6 Incredible RV Travel Ideas for This Summer

Have you considered packing up an RV and discovering the country this summer?

Road trips are a classic pastime for families in our country. And hitting the road in an RV is a fantastic way to take the quintessential road trip experience to an entirely new level. With an RV road trip, you’re bringing your hotel room along for the ride!

So there’s no worrying about clean lodgings, constantly packing and unpacking, or even finding a good place to eat. Traveling like this also makes bringing the family pet on your adventure easier.

But with the popularity of RVs at an all-time high and more folks choosing to stay closer to home, deciding exactly where to go this summer has gotten a little more difficult.

Fortunately, we found plenty of great destinations to choose from, whether you’re looking to make numerous short stops or embark on a week-long vacation.

So, dust off those old maps, pack your bags, and update your bucket list: The best of this beautiful country is just waiting to be explored! Here are our 6 favorite destinations to reach by RV.

Bar Harbor, Maine

Beat the summer heat with a trip in an RV and explore the best of what Maine has to offer! The charming small town of Bar Harbor is located on the scenic Frenchman Bay and doubles as the gateway to Acadia National Park.

This place is one of the most breathtaking settings in the eastern part of our country, with fantastic hiking and bike riding opportunities. The coastline is also ideal for those who enjoy fishing, kayaking, and whale watching.

And since you’re already in the area, you won’t want to miss watching the sun come up from the summit of Cadillac Mountain. Fun Fact: This is the first place in the United States that’s touched by the sun’s glowing rays every morning.

Niagara Falls, New York

We already know that Niagara Falls is full of events, attractions, and much more, especially during the summer period. But Niagara Falls State Park is the true highlight of visiting this small town.

While here, you should take advantage of a boat ride on the Maid of the Mist, which carries you on a boat ride up to the falls. And yes, you will get soaked! You can also go down 175 feet into the Niagara Gorge.

An elevator takes you down to a series of wooden walkways to Hurricane Deck, where you will be standing in front of Bridal Veil Falls. We also recommend planning your trip closer to Autumn if you’re a nature lover.

This is when you can add the magnificence of the changing colors to your already enchanting views. In the evenings, dine out at a local restaurant or winery, then come back to see the falls magically lit at night.

Wondering where to park your RV? Don’t worry! There are several KOA RV parks and Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park nearby.

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is one of the best RV trips you can take if you’re a history lover. Many travelers say the Battery, a stretch along the city’s southern tip, is one of the best to explore.

While visiting, you can check out the southern-style mansions overlooking Charleston Harbor and spend some time in the nearby White Point Garden to see Civil War memorials and relics.

You can start your journey at the 12-acre Waterfront Park and follow the walking path for a nearly one-mile leisurely stroll to White Point Garden.

Other fantastic ways of occupying your time include a ghost tour, a horse-drawn carriage ride, or checking out the Charleston City Market, which is one of the oldest in the US. Nearby RV parks are plentiful, so you don’t have to worry about lodgings.

But we recommend checking out the Mount Pleasant/Charleston KOA Holiday. It has nature trails, a fishing lake, and access to the Oakland Plantation.

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Pigeon Forge is a fantastic place to visit with your family, considering it has something to offer visitors of all ages. Choices include off-road trail rides, zip-lining, whitewater rafting, and go-karting, among many other activities.

But if you simply want to unwind, there are many opportunities for a couple of rounds of mini-golf on one of 7 local courses. You can also catch a music act, comedy show, or dinner theatre in one of the excellent local venues.

And when you’re ready to stretch out your legs a bit and take in some picturesque views, head over to Great Smoky Mountain National Park, where you’ll find many miles of hiking trails and endless roads to explore.

Close by, you’ll find many RV parks with lots of hiking, fishing, and relaxing.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho

Yellowstone is one of the most sought-after National Parks in the Western United States, and we understand why. The park sits on top of an inactive volcano and has more hot springs and geysers than any other place on the planet.

The 3,500 square mile wilderness recreation area is mainly in Wyoming. But it also spreads into parts of Montana and Idaho. You’ll be greeted by lush canyons, forests, alpine rivers, geysers, and the most famous, Old Faithful.

The park is also home to many wolves, bears, bison, elk, and antelope. Parking your RV won’t be an issue because there are five campgrounds within the park! Just remember to check for any length restrictions.

And be aware that Fishing Bridge Campground is the only one that has full hookups. There are private campground options outside of the park, as well. But you’ll want to reserve a spot ahead of time to ensure you can stay when you want.

Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite National Park is another bucket list RV destination you shouldn’t miss while you spend time on the road. You can find it in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains.

This National Park is well-known for Tunnel View, the stunning Bridalveil Fall, its huge ancient sequoia trees, and the Half Dome and El Capitan granite cliffs. So make sure you don’t forget to pack your camera! A leisurely hike to Bridalveil Falls will take you right to its base.

You can enjoy the view, feel the mist, and hear the water crash on the boulders. But the best greatest to visit is that Yosemite has some great hiking trails, and they’re for ALL abilities. Some are wheelchair-accessible, and others will take one or a few days to hike.

Some trails are only accessible in the summer, so this is when we recommend visiting. And when you’ve had your fill of the beautiful scenery, check out Yosemite Village, where there are restaurants, boutiques, and the Yosemite Museum and Ansel Adams Gallery.

Most campgrounds allow RVs but be aware that you MUST get a reservation at least six months to a year in advance. And there are only eight sites that allow longer rigs.

Be sure you let us know which of these fantastic options you want to visit first or if you’ve ever been to any of them. And if you’d like to explore some more of our beautiful country, but don’t know where to begin, Must See Places has got you covered!

Check out: 5 Magnificent and Low-Cost Summer Destinations in the US