trip exciting! That is how you know this is going to be a one of a kind vacation experience. Millions of people have done an Alaskan cruise and explored Juneau and Ketchikan after departing the big boat with thousands of other tourists my parents age. That is one way to have an Alaska vacation. If you want my advice; save that Alaskan adventure until you are in your sixties.

The truly best way to experience an Alaska road trip vacation in all its glory is to rent a car and spend at least two weeks driving around this spectacular state and doing all the things that one does while in Alaska in the summertime; camping, salmon fishing, hiking and hiding from the official state bird of Alaska; the mosquito!

In 2002 I explored the breathtaking state of Alaska in a two week road trip north to Fairbanks and the Arctic Circle and to this day it is still one of the best scenic vacations of my life. Here’s how I made my Alaska road trip a phenomenal success and budget friendly too! With a little careful planning it’s easy to have a budget friendly Alaska road trip.

Tip: There are even hostels in Alaska! Check out our favorite Fairbanks hostels.

I’ve talked to a lot of people in my life who tell me they have been to Alaska.

On a cruise ship.

I’m sure they had a lovely time gambling in the casino and stuffing themselves at the buffet but to me cruising to Alaska is not a true Alaska adventure. The gorgeous highways and back roads through the coniferous taiga forests of Alaska are the kind of place that just beckons anyone who loves a road trip. There is so much to see in this massive state from the bays near Anchorage and Whittier Glacier to the banks of the Yukon River in the north as it parallels the Haul Road and the Trans Atlantic Pipeline up to oil headquarters in Deadhorse so close to the Arctic Ocean.

If you are looking for Alaska road trip vacation ideas look no further than the classic American road trip with a side of camping thrown in. I admit now looking back that perhaps throwing four good friends and two weeks’ worth of camping supplies into a compact Ford Focus might have been a strain on our friendship and we did more than a little bit of getting on each others nerves (And that was before we dropped the video camera into the river. Oh 2002; Remember video cameras?) Looking back this is still one of the best vacations I have ever been on. It wasn’t entirely because I was with my best friends on earth. It was because Alaska was other worldly in its beauty. One thing I learned from our Alaska road trip, when planning a road trip to Alaska renting a car larger than what you think you will need is an excellent idea! For a total of four friends and a butt load of camping supplies I recommended going with at least a small SUV. Don’t do what we did and rent a compact car.

Especially if you are planning to drive it up the Haul Road.

Alaska road trip-Taiga

What is the Haul Road, you may ask? The Haul Road, also known as the Dalton Highway is one of the top ten things you just need to experience when on an Alaskan road trip. Believe me when I say if you do Alaska via cruise ship you will get nowhere near the Dalton Highway. If you want a real Alaska experience a road trip up the all dirt, no pavement for four hundred and fourteen miles Dalton Highway has to be on your bucket list.

Just a warning though when booking a rental car, most rental car companies do not allow you to take cars on dirt roads so you can either do what we did and not tell them (And hope and pray an eighteen-wheeler passing you going eighty miles an hour does not flip up a rock and break your windshield) or you can go with a more expensive rental car company. Also, be aware that you don’t have to take their rental insurance. Instead, you can  purchase a RentalCover.com policy to cover your vehicle against any common damages such as tires, windscreens, theft, and more at a fraction of the price you would pay at the rental desk.

Before you make it to the Haul Road in the dead centre of the state, if you start your trip in Anchorage there is a lot of awesome Alaskan adventures to be had down south. Moose, glaciers, grizzly bears, bald eagles, mosquitoes as big as bald eagles… Alaska has it all to offer and the sun never sets on adventures here in the land of the midnight sun!

And if you want to save some money before you start your road trip, consider checking out these motels in Anchorage which make for the perfect starting point.

Alaska was actually a Russian Colony until as late as 1867 when the U.S. purchased it for just over seven million dollars (I guess this explains the joke that Sarah Palin can see Russia from her house) Alaska is one of the only places in the United States that you really do hear native languages still spoken like Aleut and the Inuit languages. (You many hear these in the northern areas of Alaska depending how far you decide to drive up the Haul Road)

When we departed the Alaska Air Jet in 2002 I was dressed in boot cut jeans and a plain blue t-shirt, and I was wearing flip flops. People stopped and starred at me on the streets. My best friend travelling alongside me was wearing cargo shorts and a t-shirt with some California brand logo on it. We stood out on the streets of Anchorage. We were not wearing sweat pants and hiking boots. People could just look at us and tell we were different; we were from California. We hadn’t seen a Grizzly Bear yet. We hadn’t even been bit by the state bird of Alaska; the majestic mosquito. We had no idea what the great state of Alaska had in store for us.

As we stood on the streets of Anchorage picking up our Ford Escort rental car for our two week Alaska road trip we had no idea what these two weeks in Alaska had to offer.

Fresh off the plane from Southern California, we were doing a little day trip south near Alyeska on our way to the Whittier Glacier when I saw my first Alaska moose at sunset. Moose may be so cool looking and epic huge but, warning, don’t go very close to them no matter how badly you want to Snap-chat it, as they will charge, especially if they have any little babies (calves) nearby. Just a few hours off the plane in Alaska, it was my first big ass Alaskan animal experience and I was hooked! We snapped a few photos (From far away) and continued back down highway one towards the glacier. Alaska problems… Do I want more photos of the moose or the glacier?

After picking up your rental car in Anchorage (And I hope to God it is slightly larger than a 2002 Ford Focus) hit the road for the great outdoors to the north of the city of Anchorage. Before you leave town make sure you stop at Fred Meyers for healthy snacks and the most amazing turkey and artichoke paninis ever! Fred Meyers is to Alaska what Marks and Spencer’s is to the UK; One part department store if you forget any camping do-dads you might need in the weeks ahead and two parts natural foods and pre-made delicious food stuffs. Stock the cooler for the dining options between here and Talkeetna are pretty bleak.

As you drive further up Highway One and connect to The George Park’s Highway and really begin to put Anchorage and the city of Wasilla behind you, Alaska just opens up into the most gorgeous and green taiga forest thick with pine and spruce trees. Give yourself lots of time on the highway going north as road work delays are expected in the summer months. It’s not unheard of to sit in a road work delay for at least an hour. If this happens to you, keep a book in the car and be prepared to wait and enjoy the forests of Alaska on both sides of the highway. If you are lucky maybe you will get stuck in roadwork further to the north where the highway parallels the Susitna River and you have fantastic river views.

Two hours to the north of Anchorage you may get your first views of Mt McKinley, or Denali or just “The Mountain” That’s what the locals call it. When I visited Alaska in 2003 Mt McKinley was still known by that name and then renamed Denali a few years ago.

Alaska road trip-Denali

In the summer you can only see the mountain twenty percent of the time. If you stand on the roof of your rental car, you will get a much higher quality photo. If you manage to get a photo of the mountain on a clear day consider yourself very lucky.

Alaska road trip

There are a lot of scenic drives to do in Alaska but following the Park’s Highway up to Talkeetna and then Fairbanks is what we did in 2002 and we had an exceptional time. This route takes you through Denali National Park too. I recommend definitely detouring further through Denali National Park for a few days of camping.

Alaska road trip-Arctic Circle

If you have gone as far as Fairbanks I highly recommend that you continue up the Dalton Highway until at least the Arctic Circle, the Earth’s northernmost circle of latitude. The drive up the Dalton Highway was one of the most unique road trips I have ever done. None of this highway is paved as it follows the Trans-Alaska Pipeline up to Deadhorse. When you watch shows like Ice Road Truckers, this is the kind of crazy highway they are tackling in the winter months. There is nothing along the Dalton Highway (Locals know it as the The Haul Road) except the Yukon River, the third largest river in the United States and a few very, very small towns like Coldfoot, one of the larger towns you will see on the Haul Road. It is a town of ten people. If you walk into the gas station, you may meet all of them. Coldfoot has the world’s northernmost truck stop. After leaving Coldfoot there are no services for the next 240 miles so this is a great place to fill up on gas! Millions of black spruce trees and miles and miles of taiga forests line the lonely highway as you make your way as north as you want to go. Actually celebrating the summer solstice at the Arctic Circle is a really cool way to spend June 21 st .

Alaska road trip

Have you ever wanted to camp somewhere where you will be terrified a Grizzly will eat you in your sleep?

Alaska road trip

Does this sound like your kind of Alaskan adventure? Maybe I have just watched the documentary Grizzly Man to many times. (Which happened to come out in theatres a few years after my Alaska vacation trip.) Being constantly scared of Grizzly bears was part of our camping experience in Denali National Park. I think it’s better to be to informed than to be that camper that is trying to Instagram a selfie with a Grizzly bear in it. If you really want to go deep into the Alaskan wilderness do the research on wilderness survival before hand. I may have been a bit extra scared of the Grizzly bears as I was the one who accidentally slopped freeze dried salmon into the dirt of our campsite our first night of camping in Alaska. This was the moment in our camping trip when I truly wondered if my BFF Steven would murder me in my sleep as I pretty much just invited every Grizzly in the area to come sniff out our salmon flavoured campsite. Spoiler alert! We did not die a terrible Grizzly death after four nights of waiting for a Grizzly to come to my tent in the middle of the night to maul me (Because I was full of even more delicious salmon flavour?)

I’ve always been a camper but never truly appreciated camping until I went to Alaska. Four days of camping in Denali National Park was truly a life changing camping opportunity. We really were afraid of what would happen if a Grizzly bear or a mommy mouse charged through our campsite at night. I don’t mean to make Alaska sound terrifying, because it wasn’t (Except for in the middle of the night when I reeked of salmon) The adventure was just so real and so exciting. At the time I went to Alaska I was twenty two years old and none of my friends had travelled at all. Venturing to Alaska with a sleeping bag, a tent, some freeze dried meals and sleeping amongst the Grizzlies sounded crazy and daring. It sounded like the most fun vacation adventure I would ever have in my life.

I’ve travelled all over the world now at thirty six years old and Alaska still ranks up there as one of my favourite vacations ever. There are three reasons for that; The surreal beauty of the taiga forest, the amazing friends I shared this vacation with and the un-realness of what Alaska must be like for these brave people who live in the fortieth state and enjoy twenty-four hours of sunshine in the summer and four hours of dusky sunlight in the long winter months. It makes it a great place to visit in August , July and June.

Alaska road trip-Denali-camp

The thing about camping in Alaska is you truly have to be prepared for a moose to charge through your camp ground or be ready to fight if a Grizzly bear charges you because he wants your freeze dried salmon dinner that you just slopped all over the campsite. Luckily for us our worst Alaska nightmare turned out to be the clouds of mosquitoes that surrounded us day and night.

The most important thing you need to know about camping in Alaska is when you reserve your camp spot at Savage River Camp Ground or Sanctuary River Camp Ground you need to be vigilant against bears. Food has go to in the bear resistant food containers at night and anytime you are not cooking. The afternoon that we checked into our campsite we heard from other campers in our area that there had been a Grizzly sighting in our exact campsite the night before.

Alaska road trip-Denali

I have camped many times in the eastern sierra mountains of central California and you need to be vigilant against bears in these camp grounds to but that is the southern California less aggressive Brown bear. They are pretty harmless compared to Alaska’s Grizzly bears which really will try to kill you if challenged.

Alaska! It’s an exciting and fearsome place to vacation! I know, maybe you think an Alaska road trip camping vacation may sound a little terrifying right about now but watching out for Grizzly bears is just one tiny portion of what the Alaskan experience is like! Camping in Denali National Park is an experience you simply cannot miss. The campsites at Sanctuary River or Wonder Lake are just so gorgeous. (Although the mosquitoes were so terrible at Wonder Lake, the running joke was I “wonder” why anyone would camp here?

Alaska road trip-hike

The hiking in Alaska and in Denali National Park specifically is absolutely gorgeous. It’s some of the prettiest places to hike I have ever been on my travels.

One thing about Alaska though, if you hike you need to cover up one hundred percent.

Have I mentioned the mosquitoes?

This means long sleeve shirts, long pants ( harem pants , for example), gloves and a mosquito net hat is a must. Pretty much any outdoor activity you do in Alaska, from hiking to fishing to kayaking you need to be prepared to cover your skin one hundred percent. The mosquitoes and black flies are vicious, especially as you travel further north. I recommend buying Deet for hiking in Alaska, the higher percentage of Deet the better. Take my advice; get the version that will give you cancer. If the Deet you buy is fifteen percent Deet and seventy percent lotion the mosquitoes will just laugh at you. If you want to go the granola natural route (Which I normally recommend but this is Alaska and the mosquitoes are fierce here) you can try pure lemongrass oil as opposed to the chemical Deet. If you really don’t want to be covered in bug bites just get used to smelling like Deet all the time like everyone else in Alaska.

Denali National Park is the best national park in Alaska to go for a hike. The National Forest Service run

s big green buses all through Denali National Park to ferry hikers to different hiking trails and campsites. You cannot actually drive in Denali National Park unless you have a disabled parking pass. The bus system is awesome when planning out hikes throughout your stay. For an easy hike I recommend the Savage River Loop Trail. This is a tundra trail that follows the river. It’s very easy and just two miles.

Alaska road trip-Denali National Park

Looking for a harder hike? Try the Triple Lakes Trail near the entrance to the park. This is a steep trail that gives you a great view of the Nenana River down below as well as the Alaskan Range. This trail can be very wet and muddy (Like when we hiked it) but the views of the lakes are amazing. This is an almost ten mile hike, and it took us nearly ten hours to do the whole thing.

Every vacation I take centres around food and normally if I planned a camping trip we would be eating the most delicious camp food ever. This trip to Alaska was different though as food in Alaska is stupid expensive. In 2002 we paid eight dollars for a package of Oreo cookies. I cannot begin to comprehend what a box of cheap processed cookies cost in 2017 in Fairbanks!

The crazy cost of food in Alaska is why I packed those gross light weight freeze dried camping meals for my camping portion of my trip to Alaska. I love delicious food, I’m the biggest foodie you may ever meet but when flying into a location with stupid expensive groceries sometimes you have to compromise. If you do go the freeze dried camp food route check out REI.com. They have some great freeze dried options these days and the online reviews are very helpful.

Alaska road trip-Ruth Glacier

Some of the freeze dried flavours you can buy out there, like there Organic Curry in a Hurry, are actually pretty tasty these days, (Like the salmon flavour that I seasoned our campsite with at Savage River Camp Ground) It wasn’t the best food I ate while camping and hiking my way through Denali National Park but we had to save those pennies for things like plane rides to have snow ball fights on top of Glaciers.

Priorities.

Eating freeze dried food in Denali National Park for a few days may sound slightly terrible but before you enter Denali National Park, if driving into Denali from Anchorage you will drive through the smorgasbord of a small town, Talkeetna. Talkeetna is not my favourite small town on earth because every restaurant here is beyond amazing but because it is the coolest little town I have ever seen.

The afternoon we drove into Talkeetna the first thing we saw was a dude riding an ATV with a Labrador pup riding on the back. What a fantastic introduction to one of America’s greatest small towns! Talkeetna is the base town for mountaineers exploring Mt McKinley and you meet the most interesting people who are planning to climb a 20,310 foot mountain! The people you meet in Talkeetna while hanging out at the Denali Brewing Companies tasting room have the craziest stories to tell of actually climbing “The Mountain” BTW The Denali Brewing Companies tasting room and patio area is an exceptional place to spend an afternoon. (And they have awesome Alaska souvenirs too)

Definitely take a break from the great Alaska road trip to detour to Talkeetna! It’s worth the detour to indulge at Mountain High Pizza Pie. It’s been many, many years since I have been to Alaska and they still, all these years later have some of the best pizza I have ever had in my life. Try to decide between the beer battered cheese bread sticks and the pizza with actual reindeer sausage. This pizza place is totally worth an Alaska road trip up crazy moose studded Alaskan highways! They have a fantastic outdoor patio as well, but be warned! Every day we were in the Talkeetna area in late June there were insane thunder, rain and hail storms in the afternoon! More than once we were enjoying our pizza on the outside patio and a crazy hail storm blew in sending us grabbing pizza and beer and running indoors (With everyone else in the crowded restaurant)

All the restaurants we tried in the small town of Talkeetna were truly fantastic. While in Alaska there are two things you absolutely have to have for breakfast, and Talkeetna does both very well. Sour dough hot cakes originated in Alaska during the gold rush years and you will never be able to eat a plain old pancake again after experiencing the decadent Alaskan sour dough pancake. You absolutely must try a side of reindeer breakfast sausage with your sour dough pancakes. Check out the family style Talkeetna Roadhouse for this fantastic only in Alaska breakfast option.

Alaska road trip-salmon

I truly don’t think there is another place on earth that you can fish for twelve hours straight. I mean that is if you love to fish the way that I love to fish. This is one of the reasons that a day fishing for Alaskan salmon is a must do Alaskan adventure.  I suggest taking a break from driving and the fantastic views of the Alaska road trip to spend a day fishing the rivers of Alaska. When we spent an entire day salmon fishing off the Susanna River in 2002 my good friend was actually pulled into the river but what we think was a forty pound King Salmon. That was the one that got away. The Chinook King Salmon is Alaska’s state fish and everyone who throws out a line in Alaska hopes to catch the big one. There are multiple places in Alaska that will flash freeze your catch so you can ship it home if you do catch more salmon than you can eat in a few days. (And let’s hope that happens!)

