Seeking the best RV road trip routes to experience America’s awe-inspiring landscapes and cultural gems? From the iconic “mother road” Route 66 to the majestic Pacific Coast Highway and an epic tour of all 47 National Parks, there’s a road trip that will fit in any calendar (and any budget)
These top seven road trips will get you out on the open road. Before long, you’ll be surrounded by scenic landscapes and ready to make unforgettable memories.
Get ready to explore cityscapes, natural wonders, and everything in between.
How to Enjoy RV Routes Worry-Free
Before we start, here are a few quick tips to help you enjoy your journey.
- Plan the right route: Before starting your trip, ensure your route is suitable for an RV your size. Next, confirm that you can complete the route in a reasonable time frame. You don’t want to drive all that way, but not have time to stop and savor the sights.
- Be prepared for unexpected stops: It’s inevitable. Something will go wrong with your RV on a road trip. So plan ahead. If you’re the handy type known for fixing up cars, then bring your tools along–or just secure roadside assistance through AAA or GoodSam. That way, you’ll have someone who can help if/when something goes awry.
- Take your time: When you get to your destinations. Give yourself ample time to soak in the area, the beauty, and the culture of your stops. That’s where the real stories happen.
#7: The Classic: Route 66
Photo courtesy of roadtrippers.com
It’s no longer printed on roadmaps. It can no longer take you all the way from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. But Route 66 is still the epitome of the undying free spirit that moves Americans from east to west and west to east.
But even though parts of Route 66 are closed now, you can still drive through places like Oatman, Vegas, Springfield, and Galena to experience local attractions, museums, and markets that made the westward move possible. From national monuments like the Gateway in St. Louis, Missouri, to local attractions like the Cadillac Ranch, Route 66 speaks to the soul of every road trip with its novelty, history, and beautiful scenery.
But before you travel the “Main Street of America,” you should know that there are sections that are in pretty bad shape. You’ll have to use the interstate for those sections before rejoining the route at a better location.
Trip Details:
- Distance: 2,448 miles
- Time away (including sightseeing): 2-8 weeks
- States crossed: IL, MO, KS, OK, TX, NM, AZ, and CA
- RV recommendation: Any
- Camping accommodations: KOA, Route 66 RV Parks and Resorts
#6: Your Pan-American Tour: US Highway
Photo courtesy of thrifty.com
The Great Northern Route of US Highway 2 is the epic road trip that takes you from sea to shining sea. The longest transcontinental road trip begins at the majestic Acadia National Park in Maine – one of the highest points in the continental US. Then, you’ll follow the trail of great trailblazers Lewis and Clark across to the Pacific Ocean at Olympic National Park.
Along your 3,600-mile journey, you pass through several other national parks and sacred lands like the Badlands of North Dakota and Theodore Roosevelt National Park. You cross plains, lakes, and the Sawtooth Range until you’ve seen this country from sea to shining sea.
Trip Details:
- Distance: 3,600 miles
- Time away (including sightseeing): 2-4 weeks
- States crossed: ME, NH, VT, NY, MI, WI, MN, ND, MT, ID, and WA
- RV Recommendation: Any
- RV accommodations: Roadside Resorts, National and State Parks.
#5: The National Parks Route
Photo courtesy of drytortugas.com
If you’re an RV explorer who hates missing out on amazing views and breathtaking scenery, this next road trip route is for you. See all 47 National Parks on one epic road trip.
- Ski down the Y-couloir at Rocky Mountain National Park.
- Kayak the sea caves along the Acadia Atlantic coast.
- Find glowing aquatic life as you scuba or snorkel off the Dry Tortugas in the Florida Keys.
- Watch Old Faith erupt at Yellowstone National Park.
- Stand in awe at the rim of the Grand Canyon.
America’s incredible national parks are our national treasures. It’s time we experience what makes them so valuable. And do our part to pass them on to the next generation.
Trip Details:
- Distance: 14,498 miles roundtrip
- Time away (including sightseeing): 3-4 months+
- States NOT crossed: AL, MS, LA, OK, KS, NE, MO, IA, IL, IN, PA, and VT
- RV Recommendation: Class B, Class C, Class A and travel trailers under 40 ft.
- RV accommodations: National Parks
…okay, so not many people have 3-4 months to burn on vacation. Or maybe you’re taking the kids and don’t want to be on the road with them that long.
So here’s a compromise. Take it one state at a time. Starting with Utah’s ‘Mighty Five’ National Parks.
