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• Couples DAKAR / RR / WRAITH
• Family DAKAR / RR / WRAITH
• Single Axle Couple Bantam
• Single Axle Family Bantam

186C – Queen Bed Café Lounge, Straight Kitchen Rear Ensuite

196R – Queen Bed Café Lounge, Straight Kitchen Rear Ensuite

196C – Queen Bed Café Lounge, Angle Kitchen Rear Ensuite

199R – East West Queen Bed Club Lounge – Split Kitchen Mid Ensuite

209C – Queen Bed Pantry-Café Lounge – Angle Kitchen Rear Ensuite

22C – Queen Bed Club Lounge – Split Kitchen Mid Ensuite

22C – Queen Bed Club Lounge – Angle Kitchen Large Rear Ensuite

22C – Queen Bed Pantry-Café Lounge – Angle Kitchen Large Rear Ensuite

226C – Queen Bed Pantry-Club Lounge – Angle Kitchen Large Rear Ensuite

209R – Queen Bed Pantry-Café Lounge – Straight Kitchen Rear Ensuite

209R – Queen Bed Club Lounge – Straight Kitchen Rear Ensuite

209R – Queen Bed Club Lounge – Straight Kitchen Rear Ensuite.

21R – Queen Bed Club Lounge – Split Kitchen Mid Ensuite.

226R – East West Queen Bed Front Wardrobes – Café Lounge Straight Kitchen – Rear Ensuite

226R – Queen Bed Club Lounge – Split Kitchen Mid Ensuite

229R – Queen Bed Club Lounge – Split Kitchen Mid Ensuite

186F – East West Queen Bed Bench Seat, Straight Kitchen 2-3 Side Bunks & Ensuite

199F – East West Queen Bed L-Shape Lounge – Straight Kitchen 2-3 Side Bunks & Ensuite

213C – Queen Bed L-Shape Lounge – Straight Kitchen 2-3 Side Bunks & Ensuite

216C – Queen Bed Club Lounge – Angle Kitchen 2-3 Side Bunks & Ensuite

233C – North South Queen Bed L-Shape Lounge – Straight Kitchen 2-3 Rear Bunks & Mid Ensuite.

226C – North South Queen Bed Club Lounge – Angled Kitchen 2-3 Rear Bunks & Mid Ensuite

209CS – North South King Bed Straight Bench – Angle Kitchen 2-3 Side Bunks & Ensuite

218CS – North South King Bed Club Lounge – Angle Kitchen 2-3 Side Bunks & Ensuite

229CS – North South King Bed Club Lounge – Straight Kitchen 2-3 Rear Bunks & Mid Ensuite.

23F – East West Queen Bed Bench Seat – Straight Kitchen 4 Side Bunks & Mid Ensuite.

23F – East West Queen Bed L-Shape Lounge – Straight Kitchen 4 Side Bunks & Rear Ensuite.

18C – Queen Bed Café Lounge – Straight Kitchen Rear Ensuite

18R – Queen Bed L-Shape Lounge – Straight Kitchen Rear Ensuite

186R – East West Queen Bed Club Lounge – Split Kitchen Mid Ensuite

186C – East West Queen Bed Bench Seat, Straight Kitchen 2 Rear Bunks & Mid Ensuite.

To see availability across our model range, please select one of the tabs below.

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For the ultimate off-road experience, the Dakar has been designed with the most features of our fleet to give you the highest level of comfort while you traverse the Australian outback.

Rough Rider

A luxury off-road vehicle designed with the highest level of comfort – no wonder it is a fan favourite amongst the fleet. The Rough Rider is capable both on and off the beaten track.

Vacationer are excited to welcome to the fleet the Talon. With an aluminium frame, the Talon is designed to get you where you need to go in comfort and style.

Travel Australia with your family in absolute style and comfort with the Leonora. Designed and built to the highest standards.

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10 Best Caravans for Road Trips, Ranked

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The Rarest Buick Ever Produced

These cheap classics make today's cars look dull, the rarest chevrolet production car ever.

Road trips are relaxing and adventurous with so much to eat, see and do with your family, friends or other adventure seekers. People do road trips for different reasons, but the experience is most times similar and preparing for it depends on the length or duration of the trip – some involve camping.

