Looking for a unique way to explore America’s highlights? Nothing beats an RV road trip. Imagine waking up in a new place every day, without unpacking a single suitcase. It’s no wonder that, according to RVIA.org, more than 28 million Americans planned to take RV trips this year. 

Coastal escapes and beach days top the list for many RVers, but there are dozens of RV-friendly trips across the United States. Thanks to the freedom an RV affords, when a new destination calls your name, all you have to do is turn on your ignition. So what are you waiting for? Pack up your room on wheels and hit the road.

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7 Helpful Tips for Planning RV Trips

Ready to experience that RV life? These seven road-tested tips will help you make the most of every mile.

1. Choose your route

When selecting your route, let your passions pick the path. Whether your style is quaint small towns, majestic mountain regions, national parks or coastal charm, there’s an RV trip for you. Make sure to select the route that complements your schedule, leaving time to pull over, relax and soak it all in.

2. Plan overnight stops and make campground reservations

Even though you’re taking your accommodations with you, you still need to find a place to park each night. Resources like Recreation.gov and the National Park Services site can help you find RV-friendly locations and make reservations. Keep in mind that many RV sites fill up quickly during peak travel periods, like summer break, so reserve your spot early. 

3. Factor in RV-friendly roads and avoid low-clearance routes

Make sure to map out your road trip RV-friendly route. Steer clear of roads with:

• Low clearances
• Sharp switchbacks
• Weight restrictions
• Steep grades

These terrain features could cause damage to your RV or force you to turn around and choose another route. Our motor carrier’s atlas contains helpful information about road tripping with an RV, including road clearance heights and weight limits.

4. Set a budget 

RVing lets you skip the cost of hotels, but there are other expenses to prepare for. Set aside funds for:

• Campground fees
• Fuel
• Propane (for cooking)
• Tolls
• Park entrance fees
• Last-minute repairs

Don’t forget to save money for fun along the way. The beauty of RVing is the freedom to pull over when a county fair or pop-up market catches your eye.

5. Learn how to dump and refill your tanks

Dumping and refilling your tanks — both from your toilet (black tank) and sink/shower (grey tank) — isn’t glamorous, but it’s a necessary part of RV life. There are websites that can help you locate dump stations along your route. Many campgrounds and RV stations also have these stations.

As a general rule, it’s time to dump when your tanks are two-thirds full. Dumping any earlier can lead to clogging, and dumping later can lead to a mess you’d rather avoid (take our word for it).

6. Download offline maps and apps for RV road trips

Some of the most scenic destinations have some of the worst cell service. So be prepared with paper road atlases. Our atlas provides detailed road information and comprehensive indexes so you can always find your way (even when you have no bars).

7. Pack and prepare

A pre-trip checklist can mean a smooth trip. So inspect your RV before you take off. Make sure you have proper fluid levels, that all appliances are working and that you’re stocked up on necessary supplies. Here’s a quick packing list:

• Non-perishable snacks + beverages
• Bedding + towels
• Camp chairs 
• Cooking utensils, pots and pans
• Dishware
• Cleaning supplies
• Emergency roadside kit
• Freshwater hose + filter
• Sewer hose + gloves
• Flashlights
• Batteries
• Paper maps
• Books + games

With these simple seven tips, you’ll be ready to put your RV on the road in no time.

When Is the Best Time for Traveling in an RV?

Your RV road trip experience can vary greatly throughout the year. Every season offers unique benefits and brings its own challenges. From road safety to destination accessibility, here’s a breakdown of what to plan for in spring, summer, fall and winter:

• Spring: Spring is the ideal time for southern routes, when the weather is pleasant and you can witness the wildflower bloom. Plus, you can hit the national parks before summer crowds arrive. Just check road conditions in early spring, since winter hazards might still be lingering. Select campgrounds might not yet be open, too.
  
  
• Summer: Head for the mountains in the summer, when high elevations can provide a refreshing escape from hot weather. Longer days mean more daylight hours for outdoor exploration, making this the perfect time to visit national parks. Just be sure to arrive early at major sites and book campgrounds in advance, since this is the busy season.
  
  
• Fall: During the fall season, witness jaw-dropping fall foliage, especially in the Northeast. Major attractions will be quiet too, since summer crowds have gone away. Just keep the shorter daylight hours in mind when planning outdoor excursions.
  
  
• Winter: If you want to hit the road in winter, consider southern routes such as those in Florida and Arizona. More northern routes can be snowed over, and are unsafe for RVs. Check campground months of operation in advance, since some close down for the winter.

Matching your route to the season can ensure you enjoy the safest roads and best scenery.

Scenic RV Road Trip Routes to Explore

Ready to see America in a whole new way? Our six scenic routes span diverse attractions and landscapes, from coastal towns and mountain regions to national parks and fairytale towns. With RV parks a-plenty, these road trips are perfect for families and friend groups looking to unwind and enjoy the open road together.

Old King’s Highway (Massachusetts)

Winding along the northern coast of Cape Cod, Old King’s Highway (also known as Historic Route 6A) is one of the most view-packed East Coast road trips. Featuring quaint seaside towns, historic lighthouses and laid-back beaches, Old King’s Highway is perfect for families and friends looking for a relaxed vacation. Gentle roads and frequent campgrounds make this ideal for an RV road trip.