#4: Mighty Five: Utah’s National Park Circuit
Photo courtesy of Utah.com
The ‘Mighty Five,’ Utah’s National Park Circuit, is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Comprising:
- Arches
- Canyonlands
- Capitol Reef
- Bryce Canyon
- And Zion National Park
The circuit is a geological wonder, showcasing distinctive arches, canyons, rock formations, and plateaus. Whether you’re a hiking enthusiast, a rock climbing aficionado, or a nature photographer, these parks offer activities to suit every preference.
What’s more? These parks are close together. So traveling from one to the other is easier for younger children. (That also means you’ll have more time to explore in the parks during your RV trip and spend less time on the road).
Trip Details:
- Distance: 900 miles
- Time away (including sightseeing): 10 days-2 weeks
- States crossed: UT
- RV Recommendation: Class B, Class C, Class A, and travel trailers under 40 ft.
- RV accommodations: National Parks
#3: The Civil War Historic Itinerary
Not all RV vacations are for beauty and renewal. Sometimes they’re for teaching and reflecting. That’s what the Civil War Historic Route is for. It is purposefully short, focusing on key battles and points in the Civil War.
Yes, there is beauty where green fields now lie hallowed by the brave men whose blood consecrated it. But instead of awe and wonder, let it inspire reflection and dedication to the remembrance of history and its lessons – lest we forget.
Begin in Fredericksburg, where the Confederacy won a lopsided battle, and end at Gettysburg, taking your time in reflection as you retrace one of the bloodiest wars in our history.
Trip Details:
- Distance: 140 miles
- Time away (including sightseeing): 3-10 days
- States crossed: VA, MD, and PA
- RV Recommendation: Any
#2: The Pacific Coast Highway Getaway
Photo courtesy of valisemag.com
There’s nothing like the open road to leave it all behind, much like there’s nothing like the beach to let it all go. So whatever huge life change you’re going through – a bad breakup, a job loss, a hard death – the perfect road for you is the Pacific Coast Highway. It’s not too sunny when you start in Olympia, Washington–but not too gloomy.
Enjoy a stroll through the Hoh Rainforest before rolling down the windows and letting the aroma from the fields of sweet mint and lavender waft through your car. Be sure to clear your mind, so you can appreciate the simple beauty of the waves crashing on the rocks by the time you get to Sea Lion Caves.
As you travel south, through Seattle and Northern California, the sun will begin to peek out, and you can enjoy Humboldt Redwood State Park and west coast sunsets all the way down to San Diego.
Trip Details:
- Distance: 1,675 miles
- Time away (including sightseeing): 5-10 days
- States crossed: WA, OR, and CA
- RV Recommendation: Any
- RV Accommodations: National and State Park Campgrounds, Local RV resorts
#1: Absorb New England in the Fall
Photo courtesy of practicalwanderlust.com
You’ve got time to spare. And you’ve never seen the seasons fade into fall. But now that you’ve got time for a little leaf peeping, what better place than New England and Maine?
You’ll start at Eastport, travel Highway 1 South, and travel down Maine’s rocky coast all the way to Boston.
The drive itself isn’t long. You could do it in a day if you want. But, instead, take your time stopping at places like Bar Harbor and the Historic Cherry Field – the blueberry capital of the world.
Trip Details:
- Distance: 1,675 miles
- Time away (including sightseeing): 5-10 days
- States crossed: WA, OR, and CA
- RV Recommendation: Class A-C, long trailers may have trouble.
- RV Accommodations: KOA and private RV parks
Before You Set Off on Your Adventure
We’ve traveled from one side of this country to the other–from mountain to coast and from sea to shining sea. And we didn’t even get to talk about what an unforgettable experience the Blue Ridge Parkway holds or the iconic Columbia River Highway – so remember those the next time you’re RV trip planning.
But even the best RV road trips must come to an end. And as you unpack, you’re thankful that you can make these RV trips with your loved ones. Your RV gives you bonding experiences with those closest to you.
And you want that to last for years to come.
That’s why, after you clean it out and perform the proper maintenance, you’ll want to look for a safe place to store your RV.
You’ve been storing it in your backyard. Yet, after talking to other seasoned RVers on this trip, you now realize the importance of covered storage to prevent the oxidation that UV rays cause and lessen the chances of a limb or other debris falling on it and damaging the roof.
That’s where Neighbor can help.
Neighbor is a peer-to-peer storage marketplace where you can find safe, affordable storage that’s close to your home.
You can browse the different spaces near you here.
So, pack your bags, fuel up your RV, and hit the road. Your next RV adventure awaits!
The post The Best RV Road Trip Routes: RVing Across America appeared first on Neighbor Blog.