Summer is almost here. The kids can feel it. School is almost out–but you still need to plan that family vacation that you promised the kids. Thankfully, we’ve put together the best RV trips for families (all in one place).
Whether you crave the wonder of national parks, Disney’s delights, the whispers of history, or the allure of open roads, you’ll find practical choices that fit your family’s camping/traveling style.
Option #1: Family-Friendly National Parks
Nothing beats the thrill of exploring the great outdoors together. Plus, kids today (now more than ever before) need to spend time disconnected from their screens. RVing at a national park is a great opportunity to witness local wildlife, explore stunning landscapes, and kayak to their heart’s content.
And the best part?
Your cozy RV is right there with you, offering a home away from home during your RV vacation.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is our nation’s first and most visited national park for good reason. It’s a treasure trove of natural wonders. From the eruptions of Old Faithful to the iconic American Buffalo sightings, there’s so much to captivate your family during your visit.
The hiking trails range from easy boardwalks to moderate and hard eyebrow trails.
Things to do:
- Junior Ranger Program
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Mountain biking
- White water rafting
- Horseback riding
- Fishing
Places to see:
- Old Faithful
- American Buffalo
- Buffalo Bill Historic Center
- Mammoth Hot Springs
Where to stay:
- Yellowstone RV Park at Macks Inn, Island Park, Idaho Nestled in tall pines, this park is conveniently located near the west entrance of Yellowstone. Plus, this park can accommodate toy haulers and fifth wheels up to 60 feet long.
- Yellowstone Hot Springs – Gardiner, Montana: Located on the Yellowstone River just eight miles from the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park, this RV park has its own hot spring soaking pool and can fit RVs up to 44 ft.
- Camping in Yellowstone National Park: If you prefer to camp inside the park itself, there are 12 super popular campgrounds. Just be sure to book your stay well in advance—like three months in advance.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Known for its stunning scenery and over 800 trails to choose from, Great Smoky Mountain National Park there’s a path for every family member, from the novice hiker to the seasoned adventurer. Inside the park, you can hike next to Shooting Creek, where Louis L’Amour’s fabled Sacketts grew up.
But there’s more…
Apart from the natural beauty, the Smoky Mountains are a short drive from Dollywood–an amusement park full of rides and carnival food that’s all fun for the kids. If amusement parks aren’t for you, Smoky Mountain Knife Works offers bladesmithing experiences and beautifully crafted knives for purchase.
As for accommodations, Greenbrier Campground in Gatlinburg and Honeysuckle Meadows RV Park are highly recommended for family-friendly camping. Plus, you can conveniently base yourselves in either Gatlinburg, Tennessee, or Cherokee, North Carolina, for easy access to the park. And did we mention the park’s proximity to an amusement park? Talk about the best of both worlds!
Things to do:
- Hiking
- Tubing
- Bladesmithing
- Mountain biking
- Site seeing
Places to see:
- Dollywood
- Smoky Mountain Knife Works
- Shooting Creek
Where to stay:
- Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Parks go above and beyond to accommodate families with kid-friendly playgrounds, swimming pools, and craft activities all included in your stay. Located just one mile from Dollywood in the Smoky Mountains and accommodates large RVs up to 65 feet.
- Adventure Bound Gatlinburg, Gatlinburg, Tennessee: Just a few minutes away from the attractions of Gatlinburg, this campground is full of adventure opportunities right onsite. From a 500 ft water slide, extensive hiking trails, and fishing, you won’t be bored. RVs up to 45 ft are welcome.
- Mountaineer Campground, Townsend, Tennessee: Away from the tourist towns of the Smokies, this family RV park is perfect for nature lovers who still need family-friendly amenities. It offers riverfront access, fishing, a pool, and a playground. It even has space for RVs up to 50 ft long.
Option #2: Magical Disney RV Trips to Disney World
Disney RV trips–whether to Disney World or Disneyland–promise to create magical memories that your family will cherish forever.
From the enchanting Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom to the thrilling Tower of Terror and the intergalactic Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios, there’s a world of magic waiting to be explored.
Speaking of magic, Disney isn’t the only park in town. Universal Studios’ Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Diagon Alley are just a few minutes away.
Things to do:
- Clear kayak tour through Get Up and Go Kayaking
- Swim in Wekiwa Springs
- Explore the Disney World and/or Universal Studios Parks
- Visit Medieval Times
- Fantasia Mini Golf
Places to see:
- The Medieval Village
- Disney Springs
- Circ de Soleil
- Diagon Alley
Where to stay:
- Fort Wilderness: As a part of the Disney family of parks, you’ll enjoy easy access to Magic Kingdom and Blizzard Beach. Inside Fort Wilderness, no size restrictions are imposed on RVs, and most sites come fully equipped. At these locations, you’ll find amenities like a pool, archery, and horseback riding that provide family fun for all. It’s the perfect quiet retreat after a stimulating day in the parks.
