RV road trips are more popular than ever. With travel bans and looming second waves, traveling in an RV might be your best option for now.
Before you head out on your RV trip, be sure to pack the essentials like a map, snacks, and card games. And don’t forget to budget for your trip, including fuel and camping fees.
1. Disney World
Known as the most magical place on earth, Disney World is a must-see for many traveling families. This vacation requires a lot of pre-planning and reservations as most RV parks near Disney are fully booked well in advance. RVnGO recommends booking your rental 3 to 6 or even 12 months in advance!
The on-site Disney campground, Fort Wilderness, boasts 750 acres of pine and cypress forest and offers a wide range of campsite types, including premium. Guests can also enjoy a variety of activities, such as line dancing, arts and crafts, exercise classes and water aerobics.
For a car-free camping adventure, travel the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Camp on Drummond Island, which is popular for ORV trails, or Grand Island, a car-free destination with castle ruins.
2. Gatlinburg
One of the most popular RV road trips takes travelers to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Gatlinburg is the hub of this most visited national park in the United States and home to many touristy t-shirt and fudge shops. Some campers prefer to be close to downtown and the main park attractions like Pigeon Forge and Cades Cove, while others would rather be a little farther out in the country.
Campgrounds in the Gatlinburg area offer plenty of options to choose from. Some are private campgrounds with RV pull-through and back-in sites and tent spots while others are veritable RV resorts that feature outdoor pools, clubhouses, stores, and other amenities.
3. Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are the perfect RV destination for those looking to spend their vacation on or near the water. There are countless recreational activities to choose from including fishing, kayaking, snorkeling and more. Whether you’re in your RV or tent, you can enjoy the crystal blue-green waters from the comfort of your own campsite.
Be sure to reserve your RV campsite ahead of time as the Keys are a popular tourist destination. We recommend booking at least a year out from your desired travel dates. Some of the best campgrounds book up quickly, especially during the high season!
4. California Coast
California’s coast is a popular RV camping destination. The area has ocean views, beaches, forested hiking trails and plenty of recreational activities to enjoy. Plus, the coastal drive offers an opportunity to see migrating whales and sea lions.
For beach lovers, consider staying at Carmel by the River RV Park. This RV campground has a gorgeous setting and provides guests with a quiet place to hang out. This park is a popular spot and does fill up, so it’s best to book well in advance.
For city explorers, there’s no better spot than L.A. to kick off your road trip. Whether you take a Universal Studios backlot tour or shop ’til you drop on Rodeo Drive, there’s something for everyone in this lively metropolis.
5. New England
The Northeast offers a wide variety of RV-friendly destinations, from quaint cities to wild coastlines. Boston, one of America’s oldest major cities, is dotted with historic landmarks and museums, while sports fans can take in a game at iconic stadiums.
The White Mountains, meanwhile, are a wilderness paradise featuring granite summits, rugged ranges, wide valleys and deep forests. They’re a top leaf peeping destination in autumn, when their forested slopes burst into yellows, oranges and reds.
Other highlights include Newport, Rhode Island’s opulent mansions along Bellevue Avenue, and Bristol, a picturesque coastal town with a vibrant small-town atmosphere. Check Yankee Magazine’s New England Peak Color Map to see the best dates to visit for prime foliage. You might also enjoy exploring Connecticut’s Litchfield Hills, with towns like Winvian and Campbell Falls offering incredible mountain views and fall foliage.