When you think of great American RV and camping destinations, there are a few places that come to mind right away. You’ll probably think about all the amazing national parks our country has to offer—Yosemite, The Grand Tetons, Glacier, Yellowstone…the list goes on! While national parks are perfect spots to take your RV, you might be surprised by how RV-friendly other parts of the U.S. are too.
The following six destinations are must-see spots to consider for your next RV trip. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, beach bum, city life, or just like beautiful scenery, there is something for everyone on this list. We hope they inspire you as you plan your RV travels.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor in Maine had the most unique landscape I’ve seen so far in the country. The mixture of mountain and ocean scenery that Acadia National park has to offer gives you the best of both worlds. Downtown Bar Harbor is picture-perfect New England and adorably charming. There’s lots of hiking to do, “lobstah” to eat, and cruise lines to hop on! Don’t miss the opportunity to be among the first to witness the sunrise in North America from Cadillac Mountain.
Bar Harbor offers a free city bus, making it easy to explore. It’s also well-known as a dog-friendly destination!
There are plenty of wonderful RV parks to choose from, some right on the water!
Coeur d’Alene Idaho
Coeur d’Alene is one of Idaho’s best-kept secrets. Not only does it boast the beautiful 25-mile long Lake Coeur d’Alene, but the Coeur d’Alene River runs right through the Coeur d’Alene National Forest as well. When you’re not swimming, boating, fishing, or kayaking, you can take a stroll downtown or have a picnic at the waterfront park and beach.
Don’t miss the chance to see the world famous floating green at the Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course. Staying at Camp Coeur d’Alene will put you right across from the lake and 15 minutes from the center of town. You’ll also have easy access to the Mineral Ridge Scenic Trail—a three-mile hike that will lead you to an overlook that’s perfect for sunset.
Sedona, AZ
Not only can you visit the Grand Canyon during your stay, but the dramatic red rocks of Sedona will also steal your heart. Sedona is a great destination year-round because of its mild climate, proximity to skiing in the winter, world-class golfing, and vast tracts of open land to explore.
If hiking or jeep tours aren’t your things, there’s a vibrant art scene, great spas, and shopping to enjoy as well!
Bonus, there are great free RV camping spots along Loy Butte Road with incredible views!
Malibu, CA
Driving along the Pacific Coast Highway is a bucket list road trip. You can drive the highway as slow or as fast as you desire, but don’t pass up a stay in Malibu. California is known for traffic and crowds, but Malibu feels like a wonderful, quiet escape from it all. There are also many free activities, despite its prestigious reputation.
Try one of the great hikes nearby, like beautiful Escondito Falls, a hike that leads to a 3-tier waterfall. You’ll also want to watch the sunset every single day—and there’s no shortage of beautiful beaches to watch it from. But if you stay at Malibu Beach RV Park, you’ll have your very own ocean view from your window!
Take a drive from this RV park to the Malibu Cafe to enjoy stunning views along the way and a trendy, fun atmosphere to enjoy a drink and some yard games.
Bend, OR
There’s really nothing not to like about Bend. It’s considered the “sunny side of Oregon” and has more outdoor activities than you’ll ever have time to try.
If you’re a hiker, biker, fisher, kayaker, climber, or skier, then Bend is the place for you.
If you’re a dog lover, foodie, or beer drinker, Bend is also for you. Nicknamed “Beer City USA” and “Dog City USA”, this dog-friendly city has the highest number of breweries per capita!
There is so much adventure waiting for you in Bend. The Deschutes river is 252 miles long and easy to access. Find your own private area to fish, or stand up paddle board, kayak, or canoe right through downtown. There’s even a section of the river with a man-made river break that is perfect for river surfing!
While there are tons of hikes to choose from, Tumalo Falls is one of the most popular. Nearby Smith Rock State Park is also a great place for hiking and one of the most well-known rock climbing destinations.
New York City
I know what you’re thinking! Nobody drives in New York City, let alone drives an RV, but the convenience that Liberty Harbor RV Park offers makes a visit to the Big Apple in your RV possible! Staying there will put you right across the waterway from New York City and everything it has to offer. There are two ferries that can take you into the city, or you can walk or bike to the PATH, and take rail into the city.
You can also walk to many downtown Jersey City spots—coffee, restaurants, groceries. When it comes to visiting NYC, it’s hard to beat the location, affordability, and convenience of the Liberty Harbor RV Park.
We hope you add these 6 RV destinations to your travel bucket list this year, and are confident that you won’t be disappointed! These unique spots will help you avoid the crowds while still enjoying nature and seeing some of America’s most beautiful sights! Let us know of any other RV-friendly “hidden gems” you have found across the U.S.
Safe travels this new year!
