It's time to hit the open road, but with so many incredible places to explore, the question becomes—where to go first? From rugged mountain escapes in the Northwest to the sun-soaked deserts of the Southwest, the U.S. is filled with stunning campgrounds that cater to every type of RV enthusiast.
Whether you're seeking solitude in a boondocking spot or prefer the amenities of a full-service RV resort, the possibilities are endless. Let's break down the top camping destinations by region, so you can plan your next unforgettable adventure. And don't worry, we've also included some must-have gear to make your trip even smoother.
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Best Places to Camp in the U.S. by Region
Northwest (WA, OR, ID, MT)
- Olympic National Park, Washington – Nestled between mountains and coastline, this spot offers stunning scenery and plenty of RV-friendly campgrounds.
- Crater Lake, Oregon – The deep blue waters of Crater Lake make this an unforgettable destination. Mazama Campground is great for RVers.
- Sawtooth National Forest, Idaho – Perfect for those seeking remote, pristine wilderness and boondocking opportunities.
- Glacier National Park, Montana – The awe-inspiring peaks and valleys offer several campgrounds ideal for RVs.
Recommended gear: Don’t forget a solar-powered generator for boondocking in remote areas like the Sawtooths. Check out the amazing Jackery Products below!
Southwest (AZ, NM, NV, UT)
- Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona – One of the most iconic destinations in the U.S., there are multiple RV campgrounds to choose from.
- Zion National Park, Utah – A hiker’s paradise with stunning canyons and cliffs. Watchman Campground has RV hookups.
- White Sands National Park, New Mexico – For a unique desert camping experience, with White Sands Campground perfect for RVs.
- Lake Mead, Nevada – A favorite spot for waterside camping, ideal for those looking for fishing and boating activities.
Recommended gear: A water filtration system is crucial for staying hydrated in desert regions. Consider the Camco RV Inline Water Filter.
Central (TX, CO, WY, SD)
- Big Bend National Park, Texas – Vast landscapes and starry skies make this park a fantastic destination. Rio Grande Village is a great RV site.
- Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado – Offering some of the best hiking and wildlife watching, there are plenty of campgrounds for RVers.
- Devils Tower, Wyoming – Camp under this massive monolith at the KOA RV park nearby.
- Badlands National Park, South Dakota – A striking landscape of eroded buttes and spires, with Cedar Pass Campground for RVs.
Recommended gear: For rugged terrain and off-grid stays, an RV leveling system like the Level Mate PRO Wireless RV Leveling System is a must.
Northeast (ME, NY, VT, NH)
- Acadia National Park, Maine – Known for its coastal beauty and woodland settings, there are RV-friendly campgrounds like Seawall.
- Adirondack Park, New York – This expansive park offers numerous lakeside camping options for RVers.
- Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont – Perfect for fall camping, with plenty of foliage and quiet campgrounds.
- White Mountains, New Hampshire – A camper’s dream, with great spots like the Lafayette Campground for RVs.
Recommended gear: Portable fire pits like the Outland Firebowl are great for enjoying chilly nights in the Northeast.
Southeast (FL, GA, TN, NC)
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina – This area is beloved for its misty mountains and beautiful trails. Elkmont Campground is perfect for RVs.
- Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina – Camp along this scenic route at Linville Falls RV Park for breathtaking views.
- Everglades National Park, Florida – For a unique swamp experience, the Flamingo Campground offers RV facilities.
- Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia – A more secluded spot perfect for wildlife watching and RV camping at Stephen C. Foster State Park.
Recommended gear: Mosquito repellents are a must in these swampy, humid areas. Try the Thermacell Patio Shield Mosquito Repeller.
Types of Camping
Boondocking
For those who love being off the grid, boondocking offers ultimate freedom. Locations like Idaho’s Sawtooth National Forest or Arizona’s BLM lands provide wide-open spaces without the need for hookups. Be sure to have a good solar generator or backup power source.