Because of the vast amount of sunlight that Alaska summer days consist of you can truly fish for twelve hours straight in Alaska, if you want to! It is a fisherman’s dream come true! There are multiple fishing guide shops in Talkeetna that rent gear and will give you advice on where to fish and the best bait to use to catch the Alaskan salmon of your dreams. Salmon fishing in Alaska is a must do activity for a summer day under the midnight sun. If you are less experienced and do decide to do some fishing, be prepared by checking out a fishing guide  before setting out!

An Alaskan road trip is full of unique experiences you can only find in Alaska. Where else on earth can you take a tiny seven-seater plane to the top of a glacier? This was one of the things we splurged on when we did our Alaska adventure and it was worth shelling out some cash to experience a snow ball fight with great friends on a glacier. The views of the bright aqua blue water down below our tiny rickety air plane in the crevasses near the glacier was just so pretty and something you would never expect to see up in the snowy mountains. Exploring Ruth Glacier just a little bit was the closest we got on our trip to the summit of Mt McKinley and it is a really unique memory of our two weeks in Alaska. (And there were no mosquitoes on top of the glacier… Yea!)

To a lot of people June 21 st is just another sweaty day in the beginning of summer. Unless you take an Alaska road trip! After experiencing the solstice at the Arctic Circle and enjoying Fairbanks fun solstice festivities I will never look at the summer solstice the same way. Fairbanks goes out of its way to make sure if you are in the city for the midnight sun events you are going to have one hell of a good time.

A fun event in the Fairbanks area is witnessing the Yukon 800 River Boat Race. How many times in your life do you get to watch an 800 mile river boat race? It’s one of those things you can only see in Alaska (Or Mississippi) This race starts in Fairbanks and follows the Chena, Tanana and Yukon Rivers before finally ending in Galena, Alaska.

If you research the Midnight Sun Festival online under festivities they list forty bands playing until midnight, gold panning, BBQ tasting and they list break dancing twice. I’m not sure why Fairbanks is so into their break dancing, maybe it comes back to that whole eighties feel of Alaska?

Alaska road trip-midnight sun

Are you ready for the best vacation of your life? There are a few essentials you need for a week to a few weeks out in the Alaskan wilderness. The Grizzly situation in Alaska can not be understated. If you plan to hike at all I recommend buying  bear mace  to have on the trail with you just in case. Another good thing to preorder is good quality Deet . The bug situation in Alaska is like nothing I have ever seen in my life and buying good quality insect repellent is important unless you want to look like you are covered in Syphilis scars. (Which is no way to pick up hot Alaskan chicks) Pre-ordering these products ahead of time is smart as I mentioned just buying the simplest things in Alaska gets very expensive!

An Alaska road trip is a fantastic way to spend a few summer weeks outdoors in the United States. Alaska really feels like the last frontier and the insane beauty of this state; the pine and spruce trees and the taiga forests really do take your breath away. If you are truly a fan of a different kind of vacation a summertime Alaska road trip adventure full of Grizzly bears and moose (from a distance) and hopefully a Chinook salmon or two is a must do on your bucket list. Driving the Alaskan highways in June or July so beats the kind of Alaska Adventure you get to see from the balcony of a cruise ship.

About to hit the road on an epic adventure? Here’s a gear  checklist  I swear by! For plenty more travel inspiration, check out this kick ass mommy adventurer. 

So where’s next? You don’t want to give up the sensational scenery of Alaska, why not extend the road trip into Canada? Check out this awesome post to inspire you !

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

summer camping road trip

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Even if you don’t get insurance with World Nomads, Please do get some sort of insurance from somewhere, there’s lots of decent options online.

summer camping road trip

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Amber

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Just phenomenal. It’ll be great to be there I can imagine. Can’t wait to go for a road trip & fishing trip again. Thanks for sharing your great experience.

Hi, Amber! This is a great article! You covered everything about Alaska, but left enough room for a reader to wonder and want to see all its beauty in person. Photos are breathtaking! I was wondering, was there anything you wish you knew before you went on this adventure for the first time?

EPIC ALASKA ROAD TRIP – It’s been added to my dream list. Very soon I will put my foot there. BTW, thanks for this great share.

I have relatives in Alaska. Seeing their pictures makes me envious. Hopefully one day I can finally see the beauty of Alaska in my own eyes.

Wow, I admire you, I hope one day I will put my foots on Alaska and take some photo <3

In the summer of 1996, when I was eleven years old, my grandparents took my older brother and me on a road trip from Soldotna, Alaska (far down south, by the Gulf of Alaska) to the Yukon, the legendary gold fields made famous in story and history. We loaded up their motor-home and set off. Along the way to the Yukon we stopped at museums and infamous Gold Rush towns such as Dodge and Skagway. We saw old trapping cabins converted into landmarks. The cabins there in the middle of the town kept their original roofs – sod with fresh grass every summer. Some of the cabins even had small spruce trees growing from their roofs. All tourists were on the lookout for wildlife – we saw black bears, grizzly

bears, mountain goats, mountain sheep, caribou and more. Most of the time the mountain sheep stayed as fuzzy white spots on the mountain, but one day a large flock of them decided to block the mountain road. The honking of the drivers did not seem to bother them. When we finally made it to the Yukon, it became blindingly obvious that ‘Land of the Midnight Sun’ is no exaggeration. When I woke up and saw the clock shining 12:00, I had to be told that it meant midnight and not noon. Looking outside one would never know the difference. Since it was both too bright and too hot to sleep, we ate ice cream and enjoyed the view. That summer was one of the best of my life.

Best wishes!

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Inspired Routes

23 Incredible RV Vacations: Scenic RV Road Trips You Need to Take

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!

RV vacations in the US view of motorhome near road with dramatic canyon landscape in background

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

mountains near Asheville at dusk with purple sky best RV road trips in America

  • 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

RV vacations view of purple flowers with mountains in distance in Alaska

  • 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)

Ludington State Park lighthouse at dusk with white and black lighthouse sand dunes and tall grass

  • 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)

sunrise in sedona with red rocky mountains best rv vacation ideas

  • 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

RV vacations to California view of red bridge and hillside with bay and mountains in distance

  • 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)

kids walking on white sand dunes with white clouds in sky during rv travel usa

  • 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

sunrise over mountains with stream and trees in foreground best rv vacations

  • 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!)

view of Big Sur bridge with cliff to ocean and arched bridge

  • 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

sunset at glacier national park Montana view of lake with colorful sky, mountains and reflection during best rv trips

  • 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)

rv vacation ideas pretty view of cacti at dusk with mountains in distance

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

rv trip west coast view of bright blue lake between trees with mountains in distance

  • 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)

camper through the trees with mountains in distance

  • 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

best rv trips view of California coast from above palm trees rocky shore and buildings

  • 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

Bridge of Lions, St Augustine view of white teal and red bridge with arches on sunny day over water

  • 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!)

road through colorful fall trees in Virginia

  • 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

view of Boston skyline and statue during fall on rv road trip

  • 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)

Islamorada Florida pier with boats and buildings along strip of land

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)

the windows arches national park view of large arch from rock with trees and blue sky

  • 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

amusement park along sandy beach near 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)

RV trips best road trip ideas while viewing mountains and field in the American west

  • 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

rv vacation ideas view of sandy beach with vehicles on it and sand dunes with ocean waves

  • 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)

Panama City beach view of emerald ocean water with pier best rv travel usa

  • 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)

RV road trips with scenic views of multicolored rocky spires up close and into distance

  • 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

RV routes view of two bridges from the air with island and water surrounding it

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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text that reads 23 incredible routes rv vacations best rv road trips in the USA with images of roads with rv through canyon near beach and over the water bridge

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!

Our Wander-Filled Life

Planning the Perfect Tent Camping Road Trip

Last Updated on February 17, 2024 by Grant

For me, camping road trips started in college. My first trip to the Florida Keys was a camping trip. My friends and I had a GREAT campground in Key Largo. We spent Spring Break sleeping in a tent just steps from the beach. 

This led to longer camping road trips as I got older. When Bonnie and I started dating, our first big trip together was a camping road trip to Yellowstone National Park. It was that trip that cemented our love for each other and our desire to explore the National Parks. 

It also led to our first month-long trip. That was a camping road trip to the Black Hills of South Dakota and Glacier National Park in Montana. We started to refine our tent camping gear to make it work better for us. 

We took several tent camping road trips together: Texas for Spring Break, Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the fall, Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks in the summer. 

Eventually, we bought a camper and started the RV lifestyle. But, we have fond memories of the simplicity of our tent camping days. In fact, years after buying an RV, we took a tent camping road trip to Big Bend National Park in West Texas. 

(Disclaimer: When we link to places you can buy our stuff or places we stayed, we are using special codes which earn us commissions on the sales at no additional cost to you. Please see our  Review Policy   for more information.)

Pros and Cons of a Tent Camping Road Trip

The number one pro to a camping road trip is cost. Tent camping is just cheaper than any other way to stay. Even a really good tent is not that expensive compared to buying or renting an RV or staying in a hotel. 

Read about our cost comparison between different road trip styles here.

The second biggest pro for a tent camping road trip is nimbleness. With a good tent camping setup, you can easily get set it up and take it down. That is really handy when you’re trying to make the most of limited vacation time! 

Once, on the drive home from Yellowstone, we were chased across the plains of South Dakota by a thunderstorm. We just barely managed to get to the campground and get the tent set up before the storm caught up to us! With the camper, that would have taken much longer. Of course, regardless of how you are camping, setting up or taking down in the rain is never fun. But it is part of the outdoor experience.

When we were tent camping, we could be set up in about 10 minutes and gone in about the same amount of time. It is similar to camping with a camper van in terms of being able to just pick up and leave quickly.

Another major boon for tent camping is the availability of tent sites in national and state parks. While there are a few campgrounds for larger RVs in parks, you will find much more availability for tents (or small campers). 

Lastly, a good tent camping setup can fit into just about any vehicle with decent trunk space. A hatchback, SUV or truck makes for easier access and generally more space for gear. Still, I took many camping road trips in my old Mazda 626. 

The single biggest con of a tent camping road trip is exposure to the elements. While tents are great when the weather is good, they can be limiting when the weather is not good. 

In particular, stormy weather can make for some scary moments in a tent. We’ve huddled together in our tent when the wind howled in Texas and a severe thunderstorm pummeled us in Yellowstone. 

The heat is also an issue for tent camping. We have spent some sweltering nights in our tent at various spots throughout the country. While there are some modern devices you and use to mitigate the heat (more on that below), there’s only so much you can do without air conditioning. 

In particular, I remember a very warm morning while we were tent camping in Wall, SD visiting Badlands National Park . The tent heated up very quickly and by 8 a.m., it was downright toasty. I also remember driving a long way across Kansas looking to find any campground with shade, since it was easily 95 degrees outside and the lack of shade was a deal breaker for a lot of would-be campgrounds. 

Another major con is the lack of campgrounds with facilities for tent campers outside of state and national parks. The more we have traveled, the more we have realized campgrounds just do not have much in the way of tent camping sites left anymore, focusing on RVs instead. 

And, while you can take your pet with you, you cannot leave your pet in a tent while you go out and explore. That’s not OK. And, unfortunately, most national parks have very strict rules on where pets can and cannot be.

Lastly, there is an inherent lack of security when tent camping. Honestly, we have never camped anywhere we did not feel safe, at least in terms of humans, in a tent. We have, however, camped with our RV in places I would not necessarily stay in a tent. 

That said, we have also woken up to bison walking by our tent in Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. We don’t worry too much about animals bothering us in a tent but the walls of the tent are pretty darn thin!

Tips for Making the Most Out of Your Tent Camping Road Trip

Tip #1: choose your destination based upon the weather.

Seriously, go where the weather is good when you plan on taking your trip. If you want to visit the Southwest, plan on going in the late winter or early spring before temperatures get too hot. When the Rocky Mountains are calling your name, get up there after the snow melts in the early summer. 

If you know when you want to go, research different destinations which are good for that season. 

Tip #2: Don’t Be Afraid to Stay in a Hotel

If we were doing a long driving day on the way to our destination, we would often stay in a hotel that night. While it would increase our costs, it would decrease our fatigue. 

After a long stretch of tent camping in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks , we opted to spend the next few nights staying at a cheap hotel in southern Wyoming. It was much needed!

Tip #3: Gym Memberships and Truck Stops Can Get You a Shower

While many private campgrounds have showers, many national park campgrounds do not. If you’re not too far from a major city, having a nationwide gym membership can get you a shower. Alternately, truck stops like Love’s and Pilot have showers you can pay for. 

Tip #4: Be Prepared for the Weather… All the Weather

Plan for worse weather than you expect… it may be colder, warmer, wetter or drier than you expect. Rarely is the weather exactly what it “should” be.

That said, if you don’t feel like you have everything you need, Walmart is your friend and will have a lot of what you need. In fact, we had to buy an extra blanket when camping in Yellowstone National Park because we were not prepared for the cold weather in the summer.

Tip #5: With a Good Vehicle, You Can Camp in Remote Areas

One of the best things about a tent camping road trip is you can go to some really remote areas where you simply can’t take a camper. We did this in Big Bend National Park, camping along River Road in a remote area of the park . 

Seriously, with a four-wheel drive vehicle and a good tent camping setup, you can access places few people go and stay for as long as you have supplies. This has become a popular pastime, called overlanding. 

How to Pick a Campground for a Camping Road Trip

When it comes time to pick a campground for a tent camping road trip, the single biggest consideration has to be shade. Even up North, highs in the summer can get quite hot. The shade will make a significant difference, even for RV campers. Having shade will make a huge difference in being able to comfortably hang out at your campsite during the day. 

Next, make sure the campground has restroom facilities for tent campers. For example, we stayed at one campground in Key Largo which had very limited restroom facilities. There was one toilet per gender for the entire campground. The shower was attached to the toilet, meaning if someone was taking a shower, no one else could use the toilet. 

From the perspective of the owners, it was no big deal since most of the guests were RV campers with their own bathrooms. From the perspective of the tent campers, it was really frustrating, especially early in the morning! 

Showers for tent campers are another consideration to look for, especially for longer stays in remote areas. As noted previously, many campgrounds in national parks do not have showers. That said, we have seen some that are adding solar shower stalls, like at Rocky Mountain National Park. These allow you some privacy while you use a portable solar shower you let warm up during the day.  

A water spigot to fill up water bottles and a sink to clean dishes are other big things to look for. We got so tired of none of the campgrounds we stayed at having a dishwashing station. So, we bought our own collapsible dishwashing sink . 

That said, we have stayed at more primitive campgrounds which lack those amenities. If you are going to stay at a primitive campground with limited or no facilities, just be sure to bring everything you need with you. 

Gear You Need for a Tent Camping Road Trip

A tent (or two).

The most important thing you need for a tent camping road trip is a good tent! That should seem like a no-brainer but I have seen some tent campers out there using very poor tents for their purpose and struggled with them. 

The first major thing to consider when purchasing a tent for a camping road trip is how much space you need. If it is just going to be two people, a small tent can work. If you are taking a pet or kids with you, your tent needs to grow. 

When I went on my first long tent camping road trip, I had a small dome tent that was barely big enough for two people. While it worked OK while I was in college, any time it rained, I was stuck in a pretty small space with poor ventilation. 

Even when Bonnie and I went on our first camping road trip to Yellowstone, we stayed in a larger, better-ventilated dome tent but I still could not stand up in it and it only had one door, meaning Bonnie had to climb over me to get out to go to the bathroom. 

Still, those tents were easy to put up and take down. 

A Two Tent Set Up

So, when it came time to go on the road for a month-long camping road trip, we took two tents with us. 

We took a large tent, which I could stand up in and allowed us to walk around the mattress. Being able to stand up while changing clothes is really nice! Not having to climb over Bonnie to go to the bathroom is also really nice!

That made a much more comfortable stay when we knew we would be in one place for several days. The tent had a vestibule, allowing us to store gear and duck out of heavy rain with our chairs. It also allowed us to leave the large door flap open, making for plenty of ventilation. 

While this larger tent was great, it struggled in high winds and it took about 20 minutes to fully set up. 

We also took a smaller tent, which had doors on both sides. That allowed for one of us to easily go to the bathroom at night if needed. It was also really quick to set up, allowing us to have it fully set up in less than 10 minutes. It was also lower to the ground, making for a lower profile in high winds. While I could not stand up in it, it was still comfortable for a night or two. 

Tent Recommendations

We got both of these tents at REI , which makes some great outdoor gear. We even kept the smaller of the two tents after we got the camper and used it when we went to Big Bend National Park . Unfortunately, both tents have long been discontinued, so I can’t give you a specific recommendation. 

That said, here is what I would look for in a big tent:

  • Can I stand up in it?
  • Will it go up and come down easily?
  • Does it have a vestibule? Is the vestibule large enough to keep me (and a chair) dry during a rainstorm?
  • Is there plenty of room on either side of a mattress for me to walk around?  

Here is what I would look for in a small tent:

  • Will it go up quickly?
  • Does it have good ventilation?
  • Does it have a low profile for rough weather?
  • Does it have a large enough width that I can use the same air mattress for both tents?

summer camping road trip

A Good Air Mattress 

A good air mattress will make all the difference in the world in your night’s sleep. We have had some good ones and bad ones during our time tent camping. I wish I could give you a good recommendation on a specific air mattress but, sadly, our favorite has long since been discontinued. 

