Looking to take your RV road trip to the next level? Check out our list of must-visit locations for your RV camping bucket list.
If you’re ready to hit the road and explore new places, consider hitting the open road in your RV.
There’s no doubt that RV camping is a fun and unforgettable experience but there are so many places to visit that planning your trip can get overwhelming.
There are a lot of great RV road trips to take, but some stand out as the best. Whether you are a full-time rver or just looking for the perfect place to spend your next vacation, there is something for everyone on this list.
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RV Camping Bucket List
You’ll love this list of the best RV road trips to take this year. From scenic byways to natural springs and historical sites, you’ll soon be realizing why an RV adventure is the best way to see the world.
If you want a more general list of camping experiences, make sure to check out our Camping Bucket List with a free printable checklist.
1. The Oregon Coast
Although this might seem like a strange first choice for your RV camping bucket list, this 363-mile long stretch of coastline offers something for everyone.
From the bustling city of Portland to the remote and rugged coastline, there’s something for everyone to explore.
This is a great route if you’re looking for beautiful scenery and plenty of opportunities for sightseeing. You can drive down the coastline or take one of the many scenic routes that crisscross the state.
The great thing about Oregon is that there are many RV sites with full hook-ups, making them a great place to use as a base while you explore the rest of the state.
Here are some of the best places to visit on the Oregon Coast:
1. Cannon Beach – This popular beach town is known for its dramatic cliffs, rocky beaches, and world-famous Haystack Rock. Visitors can enjoy shopping and dining in Cannon Beach, or take a hike or bike ride on the nearby trails.
2. Newport – This coastal town is home to beautiful lighthouses, sandy beaches, and delicious seafood restaurants. Visitors can enjoy whale watching tours, storm watching, and fishing trips in Newport.
3. Tillamook – This small town is known for its cheese factory tours and delicious ice cream.
2. The Pacific Northwest
Beyond Oregon, you will want to visit the rest of the region to your RV camping bucket list, especially in the summer months.
The Pacific Northwest has a lot to offer RVers, from lush forests and mountains to beautiful bays and beaches.
RV Camping is a great way to experience the outdoors and the pacific northwest has many great places to camp.
One of the best places to camp in Washington is at Deception Pass State Park. The park has over 3,800 acres of forest land and more than 80 miles of shoreline on the Puget Sound. It’s also a great place for fishing, hiking, and bird watching.
Another great place to camp in Washington is Mount Rainier National Park. The park has more than 368,000 acres of land and more than 300 miles of trails. It’s also home to Mount Rainier, which is one of the most glaciated peaks in the contiguous United States.
Oregon is home to many great camping spots, including Crater Lake National Park.
3. The Southwest USA
Think beyond Las Vegas when you plan your trip to the Southwest.
This area is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the United States, from mountainous deserts to vast plains. There is also a lot to do from golf courses in Arizona to the salt flats in Nevada.
The southwestern United States is a beautiful and diverse area that offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. From camping and hiking in the forests and mountains to exploring the deserts and canyons, there are endless possibilities for enjoying the great outdoors. Here are some of the best places to camp and visit in the southwestern USA.
In northern New Mexico, you’ll find Carson National Forest, which is home to dozens of trails for hikers of all levels of experience.
The forest also has numerous campsites, most of which are located near streams or rivers. If you’re looking for a more remote experience, there are also backcountry campsites available.
Another great option for camping and hiking is Bandelier National Monument in southern New Mexico. The monument features over 33 miles of trails that wind through canyons and forests.
Arizona is another great place to go RVing.
There are many different places to choose from, and each one offers its own unique set of activities and attractions.
One of the most popular destinations and a must for your RV camping bucket list is the Grand Canyon. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and sightseeing in this beautiful natural wonder.
Another great spot is Monument Valley, where visitors can explore the ancient ruins and stunning landscapes. For those looking for a more urban experience, Phoenix and Tucson both offer plenty of activities and sights to see. No matter what your interests are, Arizona has something to offer everyone who loves RVing.