Don’t miss Provincetown if you’re looking for local boutiques and unique art galleries. Visit Chatham for iconic New England vibes. And, of course, this trip isn’t complete without a visit to Cape Cod for lobster rolls and ocean views.

The Great River Road (Mississippi River Route)

The Great River Road is a 3,000-mile scenic byway following the Mississippi River from northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. Passing through 10 states, it’s ideal for extended trips and cultural stops. Take in blues music in Memphis, people-watch on Minneapolis’s vibrant riverfront and don’t forget to snap a group pic under the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. 

The full route takes about 36 hours, but many people take anywhere from 4 to 10 days to fully explore the drive. The many scenic pull-offs make this the perfect RV route. Learn more about a Great River road trip to make sure you don’t miss a landmark or milestone.

North Shore Scenic Drive (Minnesota)

If it’s a mix of adventure and relaxation you’re after, the North Shore Scenic Drive is the ultimate trip. Window shop and grab a bite in welcoming lakeside towns like Duluth and Grand Marais. Hike to cascading waterfalls for a fun photo or a refreshing dip. Stop off at one of the many state parks along the way for a picnic or nature stroll. Split Rock Lighthouse and Gooseberry Falls State Parks are two not-to-miss attractions.

With wide shoulders and easy pull-offs, the North Shore Scenic Drive was made for RVs. Learn more about the North Shore Scenic Drive and exploring Lake Superior to make the most of your journey.

East Coast RV Road Trip (Florida to Maine)

Move from surf and sand to idyllic coastal towns on this breathtaking road trip. Cruise through Florida’s beachfront hotspots for delicious seafood or enjoy a little nightlife in Miami. Soak up the charm of the Carolinas, rich with history, classic southern culture and mouthwatering cuisine. Take in the mesmerizing mid-Atlantic coast before ending up along the lighthouse-dotted shores of Maine. 

Don’t forget to leave time for some of this route’s popular national parks, including Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park and Maine’s Acadia National Park. 

This route’s easy-to-navigate highways and numerous scenic pull-offs make it ideal for RVs. We recommend allowing at least 10 to 14 days to enjoy this trip at a leisurely pace. Read our East Coast road trip guide for more insights on must-see attractions and travel tips.

Route 66 (Chicago to Santa Monica)

The ultimate classic Americana road, Route 66 covers 2,400 miles of quirky roadside attractions, delicious eats and souvenir shops through eight states. If you’re chasing a nostalgic feel packed with photo-worthy stops, Route 66, aka The Mother Road, is a must-see stretch of the country. With several spacious RV parks along this wide highway, Route 66 is undeniably RV-friendly.

Set aside two to three weeks to fully immerse yourself in this drive through yesteryear. Be sure to reserve campsites ahead of time and check for any road closures to prevent surprise interruptions to your journey.

You can make sure you hit all of the highlights by reading our Route 66 road trip blog before you start your journey.

Alaska Highway (British Columbia to Alaska)

Get ready for an epic wilderness adventure on the Alaska Highway, the only land route connecting Alaska to the lower 48 states. This highway offers vistas you won’t find elsewhere. From the stunning Canadian Rockies to the crystal clear lakes and the dense forests rich with wildlife, this road trip will delight nature lovers. Plus, endearing frontier towns and historic landmarks line the highway, making for memorable stops.

Due to the remote terrain, proper planning is key for RVers, but well worth it. Luckily, this route has several campgrounds, wide lanes and plenty of places to pull over to take pictures.

Hill Country Trail (Texas)

Looking for the quintessential southern RV escape? Travel across the Hill Country Trail in Texas. As you wind through wine country and picturesque small towns, there are plenty of opportunities to relax and soak in that enchanting southern slow pace of life. Spring is the perfect time to go if you want to witness one of the most breathtaking wildflower blooms. Make sure you stop at the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area for a hike or photo opp near its iconic pink granite dome. And make time for lunch or dinner at one of the few famous barbecue joints along this route.

Plan Your RV Tour Routes With Rand McNally

Whether you choose an adventure-packed route or a more relaxing one, a well-planned trip is always a more enjoyable one. With Rand McNally’s road maps and atlases, you’ll be ready to navigate diverse terrain, even when cell service is nowhere to be found. With tips on scenic byways, hidden gems, trailheads and everything in between, our navigational tools help you soak up everything your route has to offer. 

RV Road Trip FAQ

Looking for more information on an RV road trip? Below you’ll find useful information for your RV adventure.

What is the 3 3 3 rule for RV travel?

The 3 3 3 rule refers to the best practice of never driving more than 300 miles per day, arriving at destinations by 3 p.m. and staying in each place at least three days. This easy-to-remember rule ensures you don’t suffer from driving burnout, have adequate daylight hours to set up camp and give yourself enough time to explore each destination.

What is the 4 4 4 rule for RV trips?

The 4 4 4 rule is a variation of the 3 3 3 rule, stating you should never travel more than four hours or 400 miles per day, and stay at least four nights in each location. For those who have extra time to luxuriate in travel, the 4 4 4 rule might be more appealing than the 3 3 3 rule.

What is the best RV road trip?

Many believe that Route 66 is the best RV road trip in America. Its wide lanes are RV-friendly, there are dozens of quirky roadside attractions and it offers diverse scenery, from desert landscapes to bustling cities and coastal regions.

Get More RV Road Trip Ideas

• Most Scenic Drives in America
• 25 Best Road Trips in the USA
• East Coast Road Trip Guide
• Route 66 Road Trip