Still, get one with a battery-powered air pump. Unless you have an AC plug in your vehicle and an extension cable (or a solar generator… more on that below), you are going to need a battery-powered pump. If you don’t have one, you are gonna be that guy in the bathroom using the one outlet for hundreds of campers to inflate your mattress… if there is an outlet you can get to. Don’t be that guy (or girl)!

The other thing I will say about these mattresses is they will not last forever. Eventually, the seals start to wear out and you start waking up on the ground. Be prepared to replace it fairly often if you use it frequently or store it somewhere without air conditioning. 

Intex Queen DURA-Beam Series Classic Downy AIRBED

Sleeping Bag

If you are camping with a significant other, I cannot recommend highly enough getting a sleeping bag designed for two people , as opposed to two separate sleeping bags. It just makes it more comfortable overall, even better than zipping two sleeping bags together. We had a great one from Coleman we loved. 

If you are going to high elevation, you are going to want supplemental blankets as well. We recently got a Rumpl blanket , which we love and is quite warm. They even have models highlighting various national parks. 

We also recommend getting a couple of good camp pillows. We have used Thermarest and Klymit pillows. Both are compact and comfy. 

Coleman Tandem 3-in-1 Double Sleeping Bag, 45°F Queen Sized Sleeping Bag for Adults, Warm and Comfortable XL Sleeping Bag for Camping

Cooking Gear

I highly suggest getting a plastic storage bin and filling it full of your cooking gear. Keeping everything in one bin makes it easy to keep everything together and move it around as needed.

The first thing you need for your bin is a grill that uses the 1 lb. propane canisters from Coleman. Seriously, those green propane canisters are one of the greatest things when it comes to camping. Next, I suggest you get a small stove which uses those canisters as well. Between a single-burner stove and a grill, you can cook a ton of different meals. 

Next, you will want some basic pots and pans. You can get a good nesting set or grab something cheap, either way works. You will also want basic utensils and plates. Paper plates are a good idea anywhere you won’t have good access to water. A collapsible wash b asin is perfect for washing dishes where you can’t find a sink for dishwashing. 

Finally, toss in some generic spices and your cooking bin is set. 

Coleman Stove 4IN1 Portable Black C001

A Solid Cooler

Cooler technology has improved so much since we were tent camping on a regular basis. With the advent of good coolers that will keep ice frozen for days, it makes it a lot easier to keep perishable food and tasty beverages cold. 

YETI , RTIC and several other brands make great coolers that will make camping a lot better and reduce your need for ice. 

One of the things we always looked for in a cooler was a drain plug at the bottom for dumping water out. That said, that drain plug can be a liability and we have ended up with a very wet trunk space when we forgot to close the plug after draining. 

Coleman 316 Series Insulated Portable Cooler with Heavy Duty Latches, Leak-Proof Outdoor High Capacity Hard Cooler, Keeps Ice for up to 5 Days

Gear for Hanging Out

Of course, you are gonna want some good, comfy camp chairs to lounge in… We also recommend getting some footstools to go with those chairs to use as footrests… being able to kick up your feet is a great thing.

ONIVA - a Picnic Time brand Reclining Camp, Beach Adults, Sports Chair with Carry Bag, 8 x 8 x 41, Black/Gray

We also have a great camp table from Alps Mountaineering which has a checkerboard and plenty of cup holders.

ALPS Mountaineering Eclipse Table, Checkerboard,27-Inch x 27-Inch x 26-Inch

Hammocks round out our gear for hanging around the campground. There’s nothing like kicking your feet up in the shade. We have a couple of hammocks we keep in the camper and there are several great brands out there. We have Serac and Wise Owl hammocks and like them a lot. 

Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock for Camping Double Hammocks Gear for The Outdoors Backpacking Survival or Travel - Portable Lightweight Parachute Nylon DO Navy & Lt Blue

If you happen to have a lot of cargo space to work with, like a truck bed, you can upgrade your chairs to these zero G chairs and get yourself an insect screen tent to put up so you can get away from bugs and have some portable shade. 

Caravan Sports 80009000052, Black Infinity Zero Gravity Chair-2 Pack, 2-Pack

Gear Recommendations for Helping You Stay Comfortable

Since dealing with the weather is one of the cons of a tent camping road trip, I recommend getting a battery-powered fan to use in your tent. Just having some air circulation will make a huge difference in how well you sleep at night. 

We had a Coleman battery-powered fan which hung from the top of our tent and provided some circulation as well as an overhead light. It made a big difference. Now, they have even longer-lasting better fans, like this one. 

Camping Fan with Led Lantern - 10000mAh 8inch Rechargeable Battery Operated Tent Fan with Light and Hanging Hook for Outdoor Camping Tent RV Travel Fishing Hurricane Emergency Power Outage

Solar Generator

If you need to power something or keep a bunch of devices charged, we recommend getting a solar generator. The folks at Ecoflow sent us a River solar generator a few years ago and we take that thing with us everywhere now. We even purchased a battery add-on, which doubled its capacity ( basically to a pro model ) and a 110-watt solar panel to charge it.

EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station RIVER 2, 256Wh LiFePO4 Battery/ 1 Hour Fast Charging, 2 Up to 600W AC Outlets, Solar Generator (Solar Panel Optional) for Outdoor Camping/RVs/Home Use

We use it whenever we are boondocking or dry camping. It can be charged with the truck while driving or we can use the solar panels to power it. It will charge all of our electronics, including laptops, and it will even run Bonnie’s coffee maker! 

Final Thoughts on Tent Camping Road Trips 

With the right gear and planning, you can make a tent camping road trip a VERY cost-effective way to see the country. We explored dozens of park sites while tent camping… and loved every minute of it.

Still, as much as we loved tent camping road trips, there is something to be said for not having to sleep on the ground. Yes, we slept on an air mattress but we still had to get up from the ground every morning and that gets old. It’s also really great to have your own shade and air conditioning, which in turn, allowed us to travel with our cat for years. You can certainly see why we eventually transitioned from tent camping road trips to RV camping!

Still, we often miss tent camping. We miss how nimble we were and how quickly we could move from place to place. We miss the fresh air that comes from sleeping in a tent. Certainly, we miss how cheap it was. And while we still camp, an RV just isn’t the same as a tent.

Travel Resources

What do you use to find a flight.

We use Skyscanner to find deals on flights. Skyscanner has a great interface and compares tons of airlines for the best pricing and routing. That said, it does not always have every airline and some airlines will have better deals on their website. Still, Skyscanner is a great place to start. Click here to search for a flight.

What do you use to find a hotel?

We typically stay at Hilton properties , so we use the Hilton website . You can find good Hilton Honors discounts or AAA discounts for a hotel there. We make great use of our free night certificates from our Hilton Honors American Express. Click here to book a Hilton property.

If there are no Hilton properties available, we use TripAdvisor to read reviews and book the hotel. We find we can get the best price that way. Click here to search for a hotel.

We recently partnered with Stay22 to add interactive maps to each of our destination posts. This will allow you to see a plethora of hotels and vacation rentals all in one responsive map of the area.

What if I need more space than I can get at a hotel?

We use Vrbo for the times when we have rented a cabin for a weekend getaway, like this cabin in Townsend, TN , or needed to rent a house for a large family vacation. We had a great experience with them in terms of refunding deposits when COVID hit and will continue to use them. Click here to search for a vacation rental.

Who do you use for rental cars?

As a general rule, we book with Hertz for rental cars. We have had nothing but good experiences with them. Plus, we really like unlimited mileage and not worrying about crossing state lines. We have even rented from Hertz overseas in both Slovenia and Croatia . Click here to book a rental car.

How about booking a cruise?

We have found some amazing prices booking a cruise through Cruise Direct . We have saved a lot of money on our cruises compared to what we found elsewhere, making a last-minute Bahamas cruise even cheaper. Click here to book a cruise.

What if I want to rent an RV?

We highly recommend Outdoorsy for RV rentals. We rented a camper van for a week to visit Rocky Mountain National Park for the elk rut and Custer State Park for the Buffalo Round-Up and had a blast. The program was easy to use and we really enjoyed the freedom of having a camper van for that trip. Click here to rent an RV.

What do you use for booking tours?

We don’t often book tours. Typically, we like to do stuff on our own. That said, there are some experiences you just can’t have any other way. So, when we do want to book a tour, we always check Viator first. Click here to book a tour.

Do you use anything to get discounts on the road?

We make extensive use of both Good Sam and AAA on the road. Good Sam is normally regarded as a discount card for RVers at campgrounds and Camping World but anyone can use the 5 cents off a gallon at the pump at both Pilot and Flying J. Click here to get a Good Sam membership. We have had AAA as long as we have been married and it has more than paid for itself in discounts at hotels, aside from the peace of mind of having roadside assistance. Add in paper maps and the ability to get an international driver’s license and it is more than worth it for any traveler out there. Click here to get a AAA membership.

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The Wandering Road

Usa rv road trip travel blog.

summer camping road trip

The Ultimate Western USA Road Trip Guide

Our 10-week rv route through montana, wyoming, and the pacific northwest – including detailed itinerary and expense breakdown.

Western USA RV Road Trip Photos The Wandering Road Blog Sarah Hubbart

Table of Contents

Introduction

Quick stats, cost breakdown.

The American west was made for road trips. We spent the better part of 10 weeks exploring this wonderland of big skies, open roads and small towns. Our early summer trek, first through the mountains and later along the coast, kept us in temperatures that peaked in the 70s. Such a difference from the summers of our recent past spent in the humidity of Washington, D.C. or the 100 degree+ temperatures of the Sacramento valley.

The route included some of our favorite places along with some new discoveries. While Montana will always have my heart, I have a new found appreciation for Idaho’s unsung beauty. And I think everyone should drive down the Oregon coast at least once.

Living in D.C. for so long, one of the small talk questions I got the most when people learned I was from California would be: “which coast is your favorite?” My default answer was always that I like the west, and I like the east, for different reasons. But if I am honest with myself, there is something that just feels right when I am in the western states. Maybe it’s the fresh air, maybe it’s all that space, maybe it’s the wild west and gold rush history that didn’t happen all that long ago. If you haven’t had a chance to get out there and see it for yourself, what are you waiting for?

Read on for a detailed account of our 10-week trip, including destinations, campground reviews, and costs to help you plan a road trip through the American west.

Looking for more travel ideas? Read my detailed coast-to-coast itinerary here or check out my other USA destination guides here .

  • Days On the Road: 69.
  • Miles Traveled in RV (not counting the additional miles put on the car when exploring): 3,427.
  • States Driven Through: 6.
  • National Parks Visited: Crater Lake National Park, Craters of the Moon National Monument, Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Glacier National Park, Redwood National and State Parks.
  • Number of Campgrounds Parked At: 21 (9 county/state/national parks, 9 private, 3 free camping spots).
  • Visitors: 9, for a total of 20 nights. Life at The Chateau became like adult summer camp!
  • Repairs: Oil changes for both vehicles, sealant for a leaky roof seam. The Chateau got its first road scars after we backed it into a campsite all wrong and scratched the back bumper. Nothing serious, thankfully.
  • Grand Total Travel Costs for 10 Weeks On the Road: (read later in post for more details): $6,6775

Campground Price Guide:

$ = Free $$ = $10-$30/night $$$ = $30 – $50/night $$$$ = Over $50/night

McKinley Park Rose Garden, Sacramento, California

Departure: We kicked off the summer road trip by rolling out of Sacramento at the end of May 2019.

Four Mile Flat Quarry Camping

Klamath Falls Four Mile Flat Quarry – GPS: 42.431503, -122.160638 $ Review: We started the trip with some free camping. It was hard to find info about this spot online but it exceeded my expectations. Kind of middle of the nowhere. A rocky parking lot by the water with more camping spots tucked along a rough road. I would stay here again for a night but wouldn’t make this a destination in itself. Local attractions: Crater Lake National Park (about an hour away). Miles from previous location: 360 miles.

Idaho National Forest Signs

Sweet Roystone Hot Springs – 7882 N. Hwy 52 Sweet, ID 83670 $$ Review: A very nice family-owned campground with renovated bathrooms and wifi. My favorite part was the hot springs that you can access for a minimal fee. Local attractions: Boise. Miles from previous location: 400 miles.

Ketchum Idaho Saloon

Bellevue Riverside RV Park and Campground – 403 Broadford Road, Bellevue, Idaho $$ Review: An older, small private campground with lots of long-term guests. Good wifi and close proximity to Sun Valley. Local attractions: The charming towns of Hailey and Ketchum (the nation’s first ski resort and the final resting place of Ernest Hemingway), Craters of the Moon National Monument. Click here to read about our visit. Miles from previous location: 195 miles.

Boondocking in Grand Teton National Park

Jackson Area

Spread Creek – Forest Road 30290 $ Review: This is our favorite boon docking spot to date! No amenities, unbeatable views and an unmatched location for exploring the northern part of Grand Teton National Park. We stayed in spot #3 and it was great for our rig. The road to spots #5-10 gets really rough so might not be a good fit for larger RVs. Read more about our visit here. Local attractions: Jackson and Grand Teton National Park. Miles from previous location: 267 miles.

Grand Teton National Park

Kelly Gros Ventre Campground – 100 Gros Ventre Campground Rd, Kelly, WY 83011 $$$$ Review: After four nights of boondocking, we decided to try out our first National Park campground. We snagged a spot without a reservation. This is a nice woodsy spot with electric hookups but no showers. We found showers at the Colter Bay Campground and at a gym in town. There’s a great spot to see moose near the campground. Local attractions: Jackson, Grand Teton National Park. Miles from previous location: 44 miles.

Snow in Yellowstone National Park, June 2019

West Yellowstone Baker’s Hole Campground – 3 mi NW of West Yellowstone on US 191 $$ Review: We were torn about where to stay during our visit to Yellowstone National Park. Our priorities were 1) staying as close to the park entrance as possible; 2) avoiding “parking lot” campgrounds and 3) paying a reasonable fee. This campground fit the bill! We found a first come first serve electric hookup site. No showers available. No cell service, either. Local attractions: West Yellowstone, Yellowstone National Park. Read my guide to help you avoid the crowds in Yellowstone here . Miles from previous location: 124 miles.

Cody Nite Rodeo

Cody Buffalo Bill State Park, North Fork Campground – near Cody, Wyoming off US 14 W/ US 16 W / US 20 W $$$ Review: One of the best state park campgrounds I have ever seen. Located about 15 minutes from downtown Cody. We were able to find a walk-up site with electricity but were told that it is hard to get in without a reservation later in summer. Nice views of the surrounding rocky cliffs (some of the formations reminded us of southern Utah). Coin operated showers. Local attractions: Cody is the quintessential wild west town. Read more about our visit here. Miles from previous location: 132 miles.

Murray Hotel bar in Livingston, Montana

Livingston Osen’s RV Park – 20 Merrill Lane, Livingston, MT 59047 $$$ Review: We picked this campground for its proximity to downtown Livingston, which also made it a good launching point for exploring both Yellowstone and Bozeman, Montana. It is clean and well-maintained but the spots are pretty close together. Management closes the entrance gates at 9 pm each night but you can open and close them manually as needed. Local attractions : Ben and I love Livingston; it’s just about the perfect small town. It was the original gateway city to Yellowstone. Be sure to check out the Murray Bar and Neptune’s. Bozeman is about 30 minutes away. It’s a larger college town with a very walkable main street. Miles from previous location: 178 miles.

Montana State Capitol

Helena Cromwell Dixon Campground – 15 miles west of Helena at MacDonald Pass off Highway 12. $$ Review: Quiet, rustic camping on the top of a mountain just outside of downtown Helena. Local attractions: The state capitol building is gorgeous. Visit quirky Lewis and Clark Brewery and Broadwater hot springs. Miles from previous location: 123 miles.

Dinosaur dig site near Choteau Montana

Great Falls Dick’s RV Park – 1403 11th St SW, Great Falls, MT 59404 $$$ Review: This is an urban campground with older facilities and lots of long term guests. That being said, it is the most convenient place to stay while exploring Great Falls. Local attractions: Great Falls feels like a city on the rise. Read my guide to the Electric City here. Don’t forget to visit the mermaids. Miles from previous location: 121 miles.

Kalispell Brewing mural

Kalispell Rocky Mountain Hi Campground – 825 Helena Flats Road, Kalispell 59901 $$$ Review: Glacier country is a whole other (unbelievably gorgeous) world. This campground is spacious and has a full laundromat on site. It gets busy with families and kids on the weekends. Local attractions: Glacier National Park, Whitefish, Kalispell. Read more about our visit here. Miles from previous location: 227 miles.

*** If you want, add a stop in Wallace, Idaho on your way to Washington. It’s a much-celebrated small town with a big personality that I look forward to visiting in the future.

#SodoFrenchie Mural in Spokane Washington

Spokane Area Peaceful Pines – 1231 W 1st St, Cheney, WA 99004 Review: We stayed about 20 minutes outside of downtown Spokane in the sleepy college town of Cheney. This private campground is small with recently updated bathrooms and showers. We had some issues with the wifi connection. Local attractions : Spokane is an under-the-radar city with a charming waterfront and beautiful architecture. Read my guide to the city here. Take a day trip to the nearby resort town of Coeur D’Alene. Miles from previous location: 250 miles.