4. The Great Lakes
Luring tourists from all over the world, these gorgeous lakes are perfect for a family vacation. With beaches and attractions ranging from small towns to massive resorts, there’s something for everyone.
From Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to the Apostle Islands of Wisconsin, there are so many places to visit – and don’t forget about Niagara Falls too!
5. The Pacific Coast Highway
The Pacific Coast Highway, or PCH, is a legendary roadway that extends from Dana Point, California to Olympia, Washington.
The highway hugs the rugged coastline, providing stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and its many beaches. It also passes through some of the most beautiful areas in California, Oregon, and Washington, including Big Sur, San Francisco, and the Olympic National Park.
There are countless places to camp and visit along the PCH, but here are a few of our favorites.
The first stop on our list is Big Sur. It makes for a great starting point if you are planning to drive south on the PCH.
This area is known for its dramatic cliffs and rugged coastline. If you’re looking for a beautiful place to camp, head to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. This park offers campsites right next to the ocean, making for a breathtaking experience.
If hiking is more your thing, be sure to check out Point Lobos State Park. This park is home to some of the most beautiful trails in California, including the China Cove Trail and the Cypress Grove Trail.
6. Alaska
Rving in Alaska is a unique experience and a must for your RV camping bucket list. The state has a rugged and diverse landscape, with mountains, glaciers, forests, and rivers. There are plenty of things to see and do, both in the cities and in the wilderness.
RVing in Alaska can be a bit expensive, since there are few campgrounds and services available, but it’s definitely worth the trip.
When planning an Alaskan camping trip, there are many places to choose from. The best places to visit on your trip will depend on what you want to see and do. Here are some of the most popular destinations in Alaska for campers:
Denali National Park is a must-see for any camper visiting Alaska. This park is home to Mount McKinley, the tallest mountain in North America, and has plenty of trails and wildlife viewing opportunities.
If you’re looking for a more urban experience, Anchorage is a great option. This city has everything from museums to shopping districts, and is also home to Denali National Park’s only visitor center located within the city limits.
If you’re looking to explore Alaska’s vast wilderness, the Brooks Range is a great place to start.
Check out our Alaska Bucket List for more great ideas.
7. Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile long road that winds through the Appalachian Mountains from Virginia to North Carolina. The parkway was completed in 1935 and has been called “America’s Favorite Drive.” It offers stunning views of the mountains and valleys, and is a popular tourist destination.
The area is steeped in American history and one of the best options if you want a scenic route to take during peak season.
Pigeon Forge is a must-visit along the route. It is a city in Sevier County, Tennessee, United States. Pigeon Forge is best known for its proximity to Dollywood, a theme park operated by entertainer Dolly Parton.
Another must-visit spot is the most popular national park in the USA:
8. Great Smokey Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a United States National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site that straddles the ridgeline of the Great Smoky Mountains, part of the Blue Ridge Mountains, in East Tennessee and North Carolina.
It covers 522,419 acres (816.32 sq mi; 210,644 ha), making it the largest protected area east of the Mississippi River and the most visited national park in the United States with over 11 million recreational visitors in 2016 (check out our National Park bucket list here for all the places to visit)
The park is managed by the National Park Service and is home to hundreds of species of animals, including black bears, elk, deer, eagles, and otters.
9. Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone national park is a beautiful and popular park in the western United States.
The park was established in 1872 and is the first national park in the world.
There are many things to see and do in Yellowstone, including geysers, waterfalls, wildlife, and more. The park is also home to Old Faithful, one of the most famous geysers in the world.
Another bonus of visiting Yellowstone is that you can also visit Glacier National Park on the same trip.
You can complete the drive from Yellowstone National Park to Glacier National Park in 6 to 7 hours in one day without stops.
If you are feeling ambitious you can also add in Grand Teton National park which is one of the most popular national parks in the west.
