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Best RV Trips in the U.S.
By Andrea Agostni Ferrer MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
An RV trip is a great way to explore the U.S.’s diverse landscapes and cultural treasures at your own pace. You can map your own route, save money on lodging and take everything you need without the storage limitations of a car.
Check out some of the best RV trips and destinations in the U.S. and start planning your ideal route.
The Pacific Coast Highway
The Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1 and U.S. Route 101 combined) is one of the most iconic routes in the U.S., spanning from Washington to California. Along the route, you can capture breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, visit countless seaside towns, and hike mountainous coastal trails.
Visit the towns of Port Townsend, Sequim, and Port Angeles in Washington state or Olympic National Park.
There’s no shortage of scenic lookouts, beach towns and national parks along the Oregon section of the Pacific Coast Highway (known as the Oregon Coast Highway). Visit Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach, hike Oswald West State Park and tour Astoria, Newport or Lincoln City, some of Oregon’s must-see coastal towns.
Stop at Big Sur in California and take in its redwood forests and unforgettable waterfront. RV campgrounds with stellar amenities are available in San Diego and San Francisco, so you can explore the cities’ sights and attractions. Finally, stay in Crescent City for some of the best redwood trails in the Redwood National Park.
Driving the Pacific Coast Highway would take roughly two days if you drive without stopping, but set aside at least a week to rest, tour and thoroughly enjoy the trip.
Route 66
An RV trip along Route 66 promises 2,448 miles of nostalgia through the emblematic highway that connects Chicago and Los Angeles. This trip offers a unique blend of historic landmarks, diverse landscapes and well-known cities, making it a quintessential RV adventure.
The road passes through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona before ending in sunny California. Museums, ghost towns, cavern systems and a popular lake for divers and swimmers are just a few of the stopping points along the way.
You’ll need around two to three weeks to complete the entire route, depending on how many stops you make and how much time you spend exploring.
The Great Smoky Mountains
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a picturesque RV trip with lush forests, diverse wildlife and mist-covered mountains. Travelers can find RV accommodations in the following campgrounds: Cades Cove, Cataloochee, Cosby, Deep Creek, Elkmont, Look Rock and Smokemont.
The North Carolina side includes six recreational areas with diverse landscapes, including dense forests, various streams and waterfalls, and scenic lakeside views. RVers visiting the Tennessee side can access nine more natural wonders, including creeks, wildflower valleys and long parkways with panoramic views of the Smokies.
This park is bustling, especially during summer, and you will likely run into lots of RVers. Visit Recreation.gov to reserve your campsite in advance, and browse the National Park Service website to learn more.
The Grand Circle
The Grand Circle tour encompasses some of the most spectacular national parks in the Southwest, spanning Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah.
This RV trip includes six national parks, starting with Utah’s Mighty Five: Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, and Zion National Park. The sixth park is Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, home to the iconic Grand Canyon. The loop takes around two weeks, so take as many vacation days as possible to make the most of this trip.
New England Tour
The New England RV trip takes you through the country’s historic Northeast region: Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Travelers can explore historic towns such as Woodstock, Newport and Nantucket. Natural wonders include the Acadia National Park in Maine, White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire (via the Kancamagus Scenic Byway), Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont and the Cape Cod National Seashore in Massachusetts.
The trip may take two to three weeks if you want to visit the six states, but you can do a one-week itinerary focused on specific destinations.
Grand Teton National Park
Located just 10 miles from Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park showcases the dramatic mountain range, its grasslands and nearby lakes. Start by securing a spot at the Colter Bay RV Park, which provides full hookups and easy access to Jackson Lake.
Must-see attractions include the towering peaks of the Teton Range, Jenny Lake Trail, Snake River Overlook and more. Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy spotting moose, bears and bald eagles, particularly in the early mornings or late evenings. Consider taking the 42-mile Scenic Loop Drive to witness glaciers, historical structures and wildlife sightings, if you’re lucky.
RV Travel Tips
RV travel can evoke an exciting sense of independence and flexibility. That said, it calls for extra planning to ensure a smooth journey. Here are some essential tips:
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- Plan ahead: Popular RV destinations, especially national parks, can fill up quickly. Make reservations for campgrounds and RV parks well in advance. Travel planning apps such as RV Trip Wizard can help you map out your route and find the best campsites. Make sure you have any necessary park passes to avoid fines, and be aware of routes that are unsuitable for RVs.