RV Resorts
If you prefer a more comfortable experience with full hookups, RV resorts are the way to go. Many parks across Florida and California cater to RVers looking for luxury amenities like pools, Wi-Fi, and on-site dining.
National Park Campgrounds
Camping within national parks offers stunning scenery and a deep connection to nature. However, reservations often fill up fast, so plan ahead. Parks like Glacier, Yellowstone, and Yosemite are top picks for RVers.
State Parks
State parks are a great middle-ground between boondocking and resort camping. They provide ample space, scenic views, and basic amenities without the crowds. Check out places like Texas’ Big Bend Ranch State Park or Georgia’s Skidaway Island State Park for great RV spots.
When you're on the road, having the right tools at your fingertips can make all the difference. Whether you're navigating remote highways, searching for campsites, or checking weather conditions, RV travel apps have become essential companions for every RVer. From trip planning to finding nearby amenities, these apps take the guesswork out of RV life, making your journey smoother, safer, and more enjoyable. Here are the must-have apps for your next adventure.
Why You Need RV Trip Planning Apps
Gone are the days of bulky maps and guessing games about where to park your rig. With the right apps, you can plan your route, find the best campgrounds, avoid low bridges, and even discover hidden gems along the way. Here’s a roundup of the top RV trip planning apps that you need to download before your next adventure.
1. The Dyrt
Platform: Android, iOS
Cost: Free with a Pro version available
The Dyrt is a comprehensive camping app with a massive database of public and private campgrounds. It offers user reviews, photos, and a nifty trip planning tool. The Pro version adds offline access and discounts at select campgrounds.
2. HipCamp
Platform: Android, iOS
Cost: Free
HipCamp connects campers with private landowners offering unique camping spots, including traditional campsites, RV spots, and glamping sites. Perfect for those looking to stay somewhere off the beaten path.
3. AdventureGenie
Platform: Web
Cost: Subscription-based
AdventureGenie uses AI to help you plan the perfect RV trip. Just input your preferences, and the app will create an itinerary that includes campgrounds, activities, and must-see attractions.
4. Campspot
Platform: Android, iOS
Cost: Free
Campspot’s strength lies in its real-time availability and reservation system, making it ideal for last-minute bookings. It also features a “Grid View” to check availability across multiple campgrounds at once.
5. AllStays
Platform: iOS
Cost: $9.99 (one-time fee)
AllStays provides detailed information on over 30,000 campgrounds, along with additional free sites. Its real-time updates on low clearance bridges and steep grades make it a must-have for navigating tricky routes.
6. Harvest Hosts
Platform: Android, iOS
Cost: Annual membership
Harvest Hosts offers overnight stays at unique locations like wineries, farms, and museums. It's an excellent way to find affordable and interesting places to park your RV for a night.
7. Recreation.gov
Platform: Android, iOS
Cost: Free
This app is essential for booking campsites at national parks and other federal lands. It’s also great for finding information on amenities and availability, and even for registering for lotteries for popular hikes.
Don't forget those State parks!! Some of the most beautiful parks across America are right there in your local State Parks. Most have websites to reserve that perfect spot!
Making the Most of Your Trip
Using these apps can transform your RV adventures, making it easier to find and book campgrounds, plan routes, and discover new destinations. Remember, while technology can greatly enhance your trip, always have a backup plan and be prepared for those unexpected detours and adventures that make RVing so special.
Another thing to consider is, for the last several years (since Covid) RV'ing has exploded in popularity. Making reservations in advance is really important to ensure that you have a spot when you get there.
Final Thoughts
Planning an RV trip can seem overwhelming, but with the right tools, it becomes part of the fun. So, load up your phone with these apps, plan your next getaway, and hit the road with confidence. Safe travels and happy RVing!
For more tips and updates on the latest in RV travel, keep following our blog and feel free to share your favorite apps or experiences in the comments below!
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