10. New England
Camping in New England provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
If you’re looking for an amazing vacation destination that offers something for everyone, look no further than New England. This diverse region is home to some of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, including picturesque small towns, vibrant cities, and stunning natural landscapes.
There are many campgrounds located throughout the area, which offer a variety of camping experiences, from primitive camping to RV camping.
Campers can explore forests, mountains, and lakes while enjoying all of the activities that New England has to offer, such as hiking, fishing, and kayaking.
Here are just a few of the top tourist destinations in New England:
Boston, Massachusetts
The capital of Massachusetts and one of the largest cities in New England, Boston is a major center for culture and history. From world-renowned museums like the Museum of Fine Arts and the Harvard Art Museums to iconic landmarks like Fenway Park and Quincy Market, there’s plenty to see and do in Boston.
Cape Cod
Famous for its beautiful beaches and charming seaside villages, Cape Cod is a popular summer destination for tourists from all over the country.
Maine
Camping in Maine is a great way to experience the outdoors and all that nature has to offer. The state is home to many parks and forests, which provide campers with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.
One of the nicest places to visit in Maine in Bar Harbor. This quaint town is located on Mount Desert Island and is the gateway to Arcadia National Park, offering lots of trails and outdoor adventures for your RV camping bucket list.
In addition, Mainers are known for their friendliness and hospitality, so camping in the state is sure to be an enjoyable experience.
Vermont
You can’t visit the east coast without taking in the fall colors in Vermont.
In Vermont, the fall colors can be seen in all their glory. The trees change color at different times depending on the elevation, so there is always something new to see. The fall foliage is at its peak in late September and early October.
There are many scenic drives throughout Vermont that offer wonderful views of the changing leaves. Some of the best spots to take in the autumn colors are on Mount Mansfield, Camel’s Hump, and Spruce Peak.
11. California Gold Country
Gold country is a nickname for the area in California that was once synonymous with the Gold Rush of 1849.
The region now covers six counties: Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, and Sierra.
Many towns and villages were founded during the Gold Rush and remain popular tourist destinations today.
While gold can still be found in the area, these days it’s more likely to be in the form of jewelry or coins than nuggets.
The landscape is stunningly beautiful, with rugged mountains and vast forests. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping, or explore historic sites from the Gold Rush era.
12. Utah
There are two great Utah parks to add to your RV camping bucket list- Bryce and Zion.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park is a United States National Park located in the state of Utah.
The park is south of Springdale, Utah and east of Cedar City, Utah. It covers 229 square miles (593 km2) and has been inhabited by Native Americans for thousands of years.
The park was first established as Mukuntuweap National Monument in 1909 by President Theodore Roosevelt. In 1919, it was renamed Zion National Monument by President Woodrow Wilson. The park was finally designated as Zion National Park in 1919.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Camping in Bryce Canyon National Park is a unique experience. The park was established as a national monument on February 25, 1923, and was redesignated as a national park on October 24, 1928.
The campsites at the park are located in the middle of the forest and are surrounded by tall pine trees. The campsites are also close to the hiking trails, so you can explore the park while you’re camping.
The major feature of the park is Bryce Canyon, which is a series of amphitheaters carved from the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau.
Bryce is distinctive due to its narrow, steep-sided spires and pinnacles called hoodoos.
13. Key West
Camping in Key West is a great way to experience the natural beauty of this tropical island.
There are several campgrounds available, most of which offer RV and tent camping. Campers can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and fishing in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. There are also plenty of opportunities for hiking and bird watching.
As you head down to the Florida keys, make sure to check out the gulf coast (New Orleans is a must-visit) and of course, the theme parks in central Florida.
14. Southern California
Camping in Southern California is a great way to experience the outdoors.
The state has many different types of terrain, from beaches and redwoods to mountains and deserts. There are also plenty of campgrounds to choose from, whether you’re looking for a secluded spot or one with all the amenities.