- Limit the time you spend behind the wheel: Driving long distances is not only tiring but also dangerous without adequate rest — especially if you’re maneuvering a large vehicle. A good rule of thumb when driving long distances is the 3/3/3 rule: Drive no more than 300 miles a day, arrive no later than 3 p.m. at your destination, and stay for a minimum of three days.
- Know your RV: If you’re new to RVing, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the vehicle’s systems, especially the electrical, water and sewage systems. Practice driving and parking, and double-check that your RV is the right size for the campsites you want to visit and the roads you’ll travel on. Some RVs are too large for some roads, so you must take alternate routes.
- Pack smart: In addition to personal belongings, RV owners will need to pack bedding, kitchen and bathroom supplies, and equipment for any necessary repairs and adaptations on site. Bring a toolbox, extension cords, a power strip, leveling blocks, sewer hoses, a first-aid kit, and spare parts for minor repairs. RV rentals may offer additional amenities, so ask the rental company for a complete list.
- Get insurance: RV insurance is vital whether you rent or own your recreational vehicle. Your car insurance may cover the rental if it’s hitched to your vehicle. If that’s not the case, check in with the rental company to see available options. RV insurance can protect you from financial setbacks if you’re liable for an accident or property damage. If you have personal property coverage, it can also insure belongings stored inside the vehicle.
- Pack for your destinations: RV camping trips to parks with wildlife, such as Yellowstone and Grand Teton, warrant essential supplies like bear spray, bug spray, sun protection and appropriate outdoor gear. On the other hand, RVers driving through rural and coastal areas may only need to bring gear suitable for coastal weather and any recreational activities.
- Stay connected: Consider setting up a mobile hotspot or buying a Wi-Fi booster to stay connected in areas with poor signal. Offline maps and physical guidebooks are also handy if you unexpectedly go offline.
- Safety first: Check weather forecasts regularly and be prepared for emergencies. Before hitting the road, ensure that your RV’s brakes, tires and lights are in good condition.
Best RV Trips in the U.S. FAQs
How to rent an RV for a road trip?
Research rental companies such as Cruise America, Outdoorsy or RVshare to find a vehicle that suits your needs and budget. ‘“Recreational vehicle” is a broad term that encompasses several types of vehicles: motorhomes, fifth-wheel campers, toy haulers, travel trailers, tiny trailers and pop-up campers.
Once you know which RV is best for your trip, make a reservation well in advance, especially during high travel season, and ensure you understand the rental terms, including mileage limits and insurance coverage. Before hitting the road, thoroughly inspect the RV, familiarize yourself with its operations, and ask the rental company for a comprehensive walkthrough.
What to pack for an RV trip?
Packing for an RV trip requires thoughtful preparation. Bring essential items like bedding, towels, and kitchen supplies, including cookware, utensils and non-perishable food. Don’t forget RV-specific items such as leveling blocks, sewer hoses, water pressure regulators and power adapters.
Pack personal essentials like clothing, toiletries, a first-aid kit and any necessary medications as well as outdoor gear if you plan to explore natural areas. Finally, ensure you have entertainment options like books, games and internet access for downtime and emergencies.
How to plan an RV trip?
Planning an RV trip involves several key steps. Start by choosing your destination and researching RV-friendly campgrounds or parks. As you plan, consider road conditions, fuel stops, and places of interest along the way. Now that you’ve mapped out the route, make a packing checklist that includes RV-specific gear, park passes, personal items, outdoor equipment and any other items you may need for each destination. And before going on the road, check weather forecasts and prepare for any potential changes in conditions.
Summary of Money’s Best RV Trips in the U.S.
Rounding up the best RV trips in the U.S. into a neat list is a seemingly impossible task. The U.S. is brimming with beautiful destinations from coast to coast and traveling in an RV gives you the freedom to draft your own route. Here are a few must-see places to get you started:
- The Pacific Coast Highway
- Route 66
- The Great Smoky Mountains
- The Grand Circle
- New England Loop