Yakima Wine Country, Washington

Yakima Area Horn Rapids Park – 78410 Overlook Dr, Benton City, WA 99320 $$ Review: Inexpensive and spacious with electric hookups. Kind of in the middle of nowhere, yet convenient for exploring Yakima wine country. Local attractions: Highly recommend stopping by some wineries (like WIT and Col Solare) or breweries (Bale Breaker) and a trip into Yakima proper for some of the award-winning tamales from Los Hernandez. Miles from previous location: 154 miles.

Rufus Landing The Dalles Oregon

The Dalles Area Rufus Landing $ Review: Free boon docking on the river. I was surprised by how busy this gravel parking lot gets! We stayed here two nights. Local attractions : The Dalles is a quaint small town; there’s hiking in a state park nearby; Hood River is a good stop for breweries and outdoorsy fun. Miles from previous location: 120 miles.

Tillamook Creamery Ice Cream Flavors

Tillamook Air Museum Grounds – 5005 Highway 101 South, Tillamook, OR 97141 $$ Review: A no frills and inexpensive camping spot next to the tiny Tillamook airport and air museum. Super close to town. Local attractions: Tillamook was our first stop on the Oregon coast. Be sure to visit the famous Tillamook Creamery – it lives up to the hype. From this home base we also explored Cannon Beach and Pacific City. Click here to read my complete guide to the Oregon Coast. Miles from previous location: 157 miles.

cape perpetua campground

Yachats Cape Perpetua Campground – 2200 US-101, Yachats, OR 97498 $$ Review: This is it. The perfect campground in the perfect coastal town. (As long as you don’t need cell service.) I fell hard for Yachats. Local attractions: Redwoods, fresh sea food, and tide pools galore. Click here to read my full guide to Yachats. Miles from previous location: 93 miles.

Sunset Bay, Coos Bay, Bastendorff Beach

Coos Bay Bastendorff County Park – 63379 Bastendorff Beach Rd. Coos Bay, OR, 97423 $$$ Review: We were excited to get a last minute spot at this campground but it came with serious pros and cons. It’s a great location for checking out Charleston, North Bend, Coos Bay, and the surrounding area. It’s also very busy and crowded and the bathrooms leave much to be desired. Local attractions: Be sure to check out the nearby adorable beach towns of Florence and Bandon. Click here to read my complete guide to the Oregon Coast. Miles from previous location: 74 miles.

Brookings Oregon Coast Rock Formations

Brookings Sea Bird RV Park – 16429 Highway 101 South Brookings, OR 97415 $$$ Review: Truth be told, we planned to state at Harris Beach State Park but turns out everything was full because there was a kite festival that weekend (true story). Sea Bird is a small private campground with a mix of travelers and long term residents. Local attractions: There’s no shortage of stunning views along Oregon’s southern coast. Be sure to stop by Crazy Norwegian’s Fish and Chips in Port Orford. Miles from previous location: 107 miles.

Trinidad California Beach

Trinidad Emerald Forest Cabins & RV – 753 Patricks Point Drive, Trinidad, CA, 95570 $$$ Review: What a wonderful campground, with camping spots tucked in among tall evergreens! Great for families. Just outside of the quiet fishing town of Trinidad. Local attractions: It’s a short drive to Redwood National and State Parks or Eureka. Read more about our visit here. Miles from previous location: 86 miles.

Ferndale California

Fortuna Area Van Duzen Campground – Swimmers Delight – 12 miles east of Highway 101 on Highway 36 $$ Review: This was a last minute find for us. While we only stayed for one night, this would be a fun spot to spend a long weekend. The spots are large and quite literally surrounded by giant redwoods. Local attractions: Soak up the nature, and visit the charming Victorian village (and dairyland) of Ferndale. Miles from previous location: 40 miles.

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

Fort Bragg MacKerricher State Park – West Pinewood Campground – three miles north of Fort Bragg on Highway 1, near the town of Cleone $$$ Review: IMHO this is the best place to stay in Fort Bragg, by far. Huge campsites within walking distance to the beach and only a short drive to downtown. However, in our experience, California state parks are more expensive to dry camp in than other states, and the amenities are limited. Local attractions: Fort Bragg is a charming coastal town with shops, restaurants and North Coast Brewing Co.. Enjoy fresh seafood, beach hikes, and wildlife watching. Read more about our visit here. Miles from previous location: 117 miles.

Downtown Sacramento California Street Art Mural

Arrival: We returned to Sacramento at the end of July 2019, just in time to see friends and family and then fly back to Washington, D.C. for a work trip.

Just like “normal” life, you can pretty much spend as little or as much as you want while living the full-time RV lifestyle. I was very curious to compare our costs during this leg of the trip with our expenses from April 2019, our mad dash across the country. (You can read about that itinerary and why we had to travel across the whole USA in one month here .)

And you guys, guess what? I think we are figuring out this whole full-time RV thing! In June and July, we stayed at several pricey campgrounds out of necessity while visiting popular destinations like the Tetons or the California coast. But we also found some great deals at state park campgrounds and boondocked whenever we could. We found our travel speed sweet spot, moving every five days or so and limiting drive days to around three hours (most of the time). That schedule helped us balance time for work with time for fun. We are loving how RV travel allows you to experience an area the way the locals do.

I added a new “health” category to our expense tracker this month. We had our first dog health scare this month when Hobbes had a flare up of a past back injury. I shared more about how we keep Hobbes healthy on the road in this blog post for the Pet Food Institute. My top recommendation for RVers (or anyone traveling with their dog) is to keep a file of past health diagnoses and vaccination records with you. It was so helpful to be able to share this information with the new-to-us vet so they had some context for his symptoms.

Western Road Trip RV Travel Expenses At a Glance:

10 Weeks/69 Days on the Road

Gas: $1,497 This included fuel for both The Chateau and our car. Let’s just say the difference in gas prices between Montana and the California coast was “significant”. Ouch.

Campground Fees: $1,922 This breaks down to $28/day. Not bad. We stayed at a mix of free campsites, state and national parks, and private campgrounds. This total also includes parking fees in the few cities we visited with parking meters. In comparison, we spent $1,300 for just 30 days in April.

Eating and Drinking Out: $1,585 Mostly includes meals in the $15-30 range (and lots of coffee). We admittedly spend a lot in this area since trying new restaurants is one of the best ways to get to know a new city, IMHO.

Entertainment: $282 A minor league baseball game, bowling, the Cody Nite rodeo, and visiting a dinosaur dig.

Groceries: $1,288 This number also includes random household supplies purchased along with groceries at Walmart.

Health and Wellness: $165 Mostly day passes for gyms (and showers)!

RV and Car Maintenance: $213 Oil changes, etc. Also includes some organizational supplies and a new ottoman!

Connectivity: $451 My phone plan, a wireless jetpack for wifi, and our mail forwarding service.

Grand Total: $6,775

This breaks down to $98/day or $1.98 per mile.

Our primary goal in embracing the full-time RV lifestyle is to see and experience as many new places as possible (rather than saving money) – and clearly that shows. Adjusting your speed of travel or avoiding eating and drinking out are the easiest ways to save money on the road.

I hope this information is helpful if you are planning to jump into fulltime RV living or just an extended road trip across the American west. Feel free to send me a comment or an email if you have any questions about the itinerary.

I am currently planning the next leg of our journey : fall in the USA’s upper Midwest… your recommendations would be much appreciated! Be sure to click here to read my latest dispatches from the road and follow me on Instagram for more updates!

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Awesome Mitten Logo - map of Michigan showing lighthouse, mackinac bridge, and trees

The ULTIMATE Summer Upper Peninsula Road Trip Guide

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is like no other place on earth. Sandwiched between three of the greatest lakes in the world, it’s filled with peaceful forests, magnificent waterfalls , ancient rock formations, quiet and cozy towns, and miles and miles of shoreline — making it the perfect setting for a one-of-a-kind road trip.

Before you get started though, there’s one thing to warn you about: the UP is big. Like, really big. Like, a road trip across the whole thing to hit every sight you absolutely need to see could eat up a serious chunk of your vacation days.

So we suggest taking this guide and picking a segment or two to take at a time, then stitching them together throughout the summer. Trust us — you won’t want to miss any of these incredible destinations, or the beautiful journeys between them, during your summer Upper Peninsula road trip !

St. Ignace to Sault Ste. Marie

Soo Locks In Sault Ste. Marie - Upper Peninsula Road Trip - The Awesome Mitten

After making your own way north through the lower mitten, your journey starts by crossing the Mackinac Bridge into  St. Ignace . Right off the bridge is a classic road trip tourist stop — Castle Rock, a large rock formation where you can get your exercise in for the day by climbing to the top for a great view of the straights.

This is also where you’ll find Paul Bunyan and Babe the Big Blue Ox statues and an old-school gift shop perfect for adults and kids alike.

If you’re still feeling touristy, take a stop at the Mystery Spot where you can — well, you’ll have to stop to find out for yourself! A quick hour up I-75 will take you to Sault Ste. Marie , one of the oldest settlements in the midwest.

Home to Lake Superior State University , there are plenty of restaurants and shops to quell your hunger (for food and gifts) before the catching a Soo Locks Boat Tour .

Though there are plenty of cruises to choose from, the main attraction is the operation of the Soo Locks, where you actually go through the world’s largest locking system and cruise alongside giant lake and ocean ships.

Sault Ste Marie to Paradise and Whitefish Point

Whitefish Point - Upper Peninsula Road Trip - The Awesome Mitten

Leaving “The Soo,” you’ll take Lakeshore Drive for a scenic trip to Paradise (adorable, we know) where you can get some memorabilia and classic midwest fare. Then it’s just a short drive into Tahquamenon Falls State Park , the most iconic waterfalls in Michigan.

There are two sets of waterfalls, so make sure you plan enough time for both the upper and lower region of the river. If you only want to stop quickly for a few pictures, the upper falls are very accessible and can let you get on your way.

But if you want to stay longer, the park has a campground and gorgeous hiking trails that can easily extend your stay to a day or two.

Once you decide to hit the road, Whitefish Point is just half an hour north. The point features one of the oldest operating lighthouses on Lake Superior, surrounded by beautiful, wide-open vistas of the water.

If you’re into Michigan or maritime history at all, the facility also features the coolest shipwreck museum around. The admission fee for the museum isn’t too bad, especially if you bundle as a family, and for just a bit extra you can climb to the top of the lighthouse tower for some truly incredible views.

Whitefish Point to Grand Marais

View Of The Grand Marais Bay And Lighthouse - Upper Peninsula Road Trip - The Awesome Mitten

A two-hour drive is all it takes to get from Whitefish Point to the cutest, friendliest town you’ll find in all of Michigan — maybe the world. Grand Marais, the eastern gateway to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore , is home to only 500 people year-round, but it is the perfect stopping point (or week-long destination — there’s plenty of lodging and campsites!) for your road trip.

Eccentric restaurants like West Bay Diner and the Dune Saloon keep you fed, while kitschy stops like the Pickle Barrel (where the teeny-weenies live) and the  Gitche Gumee Agate and History Museum and store provide plenty of entertainment.

When it’s time to venture out, take in the pristine bay beach, soak up the sun, and test your meddle by swimming in Lake Superior — it really is cold though. If you want something more rocky and adventurous, you can head out to Agate Beach and watch the waves roll in.

Grand Marais to Munising

Chapel Rock In Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore - Upper Peninsula Road Trip - The Awesome Mitten

The next stretch of road is its own part of the journey, and you’ll take H-58 from Grand Marais to Munising for the 198 twists and turns along Lake Superior. On this route, you can top by the breathtaking Sable Falls , Lake, Dunes, and other Pictured Rocks waterfalls .

If you’re really in a hurry, or really don’t want to enjoy the scenery, you can instead chose to take M-28 for the Seney Stretch — rumored to be the most boring road in Michigan. Either route will drop you off in Munising, and it’s certainly not hard to decide what to do there, as it’s home to the Pictured Rocks and all of the great ways to experience the landscape.

If you’re wondering if Pictured Rocks are all that they’re cracked up to be, they are. You have to get away from land, or at least on the very edge, to see the formations, and you can choose from a boat tour, kayaking out with a guide , or hiking to Chapel Rock to view it from land. Stop by Chapel Falls, just east of the Chapel Rock hike, for another incredible waterfall display.

Munising  is full of lodging and dining options, though we suggest at least one stop at  Muldoon’s for a pasty , in case you haven’t had one yet. But if you want to get your show on the road, M-28 takes you right along Lake Superior for a little less than an hour and drops you off at the hippest town in the UP.

Munising to Marquette

Superior Dome Nmu - Upper Peninsula Road Trip - The Awesome Mitten

Marquette is just the coolest. Home to Northern Michigan University and the Superior Dome, the largest wooden dome in the world, it’s the perfect combination of up-north charm and college town.

Though this is definitely the place to take your time and eat at one (or many) or Marquette’s fabulous restaurants , make sure to also swing by  Lagniappes for live zydeco music, heaps of atmosphere, and authentic New Orleans cajun grub.

There are some very cool bars around downtown as well, including Blackrocks Brewery , literally a bar in a house with incredible an amount of charm.

For your outdoor activities, the hiking is outstanding at  Presque Isle Park and Sugarloaf Mountain . The tourist state park is exactly what it sounds like, great for a relaxed drive or walk through the forest with the lake in the background.

Marquette to Houghton

Portage Lake Lift Bridge In Houghton - Upper Peninsula Road Trip - The Awesome Mitten

From one college town to another, travel up to the Keweenaw to Houghton , home of  Michigan Technological University .

Between these two cities is Michigan’s highest point of elevation at Mount Arvon . The detour can add about two hours, plus however long it takes you to hike up the 1,300 feet above Lake Superior.

It is definitely a must for avid hikers and climbers, but if that’s not your thing, you can keep the road trip moving along to your next destination.

Houghton has a large number of neat museums and shops for you to explore, such as the Mineral Museum , which displays and sells rocks, stones, and gems from around the world.

If you stay the night in Houghton, breakfast at  Suomi Cafe on your way out is perfect for inexpensive and delicious classic American breakfast food.

Houghton to Copper Harbor

Lighthouse In Copper Harbor - Upper Peninsula Road Trip - The Awesome Mitten

An hour farther up the Keweenaw Peninsula gets you to the historic Copper Harbor , a town that used to be the heart of the huge copper industry in the UP. Nowadays, Copper Harbor is bursting with outdoor adventures for dedicated Michiganders to get out and do (though you can still spot green and metallic copper in the water).

If you’re looking for a hike,  Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary  offers a mix of easy, boardwalk trails with steep rocky pathways.

You can of course kayak in the waters around the town to glimpse some of the leftover copper of the past, or hit up Fort Wilkins State Park to glimpse the people of Copper Harbor’s history and walk among the buildings of the preserved fort to see what it was like to live at a frontier fort in the 19th century.

Before the sun sets, the 9-mile ride through Brockway Mountain Drive will give you what might be the best view in all the UP , so have your cameras and your “oohs and ahs” ready.

We recommend staying the night at a hotel or campground in Copper Harbor, because the next leg of your road trip is fairly long and will leave you in the heart of the UP wilderness.

Copper Harbor to Ontonagon (Porcupine Mountains)

Lake Of The Clouds In The Porcupine Mountains - Upper Peninsula Road Trip - The Awesome Mitten

Driving back down Keweenaw, you’ll want to stock up on gas and snacks in  Ontonagon before heading into the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park . I’m sure many of you have been waiting for this stop on your road trip because the Porkies are home to some of Michigan’s most iconic topographical features.

You can’t say you’ve truly seen what the UP has to offer until you’ve seen  Lake of the Clouds in the Porkies. Drive right up to the viewing area, or hike around to see this recognizable sight, as it really is breathtaking.

There’s also plenty to explore around the rest of the park, such as  Bond Falls ,  Presque Isle River , and the many hiking trails looping throughout the park’s gorgeous backcountry.

Ontonagon to Manistique

Kitch-Iti-Kipi - Upper Peninsula Road Trip - The Awesome Mitten

Strap in for your longest leg of the road trip, as heading back east from the Porkies to Manistique  takes about three and half hours.

Not only will you want stop in Manistique to stretch your legs and refuel, but it’s also home to  Kitch-iti-Kipi  (or “The Big Spring”) and we’re guessing you’ve seen this one on Facebook.

You’ll get to see the marvels of this genuinely stunning active spring from a raft that floats you out right over the crystal clear blue water. There’s a park store and gift shop, so you can brag to your Facebook friends about seeing to this remarkable oddity in our home state.

This cute town also offers the perfect setting for boardwalk trekking and dining, or you can venture over to  Mackinaw Trail Winery for some tasting and relaxing after all your outdoor exercising.

Manistique to St. Ignace

The last leg of your journey winds along US-2, on the edge of Lake Michigan’s northern shore. It’s another one of the prettiest drives you can get in Michigan, with the lake on one side and beautiful UP forest on the other.

A quick stop at Cut River Bridge  provides an incredible look at a 150-foot gorge dug out by the Cut River leading out to Lake Michigan. It makes for only a 10 to 15-minute stop, but it is great for some pictures and the opportunity to stretch your legs.

Other eccentric little towns on your way back to St. Ignace, like Brevort or the  Garlyn Zoo  in Naubinway, provide even more chances to sightsee while refilling the snack cooler and gas tank.