Therapists recommend road trips as a form of respite or getaway after a gruesome period of consistent workload. BUT… how much relaxation or fun you’ll get on a road trip is largely dependent on how much relaxation and fun your vehicle can offer.

So as not to turn your quest for relaxation and adventure into a nightmare with the wrong choice of vehicle, we’ve listed here the 10 best Caravans for road trips.

10 NISSAN DALBURY E ELECTRIC

We start this list unconventionally from an all-electric recreational vehicle option – the Dalbury E Electric. Simple, stylish, ecofriendly and an exquisite interior finishing, this EV tops it all with good driving performance. Doing 105 miles range on a full charge and taking a mere 30 minutes to get 80% of charge, this RV with its 5 years or 60,000 miles warranty is a bargain for its lowly 41,190 dollars price tag.

RELATED: Nissan Plans To Introduce New Electric Cars

The exquisitely finished interior has standard equipment like Bluetooth, AC, climate control, electric window, iPod compatibility, rearview camera among other things for an ultimate driving experience.

9 VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA

The Volkswagen California is a classic recreation vehicle and very well optimized for road trips and even long journeys at that. This caravan is also known to be the first RV designed and built in-house by the Volkswagen Company hence the company did their best to make a very good first impression.

RELATED: Volkswagen Will Debut Upgraded T6.1 California Camper At Caravan Salon

I’m sure no one wants to spend all they earn fueling a caravan just for a leisure trip hence California has exceptional fuel efficiency. Other pros of California include an anti-lock braking system (ABS), acceleration slip regulator (ASR) cruise control, air conditioning among other features.

8 FIAT DUCATO

The Ducato has been in production since as far back as 1981, currently, in its third generation that started in 2006, this RV efficiently gets the job done. Sitting on a Ford Puma engine, the Ducato produces 150 hp at 3,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 260 lb-ft at 1,750 rpm.

RELATED: Fiat Introduces An Entirely Customizable Electric Car

A fourth-generation Ducato introduced in 2014 with the major change in it being a facelift is running concurrently with the third. The 2019 model has a revised grille and increased payload among other things. For these positive features, the Fiat Ducato takes the 8th spot on this list.

7 FORD TERRIER M SPORT

This campers caravan makes one wonder if it was built for camping or road trips – let’s say both because this Ford Terrier is a road monster and also a camper's delight. The Terrier M-Camper has an improved performance courtesy of the highly-rated Ford 2.2 liter Duratorq TDCi engine with 155 PS (about 152.88 hp) as standard, with 385 Nm of torque coming with an incredible six-speed manual transmission.

RELATED: Ford Raptor Shows Just How Fast It Can Go In Top Speed Test

The Terrier range has Ford’s latest driver assistance technologies for the best driving experience and a new eye-catching front-end design with an all-new cab interior.

6 ROADTREK SS-AGILE

This spot is occupied by a Mercedes brand, and by that, I guess we already know what to expect. Yes – class, luxury and premium quality, the RoadTrek SS-Agile has it all. With 3.0 liters V6 diesel BlueTec engine producing 181 hp at 325 lb-ft of torque, this was RV built ready to take on any road obstacle.

The SS-AGILE is stuffed with so many features to make a road trip in it as pleasant as it can be. It can seat 5 people while sleeping two and has a freshwater capacity of 36 U.S. gallons among other features.

5 WEEKENDER MERCEDES SPRINTER RV

The Midwest Automotive Designs is an Indiana based company that specialized in custom conversions for the Mercedes Sprinter Vans and are credited with the design and conversion of the Weekender Mercedes Sprinter RV. Using the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, the Weekender is either powered by a V6 diesel or inline-four engine and could churn out up to 254 hp at 251 lb-ft of torque.

Aesthetics and interior modification dexterity is the Midwest Automotive Designs forte hence the Weekend RV is luxuriously crafted to provide the best comfort available on a road trip.

4 VW CRAFTER ATACAMA

Did we just include a concept RV that hasn’t even made it to production yet? Hmmm… YES! In our defense, this nicely built vehicle shouldn’t end up as just a concept. Standing ostentatiously like the road king it was built to be, the VW Crafter Atacama is powered by a 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine that produces 164 hp with a 6-speed gearbox on a 4x4 wheel drive.

