There’s something different about experiencing America from behind the wheel of your RV. You’re not just visiting a destination, you’re living in it! Waking up to mountain views, stepping outside to ocean air, or parking beneath towering trees makes the journey just as rewarding as the location.
If you’re planning your next RV adventure, here are five of the best destinations in America that truly shine when explored on wheels.
Zion National Park
Zion is a dream stop for RVers who love dramatic scenery and easy access to adventure. Located in southern Utah, the park is known for its towering red rock cliffs and iconic hikes like Angels Landing and The Narrows.
For RV travelers, Watchman Campground offers convenient access to the park shuttle system, making it easy to explore without moving your rig. The surrounding area also has several full-hookup RV parks if you prefer added amenities.
Scenic drives, epic hikes, and unforgettable sunsets make Zion a bucket-list stop for any road tripper.
RV Insights:
- Watchman Campground accommodates RVs up to 40 feet, but sites book months in advance, especially March through May and September through October.
- The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private vehicles most of the year; you’ll rely heavily on the shuttle system.
- There are limited dump stations inside the park, plan accordingly.
- Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, so strong A/C performance is essential.
- Many nearby private RV parks in Springdale offer full hookups if you prefer more amenities.
Pro Tip: If you have a larger motorhome or fifth wheel, verify site lengths carefully, not all loops accommodate bigger rigs.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
Key Points of Interest:
- Watchman Campground (RV-friendly inside the park)
- Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
- Angels Landing hike
- The Narrows river hike
- Emerald Pools Trail
- Zion-Mount Carmel Highway
Florida Keys
Few RV drives are as iconic as cruising the Overseas Highway through the Florida Keys. With turquoise water on both sides and the famous Seven Mile Bridge stretching ahead, it’s a road trip you won’t forget.
The Keys offer several waterfront RV parks where you can step right from your campsite to the ocean. Spend your days snorkeling, fishing, paddleboarding, or exploring Key West. It’s a laid-back, sunshine-filled destination that feels worlds away, yet is perfectly suited for RV travel.
RV Insights:
- Many waterfront RV parks have tighter sites, maneuverability matters.
- Book well in advance, especially December through April (peak season).
- Expect higher campground rates compared to most of the country.
- Strong crosswinds are common when driving the Overseas Highway, especially across bridges.
- Full hookups are common in private parks, but state parks may have limited availability.
Pro Tip: Smaller rigs (Class B, small Class C, shorter trailers) are often easier to place in prime waterfront sites.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
Key Points of Interest:
- Overseas Highway Scenic Drive
- Seven Mile Bridge
- Key West’s Duval Street
- Dry Tortugas National Park (day trip)
- Bahia Honda State Park
- Snorkeling and coral reef tours
Glacier National Park
Montana’s Glacier National Park delivers rugged peaks, alpine lakes, and some of the most scenic drives in North America. The famous Going-to-the-Sun Road is a highlight, though RVers should check vehicle length restrictions before planning the drive.
Campgrounds like Apgar and St. Mary provide stunning lake and mountain views, making it easy to immerse yourself in the landscape. Wildlife sightings, hiking trails, and cool mountain air make Glacier an unforgettable summer RV destination.
RV Insights:
- RV length restrictions apply on portions of Going-to-the-Sun Road (21 feet for vehicles and 10 feet wide on certain sections).
- Many park campgrounds have limited hookups, come prepared for dry camping.
- Generators may have restricted hours in national park campgrounds.
- Summer is peak season; reservations are critical.
- Wildlife safety is serious, secure food and never leave coolers outside.
Pro Tip: If you’re traveling in a larger RV, consider staying outside the park and using a towed vehicle to explore.
Best time to visit: Late June through September when Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open.
Key Points of Interest:
- Going-to-the-Sun Road
- Lake McDonald
- Apgar Campground (RV accessible)
- Grinnell Glacier Trail
- Logan Pass
- Many Glacier area wildlife viewing
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
As the most visited national park in the country, the Great Smoky Mountains are incredibly RV-friendly. With multiple campgrounds inside the park and countless private RV resorts nearby, it’s easy to find a site that fits your setup.
Cove Creek RV Resort offers luxury RV living with an unencumbered view of Cove Mountain in the peaceful Smoky Mountain area known as Wears Valley, right between Pigeon Forge and Townsend TN.
Drive the scenic Cades Cove Loop, hike to waterfalls, or take in panoramic views from Clingmans Dome. Fall foliage is especially spectacular, but the Smokies offer year-round beauty and accessibility for RV families.
RV Insights:
- The park does not offer full hookups; campgrounds are typically electric-only or dry camping.
- Private RV resorts in nearby Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Townsend offer luxury amenities.
- Roads are generally RV-friendly, but some scenic drives are better suited for smaller vehicles.
- Fall is extremely popular, book early for foliage season.
- Elevation changes are moderate, so make sure your tow vehicle or motorhome is mountain-ready.
Pro Tip: If you prefer resort-style camping with pools and paved pads, stay just outside the park boundary.
Best time to visit: mid-October for peak fall foliage and April to May for wildflower blooms
Key Points of Interest:
- Cades Cove Loop Road
- Clingmans Dome Observation Tower
- Elkmont Campground
- Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
- Laurel Falls Trail
- Fall foliage scenic drives
Acadia National Park
For RVers looking to experience coastal beauty, Acadia National Park in Maine is a must. Wake up early to watch the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain, then spend the day biking carriage roads or exploring rocky Atlantic shoreline.
Several campgrounds accommodate RVs, and nearby Bar Harbor offers charming shops and fresh seafood after a day of adventure.
Acadia combines mountain views and ocean scenery in a way few places can.
RV Insights:
- Most park campgrounds have limited or no hookups.
- Blackwoods Campground accommodates RVs, but site lengths vary.
- Roads inside Acadia are narrower than western national parks, drive cautiously.
- Fall color season books quickly (late September–October).
- Nearby Bar Harbor offers additional private RV parks with more amenities.
Pro Tip: If traveling with a larger fifth wheel or motorhome, verify turning radius and site dimensions before booking.
Best time to visit: Late August to mid-October offering ideal weather, lower crowds compared to summer, and spectacular fall foliage.
Key Points of Interest:
- Cadillac Mountain sunrise
- Blackwoods Campground (RV friendly)
- Park Loop Road Scenic Drive
- Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
- Carriage Roads biking trails
- Bar Harbor waterfront and dining
Why These Destinations Are Perfect for RV Travel
Each of these locations offers:
- Scenic drives that make the journey part of the experience
- Campgrounds or RV parks with accessible amenities
- Outdoor activities just steps from your campsite
- Unmatched natural beauty across diverse landscapes
The best part about RV travel? You don’t just visit these places, you settle in, wake up there, and make them your temporary home.
If you’re planning your next road trip, any one of these five destinations will remind you exactly why you chose life on the road in the first place!
Written By: Brooke Erickson
Some say I am a writer, I like to say I am a storyteller