Coming up on St. Ignace along US-2 will give you a view of the Bridge, signaling the end of your UP road trip adventure. Hopefully, by this time you’ll look back fondly on the UP’s striking features, its rich history, and its friendly faces.

More Upper Peninsula Summer Road Trip Inspiration

We obviously couldn’t capture everything great in our northern peninsula in just one road trip — did we miss one of your favorite places to visit in the Upper Peninsula during the summer months ? Let us know in the comments!

And for more inspiration, check out a few of the Upper Peninsula road trips our team took in the summer of 2021:

  • 12 Days + 1,946 Miles + 4 Campgrounds + 6 People + 1 Dog = Our 2021 Upper Peninsula Summer Adventure
  • Just 4 Days to Explore the Upper Peninsula this Summer? Here’s What We Did. #MittenTrip

Editor’s Note: Thanks to Samantha Ward for writing this article in 2017. It has since been updated for accuracy.

The Ultimate Upper Peninsula Road Trip Guide Story

I'm a Spartan, a tree climber, an ice cream connoisseur and a passionate Michigander who wants to tell the stories of our state and those in it. I will correct you if you say soda instead of pop.

TraveLynn Family

France road trip itinerary for a summer of family camping fun

Posted on Last updated: 6 October 2023

France road trip itinerary for a summer of family camping fun

This is our France road trip itinerary from 2019. This was pre-Bongo, and we took a tent.

This one month France road trip itinerary starts from Calais, and does a big loop down to the Spanish Pyrenees via the Auvergne and Perpignan , then back up again via Bayonne , Île d’Oléron , and the Loire Valley , returning to Calais. Accommodation is camping (either tent or camper ) and geared toward families with young kids. A fantastic budget trip for the school summer holidays!

Disclosure: We were provided with complimentary camping from The Camping and Caravanning Club for this trip, with the last stop at Les Alicourts being hosted by Canvas Holidays. As always, these are all my own words and opinions. This post also contains affiliate links. Should you click to purchase it is at no additional cost to you, but I receive a small commission.

Check out our video highlights from our summer in France (and a little bit of Spain):

A summer road trip around France and Spain

For those living in the UK, the summer holidays are an expensive time to travel. Flight and accommodation prices rocket and everywhere is seemingly overrun with tourists. Before the boys started school we always avoided travelling in the UK summer holidays like the plague. But now they’re in school, and with a full six weeks to fill, thinking caps were on for something cheap, not too touristy, and something easy.

France is an obvious choice for us as it’s easy to get to and we can take our car over on the Ferry. Plus we LOVE France – the wine, the climate, the landscapes, the croissants, the history. We just had to plan where to go and what to do to avoid the crowds as much as possible. And we decided to head to the Spanish Pyrenees!

So we booked a return ferry crossing with DFDS Ferries from Dover for a total of £138 to camp and road trip France from Calais and down to the Spanish Pyrenees with our Vango Air Tent .

READ: Top 10 tips for driving through France

Camping in France with kids

The French do family campsites very well and they are a fantastic budget choice for families. The camping holiday parks are well organised, clean, offer lots for the kids (swimming pool, playgrounds, sometimes a kids club), and have a restaurant and bakery on site (think fresh croissants in the morning!) I also always enjoy the mix of European nationalities that visit the parks, and how all the kids play together.

camp ground with blue sky

For our summer road trip in France we collaborated with The Camping & Caravanning Club who have a fantastic range of campsite locations across Europe, including France, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, and even Slovenia and Finland. The hard work has been done for you in finding holiday parks of an excellent standard, and you can use their interactive map to find their campsites and work out your route – which is exactly what we did! Whether you are travelling in a Mazda Bongo (we’ve just bought one in July 2020!), large motorhome, or a small tent, they have some fantastic pitches to choose from.

If you’re also planning on camping over the summer, check out or Camping with kids Checklist , which includes a FREE printable download to manually tick off those family camping items.

Tips for doing this France road trip itinerary

Book all camping accommodation in advance , especially if you are travelling in the summer holidays. I provide a link to our review for each campsite we stayed in below in the itinerary, which includes tips for selecting a good pitch.

Plan any day trips to arrive before 11am. We had a couple of days out where we had to turn around and return to the campsite because we didn’t follow this rule of visiting early in the day.

Go with the flow of campsite bedtimes. We find that when camping in Europe (especially Spain), you go with the flow and slip into ‘camp time’ with going to bed late and getting up late . There were many evenings the boys weren’t asleep until 10pm and and all kids are still playing in the playgrounds at 9pm. It’s near impossible trying to get our boys to sleep when all their pals are still outside playing. The payoff of letting them go to bed late was that they slept in the following morning, and us parents would have a lie in and managed to get stuff done before they woke up! This was very handy on the travel days when we had to pack up the tent.

Pack warm sleeping bags. Temperatures can drop at night, especially in the Pyrenees and we were surprised at how cold it got. Although day time temperatures often hit 35 degrees.

boy on microstooter

Pack scooters.  We packed our microscooters for all the family. This meant that we didn’t have to bother with bikes and bike racks as they fold up and fit in the foot-well of the car, and were a super fun way to get around the campsites, especially the bigger ones.

Check out our camping with kids checklist to find out what we packed in our car for this camping road trip.

Our France road trip itinerary

This turned out to be one of our best family adventures. We had the most amazing summer; swimming every day, trekking the Pyrenees, exploring medieval towns and villages, and playing on stunning beaches, all in fantastic weather and on a budget.

In fact, we often commented on the trip how we probably spent less money camping in France for the summer than we would have trying to entertain the kids back at home in the UK. The reason? Well we had days where we didn’t leave the campsites as there was so much free stuff to do. We also self-catered pretty much the entire trip.

All campsites in this France road trip itinerary have a swimming pool, toilet and shower blocks, and an electrical hook up at pitches. But each and every campsite was very different from the next, which is one of the many things we loved about this road trip.

Day 1: Ferry from Dover and overnight in Reims

Driving time from Calais: 2 hours 40 mins Where we stayed: Hotel Première Classe Reims Nord, Bétheny

hotel room in Reims

It’s always worthwhile checking ferry crossings to both Dunkirk and Calais when travelling from Dover to get the best deal; both with P&O Ferries and DFDS . The sail time to Dunkirk is only 30 minutes longer, and there’s not much difference in the drive time to Reims.

As our ferry arrived at 7pm French time (they’re one hour ahead) we booked a basic hotel outside Reims for £31 – Hotel Première Classe Reims Nord, Bétheny . Nothing special, but as it’s just for a night’s sleep with and another driving day tomorrow, it’s perfect. There is an ALDI supermarket opposite to pick up some fresh croissants for breakfast.

Day 2-7: Camping Vaubarlet, Auvergne

Driving time: 5 hours 40 mins Read our review of Camping Vaubarlet

playground

This is a great site for families who love nature as it’s set in a peaceful wooded valley in the south of the Auvergne. Very popular with Dutch families, it’s a small parc with a pool, kids club, and bouncy castle. But the highlight was playing in the stream that ran alongside the campsite. There are some cycling and hiking tracks around, but this is is the place to sit back at relax and let the kids have fun.

Day 8-11: Camping Le Haras, Western Mediterranean

Driving time: 5 hours Read our review of Camping Le Haras

Camping le Haras swimming pool

This region of France does get busy during the summer, but this parc is a peaceful oasis from the hustle and bustle, with Catalan-style buildings surrounded by exotic trees. We absolutely loved the vibe of this campsite, and dinner at the onsite restaurant when a local band is playing is a must.

Close by is in the small town of Palau where you can watch glassmakers at work. We loved exploring the nearby beaches ( Le Racou was our favourite) and nearby Collioure is just beautiful (get there early).  There is so much to do in the region and we really could have stayed longer.

Day 12-16: Camping Gavín, Spanish Pyrenees

Driving time: 5 hours Read our review of Camping Gavín

swimming pool at Camping Gavin

The views and facilities of this campsite are very impressive. You are right in the heart of the Spanish Pyrenees. However, pitches are very small and it’s gets very loud and busy in the summer holidays. We have since learnt that this is typical of many Spanish campsites.

Just a 15 minute drive away is the cable car from Panticosa where you’ll find some fantastic hiking trails. Kids will also love the high ropes in the nearby village, at Biescas Aventura .

If you want to explore more of Spain from this point, check out our Northern Spain road trip itinerary .

Day 17-20: Camping Lou P’tit Poun, Biarritz region

Driving time: 3 hours Read our review of Camping Lou P’tit Poun

swimming pool

Kids stay for free at this spacious site in the Basque country. It’s just a stone’s throw away from the foothills of the Pryenees, incredible beaches, and lively Bayonne. What a great location! It’s also a peaceful site, even in August (we couldn’t believe how quiet it was!), and there’s a free local shuttle bus from the site entrance to the beach at Ondres-Plage, although there’s also a dedicated cycle path you can follow.

Biarritz is also just a 30 minute drive away, but arrive VERY early to secure a parking spot. Do be wary of the beaches in this region with little ones and the surf is big and the current strong.

Day 21-24: Domaine d’Oléron, Ile d’Oléron

Driving time: 4 hours Read our review of Camping Domaine d’Oléron

toddler swimming pool

Situated on the island of Oléron, accessible via a toll-free bridge from the mainland, this campsite has a great family atmosphere featuring a fantastic swimming pool and playground.

The island is much more understated than neighbouring and fashionable Île de Ré and boasts much better beaches. Having now visited both islands, we prefer Île d’Oléron. There are bike tracks criss-crossing the island, but it’s easy to drive around and find parking.

Day 25-29: Les Alicourts with Canvas Holidays, Loire Valley

Driving time: 4 hours 30 Read our review of  Les Alicourts

boys stood on sandy beach by lake

Although we love our tent, after 3.5 weeks of camping it was a treat to stay in a static mobile home, complete with hot showers, proper beds and an oven. This is the place if you want on tap entertainment for your kids and an easy holiday in the one place.  Stock up at the supermarket before you arrive as you may not wan to leave!

It’s brilliant fun for kids aged 4+, especially the waterpark, and the kids club is excellent.  The man made lake is a beautiful focal point and a you can hire pedaloes, canoes, and also bikes on site. If manage to tear the kids away there are some stunning family friendly chateaux in the region.

Day 30: Drive back to Calais

Driving time: 5 hours

30 days and over 3000km later, it’s time to return to Calais to catch the ferry back to England.

This road trip is tailor made for families with young kids, but if you’re looking for something different (perhaps visiting different locations, or if you have a different timescale), check out The Voyageurs Collection .

You may also like to read: Best family campsites in France Best Châteaux to visit in the Loire Valley with kids Top 10 tips for driving through France

These are the best scenic family road trips for families, from a parent and travel expert who's been to all 50 states.

  • I'm a travel expert, and I've been to all 50 states.
  • I love taking road trips with my family. We get to see a lot of different things on one trip.
  • These are my top three favorite routes for families traveling in the United States.

Insider Today

Road trips are the ultimate symbol of freedom, discovery, and the boundless beauty of the US. On many such trips with my family, it has not been just the destinations but also the journey that holds the magic; the open road itself becomes a vehicle for family memories and shared experiences.

Over my life, I've traversed all 50 states , both with my family while growing up and now with my husband and kids, and I've reveled in the splendor of countless scenic highways and breathtaking byways. As a travel expert, I believe these three incredible routes are the best if you're looking to go on an amazing road trip experience with your own family.

Cruise up (or down) California's Pacific Coast Highway

Family travelers looking for a truly magical journey need to look no further than the Pacific Coast Highway or California State Route 1. At about 650 miles, it's the longest route in California and the second longest in the US. Beginning in the charming seaside town of Dana Point, just outside Los Angeles, and winding up to San Francisco (or vice versa), this spectacular drive offers an endless array of jaw-dropping coastal vistas, sun-soaked beaches, and must-see stops.

As you travel north to Santa Barbara, stop at the Santa Barbara Zoo and take in unobstructed sunset vistas at Ellwood Mesa. Continue to San Luis Obispo, where you can choose from 65 hiking trails, explore the children's museum, or stroll through the infamous Bubblegum Alley. And don't miss out on other notable destinations like Big Sur, the charming seaside town of Carmel-by-the-Sea and its crescent-shaped beaches and storybook-like architecture, or Monterey, home to the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium .

Once you reach San Francisco, take an exciting ride on the city's famous cable cars. Then visit the California Academy of Sciences, an all-in-one planetarium, aquarium, and natural history museum in Golden Gate Park. And no matter how often you visit San Francisco , you must visit the Golden Gate Bridge, on foot or at vantage points like Battery Spencer or Fort Point.

Travel the Blue Ridge Parkway from Virginia to North Carolina

The Blue Ridge Parkway, affectionately known as "America's Favorite Drive," meanders nearly 500 miles through Virginia and North Carolina. Connecting Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this scenic route boasts 272 magnificent overlooks and more than 100 hiking trails , including the famed Crabtree Falls.

Roanoke, the largest city along the Parkway, offers families a multitude of outdoorsy activities, like mountain biking at Explore Park and hiking to the famous Roanoke Star in Mill Mountain Park. A bit farther south, near Meadows of Dan, VA, my family had a wonderful time at Primland Resort. We stayed in one of its 22 spacious lodge suites; they also offer unique treehouses and villas, an observatory for stargazing, guided nature walks, thrilling ATV rides, and a fun-filled game room .

Near the end of the Parkway lies the mountain town of Asheville, which is close to several family-friendly hiking trails , including Graveyard Fields. There, my family enjoyed panoramic viewpoints, toured the iconic Biltmore Estate, and visited the River Arts District, Asheville Museum of Science, and North Carolina Arboretum.

The centrally located Grand Bohemian Asheville, located next to the Biltmore Estate, is ideal for exploring the city's bustling downtown area, which is known for its arts, crafts, and delicious local cuisine. The region also has several excellent glamping options, including the cabins at Asheville Glamping.

Take a road trip through Arizona

From majestic mountains to captivating canyons, Arizona's glorious scenery cannot be fully realized by visiting just one destination. You must explore it through the open road. Start your journey in the Phoenix area, which has an abundance of kid-friendly attractions, like Legoland Discovery Center, Butterfly Wonderland, and the i.d.e.a. Museum.

As you venture just two hours north, stop in Sedona to explore the vibrant art scene and mesmerizing red rock formations. Admire the area's stunning beauty on a thrilling Pink Jeep Tour , and retire to campgrounds like Chavez Crossing RV Park and Rancho Sedona RV Park. Another economical accommodation option is the two-bedroom suites at Los Abrigados Resort and Spa. Families looking to splurge should stay at the Enchantment Resort in Boynton Canyon for relaxation and endless family-friendly activities, including hiking, stargazing, and cultural activities at Camp Coyote.

Spend several days exploring the west, north, and south rims of the Grand Canyon, marveling at panoramic vistas at the Skywalk at Grand Canyon West, and kid-friendly hiking trails, like the 1.8-mile South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point. For a rush of adrenaline, set out on a whitewater rafting excursion with companies like Advantage Grand Canyon.

To make the most of your time, pitch a tent at one of six campgrounds within Grand Canyon National Park, reserve an RV spot at Trailer Village, or stay at one of the nearby hotels like El Tovar Hotel, Under Canvas Grand Canyon, and the historic Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams, where you can take a fabulous train ride to the canyon's South Rim.

Last but certainly not least is a trip to Page, where short hikes lead to the marvelous Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. Families can also take a boat cruise on Lake Powell and visit the Glen Canyon Dam.

summer camping road trip

Watch: THE TESLA ROAD TRIP — We try to see the Grand Canyon but there's not a Supercharger station in sight

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BLOG , CAMPING , Destinations , Europe , Iceland , Road Trips · October 24, 2021

  • The Ultimate Iceland Summer Road Trip Itinerary

This post is also available in: Nederlands

Are you trying to plan an epic Summer road trip to Iceland ? But no idea where to start or how many places you can visit in one day? Well, I am very happy to say that I’ve got you completely covered!

So far I’ve visited Iceland three times and every single time I went on a road trip with a camper. It’s an adventurous way to discover the island but I also know that it’s not for everyone. That’s why besides the best camp sites in Iceland I also included some of the most unique stays in Iceland .

This itinerary will lead you through the most insane landscapes, past dozens of waterfalls and it will also take you deep into the Icelandic Highlands . This Iceland road trip guide will cover nearly every part of the ring road and if you want you can even add a couple more days so you can cover even more of this stunning island.

This road trip guide will cover every day step by step and location by location. But that’s not all. I will also tell you everything that you need to know about driving in Iceland and how to stay safe on the road!

The Ultimate Iceland Summer Road Trip Itinerary

☀️ Why you should visit Iceland in the Summer

My favorite time to visit Iceland is definitely the Summer months of June, July or August . The days are longer, the temperatures are a little less icy and Icelandic nature is at its absolute best! Visiting Iceland during the Summer months is for if you want to:

  • Go on a whale watching tour
  • Explore the Icelandic Highlands
  • Go on adventurous hikes
  • See the world famous purple lupin fields
  • See puffins in their natural habitat
  • See the midnight sun

The Ultimate Iceland Summer Road Trip Itinerary

🇮🇸 Some strange and interesting facts about Iceland

  • Many Icelanders believe in elves and trolls and that they reside within the Highlands of Iceland .
  • You can swim outdoors in hot springs all year round.
  • There’s no McDonald’s in entire Iceland.
  • There are more than 30 volcanic regions scattered throughout the country.
  • Over 10% of the country is covered in glaciers.
  • The country has no train or railway system.
  • The longest word found in Icelandic is: vaðlaheiðarvegavinnuverkfærageymsluskúraútidyralyklakippuhringur.
  • Iceland has been chosen multiple times as the best place to live as a woman.

