5 Bucket-List Worthy RV Road Trips
While it may be true that most RVers rarely wander more than 150 miles from home, there is no denying the allure of an amazing RV road trip. Few things are more liberating than hitting the open road, soaking up beautiful landscapes, and spending the night in your motorhome or travel trailer at a fantastic campsite. For many of us, this type of experience is why we love to go camping in the first place.
If you’ve been feeling a bit of wanderlust lately but aren’t sure where to go, we have a few suggestions for you. These road trips offer everything you could ask for from an RV journey, including breathtaking scenery and plenty of opportunity for adventure. Here are our picks for five bucket-list-worthy road trips you should consider for your next outing.
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The Blue Ridge Parkway
Meandering across North Carolina and Virginia, the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway is a National Scenic Byway and an All-American Road. This route passes through both the Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks, offering breathtaking scenery along the backbone of the Appalachian Mountains.
Active travelers will find a lot to love on this road trip. There are plenty of outstanding hiking trails to explore, and the scenic mountain roads are great for cyclists. The mountain biking is also fantastic, particularly in Roanoke, VA, which claims the title of the “Mountain Biking Capital of the East.” You’ll also discover numerous Appalachian towns steeped in history and culture, with places like the Blue Ridge Music Center and the Biltmore Estate providing plenty of excuses to leave your vehicle behind and soak in the rich experiences.
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The Pacific Coast Highway
California’s Pacific Coast Highway—aka Highway 1/101—stretches from San Diego in the south all the way to the Oregon border in the north. The route covers over 790 miles, much of which follows the stunningly beautiful coastline, offering views of rocky coves, towering cliffs, and sun-drenched beaches. For many, the highlight of the trip is crossing the Bixby Bridge near Big Sur, an iconic location that is recognizable from countless photos, movies, and TV shows.
Activities along the PCH include everything from exploring big cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco to relaxing in wine country. This route has it all, with options for hiking, biking, swimming, surfing, and more. If you take the drive between May and November, you might even spot humpback and gray whales frolicking just offshore.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
The Beartooth Highway and Yellowstone National Park
Even though Montana’s Beartooth Highway is only 68 miles in length, it definitely leaves a lasting impression. The road wanders east out of the town of Red Lodge, winding its way up into its namesake mountains before terminating in Cooke City just outside of Yellowstone National Park. The route is easily the most memorable way to reach Yellowstone, feeding directly into the park’s network of scenic roads, which are perfect for spotting wildlife and capturing postcard-perfect photographs.
If you don’t make any stops, driving the Beartooth takes about two hours to complete. But you can easily spend a whole day exploring everything this highway has to offer. From dramatic scenic overlooks to rugged hiking trails, there is much to take in here. The road even climbs as high as 10,947 feet, so it is possible to experience a snowstorm in the middle of summer. Be sure to stop at the Top of the World store to stretch your legs and grab snacks and drinks.
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The North Shore All-American Scenic Drive
Northern Minnesota is a hidden gem for anyone who loves camping and the outdoors. One of the best ways to explore this region is by taking a road trip along the North Shore All-American Scenic Drive. The 154-mile route starts in Duluth and runs along the shores of Lake Superior all the way to the Canadian border, passing through eight state parks while en route.
This drive features gorgeous views around every turn, with three picturesque lighthouses, two stunning harbors, and a rocky freshwater coastline that seems to go on forever. With nearly a dozen Minnesota towns and villages located along its length, you’ll discover restaurants, pubs, shops, and other unique attractions to occupy your attention. Go for a hike along the 310-mile Superior Hiking Trail, try your hand at fishing on the iconic lake, or paddle along its remote shores. And be sure to stop by Grand Portage and Tettegouche State Parks to see Minnesota’s largest and most impressive waterfalls.
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US Route 1
Not to be confused with California Highway 1 mentioned above, US Route 1 is actually a road that runs nearly the entire length of the East Coast. This is a road trip of epic proportions, covering 2,370 miles and spanning 14 states and the District of Columbia. The route begins in Fort Kent, Maine, in the north and continues south all the way to Key West, Florida.
This road trip requires a serious commitment but offers never-ending rewards. US Route 1 passes through major metropolitan areas, small towns, and remote regions, providing something new to see and do each day. Because it is so long, it offers something for everyone. Most importantly, this is a journey that passes through numerous cultural and historical epicenters across New England, the Mid-Atlantic States, and the deep South, discovering America along the way.
These are just a few of our favorite road trips found in different parts of the country. Any one of these journeys would make for an incredible RV adventure, generating memories to last a lifetime. So, get your camping gear together, gas up the vehicle, and head out on the highway. You’re going to love where these roads take you.
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