RELATED: Check Out This All-Electric VW Microbus Concept With Weirdly Organic Rims

We do hope that Volkswagen releases this car into production soon so we get to know what it’s like to drive it and what it looks like on the inside.

3 WINNEBAGO REVEL 4x4

The Winnebago Revel 4 x 4 epitomizes comfort and luxury in a simple package judging by its simple outward demeanor while on the contrary it has a mean interior and it’s propelled by a powerful engine. Built by the Mercedes Company, this RV leverages on the already tested and trusted 4x4 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Chassis fitted with a 3-liter turbo-diesel putting 325 lb-ft of torque.

A road trip is so much fun on the Revel with an in-built refrigerator, toilet, sleeping space and an innovative galley earning this awesome machine the 7th spot on this list.

2 EARTHROAMER XV – HD

What’s the point of having a boring, uncomfortable and tedious road trip? None! All these negatives can never be experienced on the Ford Roamer XV HD as this RV has been optimized for the greatest comfort on the road.

Accommodating up to six people, the XV-HD is powered by Ford’s 6.7 Litre V8 turbo-diesel engine, serving a 330 hp and 725 lb-ft of torque. The EarthRoamer is a 4WD that cruises on 46-in Michelin XZL tires with hydraulic leveling and rear air suspension with Fox shocks. Power is also catered for with an optional 20-kWh battery bank – EarthRoamer XV-HD is in a class of its own.

1 EARTHROAMER XV-LTS

The luxury and comfort this RV offers will have you confusing it for a first-class flight on a luxury plane or a luxury private jet flight – although with considerable turbulence depending on the smoothness of the road or the driver’s sanity. The Earthroamer XV-LTS offers the best on-road, off-road and off-the-grid experience for road travelers and campers.

Built on the Ford F-550 Chassis, the XV-LTS is powered by a 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel that supplies 330 hp and 750 lb-ft of torque. It can take up to 95 gallons of fuel on a 9-11mpg and has a maximum range of 1000 miles. The ultimate best!

NEXT : Electric Ford F-150 Prototype Tows A Million Pounds

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Features & Specs

2024 vacationer.

Your Weekend Getaway Vehicle

There’s no such thing as “roughing it” when you drive the 2024 Vacationer. This fan-favorite Holiday Rambler model turns every camping trip into a glamping trip thanks to spectacular options like a private master suite, open kitchen floor plan, “his & hers” wardrobes, cozy fireplaces and more! Every road trip is the best road trip thanks to the powerful, luxurious 2024 Vacationer.

Why choose the 2024 Vacationer? 

Our Power Platform foundation gives you a solid, safe and stable ride

Bus-style and pass-through storage lets you bring along more than you need

An environmentally friendly 100W solar panel (with an optional 300W upgrade)

Stay cool inside thanks to dual AC units and MCD dual shades throughout

End the evening with an outdoor movie night thanks to an exterior entertainment center

Select Your Floorplans

Select your floorplan.

These renderings are standard versions of the floorplan seen above. Additional options not showcased in depiction.

Cabinetry Options

Ford 7.3L V8 335 Horsepower / 468 lb. ft. Torque

Vacu-Bond™ floors, walls and ceilings with Powerlock System™

Exclusive Power Platform® Chassis

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Everything You Need to Know for Your First Campervan Trip

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Thanks to the rise of campervans , camping has never been more accessible. These easy-to-drive cars make it easy to see the world on the roads and go almost anywhere in the United States and Canada.

But before you jump in and start your grand road tour , it’s important to remember the basics and understand the rules that come with campervan camping. Here are the quick basics everyone needs to remember when starting out in a campervan for the first time.

What Is a Campervan?

Known in other parts of the world as a “caravan,” " Class B ,” or simply a “camper,” campervans are self-contained recreational vehicles built on the frame of a truck or van. Campervans are traditionally smaller than traditional RV vans, which makes them accessible for nearly anyone to drive.

One of the benefits of a campervan is how easy they are to get around. Because they are built on the body of production-model vehicles, anyone who has driven a large truck or minivan can learn to get around in a campervan easily! Plus, campervans often come with a lower cost compared to a traditional RV, with many of the same features.