The Ultimate Iceland Summer Road Trip Itinerary

✈️ Getting into Iceland

The easiest way to reach Iceland is to  fly to Keflavik Airport  which lies on the Reykjanes peninsula. A ton of international airlines have a stop over in Iceland and their own national air carrier  IcelandAir  offers a ton of daily flights from the USA and Europe.

Once you’ve arrived at the airport you can simply pick up your rental car or camper van and you’re good to go! If you’re planning on driving yourself you may want to watch out for the taxi’s outside of the airport. They tend to overcharge so you’re far better of taking one of the local busses to Reykjavik.

The Ultimate Iceland Summer Road Trip Itinerary

📲 Which apps to download before visiting Iceland in the Summer

  • Vedur  – An accurate Icelandic  weather app . Official warnings get updated automatically.
  • 112 Iceland  – An application for the  Icelandic Emergency Service
  • Hotpot  – The perfect website to scan for those hidden hot springs around the island!

💡  TIP  – Create your own travel map in Google Maps . I always save all of the locations that I want to visit on Google Maps and this way I can easily create a daily itinerary and see which places are located close to each other. To make your trip even more easy you. can also save the locations of the campsites in a different color. This way you have all of your travel information in one place and you can easily navigate from one place to the other.

How to get around Iceland

Where to rent your car or camper.

When doing a road trip around Iceland you’ll either need to rent a car or a camper. So far I’ve only traveled here with a camper and while it’s a little more adventurous than simply renting a car you’ll also have the most flexibility.

For my camper I always turn to Happy Campers . They rent fully-equipped campers with a bed, kitchen, space heater, and everything you’d need for your road trip. So far I’ve tested out their Happy 1, Happy 2 and Happy 4×4.

With this itinerary you’ll need the Happy 4×4 since you’ll be exploring the Icelandic Highlands.

If camping isn’t for you and you want to add a little more luxury to your trip by staying at local hotels then I suggest you rent a car with SunnyCars . They offer an excellent service and all of the insurances are included in the total price. So that means no hidden costs when you pick up your car!

The same goes here: if you want to be able to follow this entire itinerary make sure to book a 4×4.

What is driving like in Iceland

In general driving in Iceland is very easy and straight forward. There are just a couple of things that you need to know before embarking on your road trip but then you’re good to go.

  • Speed limit – The speed limit in Iceland varies from 30km/h up to 90km/h but never higher.
  • Ring Road – This is the main road that leads all around the island and is also referred to as Road 1.
  • F-roads – These are the unpaved mountain roads that will take you in and through the Icelandic HIghlands. You’re only allowed to drive on them during the Summer months and with a 4×4 vehicle.
  • Sheep – There definitely more sheep in Iceland than there are humans and they love to roam free and especially next to the road. If you spot them from the distance make sure to lower your speed cause they love nothing more than crossing the road when you get nearer.
  • Driver’s License – You don’t need an international driver’s license if you want to rent a car or camper in Iceland. Just bring your passport, credit card, and your driver’s license from your home country.
  • Off Road – It’s strictly forbidden to drive off road in Iceland. Don’t mistake driving on an F-road with driving off road. The F-roads are unpaved gravel roads and you can freely roam these with a 4×4. But driving off road in Iceland is illegal and will lead to high fines.
  • Headlights – Iceland has a unique law that requires you to keep your headlights on at all times.
  • Extreme weather – Iceland is known for its strong winds and yes you may encounter these during the Summer months as well. When parking your car make sure it faces the wind so that when you open your car door it can’t fly off.
  • Gas stations – Gas stations in Iceland are sparse so always make sure to fuel up before you start another long drive. Especially when you’re visiting the Highlands, make sure to fill up your gas tank cause there are no gas stations to be found in the Icelandic Highlands.
  • GPS – If you have international cell service you don’t need to add a GPS to your car rental service. Google Maps works really well in Iceland. Another option is to buy a local SIM card.
  • Wild Camping – Wild camping in Iceland with a camper is illegal and you should always use designated campsites.

The Best Hike In Landmannalaugar - The Mount Blahnukur Hiking Trail

🗺 The Ultimate 9 Day Iceland Summer Road Trip Itinerary

The Ultimate Iceland Summer Road Trip Itinerary

This Summer road trip in Iceland had been months, maybe even years, in the making. But every single time that nasty virus and all of the restrictions that came with it cancelled our plans. So when I heard that fully vaccinated travelers where welcome again in Iceland without having to quarantine I literally jumped for joy.

I told Christof we could start planning but oh well one day later I had already booked our flights… OOPS😬.

We would have 9 days to explore the most beautiful parts of the country! I really wanted to show Christof the highlights and my favorite places but I also wanted to explore new spots and discover some hidden gems.

A lot of research went into this itinerary but I am really happy with how it turned out and I know you will have an incredible time in Iceland if you follow it!

DAY 1 – Pick up your vehicle & hike to the Fagradalsfjall volcano

TOTAL DRIVING TIME – 1 HOUR

summer camping road trip

Our flight landed in Keflavik around 3pm but a lot of international flights actually arrive already in the morning! This means you’ll have plenty of time to pick up your car or camper, get settled and start your adventure in Iceland by going on an incredible hike .

We started our trip by picking up our 4×4 camper from Happy Campers . They offer a free shuttle service from and to the airport which is only 5 minutes driving from their base.

If you’re going for a rental car instead you can choose a 4×4 with SunnyCars and you can also choose if you prefer to pick it up at the airport or if you want a shuttle service to bring you to the car depot. Rental prices greatly depend on when you book your car and how in advance. You can currently already rent a 4×4 for less than €120/day for August next year!

If you’re traveling with a camper your next point of action will be to go and get groceries. Grocery shopping in Iceland can become expensive if you don’t know where to go.

BONUS and Kronan are the cheapest grocery stores and there’s a giant BONUS only 3 minutes driving from Happy Campers.

After stocking up on enough food and drinks it’s time to start the very first adventure of the week! Hiking up towards a viewpoint over an active volcano!

STOP 1 – FAGRADALSFJALL VOLCANO

The Fagradalsfjall volcano has remained active ever since its eruption in March 2021 and until this day it is still spewing lava. The start of the Fagradalsfjall hike is close to Grindavik on the Reykjanes Peninsula.

There are actually 3 different trails that lead to the volcano but only one of them has a good view over the active crater. While at the start of the eruption in March 2021 you had to follow hiking trail B, now  you have to follow hiking trail C which will lead you to two different viewpoints .

One of them is  viewpoint N  which offers a view over the massive lava field in the valley, the other one is  viewpoint L  which is higher up the mountain and will grant you a spectacular view over the crater.

The total hike distance to the viewpoint of the crater and back to the parking lot is 9km and you’ll probably spend 2 to 3 hours, depending on how many times you’ll stop to take photos.

Fagradalsfjall Hiking Trail - How To Visit The Active Volcano in Grindavik Iceland

📖 Fagradalsfjall Hiking Trail – How To Visit The Active Volcano in Grindavik Iceland

STOP 2 – BLUE LAGOON

If you still have some time left after your hike I highly recommend soaking and relaxing in the Blue Lagoon for a few hours.

It’s said that its water will nourish, heal and rejuvenate your mind and body. I really liked trying out one of their face masks and to indulge a little at the pool bar.

You can book your tickets for a visit to the Blue Lagoon here!

The Ultimate Iceland Summer Road Trip Itinerary

WHERE TO STAY

If you’re traveling by camper van the closest campsite is the one in  Grindavik . The facilities are clean and it’s only 15 minutes driving from the eruption site.

Price – 2000 ISK pp

  • Northern Light Inn  – This cute cottage style hotel is located in Grindavik and only 15 minutes away from both the eruption site as the Blue Lagoon.
  • Eyja Guldsmeden Hote l  – This stunning and originally decorated hotel is located right in the heart of Reykjavik and right next to its main shopping street.
  • Hotel Borg by Keahotels  – This hotel screams lavish luxury but is also understated with it’s black, white and grey design. It’s the perfect place to stay if you want a more luxurious start or end of your trip.

DAY 2 – Whale Watching & Driving to the Icelandic Highlands

TOTAL DRIVING TIME – 4U35

summer camping road trip

Day 2 of this Iceland Summer road trip is another one filled with epic adventures! First mission of the day is to drive towards Reykjavik and get some breakfast at Braud .

STOP 1 – WHALE WATCHING IN REYKJAVIK

Afterwards it’s time to head down to the harbor to Elding Whale Watching from where our tour will start! The tour takes 3 hours in total and within that time you can spot dolphins, different whale species and puffins! It took around 2 hours before we spotted our first whale but in the end we even saw one jumping up right next to our boat! Unfortunately I was 1 second too slow to capture this moment but the experience in itself was unforgettable.

There are several ways to spot whales from Reykjavik and I’ve listed my favorite ones below:

  • From Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour
  • Whale Watching from a luxury yacht
  • Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat

summer camping road trip

STOP 2 – HAIFOSS

Haifoss is with its 122 meters  one of the highest waterfalls in Iceland  and it’s located close to the Hekla volcano, at the very edge of the Highlands.

To get there  you don’t have to drive on an official F-road  but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to be extremely careful if you’re not driving a 4×4. The gravel road leading up to the parking lot is very bumpy and your rental car is never insured against damage underneath the car. From the parking lot it’s only 5 minutes walking to reach one of the best viewpoints.

Haifoss is one of the most impressive and beautiful waterfalls in Iceland . And right next to it you’ll find another waterfall that only adds to the beauty of this canyon.

It’s often overlooked by tourists cause it’s a little more out of the way. When we were there, there were only a handful of other people.

💡 TIP  – You can also hike down into the canyon which I highly recommend. It will only add 1 hour to your total visiting time but you can actually get very close to Haifoss.

The 21 Most Beautiful Waterfalls In Iceland By Region

STOP 3 – SIGÖLDUGLJUFUR

Sigöldugljufur is one of those incredible hidden gems in Iceland that actually looks even better in real life! Located in the heart of the Highlands this canyon is filled with  some of the bluest water I have ever seen and has waterfalls as far as the eye can see .

You’ll first take the  F26  and then the  F208 . Both are unpaved gravel roads but the part right before you arrive at Sigöldugljufur is extremely bumpy. So be cautious when driving here.

The 21 Most Beautiful Waterfalls In Iceland By Region

STOP 4 – LJÓTIPOLLUR

Ljótipollur is  an explosion crater and crater lake  in the south Highlands. Its name means ‘Ugly Puddle’, despite the fact that it’s an incredible beautiful site. It is part of the Veiðavötn volcanic area.

The Ultimate Iceland Summer Road Trip Itinerary

STOP 5 – LANDMANNALAUGAR

We won’t be exploring Landmannalaugar yet this evening but we will spend the night here and prepare for an amazing hike tomorrow morning! To reach the Landmannalaugar camp site you’ll have to ford two small rivers but they’re not that deep and it goes pretty smooth. But this is one of the reasons why you need a 4×4 when driving in the Icelandic Highlands.

If you’re doing a self-drive tour of Iceland it’s best to stay at the  official Landmannalaugar campsite . It’s by far one of the most scenic campsites in entire Iceland and it’s also the starting point for all of the nearby hiking trails, including the Mount Blahnukur Hiking Trail .

The  Iceland Touring Association  (FÍ in Icelandic) offers visitors a hut for those planning to stay comfortably in Landmannalaugar. This  hut has a total capacity to fit up to 78 people  on a two-story cozy building. Don’t forget to bring your sleeping bag (and extra bedding if needed) as only a standard mattress will be provided at the hut.

Due to the increasingly high number of tourists each year, booking a spot in the mountain hut in advance has become mandatory.   You can find more information on all of the available mountain huts and their capacity here .

The Best Hike In Landmannalaugar - The Mount Blahnukur Hiking Trail

DAY 3 – Rainbow Mountains & Waterfalls

TOTAL DRIVING TIME – 3U50

summer camping road trip

Time to rise and shine early because today is a very busy day! From going on an incredible hike to road tripping passed several of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland! This day is filled with fun adventures!

STOP 1 – HIKE MOUNT BLAHNUKUR

Landmannalaugar is without a doubt  one of the most beautiful regions in entire Iceland . It’s known for its rhyolite and rainbow colored mountains and as the starting point for the world famous Laugavegur Trail. The latter is a 4 day hike that will take you through the Highlands of Iceland and that ends at Thorsmork.

The colorful region can be found  nestled beside the raven-black Laugahraun lava field , a sweeping expanse of dried magma which originally formed in an eruption in 1477. Landmannalaugar is especially known for its natural geothermal hot springs, hence its name the  People’s Pools , and surrounding landscape.

The start of the hike is pretty straight forward and begins from the campground. All you have to do is follow the yellow arrows. You’ll soon end up in front of a black mountain, this is mount Blahnukur. The trail leading up to the top is rather steep but I promise you that the climb is so damn worth it!

The total hiking distance is 6.1km and will grant you a 360° view over this amazing area!

summer camping road trip

STOP 2 – VIK

Time to drive out of the Highlands again and continue this Iceland Summer road trip along the Icelandic ring road. The best road to take to get out of the Highlands from Landmannalaugar is F208. Vik is a small town on the South Coast of Iceland and the best view can be found high above it’s pretty red church.

The Ultimate Iceland Summer Road Trip Itinerary

STOP 3 – REYNISFJARA

Reynisfjara is  a beautiful coastline  made up completely of black sand, black pebbles, sea carvings and basalt columns. It’s the perfect place to take some cool photos but when you do please be mindful of the waves. These are sneaker waves and every year people die because they get caught and get pulled to the sea to drown.

So whatever you do, don’t go swimming or get even too close to these crazy waves.

💡 TIP – Watch your car doors when getting out of the car cause this. isone of the windiest places in entire Iceland!

The Ultimate Iceland Summer Road Trip Itinerary

STOP 4 – KVERNUFOSS

This is  one of those beautiful  hidden gems in Iceland  and one that you can easily get to with the right directions. Drive to the Skogar Museum where you can leave your car on the parking lot. On the right side of the museum you’ll see a fence and a little further there’s an iron ladder which you may use to go over it. All you have to do now is follow the trail that leads you into the canyon.

When we went we were the only ones there and it was such a refreshing experience compared to the crowds at both Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Kvernufoss is also a waterfall where you can walk behind so better keep that rain coat on if you’re planning on doing so.

The 21 Most Beautiful Waterfalls In Iceland By Region

STOP 5 – SKOGAFOSS

Skógafoss is one of the widest waterfalls in Iceland and on a sunny day you can almost always see a single or double rainbow between 10am and 12pm. By the time you’ll get here it will already be early evening which means the big crowds have already left!

Make sure to also climb up the stairs next to Skogafoss to get an aerial view and close up view over this stunning waterfall.

The 21 Most Beautiful Waterfalls In Iceland By Region

STOP 6 – SELJALANDSFOSS

Seljalandsfoss is one of the most touristic and most visited places in Iceland but it’s a must visit if this is your first time visiting Iceland!

It’s right of the ring road and the parking lot is right in front of it so you pretty much can’t miss it. There’s also a camping site located just a little further down the road.

The good thing about this itinerary is that this is our last stop of the day and when we arrived around 8pm there was almost nobody else there.

The 21 Most Beautiful Waterfalls In Iceland By Region

There are several options to spend the night with your camper. You can stay at the campsite right next to Seljalandsfoss. Or you can already start driving back a little and spend the night at the campsite in front of Skogafoss. You can even drive all the way back to Vik if you’re up for it. The closer you get the Vik, the less long you’ll have to drive tomorrow morning to reach our next stop on this Iceland Summer road trip itinerary.

Price – 1600 ISK pp

💡 TIP – If you have an extra day and you enjoy hiking I highly recommend you to do the Skógá Trail . I had it marked for our own itinerary but in the end we didn’t have the time for it. This hike starts at the top of the Skogafoss waterfall and will lead you passed 28 more waterfalls!

  • The Garage – Wake up surrounded by. themost beautiful scenery of mountains and waterfalls. The Garage Apartments are located right between Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss and the perfect place to spend the night.
  • Hotel Kria – This modern hotel in Vik opened in 2018 and is a real treat thanks to its stunning location and its finger licking breakfast which is included in the price.
  • Vik Cottages – If you’re looking for a cute and more quaint stay then you’ll love this place. The cottages provide a very secluded and private feel with remarkable mountain views. You also have access to the main property for breakfast and dining at the on-site restaurant. 

DAY 4 – Explore Thakgil & National Parks

TOTAL DRIVING TIME – 4 hours

summer camping road trip

Today we’ll be exploring a true hidden gem in Iceland ! And to do so it’s time to lace up those hiking boots again and if you have them bring your trekking poles as well. You may thank me later!

STOP 1 – THAKGIL

Thakgil, also known in Icelandic as  Þakgil , is a one of a kind place in the south of Iceland. Arriving here felt like a breath of fresh air after facing all of the crowded and more touristic places on the Ring Road close by.

