Few things are as exhilarating as hitting the open road with your camper or RV, ready to explore new places and create lasting memories. Whether you’re seeking rugged wilderness, coastal drives, or scenic byways, the U.S. offers a variety of road trip destinations perfect for adventurers. In this article, we’ll guide you through five must-see road trip destinations that every camper should explore, complete with breathtaking views, great campsites, and endless outdoor activities.
1. Pacific Coast Highway (California)
Arguably one of the most iconic road trips in the U.S., the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), also known as Highway 1, is a dream for RVers and campers. This route stretches over 600 miles along the California coast, offering dramatic ocean views, towering cliffs, and serene beaches.
- Highlights: Big Sur’s rugged coastline, the Bixby Creek Bridge, and the historic Hearst Castle are just a few must-see stops along this route.
- Camping Options: Several state parks along the highway, such as Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and Kirk Creek Campground, offer prime camping spots with stunning ocean views.
- Activities: Hiking, whale watching, and beachcombing are popular activities along the PCH, with plenty of opportunities for nature photography.
Whether you spend your days surfing, hiking, or simply soaking in the breathtaking vistas, the Pacific Coast Highway is a must for anyone craving adventure on the road.
2. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia & North Carolina)
Winding through the Appalachian Mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile scenic drive that offers some of the most beautiful mountain views on the East Coast. Known for its lush forests, vibrant fall foliage, and easy access to hiking trails, this drive is ideal for campers who love nature and tranquility.
- Highlights: The parkway takes you through Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina, both offering rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes.
- Camping Options: There are numerous campgrounds along the parkway, including Julian Price Campground and Linville Falls Campground. These spots allow you to camp right in the heart of the mountains.
- Activities: In addition to hiking, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers opportunities for birdwatching, scenic overlooks, and historic sites like the Blue Ridge Music Center, where you can learn about Appalachian music and culture.
With its peaceful, winding roads and endless outdoor activities, the Blue Ridge Parkway is perfect for those seeking a more laid-back, scenic road trip.
3. Grand Circle Road Trip (Utah & Arizona)
For those who crave adventure and exploration in the heart of the desert, the Grand Circle Road Trip is an unforgettable journey through some of the most spectacular national parks in the Southwest. Spanning Utah and Arizona, this route is a paradise for hikers, photographers, and anyone who loves the outdoors.
- Highlights: The Grand Circle includes famous landmarks such as Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley, and the Grand Canyon. Each park offers its own unique landscapes, from red rock formations to deep canyons.
- Camping Options: National park campgrounds such as Watchman Campground in Zion and North Rim Campground in the Grand Canyon are great for staying close to the action. RV-friendly campsites with basic amenities are available in most parks.
- Activities: This road trip is a haven for hikers, with trails like Angels Landing in Zion or the Rim Trail in the Grand Canyon offering jaw-dropping views. Don’t forget your camera, as the landscape changes dramatically with the lighting throughout the day.
The Grand Circle is ideal for adventurers seeking iconic landscapes, desert vistas, and star-filled night skies.
4. Alaska Highway (British Columbia to Alaska)
For those who crave an epic, remote road trip, the Alaska Highway offers a chance to experience the wild beauty of the North. Stretching over 1,300 miles from British Columbia through the Yukon and into Alaska, this rugged journey is one of the most challenging and rewarding road trips for RVers and campers.
- Highlights: The highway passes through some of the most pristine wilderness in North America. Look out for wildlife such as bears, moose, and caribou along the way, as well as stunning landscapes including glaciers, forests, and mountain ranges.
- Camping Options: There are numerous campgrounds along the highway, including Muncho Lake Provincial Park and Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park. These spots offer great access to nature and relaxing hot springs.
- Activities: Fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching are popular activities along the Alaska Highway. The journey itself is an adventure, with long stretches of road cutting through untouched wilderness.
If you’re ready for a challenge and eager to experience the raw, untamed beauty of the North, the Alaska Highway should be on your bucket list.
5. Great River Road (Mississippi River)
The Great River Road runs parallel to the mighty Mississippi River, winding through 10 states from Minnesota to Louisiana. This historic route offers a mix of charming small towns, scenic views of the river, and opportunities to explore both culture and nature along the way.
- Highlights: You’ll pass through river towns like Dubuque, Iowa, and Memphis, Tennessee, with plenty of historical sites, museums, and local attractions to explore. The Great River Road also offers beautiful river views and wildlife refuges along the way.
- Camping Options: Campgrounds like Perrot State Park in Wisconsin and Tom Sawyer’s RV Park in Arkansas offer great spots to camp right near the river.
- Activities: Whether it’s fishing, kayaking, or exploring historic riverfront towns, the Great River Road offers plenty of activities to keep you entertained. Don’t miss the chance to explore cultural landmarks such as Graceland in Memphis.
This road trip is perfect for those who want to combine outdoor adventures with a bit of American history and culture along the banks of the Mississippi.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re driving along the rugged coastlines of California or exploring the mountain views of the Blue Ridge Parkway, these five road trip destinations are guaranteed to offer unforgettable experiences for campers and RVers. Each route provides the perfect blend of outdoor activities, scenic beauty, and adventure, making them ideal for both seasoned road-trippers and those looking for their next big camping escape. So pack your gear, hit the road, and start exploring these amazing destinations!
Gogogo Sport Vpro GS03 Laser Golf/Hunting Rangefinder, 1000/1200 Yards Laser Range Finder with 6X Magnification Ultra-Clear View, Lightweight, Slope, Pin-Seeker & Flag-Lock & Vibration
$56.98 (as of November 26, 2024 00:09 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Night Vision Goggles - 4K Night Vision Binoculars for Adults, 3'' HD Screen Binoculars can Save Photo and Video with 32GB TF Card, Black
$99.97 (as of November 26, 2024 00:09 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife
$16.18 (as of November 26, 2024 00:09 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