On the downside, campervans come with much less space than a traditional RV. While a larger motorhome or recreational vehicle can fit an entire family, campervans are best fitted for much smaller groups—two or three people, at the most.

Is a Campervan Different From a Conversion Van or Traditional RV?

Although they share much of the same terminology, there is a very distinct difference between a campervan and conversion vans or even a traditional RV . The most obvious between them is size: While traditional RVs can be the size of a schoolbus, campervans are usually much smaller in size. The smallest campervans are the size of a production car, while the largest are around the size of a large truck. This distinct size difference means you can jump in and start right away with a campervan, while a traditional RV may take a lot more time to learn and get adjusted to.

Campervans are also much more different than “conversion vans,” although the two terms may be used interchangeably. While campervans usually come with dedicated cooking and sleeping spaces, conversion vans are often full-size vans with more storage space and even nicer seats, but aren’t necessarily intended for camping.

In short: if you’re ready to start camping, but aren’t interested in staying at a hotel every night or the time and money to learn how to drive a full-size RV, then the “vanlife” may be perfect for you.

The Benefits of a Campervan

Arguably, the biggest benefit of a campervan is its mobility. Often at the same size as a full-size van or truck, campervans can go anywhere you can imagine . All you need is a roadmap and a campground to get started!

Campervans come with many of the most common features found in RVs as well. A well-built campervan will feature a small kitchen area to prepare hot meals and power outlets to plug-in medical devices and charge cell phones. In addition, campervans have insulated sleeping area, so you can rest in a bed every night without exposure to the elements.

Campgrounds are often very accommodating to campervans, as they don’t take up much room and don’t need as many hook-ups to get up and running. The best campervans include plugs for “shore power,” or an external power source at the campsite. This allows you to use the kitchenette and power outlets without running down dedicated batteries.

Do I Need a Special Driver’s License for a Campervan?

In most parts of the United States, you will not need a particular driver’s license to operate a campervan. Because campervans are roughly the same size as the cars you already drive today, operating one on the street will be very similar to driving your car to work. However, before you go on your first road trip, you will want to get acquainted with your campervan. Campervans may come with back-up cameras, but not the center rear-view mirror. Be sure to go on a few test drives to understand its visibility and how it handles on the road.

Although you may not need a special driver’s license to take your campervan on the road, what you take with you might require additional paperwork. Because some campervans include propane or butane gas to power the kitchenette, you may be required to display placards to inform first responders and other drivers of what you are carrying. Be sure to check the local regulations where you are going.

What Do I Need to Pack in a Campervan?

Now that you’re sold on joining the “Vanlife” and are ready to head out on the open road, the first step is to put together a packing list. As with all travel, your packing list will change based on where you are going and how long you plan on being gone. For the basics, your campervan packing list should always include:

• Food and beverages for the length of your trip
• Potable water for dishwashing and other cleaning
• Weather-appropriate clothes for the length of your trip
• Clean linens and pillows for the bed
• Kitchenette fuel (propane or butane, if necessary)
• Cleaning products (wipes, soaps, and anything you can use to conveniently
• Cash for tolls and any other unplanned expenses
• Connection cables for campsites

Once you have your packing list together, you will also need to set a budget for your entire trip. This may vary based on how far you are going and campground costs. Your budget should account for:

• Gasoline costs for your campervan
• Campervan campground costs per day
• Extra budget for food or entertainment while camping

While most charges can be paid for using a credit or debit card, it’s also important to carry a small amount of cash with you to ensure everything can get paid. If you don’t make a budget part of your campervan packing list, you might end up paying way more for your trip than you thought .

Where Can I Park My Campervan Overnight?

You’ve got the campervan, you have a destination in mind, and now you want to know where you can park your campervan overnight . Because these are registered vehicles operating on public roads, they are subject to all rules and regulations.

The easiest places to park your campervan overnight is at a campground . Many campgrounds have dedicated spaces for campervans and other recreational vehicles. If space is available, you can book just one night or your entire stay. Just be sure to check ahead if there is a space for you—otherwise, you might be caught on the road without a place to stay.