- Sun Retreats Orlando Champions Gate: Minutes away from the magic of Orlando’s theme parks, Sun Retreats is also close to several central Florida lakes where you can spend quality time learning how to water ski or go tubing. Note that this RV park accommodates RVs up to 45 ft.
- Moss Park, Orange County Park: Located in Orlando on Mary Jane Lake, Moss Park is a hidden gem of natural serenity. You have direct access to Mary Jane Lake, where you can go fishing or boating while still being a short drive from the theme parks.
Option #3: A Historical RV Trip
For those looking to combine travel with education, historical RV trips are just the ticket. These trips offer an opportunity to step back in time and explore the rich history and culture of destinations like Washington D.C., New Mexico, and Niagara Falls.
The historic monuments of Washington D.C., the ancient cultures of New Mexico, and the breathtaking views at Niagara Falls are just an RV trip away. So, gather your young historians, buckle up, and let’s hit the road to the past!
Washington, D.C.
Our historical journey begins in Washington, D.C., a city steeped in history and brimming with educational opportunities. Thanks to the family-friendly RV parks nearby, like Cherry Hill Park, it’ll be easy for your family to explore the city’s historic sites.
A visit to Washington D.C. offers a variety of attractions for families, including:
- The National Mall, with iconic landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument
- Treehouse Camp at Maple Tree Campground, which offers tree cottages and a Hobbit House for a unique camping experience
- Educational opportunities throughout the city
Washington D.C. delivers an RV trip that’s as educational as it is enjoyable. On these road trip adventures, you’ll graze just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to exploring the rich history and culture of the United States.
Things to do:
- Experience the National Spy Museum
- Take a guided tour of the White House
- Roll down Capitol Hill
- See a show at the Rockefeller Center
- Visit part – or all – of the Smithsonian (Kids tend to like to Aerospace Museum)
Places to see:
- The National Mall
- Gettysburg-The Changing of the Guard
- Mt. Vernon
Where to stay:
- Adventure Bound Washington DC, Lothian, Maryland: For the closest access to Washington D.C. and public transit, Adventure Bound offers a clean, family-friendly RV park to use as your home base.
- Watermelon Park Campground, Berryville, Virginia: Away from the stiff suits and Washington traffic, Watermelon RV Park offers natural serenity with access to the Shenandoah River. Here, you’ll be able to canoe and fish. Plus, the sports fields are great places to let the kids run free and burn off that pent-up energy. All sizes of RVs are welcome.
- Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort, Williamsport: When the museums and monuments get too wearying for young minds, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone in Williamsburg offers fun water slides and a splash pad for the kids (and a relaxing lazy river for Mom and Dad). RVs up to 60 ft are welcome here.
New Mexico
New Mexico is home to the oldest trade routes in the United States. Here, Chaco Canyon residents traded with the Aztecs. This area acted as a midpoint on the route between the Spanish of Mexico and the Californians in Los Angeles. It even served its time as a resupply and rally point for wagon trains for the westward tide of American settlers,
Things to do:
- Hike to paths of the ancient ones
- Rock climbing
- Experience the culture of Toas
- Visit the haunted of Mesa Verde
- Drive down Route 66
Places to see:
- Sante Fe
- Taos Pueblo
- Chaco Canyon
- Mesa Verde
Where to stay:
- The RV Park at HIPICO Santa Fe: Located in an equestrian community, feel free to bring your horses along and board them for daily rides over the country. RVs up to 45 are welcome.
- Route 66 RV Park: Located on the iconic Route 66, this park is the perfect base camp for exploring the state. It even accommodates RVs up to 50 feet long.
- Golden Eagle RV Park and Resort: Golden Eagle RV Resort is closer to Sangre de Christos and just west of Philmont Scout Reservation. From here, you can easily access the Carson National Forest and Taos. RVs of 45 feet are welcome.
Summary
Whichever RV-friendly route you choose, I hope your family road trip is packed with grand experiences that help you grow together as a family.
When the journey is finally done, you’ll need to put away your RV (whether for the next few months or the entire winter season).
Want to ensure your RV is ready for plenty of adventures to come? Store it in a place where it will be protected from storms and extreme cold weather. That’s where Neighbor can help.
With Neighbor, you can find RV storage in all 50 states. You may even find storage in your very own neighborhood. Neighbor is a peer-to-peer RV storage marketplace that offers RV storage that’s up to 50% cheaper than traditional storage options
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