5 Scenic Routes for RVers in Spring

RV Life

Along with spring comes RVing season, and seemingly never soon enough. The spring season has plenty to enjoy, from the rising temperatures to the blooming wildflowers. New life is beginning everywhere. Scenic routes are a fantastic way to enjoy springtime, and there are countless options to try.

You might be hesitant to go camping in the early months of the year, but that’s what makes scenic road trips so appealing. This method allows you to enjoy new sights from the comfort of your RV. So even if the temperature outside remains a bit chilly and damp, you can still have a wonderful experience and return to a warm (and dry) bed at the end of the day.

With all that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of five fantastic scenic routes for RVers in the spring. Some are coastal getaways while others showcase the beauty of the changing seasons. Each route has something unique to offer, so read on and get ready for another year of RVing fun!

Seattle to Newport

First up, we have a route that can definitely fall into the chilly category. The Pacific Northwest isn’t usually a poster child for spring getaways, but the early months of the year can actually be a wonderful time to visit. There are smaller crowds and less competition for various attractions.

This region also doesn’t get a lot of snowfall, so you won’t have to worry too much about freezing temperatures or travel difficulties. What it does have is a beautiful mix of forests, rivers, mountains, beaches, and coastal cities.

You can begin (or end) your route in Seattle, Washington. This city includes iconic features like the Space Needle and Pike Place Market. It also has a vibrant art scene, with several museums and galleries to explore.

From here, you can work your way south, finding slightly warmer temperatures as you go. Potential pit-stop cites along the route include Tacoma, Vancouver, Portland, Astoria, Seaside, and Tillamook. Newport, Oregon, is a fine end goal, but you can also just keep going until you reach California.

For the best views, travel along the coast so you can stop at scenic overlooks and walk along the beaches. If you drive nonstop, the journey will last 5–6 hours, but you can easily turn it into a week or more if you make camp and take time to explore each stop.

In addition to the cities on this route, some people also enjoy the ambiance of the west coast (even if it comes with cooler temperatures). There is certainly a special kind of beauty to the foggy forests and stormy seas.

A sea bird resting on a pier, above the water. — ***Photo by Hoc Key 907 on RV LIFE Campgrounds***

RV Parks Along the Path

Los Angeles to Big Bear Lake

If you need something a little warmer for your springtime scenic routes, then head a bit further south. California is always open for business and there are plenty of road-trip options for RVers to try here.

A path that will give you a little bit of everything runs from Los Angeles to Big Bear Lake. You’ll start in the second-largest city in the country, journey through the mountains, and end up on the banks of a beautiful lake. What’s not to love there?

The majority of this drive is urban, so you’ll have plenty of options for shopping, dining, and entertainment. But once you reach the mountains, the city falls away and you can fully enjoy the natural beauty of this state.

This route also takes you on the Rim of the World Highway. This 110-mile stretch gives you unparalleled mountain views. From the winding road, you can see the San Bernardino Mountains like never before!

It only takes 2 hours to get from one point to the next, so you can easily knock this trip out in a day. But once you reach one end or the other, you’ll have plenty of places to set up camp and have a great time.

RV Parks Along the Path

Daytona Beach to Key West

If you’re not feeling like a west coast getaway, let’s switch to the other side of the country. Florida is eternally popular and it has no shortage of scenic routes. A great choice for a spring getaway would be along the east coast of Florida.

Plenty of people flock to this state during spring. The combination of beachside cities, lush greenery, and the warm waters of the Gulf are hard to resist. Additionally, it’s great to visit this state early in the year so you can avoid the sweltering summers and tropical storms of summertime.

You can begin your route in the coastal metropolis of Daytona Beach. This city is home to some of the most beautiful and family-friendly beaches in the state. But that doesn’t mean it’s boring here. There’s a very active nightlife scene as well, so you can party or relax to your heart’s content.

From here, you can follow I-95 along the east coast, stopping at places like Cape Canaveral, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami. From start to finish, this road trip will take about 7 hours. However, each one of these cities is worth at least a day of exploration, so don’t rush past them.

Finally, you can wrap things up in the Florida Keys, going as far as Key West if you want. These little islands are perfect if you want a beachside campsite. You’ll find plenty of places to kick back and put your feet in the sand, so it’s a great getaway for anyone who is fed up with winter!

A Florida sunset with palm trees. — ***Photo by Sandkwillis on RV LIFE Campgrounds.***

RV Parks Along the Path

Ozark National Scenic Riverways

If large cities aren’t appealing to you, you can always head into the wilderness for your spring travels. One region that has wonderful scenic routes is the Ozark National Scenic Riverways in Missouri.

These wild rivers are carefully preserved by the National Park Service. The two main rivers are the Current River and the Jacks Fork River, both of which are surrounded by thriving ecosystems. The rivers are spring-fed with lovely clear water, so it makes for great photography.

This state also has mild weather in the springtime, which is ideal for campers who want to get an early start on their adventures for the year. There are several hikes winding through the nature preserve and you can also drive along the rivers or cut through the woods to get a full scope of the natural beauty.

Although you can chart your own course through this preserve, one of the best scenic routes in the area is the Ozark Run Scenic Byway. It takes about 1 hour to drive the entire route, so it’s easy to incorporate into your camping experience. Some towns along the route include Potosi, Caledonia, Ironton, and Arcadia.

If you want to extend the trip and see more of the country, you can head for the Lake of the Ozarks, which is about 2 hours and 30 minutes away.

RV Parks Along the Path

Shenandoah National Park

Last but not least, it’s time to head to Virginia for some stunning wildflowers. The blooms in Shenandoah National Park are legendary and there are many scenic routes you can take to enjoy them.

Shorter drives through the woods can take you to hikes, rivers, and clearings. But if you want to take in the whole park from the comfort of your RV, you’ll want to take the Skyline Drive. This route runs for 105 miles and it passes through woods and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

There are 75 scenic overlooks along this path, as well as a variety of trailheads and picnic areas. You’ll be able to admire the blooming wildflowers through the windshield, or stop and see them close up. Keep an eye open for wildlife as well because springtime is the ideal window for migration.

If you want an even longer road trip in the same region, you can go on and travel the Blue Ridge Parkway, which spans an additional 500 miles. The trip can be as long or short as you wish, which is part of the joy of driving along scenic routes.

Sunset over the Blue Ridge Mountains. — ***Photo by Mark Schmeets on RV LIFE Campgrounds.***

RV Parks Along the Path

Honorable Mention: Route 66

No list of road trips would be complete without a shout out to the Mother Road: Route 66. This historic stretch runs from Illinois to California. Along the way, there are countless attractions, restaurants, and scenic views.

This isn’t necessarily a springtime destination, because it’s open for travel all year long. But if you travel this route, you’ll be guaranteed to find some warm weather the further south you go. Be sure to check out our guides for some of the best places to camp and dine along the path!

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