Typical for Thakgil are the  steep, mossy walls  and the many canyons. And compared to the immensely popular Fjadragljufur canyon you can actually roam around freely here.

There are several beautiful hiking trails to be discovered in Thakgil . We completed one of them and it was amazing!

The Remundargil Loop is a 12.5km hiking trail that will take you through a canyon, alongside a ravine, in front of a waterfall and next to a glacier! It’s a pretty strenuous hike but totally worth the effort!

The Best Thakgil Hiking Trail - Discover The Remundargil Canyon And Thakgil Campsite

📖 The Best Thakgil Hiking Trail – Discover The Remundargil Canyon And Thakgil Campsite

STOP 2 – SVINAFELLSJOKUL GLACIER

This beautiful glacier is an absolute must visit! A short hiking trail will lead you straight towards it and in some parts you are standing right in front of it. Its icy blue color provides a beautiful contrast but when we were there a lot of the ice was also covered in black dust.

Apparently this happens when it hasn’t rained in a long time which definitely was the case this past Summer in Iceland. Nevertheless it’s a fun and easy place to explore!

summer camping road trip

STOP 3 – SVARTIFOSS

Svartifoss is one of those iconic waterfalls in Iceland that you simply have to see to believe.  It’s surrounded by rows and rows of basalt columns  and a true sight to behold!

When we visited Svartifoss we actually stayed at the nearby campsite  Skaftafell . From here the hiking trail starts towards Svartifoss and on your way there you’ll encounter two other waterfalls as well. The hike is 1.5km and goes up at a steady incline. At times it can. get a little steep but for most parts the ground is covered with hardened plastic to prevent you from slipping too much.

The Ultimate Iceland Summer Road Trip Itinerary

The last stop today is located right next to the Skaftaffel campground. It’s the ideal place to park your camper and spend the night!

Price – 1500 ISK pp

  • Klettasel – This is the perfect place if you’re in need of some privacy. This modern villa is beautifully located and has 3 bedrooms so perfect if you’re traveling with a bigger family or a group of friends!
  • Fosshótel Glacier Lagoon – This modern hotel is the perfect luxury escape and all of the suites are equipped with large panoramic windows.

DAY 5 – A Hidden Canyon, Ice & The Misty Mountain

TOTAL DRIVING TIME – 5U30

summer camping road trip

Today will be a lot of driving but every single location that you’ll visit today is epic as hell so it’s totally worth it. Then again, I believe everything in Iceland is totally worth it! Let’s start by going on a very secret hike to a very secret canyon!

STOP 1 – MULAGLJUFUR CANYON

There are some places in Iceland that seem too good to be true and the Múlagljúfur Canyon definitely is one of these. Imagine green mossy cliffs, birds flying through the mist, a canyon so deep that it could perfectly serve as a dragons lair and a waterfall coming straight out of a mountain. It’s not hard to see why this is  one of the best day hikes in Iceland !

In contrary to many other places in the south of Iceland  you won’t find a single sign leading you towards the Múlagljúfur Trail . All that’s there is a small gravel road to the left that will lead you to a small parking space. The turn off is only 5 minutes away from Fjallsarlon Glarcier Lagoon and if you have  Google Maps   mark this location . This is where you’ll find the gravel road that will lead ytou from the Ring Road to the start of the Múlagljúfur Hiking Trail.

The total hiking distance is 7.6km and it will take an average of 2 hours to complete the entire trail. But if you’re like me make it 3 hours cause I literally stopped every 5 minutes to take photos and ended up admiring the scenery for more than an hour.

Hiking to Múlagljúfur Canyon - A Hidden Gem in Southern Iceland

📖 Hiking to Múlagljúfur Canyon – A Hidden Gem in Southern Iceland

STOP 2 – FJALLSARLON

This magnificent glacier is now one of my all time favorite places in entire Iceland!

Imagine this: you drive up to the parking lot to see it empty. You start a small hike up the hill and then you see it. A glacier so beautiful it actually brought tears to my eyes! I can’t emphasize enough on how magical this place actually is. It’s what I call: Iceland at it’s very best.

summer camping road trip

STOP 3 – GLACIER LAGOON

Jökulsárlón, also known as Glacier Lagoon is located close to Fjallsárlón but definitely worth a visit. It’s one of the top attractions in Southern Iceland and one of the most beautiful stops on this 12 day road trip around Iceland. At Jökulsárlón  you can walk around the lagoon as far as you like , take a boat tour, grab a bite to eat, or use the restrooms.

The Ultimate Iceland Summer Road Trip Itinerary

STOP 4 – DIAMOND BEACH

You can find Diamond Beach right next to Jökulsárlón and this is where the ice washes up to the coastline. The icebergs against the black sand make for the perfect contrast and photograph opportunity. The amount of ice you find on this beach depends on how much ice has fallen off the glacier recently, the current  t ide cycle, etc. Because of this, some people will find a beach completely covered in ice, while others might find almost no ice at all.

The Ultimate Iceland Summer Road Trip Itinerary

STOP 5 – VESTRAHORN

Our final stop of the day before we head to our next camp site is Vestrahorn, also known as  Stokksnes . It’s the perfect place to watch the sunset but you do have to be a bit lucky with the weather. Vestrahorn loves to cover itself in the clouds but it’s always worth it top wait some time cause in Iceland the weather can clear up very fast. The entrance fee is 800 ISK but it’s well worth it! You’ll get to see one of the most iconic mountains in entire Iceland and you get to visit a viking village, which was formerly used as a film set.

💡 TIP – This area of Iceland is often completely covered in clouds and so far I still haven’t seen the mountain in real life… and I’ve been three times. If you can’t see any mountain peaks at the entrance don’t bother paying 800 ISK cause you’ll end up seeing nothing.

STOP 6 – SEYDISFJORDUR

Seydisfjordur is often called one of the most beautiful towns in entire Iceland. It’s teeny tiny but it is indeed very beautiful and especially known for its rainbow street and light blue church.

💡 TIP – Have dinner at Kaffi Lára El Grillo Bar! Their spare ribs are to die for!

The Ultimate Iceland Summer Road Trip Itinerary

The Seydisfjordur Camping Site is your best option here. When we arrived we actually couldn’t really find the entrance of the camp site and being super tired we slept on the parking of the local grocery store :p. Not perfect but it also worked.

  • Hotel Aldan – If you’re looking for a unique stay look no further! At Hotel Aldan you’ll stay in a former bank building and an old post office!
  • Lónsleira Apartments – These cute apartments are located in the centre of Seydisfjordur and even come with an outside barbecue!

DAY 6 – Exploring the East Fjords & The Biggest Waterfall in Europe

TOTAL DRIVING TIME – 6U30

summer camping road trip

STOP 1 – KLIFBREKKUFOSS

Klifbrekkufoss was by far the biggest surprise to us! Tucked away in one of the Eastern fjords this beautiful waterfall completely blew us away.

The best part is that it’s actually super easy to reach! Simply drive down the road and park your car in the designated parking space. One thing you do have to keep in mind is that the top of the fjord can be extremely clouded and you’ll be driving through thick fog. So take it slow and be careful on your way down.

Klifbrekkufoss is absolutely stunning! It’s not necessarily the biggest waterfall in Iceland but all of the different layers make it look like something out of a fairytale.

The Ultimate Iceland Summer Road Trip Itinerary

STOP 2 – HENGIFOSS

When I first saw a photograph of Hengifoss I couldn’t believe my eyes. It looked like something from another planet. The waterfall cuts right through the mountain which is why you can clearly see the vibrant colors of all the different earth layers.

There’s a big parking lot at the bottom and a big part of the hiking trail is covered with hardened plastic. From the parking lot it’s a 2.5km hike and for your visit you have to calculate in 2 hours. On your way to Hengifoss you’ll first encounter another beautiful waterfall called Litlanesfoss.

The Ultimate Iceland Summer Road Trip Itinerary

STOP 3 – STUDLAGIL

The Studlagil canyon is one of Iceland’s latest discoveries cause a few years ago you couldn’t even see this canyon.

Unfortunately it’s also becoming more and more popular every single year! There are two parking lots but it’s only from the one on the East Side that you can access the canyon itself.

The other parking lot on the West Side will grant you access to a viewing platform.

From the East side parking lot, which is right next to a waterfall, it only takes the 40 minutes to reach the actual canyon!

The Ultimate Iceland Summer Road Trip Itinerary

STOP 4 – DETTIFOSS

Dettifoss certainly is impressive with it’s 100 meters width and it has the greatest volume of any waterfall in Europe (500 cubic meters of water pour down every second).  Therefore you can call it the most powerful waterfall in Europe ! It’s located about half an hour driving from the ring road and a little before lake Myvatn.  

You can actually visit Dettifoss from both sides! The Western parking lot is the most famous one and will grant you the view over this powerful waterfall that you can see below. From the East side the hike towards the waterfall is a little more adventurous but you can get a lot closer to it.

The Ultimate Iceland Summer Road Trip Itinerary

STOP 5 – SELFOSS

Selfoss is located in the North of Iceland and is actually  within walking distance from Dettifoss .

ust like with Dettifoss you can visit Selfoss from both sides. So far I’ve only visited the West side but I think the East side might be even a little more spectacular. After visiting Dettifoss simply follow the hiking trail back and instead. ofgoing to the parking lot keep on following. theriver until you reach Selfoss.

The 21 Most Beautiful Waterfalls In Iceland By Region

STOP 6 – LAKE MYVATN

The stunning lake Myvatn is a beautiful sight to behold and definitely worth a closer lake. However if you want to go swimming/soaking in hot water then this lake isn’t the option for you. Then you have to go to the  Myvatn Nature Baths . The spa is open all year round and it costs 5700 ISK to enter.

💡 TIP – Have dinner at Gamli Bærinn and order their signature burger! You won’t regret it!

The Ultimate Iceland Summer Road Trip Itinerary

You can stay at Camping Myvatn right next to the lake but I advise you to go a little higher up the hill and stay at Camping Hlid. The Northern part of Iceland goes hand in hand with an enormous amount of small flies in the Summer months.

It’s something I hadn’t experienced before cause the last time that I was here was in the Winter. Right next to. the lake chances are very high that you’ll be eaten alive by these small flies.

  • Icelandair Hotel Myvatn – This hotel is located right next to lake Myvatn and is the perfect place to add a touch of luxury to your trip! Make sure to have a drink in their cocktail bar.
  • Hotel Laxa – This modern hotel offers both standard rooms and lake view rooms. With comfortable minimalistic rooms and delicious breakfast included, Hotel Laxa is sure to meet your needs for a satisfying stay in the Myvatn area.

DAY 7 – The Best Waterfalls & Kerlingarfjöll

TOTAL DRIVE TIME – 8U15

summer camping road trip

I know what you’re thinking… Are you freaking kidding me with that driving time???!! I know, it’s a little extreme for one day and if you’re really not up for it you can skip the stop at the Kolugljufur Canyon and save yourself 2 hours of driving.

STOP 1 – GODAFOSS

Welcome to Godafoss, otherwise known as  the waterfall of the Gods . And honestly, it’s not hard to see why! Godafoss is the waterfall that keeps on giving due to its grandeur.

Godafoss can also be visited from both sides which I highly recommend doing. And unlike with Dettifoss and Selfoss you don’t have to drive 1 hour to reach the other side. You can just cross a pedestrian bridge and you’re there! On the left side you can also hike down which you should definitely do as well!

summer camping road trip

STOP 2 – ALDEYJARFOSS

Aldeyjarfoss is located along F26, one of the most dangerous F-roads in entire Iceland. But not. to worry, the part leading towards this particular waterfall is still okay and doesn’t contain any river crossings. It is however very rocky and bumpy and may only be reached with a 4×4. There’s a small parking lot and from there you simply hike down to the waterfall.

The waterfall is surrounded by the black columns look absolutely insane and if you’re very lucky you’ll even see a small pool at the bottom. When I was there it had been too dry the last couple of weeks but otherwise it’s definitely worth checking out.

The 21 Most Beautiful Waterfalls In Iceland By Region

STOP 3 – KOLUGLJUFUR

This gorgeous canyon is hidden away from the ring road and doesn’t even require a 4×4 to get to. On the other side you’ll see a 2 drop waterfall that especially during sunrise creates the most magical view.  

Kolugljúfur is only 20 minutes driving from the ring road and there’s a parking lot on both sides which are connected by a small bridge that you can drive over.

The 21 Most Beautiful Waterfalls In Iceland By Region

STOP 4 – KERLINGARFJOLL

Kerlingarfjöll is  one of the most precious natural attractions  in Iceland and is located in the central Highlands. It’s part of an active volcanic system and is home to one of Iceland’s most  impressive geothermal areas .

The hills are a brown, nearly orange color and also made out of  rhyolite , the same substance as the mountains in Landmannalaugar. It’s this rhyolite that gives them this rusty look and in between, the hills are sprinkled with vivid colors of blue, green, red and yellow. Then add the massive amount of steam coming straight from the ground and the bubbling hot springs spread throughout the area and you know you’ll be in for a treat.

Kerlingarfjöll is accessible via road F35, also called the  Kjölur Route  or Kjalvegur, from both North and South Iceland. The F35 is  one of the best maintained F-roads on the entire island  and from where you should drive inland totally depends on your itinerary.

There’s not a single river crossing along the entire F35 and only the last part that leads to the Kerinlingarfjöll Mountain Resort and the Hveradalir Parking is very bumpy and rocky.

How To Visit Kerlingarfjöll And The Hveradalir Geothermal Area In One Day

📖 How To Visit Kerlingarfjöll And The Hveradalir Geothermal Area In One Day

The most convenient place to stay for your visit to the Hveradalir Geothermal Area is the  Kerlingarfjöll Mountain   Resort .

At Kerlingarfjoll they have a new building with 20 double rooms with made up beds and each room has a private WC and shower. Then there are 10 smaller chalets, each with one to four rooms, which they rent out for made up beds accommodation only. 

The campsite is large, nesting on natural grounds at the banks of the Ásgarðsá river. Guests staying in the sleeping bag facilities or the camp site have access to a kitchen facilities. The camping ground is for tents and Caravans.

You’ll have access to WC and cold water.  You don’t have to reserve or book at the campsite in advance . Simply show up, have a good time and enjoy the scenery in Kerlingarfjoll .

If you don’t wish to stay here but you want to be in close proximity to the site you can choose one of these hotels in the south of Iceland below.

DAY 8 – Golden Circle

TOTAL DRIVE TIME – 4u20

summer camping road trip

This last day we’ll slowly make our way back to the Reykjanes peninsula but first it’s time to visit the most beautiful places on the Golden Circle.

STOP 1 – GULLFOSS

Gullfoss is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland but also one of the most touristic ones.  It’s the main stop on the Golden Circle  and over the years it’s only grown in popularity.

The trail towards the waterfall is short and fenced off. If you park at the visitors centre you’ll also have to walk down a couple flights of stairs. You can walk all the way up to the waterfall and at the end of the trail you can get a little closer. It’s not allowed to go on the grass.

The Ultimate Iceland Summer Road Trip Itinerary

STOP 2 – STROKKUR

Strokkur is  the biggest geyser in Iceland and it shoots up hot water every couple of minutes . It’s one of the top attractions on the Golden Circle so don’t expect to be here alone. It’s one of the most touristic places in entire Iceland and there’s even a big shop located right next to it. However it remains a spectacular site to see.

If you have time to spare, walk the surrounding landscape draped in steam with holes of boiling water rumbling at every turn. Be careful as you explore, as the water is clearly a dangerous temperature and should be left to admire from an appropriate distance. 

Close by you’ll find another geyser named Geysir. However, unlike its close neighbor Strokkur, Geysir has remained inactive.

The Ultimate Iceland Summer Road Trip Itinerary

STOP 3 – BRUARFOSS

This cute little waterfall might not be the biggest one out there in size but it sure makes up for it in beauty. The more unknown Brúarfoss is actually also located on the infamous Golden Circle but because it takes 1 hour of hiking to reach it not a lot of people visit it. So if you want to go  a little bit off the beaten path in Iceland  I highly recommend adding a visit to Brúarofss to your list!

All you have to do is drive to the  official parking lot  and start following the trail along the river. There’s room for a little over 25 cars so try to arrive a little earlier in the day. The hike from the parking lot to Brúarfoss is 3.5km one way and is mostly on flat terrain. It’s an easy hike that you can also enjoy if you’re traveling with younger children.

On the way to Brúarfoss you’ll come across two other waterfalls and  the water is as blue in real life  as in the photograph below. There’s a bridge that serves as a viewing platform and across the river you can even hike down and get a little closer to the waterfall.

The Ultimate Iceland Summer Road Trip Itinerary

STOP 4 – KERID CRATER

Kerid crater lake is a 3,000 year old volcanic crater lake in South Iceland on the Golden Circle route. The lake itself is relatively shallow, between 7 and 14 meters depending on rainfall and other factors. The water is a unique and strikingly vivid aquamarine shade of blue.

Take an easy hike around Kerid crater and enjoy the spectacular view!

The Ultimate Iceland Summer Road Trip Itinerary

STOP 5 – THINGVELLIR NATIONAL PARK

Thingvellir National Park is our last stop on the Golden Circle and it’s an incredible place to visit if it’s your first time in Iceland. You can park your car at the  Öxarárfoss parking lot  and start walking from there. It was named  a UNESCO World Heritage Site  and marks the location of Iceland’s first parliament. But what makes this place truly unique is it’s s geography.