If your trip includes a visit to a national forest, then you are in luck. Because national forests are federal property, camping is usually free! If you can safely pull your car off the road, you can park your campervan for the night. Just be sure to follow local regulations: For example, some parks don’t allow open flames due to fire risks.

But as mentioned above, there are a lot of places where you may not be allowed to park your campervan overnight. You cannot park on streets where overnight parking is prohibited, or anywhere campervans or other live-in vehicles may be prohibited by local or state ordinances. This can include (but is not limited to) alongside significant highways, alongside coastlines or in dense parking lots.

If you are in a complete pinch for parking overnight , there are some emergency options available to you. Most Wal-Marts allow camping vehicles (including campervans) to park overnight, giving you a safe place to spend one night as you plan for the next leg of your adventure. Some amusement parks also have dedicated small RV and campervan space as well.

Tips and Tricks for Your Campervan Experience

If you’ve never taken a trip in a campervan before, you are in for a one-of-a-kind experience. But before you go, here’s some tips and tricks you can apply to your grand adventure.

• Less is more: Although campervans offer a fair amount of living space, it is also very limited after you pack all your items in. Packing light allows you to enjoy still the creature comforts allowed from the campervan, without worrying about where and how to store everything when it comes time to move to the next campground (or go home).
• Reservations save time and money: While it may be tempting to hit the open road to go wherever the wind takes you, it can also be a costly proposition if campground space is limited. By calling ahead and making reservations at campgrounds, you can ensure space is available – and at a rate in your budget. Some websites even allow you to book campground space online.
• Leave the land better than you found it: No matter your camping style, it’s essential to make sure you are a good steward of the land. This includes picking up all trash, securing trash and other items before you leave or turn in for the night, and avoid feeding wildlife (on purpose or inadvertently). Not only is this good behavior, but it’s also the law. If you litter or start an open fire on federal lands (or where it’s against local rules), you could be fined.

Overall, campervan camping is one of the easiest ways to see the country. With a better understanding of campervan travel , you will have no trouble getting on your way and making memories that last a lifetime.

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Guy's All-American Road Trip

Guy Is Rolling Out!

The Fieris and a caravan of their family and friends, including Chef Antonia Lofaso, are takin' their RVs from South Dakota to Wyoming on an epic journey filled with big adventure, culinary competitions and amazing local meals.

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Food Trucks & Fast Cars

Guy Fieri and his caravan of friends and family start their epic journey through Appalachia. On this leg of the trip, a dairy farm visit turns into an ice cream-making contest and a camp meal becomes a pizza showdown. Plus, there's amazing food trucks, a real deal Mexican feast, a trip back to the Old West, lunch at a museum and hot laps in Corvettes.

Campground Cooking Contests

Guy Fieri and his caravan's trek to find the biggest adventures and best food in Appalachia transforms into a campground showdown when they compete to make the best burger and turn trout fishing into a culinary battle. Plus, there's a BBQ feast, drive-through pizza and great times on the Tennessee River.

Flavortown and Family Fun

Guy Fieri is hittin' the road with his friends and family for an amazing RV journey through the Appalachian Mountains. During this section of the trip, the crew stops at Downtown Flavortown for some next-level nachos, outrageous burgers, one-of-a-kind waffles and a tiki drink oasis. Then, they dig into homestyle fried chicken and cinnamon bread at Dollywood, sample real deal country ham, discover handmade knives and start a family bowling competition.

Camp Cooks & Celebrations

Guy Fieri has his friends and family in tow as they finish up their epic Appalachian adventure through Tennessee and Kentucky. Along the way, they're eatin' gourmet mushrooms and Southern sweets, touring a cast-iron cookware factory and visiting an aquarium where they learn how to cook for lemurs. Plus, the families make custom hats, battle it out in wild competitions and go whole hog in a celebration to wrap up an awesome road trip.

Kickin' Off the Food and Fun

The Fieris and a caravan of their family and friends, including Chef Antonia Lofaso, are takin' their RVs from South Dakota to Wyoming on an epic culinary journey filled with big adventure, culinary competitions and amazing local meals. On this leg of the trip, they enjoy indigenous feast, dive into real deal ramen and serve a mouthwatering barbecue lunch for the troops. Plus, there's competitive fly fishing, a trip to Mount Rushmore, a dude ranch hoedown and a next-level camp cook featuring grass fed buffalo.