Southern California is a large and diverse region that offers plenty of tourist destinations for visitors to explore. From the sunny beaches of San Diego to the iconic Hollywood sign in Los Angeles, there are plenty of amazing places to visit in Southern California.
Here are some of the best places to check out while you’re in the area:
1. The beaches of San Diego are some of the most beautiful in the world and offer plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy, such as swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.
2. Los Angeles is home to many famous landmarks, including Hollywood Boulevard, Rodeo Drive, and the Staples Center.
3. The Joshua Tree National Park is a must-see destination for nature lovers, as it features stunning desert landscapes and unique Joshua trees.
4. Santa Barbara is a city located on the coast of Southern California. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, as well as its wine country. Santa Barbara is also home to the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Check out our Southern California Bucket List for the best things to do in Socal.
15. Northern California
Northern California is a beautiful place to camp, with towering redwoods, rushing rivers and stunning coastline.
There are numerous campgrounds to choose from, all offering something unique. Whether you’re looking for a secluded spot in the woods or a site right on the beach, Northern California has you covered and our California bucket list has a ton of options for you.
One of the best things about camping in Northern California is that there are activities for everyone. Hiking and biking trails abound, and there are plenty of opportunities for fishing, kayaking and swimming.
In the evening, gather around the campfire to roast marshmallows and tell stories. With its diverse landscape and abundance of outdoor activities, Northern California is a camper’s paradise.
16. Napa Valley and Sonoma
In the heart of California’s wine country, Napa and Sonoma Valleys offer visitors a wealth of options for enjoying the region’s world-famous wines. From charming small towns to more bustling cities, there’s a lot to explore in these two valleys.
In Napa Valley, St. Helena is a popular town with lots of quaint shops and restaurants, while Yountville is home to the famed French Laundry restaurant.
Further south in Napa Valley is Calistoga, known for its hot springs and spas.
In Sonoma Valley, the town of Healdsburg is a favorite among visitors with its historic buildings, wine tasting rooms, and restaurants.
Just north of Healdsburg is the city of Santa Rosa, which offers more dining and shopping options as well as attractions like the Charles M. Schulz Museum honoring the creator of Peanuts comic strip.
17. British Columbia
Make sure to add BC to your Canada bucket list when you are planning your next road trip.
Camping in British Columbia is a great way to experience all that the province has to offer.
From the stunning mountain scenery and lakes to the forests and wildlife, camping provides an intimate connection with nature.
There are many beautiful campgrounds throughout the province, each with its own unique features and amenities.
Whether you’re looking for a secluded wilderness experience or a campground with all the bells and whistles, BC has something for everyone.
Some highlights in British Columbia include:
Tofino
Tofino is a small town located on the west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia.
The town is known for its stunning natural scenery, including rain forests, mountains, and beaches. Tofino is a popular tourist destination and offers a variety of outdoor activities, including whale watching, surfing, and hiking.
Whistler
Whistler is a world-famous ski resort located in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, Canada.
The resort is home to over 8,000 acres of skiable terrain and receives over 2 million visitors annually. Whistler is also home to the Whistler Blackcomb ski resort, which is the largest ski resort in North America.
Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria is a city on the southern tip of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada.
The city has a population of about 350,000 and is the capital of British Columbia. Victoria is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada, with over 3 million visitors per year.
The city is known for its mild climate and its Victorian architecture. Victoria is also home to several universities and colleges, including the University of Victoria and Royal Roads University.
RV Camping Bucket List – Final Thoughts
If you love road trips then you will love the different destinations on this RV camping bucket list. Packed with fun places to visit, amazing sites to see and adventures to experience, there is so much to do!
Whether you want to try horseback riding, fishing or relaxing on a beach, there is something for you on your next road trip.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to RV road trips. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or an adventure-filled journey, these five destinations will have you coming back for more.