Thingvellir National Park is the site of  a great rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet . The plates are pulled ever so slightly apart more and more each year creating the  Silfra fissure , an area perfect for snorkeling enthusiasts. 

💡  FUN FACT  – Thingvellir National Park served as the backdrop for one of the more famous scenes in Game of Thrones where Littlefinger escorts Sansa to the Vale.

The Ultimate Iceland Summer Road Trip Itinerary

Depending on what time your flight is the next day you’ll either drop off the camper this evening or the next day.

If you’re only flying back in the evening you can even go and explore a little more the next morning!

DAY 9 – Fly Home

Depending on the time of your flight you can add a visit to the Sky Lagoon on your last day in the morning since they also have storage space for suitcases. However if you’re flying back to Belgium your flight will be at 7am in the morning.

🛣Iceland Road Trip Tips

Here you can find some useful tips that will ensure you have the best time on your road trip in Iceland.

  • Always have snacks on hand  – Often there isn’t a place to eat in plane sight, especially when you’re driving through the more rural parts of Iceland. Make sure you don’t go hungry during one of your hikes. I would even go as far that you buy your snacks at home and put them in your suitcase to save some money at the grocery store.
  • Mind your car doors when you open them  – The wind in Iceland can be brutal at times and it wouldn’t be the first time a car door flies off due to strong wind gusts. The image below show which way is best to park in case of strong winds.

summer camping road trip

  • Bring your camera  – I am not exaggerating when I say that there’s a beautiful photo opportunity every 100 meter in Iceland. Make sure to bring your camera to capture this one of a lifetime trip! If you need some inspiration you can read exactly  what’s in my camera bag .
  • Bring dryer sheets  – After sleeping and spending a lot of time in a camper van it can start to smell after a while which is completely normal. If you put a dryer sheet between the sofa it will always smell like fresh laundry.

💳 Currency & ATM’s in Iceland

The official currency in Iceland is the Icelandic Krona (ISK) and €1 equals ISK147. It’s not necessary to take out much cash upon your arrival cause you can pay nearly everywhere with your credit card of debit card.

The Ultimate Iceland Summer Road Trip Itinerary

📚 More Iceland Blog Posts

I have visited the land of ice and fire 3 times in 3 years and I loved adventuring and driving around the country.  On my blog you can find a ton of free resources to help you plan the perfect trip to this beautiful c ountry.

  • The 12 Most Unique And Cool Places To Stay In Iceland
  • 12 Best Tours In Iceland
  • 13 Crazy Beautiful Hidden Gems in Iceland
  • 15 Very Best Day Hikes In Iceland (Map Included)
  • 7 Best Places To Visit In The Highlands In Iceland – A Complete Travel Guide
  • Hiking to Múlagljúfur Canyon – A Hidden Gem in Southern Iceland
  • The 21 Most Beautiful Waterfalls In Iceland By Region
  • 2022 Fagradalsfjall Hiking Trail – How To Visit The Active Volcano in Grindavik Iceland
  • The Ultimate 2 Week Iceland Winter Ring Road Itinerary – Plan The Perfect Iceland Road Trip
  • 10 Reasons Why You Have To Visit Iceland in Summer
  • The Best Thakgil Hiking Trail – Discover The Remundargil Canyon And Thakgil Campsite
  • The Best Hike In Landmannalaugar – The Mount Blahnukur Hiking Trail
  • How To Visit Kerlingarfjöll And The Hveradalir Geothermal Area In One Day
  • Travelling with Happy Campers: an honest review.

summer camping road trip

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The Ultimate Iceland Summer Road Trip Itinerary

Charlotte Lint is the founder of Charlies Wanderings. Charlotte has traveled all over the world and is based in Belgium where she also owns her very own dental practice. She is an expert on writing efficient travel guides and finding unique places to stay. Every month she helps over 134.000 people discover the most beautiful places in the world through her detailed travel guides.

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Politics latest: Warning for Chancellor Jeremy Hunt as budget looms; George Galloway's election 'not a good day for the country'

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is facing warnings of real-term cuts to NHS funding worth £2bn in the coming financial year as he gears up to deliver Wednesday's budget in the House of Commons.

Tuesday 5 March 2024 09:05, UK

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  • Hunt warned of £2bn real-term cuts to NHS funding
  • 5p cut in fuel duty to be extended, Sky News understands
  • Galloway's by-election win 'not a good day for the country', minister claims
  • Target Town: The key constituency on the route to power
  • Budget 2023 : What to expect  | How to watch  | Why Hunt is willing to sacrifice public spending |  Podcast: Are tax cuts a vote winner?
  • Live reporting by  Faith Ridler

How much has your MP received in donations, earnings and gifts since the start of this parliament?

How much money has each of the political parties declared in donations?

What have All Parliamentary Party Groups received in benefits in kind?

And who are the sources of the money and resources that go into our political system?

The multi award-winning Westminster Accounts tool, created by Sky News and Tortoise Media, lets you explore all of those questions.

Use the quick start version below - toggle the drop down menu on the right to filter by donations, earnings and gifts - or head to the  full site  to explore in greater depth.

By Faye Brown , political reporter

The spring budget on 6 March is likely to be the last major fiscal event before the next general election, expected later this year.

The Tories have been hinting at further tax reductions in a bid to woo over voters as the party continues to languish behind Labour in the polls.

But as the country enters a recession, questions remain over whether there is enough so-called fiscal headroom in the Treasury's coffers to make such a move.

An income tax cut, a National Insurance cut, vape duty, fuel duty, help for first time buyers, ISA overhaul and child benefit reform have all been talked up in recent weeks.

Read more about what has been discussed below...

Jonathan Ashworth, the shadow paymaster general, has just claimed that this year's general election is "definitely coming in May".

He tells Sky News the Conservatives are "planning for May".

"My challenge today to Rishi Sunak is name that date."

To note, for a May election to take place, Mr Sunak would need to call the election towards the end of this month or the start of April.

The most likely date, if it will take place in May, is 2 May - the same day as the local elections.

However, Mr Sunak previously said it is his "working assumption" that the election will take place in the second half of 2024.

Jonathan Ashworth, the shadow paymaster general, has insisted that the general election will be a choice between Labour or the Conservatives.

He was asked about the election of Workers Party candidate in Rochdale, and whether the party could become a problem for Labour.

Mr Ashworth says: "I think in the end, at the next general election, the question will be, after 14 years of the Conservatives... I think it's time for change.

"I think fundamentally the debate in the next general election will be between Labour or Conservative.

"I think the issues in seats in Greater Manchester and elsewhere will be whether you want to continue with the Conservatives, whether you want to wake up to five more years of the Conservatives, or whether you want change.

"It's the Labour Party... who would bring that change."

Mr Ashworth adds that voting for other parties "is essentially a vote for the Conservatives".

He says: "If people want change, they will vote for Labour candidates to kick the Conservatives out."

Asked whether Labour could do a deal with Mr Galloway to kick Rishi Sunak out of Downing Street, Mr Ashworth says: "We don't do deals with people."

Home Secretary James Cleverly has hailed an agreement for closer global collaboration on tackling "evil" people smuggling gangs across Europe.

Mr Cleverly met with his European counterparts in the Calais Group yesterday to discuss the impact of these groups on illegal migration.

He said: "Smashing the evil people smuggling gangs requires global collaboration. 

"Yesterday in Brussels, I chaired a meeting of my European counterparts in the Calais group. 

"We agreed to closer co-operation in tackling illegal migration and breaking the gangs so we can stop the boats."

As the country gears up for the general election, Wednesday's budget may be the last before the voters go to the polls.

Hailed as "a budget to save the Tory party", speculation has been mounting that the chancellor will cut taxes as a last-ditch attempt to boost the Conservatives' plunging support.

To afford the move, funding to public services could be slashed - but Jeremy Hunt has insisted any cuts will be done "responsibly".

On the latest episode, Sophy Ridge looks ahead to the budget. She's joined by deputy political editor Sam Coates and pollster Scarlett Maguire to unpack whether cutting taxes really is the way to a Conservative election win.

Click to subscribe to the Sky News Daily wherever you get your podcasts

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt will extend a 5p cut in fuel duty in his pre-election budget on Wednesday, Sky News understands.

This move, which would be welcomed by motorists across the UK, would cost the Treasury around £5bn to implement.

The "temporary" fuel duty cut was introduced by Rishi Sunak in 2022, and was due to expire this month.

It was extended for 12 months in March 2023, and Mr Hunt looks set to do the same on Wednesday.

Other reports suggest Mr Hunt is considering a 2p cut in National Insurance, on top of the previous tax cut he made in the autumn statement.

When is the budget?

This budget is on Wednesday.

It is accompanied by economic and fiscal outlooks from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), the independent public finances forecaster.

What time is the announcement?

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt will deliver the budget statement in the House of Commons.

Before the announcement, the chancellor poses for the press with the red despatch box containing the budget papers.

The announcement usually starts directly after Prime Minister's Questions, so expect to see Mr Hunt on his feet around 12.30 or 12.40.

We're expecting him to speak for around an hour.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer will give his response as soon as the speech is over.

How can I watch and follow the announcements?

You can follow all the key announcements here in the Politics Hub.

You can also watch the event live on Sky News on Sky channel 501, Virgin 602, and Freeview 233.

If you want to watch on YouTube, watch the Sky News live channel here .

What is included in the budget?

The budget lays out the government's plans for raising and lowering taxes.

The chancellor will also speak on government plans for public spending, including on schools, health and defence.

The statement tends to start with a review of the nation's finances and its economic situation, moving on to the proposals for taxation.

You can read more here...

Business and trade minister Greg Hands said the election of Workers Party candidate George Galloway in Rochdale was "not a good day for the country".

He tells Sky News: "I've been an MP now for 19 years and I've seen George Galloway now represent three different constituencies, each time has let down those constituents and not been re-elected.

"But I think this is more a reflection on Keir Starmer rather than the government. 

"It is Keir Starmer and Labour that messed up in Rochdale by selecting a candidate who was shown to be saying quite a few extreme antisemitic things.

"So I think this is all on Keir Starmer.

"I think he messed up because this person should not have been selected in the first place."

Asked what he would say to Mr Galloway, Mr Hands says: "I'm not on speaking terms with George Galloway. I never have been."

He adds: "I think he's somebody who has an extremist view of the world."

And turning to the Rwanda policy, Mr Hands admits the scheme is not yet working as a deterrent for migrants hoping to cross the Channel.

"It's not currently deterring them", he says, adding that "in the future" it could.

The conversation with Greg Hands turns to the King, and whether he should apologise for his family's historic involvement in the slave trade.

He says: "I think these are matters for each person.

"It is actually the United Kingdom that abolished the transatlantic slave trade some 217 years ago. 

"It was actually the UK that was at the forefront of abolishing that trade, enforced by the Royal Navy.

"I think the better thing for us to do is to look forward to the future and to... make sure that our society remains cohesive."

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    8. Arizona Road Trip. 9. Route 66. Best RV Road Trips for Beginners. 1. PCH. Length of Route: Approximately 1,650 miles from Seattle, Washington to Los Angeles, California. Best Time of Year to Go: Spring/Summer/Fall.

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    Million Dollar Highway, Colorado. A top road trip destination in Colorado, The Million Dollar Highway is a 26-mile-long stretch between Silverton and Ouray. It's also one of the country's most stunning routes, with jaw-dropping views around its twists and turns that hug the edge of sheer cliffs.

  8. 10 Absolute Best Summer RV Destinations

    Summer is the best time to visit as it is the only season when you can count on warm, pleasant weather. A road trip around The U.P. made our list of the 10 best RV road trips in America. For RV camping, Straits State Park is a great place to start and end your U.P. road trip. Located right after the bridge onto the Upper Peninsula, the park has ...

  9. How to Plan The Perfect Family Camping Road Trip

    Here are a few of the big perks to taking a camping road trip with your family instead of the typical single-destination vacation: Educational - Stop at historic sites and museums to add a little learning to your trip. Saves Money - Campgrounds are very cost effective compared to hotels.You can even cook your meals at the campsite and save on meals at restaurant.

  10. 10 Best RV Road Trip Vacations for Families

    MAKE MEMORIES: 10 Best Places to Go with Kids This Year. Following your island adventure, set up basecamp at Cheboygan State Park on the sandy beaches of Lake Huron. Cheboygan offers RV sites as well as a teepee rental. 5. Best RV Road Trip Route for Multigenerational Groups.

  11. 10 Campervan Road Trips to take this Summer

    Stay at Iron Horse RV Resort and make your summer camping trip a breeze. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. ... Another great road trip destination in the other direction of Denver would be the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool. The largest hot springs pool in the world, it has been attracting guests since the 1800s who come to soak in its mineral ...

  12. 8 Best RV Destinations in the U.S. to Visit This Summer

    Key West, Florida, should definitely be on your list of great RV road trip destinations. Morguefile. 1. Florida. Florida is a fantastic road trip destination for RV travelers because of its mild weather, large variety of entertainment venues and abundance of campgrounds.

  13. Top 10 Places To Go Camping This Summer

    Here are 10 of the very best summer camping trips around, no matter where in the country you're starting from. 1. North-Central Florida. Where to camp: Florida Caverns State Park. Obviously, the sunshine state is a summery destination year-round, and for good reason. It's hard to argue with palm trees, ice-cold beer, and pristine beaches.

  14. 5 Great RV Road Trip Routes in the United States

    Route 66. 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 ...

  15. Ultimate Guide for an EPIC Alaska Road Trip [2024]

    An adventure filled Alaskan road trip with a side of camping and fishing for massive Alaskan salmon takes you back to a simpler time and place before iPhones, Snapchat and Instagram. Alaska feels permanently stuck in the eighties and it is the quaintest flashback to a simpler time and place. I will never in my life forget the Alaskan adventures ...

  16. 15 BEST USA Road Trips of a Lifetime 2023 (Photos + Maps)

    If you're interested in this road I recommend checking out our article on the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. 14. Natchez Trace Parkway. Location: Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, USA. Distance: 444 miles (715 km) Suggested Time: 5 days. Minimum Time: 1 day. Best Time of Year: October - November.

  17. 23 Incredible RV Vacations: Scenic RV Road Trips You Need to Take

    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.

  18. Planning the Perfect Tent Camping Road Trip

    The first major thing to consider when purchasing a tent for a camping road trip is how much space you need. If it is just going to be two people, a small tent can work. If you are taking a pet or kids with you, your tent needs to grow. Bonnie chilling out in front of our "big tent," the REI Hobitat 4.

  19. Camping Road Trip

    Find over 19,000 campgrounds RV parks and RV resorts, read campground, RV park and rv resort reviews. Read RV and camping tips and articles, connect and share on our camping and RV forums and Facebook and Twitter pages

  20. The Ultimate Western USA Road Trip Guide

    Introduction. The American west was made for road trips. We spent the better part of 10 weeks exploring this wonderland of big skies, open roads and small towns. Our early summer trek, first through the mountains and later along the coast, kept us in temperatures that peaked in the 70s. Such a difference from the summers of our recent past ...

  21. The ULTIMATE Summer Upper Peninsula Road Trip Guide

    Houghton to Copper Harbor. Copper Harbor to Ontonagon (Porcupine Mountains) Ontonagon to Manistique. Manistique to St. Ignace. More Upper Peninsula Summer Road Trip Inspiration. Michigan's Upper Peninsula is like no other place on earth. Sandwiched between three of the greatest lakes in the world, it's filled with peaceful forests ...

  22. France road trip itinerary for a summer of family camping fun

    This one month France road trip itinerary starts from Calais, and does a big loop down to the Spanish Pyrenees via the Auvergne and Perpignan, then back up again via Bayonne, Île d'Oléron, and the Loire Valley, returning to Calais.Accommodation is camping (either tent or camper) and geared toward families with young kids.A fantastic budget trip for the school summer holidays!

  23. Best Scenic Family Road Trips in the US, From Parent and Travel Expert

    These are my favorite scenic family road trips in the US for families, as a parent and travel expert, including hiking, camping, and museums. A vertical stack of three evenly spaced horizontal ...

  24. The Ultimate Iceland Summer Road Trip Itinerary

    DAY 2 - Whale Watching & Driving to the Icelandic Highlands. TOTAL DRIVING TIME- 4U35. Day 2 of this Iceland Summer road trip is another one filled with epic adventures! First mission of the day is to drive towards Reykjavik and get some breakfast at Braud. STOP 1 - WHALE WATCHING IN REYKJAVIK.

  25. Politics latest: Warning for Chancellor Jeremy Hunt as budget looms

    Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is facing warnings of real-term cuts to NHS funding worth £2bn in the coming financial year as he gears up to deliver Wednesday's budget in the House of Commons.

  26. Cabin trip, Summer camp aesthetic, Summer road trip

    Summer Road Trip. Cabin Activities. MADI. 135 followers. Comments. No comments yet! Add one to start the conversation. More like this. More like this. Surfer Aesthetic. ... Summer Camping Aesthetic. Couple Camping Pictures. Maybe Someday. Adventure Awaits. Colorado Summers. Camping in the rockies. Nicole Kauffman. 0:10. Floating Lanterns.