Father's Day Feasts and Camp Side Competitions

The Fieri caravan continues their trek through the American West with next-level burgers and hot dogs at a polo match, a Father's Day steak dinner and homemade desserts at the campground, and a trip to a freeze-dried food factory that turns into an epic cooking battle. Plus, there's an archery contest and a visit with local craftsmen making bits, spurs and saddles.

Camp Cook-Offs and Chuckwagons

On their epic trek through the American West, Guy Fieri and his family sample Wyoming-style pizza and made-to-order chuckwagon steaks. Then, a trip to a next-level sausage factory becomes a campground cooking showdown. Plus, there's a trip to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and a country-style buffet featuring all-you-can eat chicken and smoked beef brisket.

Food Trucks, Friends and Carnival Fun

On the final leg of their road trip through the America West, the Fieris check out food-truck pizza and ice cream, and a camp breakfast becomes a cooking battle to see who makes the best sweet and savory dishes. Plus, there's a survival contest and a campground carnival featuring Lebanese and Mediterranean food.

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23 Incredible RV Vacations: Scenic RV Road Trips You Need to Take

Posted on Published: July 7, 2023  - Last updated: February 26, 2024

If you’re seeking the perfect blend of adventure and comfort, an RV road trip may be the perfect getaway! From awe-inspiring national parks to quaint coastal towns and everything in between, the USA offers an incredible array of destinations to explore from the comfort of your home on wheels. Here are the best RV vacations in the USA!

This post may contain affiliate links. For more info, see my  disclosures .

Start packing up the RV (and the family) now! You’re going to love these RV trips all across the country. Whether you’re looking for a route that’s in your home state, or you’re traveling and then renting an RV, this list has something for everyone!

This list goes beyond somewhere to sit your RV – each destination in this guide is an RV road trip with beautiful landscapes, fun national parks to explore, vibrant cities or wide open spaces.

👉Don’t have time to read the whole article? Get the complete Organize Your RV Like a Pro Guide for brilliant organization RV hacks before you go!

Many of these RV routes are best one in the summer months when the weather is (typically) most predictable and reasonable in the USA. But each of these RV vacations below share the best time of year for that particular adventure.

Whether this is your first RV road trip or you’ve been packing up your motorhome or travel trailer for years, these epic destinations are going to blow you away!

Must-see video: RV vacations

RV road trips map

This list covers the best RV trips in the west, east and a bunch of amazing routes in between.  Each pin on this map marks a stop on one of the very best RV routes in the US .

Because I haven’t’ been everywhere in the US in my RV (yet), I’ve asked some of my fellow travel writers to help compile this list of the best RV travel USA ideas! Enjoy!

Epic RV vacations

Get ready to hit the open road and discover some truly unbelievable RV road trips that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Let’s dive in!

1. Great Smoky Mountains: Asheville to Gatlinburg

• Distance: 85 miles
• Recommended time: 2-3 days
• Best time of year: Spring or Fall

If you’re looking for a fun getaway in your RV, then look no further than the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee! One of the best RV vacations in the US, the drive from Asheville North Carolina to Gatlinburg, Tennessee is simply gorgeous.

The Smoky Mountains are stunning year-round, though it’s best to avoid this road trip in winter. The National Park Service often closes the road through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee.

This route can technically be done in an afternoon, but you’ll want to spend a day or two on either side of the road trip, at minimum!

While in Asheville, be sure to visit the botanical gardens and the River Arts District. And of course, one of the best attractions in town is the Biltmore Estate . Visit the estate to see the massive 175,000+ square feet of space on 8,000 acres. It’s spectacular!

The drive west towards Tennessee is beautiful, and the Smoky Mountains make their presence known with the hazy-looking views. Stay on Highway 19 until you get to Cherokee, North Carolina. It’s a great spot to grab lunch, a souvenir and check out the cornmeal and grits mill – Saunooke’s Mill .

Next, get ready for an incredibly scenic drive through US Highway 441 (AKA Newfound Gap Road) in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This scenic road is RV-friendly, although it does have some steep grades so be prepared as you drive through the mountains.

You’ll want to stop at Clingmans Dome for 360-degree views of the Smokies. It requires a 0.5 mile (paved) hike with a steep incline, but is well worth it.

Pro tip: don’t miss the turn to Clingman’s Dome! There’s RV-friendly parking at the parking lot, but turning around on 441 will be difficult in an RV if you miss the turn.

Gap Overlook and Ben Morton Overlook are other stops worth the view, if the parking situation isn’t too full when you’re driving through. Of course, there’s various hiking trails along the scenic route as well.

Gatlinburg is the official end of this RV road trip. It’s quite the touristy town, and parking is not RV-friendly at all. Instead, you can stay at Elkmont Campground inside the national park or Greenbrier Campground just outside of Gatlinburg. As with most national park campgrounds, be sure to book it well in advance to reserve your spot.

If you have a day or two to explore the park, you’ll want to check out the fabulous waterfalls, which are most impressive in the springtime. Laurel Falls Trail , Grotto Falls and Abrams Falls Trail are really popular hikes, although if you have a vehicle you’re towing it’s easier to access Grotto Falls and Abrams Falls as they’re located on narrow roads.

This is one of the best RV vacations that’s great for beginner RVers or those based in the Eastern USA and looking for a quicker weekend adventure.

Recommended by me – Nikki of Inspired Routes

2. Alaska RV road trip

• Distance: 1,200 miles
• Recommended time: 10 days
• Best time of year : June, July and August

Alaska is a fantastic state for a scenic and remote RV vacation. An RV road trip through the rugged 49th state allows you to see mountains, glaciers, forests, panoramic coastline, wildflowers, and plentiful wildlife.

Although driving your RV to Alaska is possible, another popular option is to fly into Anchorage and rent an RV. Either way, you should book your campsites as early as possible . Summer is the busy season in Alaska and the good campsites are often booked out months in advance.

The best  10-day Alaska road trip itinerary  will take you to see the diverse beauty of the inland mountains as well as the coastline. But, make sure to plan for at least 10 days to complete this 1,200-mile RV road trip. Alaska is a huge state and you will need to do a lot of driving to see the highlights.

Starting in the city of Anchorage, head north to Denali National Park for a few nights. After Denali, return south to Anchorage for a night and then keep going south to Seward. 

After spending several nights in Seward, drive to the Kenai River Region for a night or two, and then to Homer for your last few nights.  You’ll end your trip by returning north back to Anchorage.

Highlights of the route include Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park, as well as some epic scenic overlooks and state parks along the way.

Two of the best campsites in Alaska for RV camping are Denali Grizzly Bear Resort near Denali National Park and Miller’s Landing in Seward. 

An RV road trip through Alaska will be an incredible and memorable experience!

Recommended by Diane of Travels with Eli

3. Milwaukee to Ludington (an underrated RV vacation idea in the USA)

• Distance: 148 miles by car ferry or 341 miles driving
• Recommended time: 3-4 days
• Best time of year: Mid-May to October, and this small beach town offers amazing outdoor activities. Hence, you want to visit during sunny spring and summer weather to truly enjoy this natural landscape.

Traveling from Wisconsin to Michigan is a unique road trip with an RV, as you can take the S.S. Badger Car Ferry (even for RVs) and enjoy the ride! 

While onboard, you can shop, watch a movie in the movie theater or simply lounge inside. They also have an outside deck with live music, where you can stroll along the deck, play a board game, or even test your luck at the famous Badger Bingo. Kids will enjoy the toddler play area or the kid’s port play area.

If you do not want to take the ferry, you can also easily drive to Ludington. The drive time varies based on traffic, but it is about 4 hours from Chicago, 4 hours from Detroit, and 5.5 hours from Milwaukee.

There are plenty of  things to do in Ludington , including exploring the natural beauty of the region at Ludington State Park. It’s an outdoor enthusiasts paradise with natural beauty from lakes and rivers, forests, and unique sand dunes.

Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, camping, and even bird-watching in Ludington State Park. Located on Hamlin Lake, RVers will enjoy boating, fishing, kayaking and paddle boarding.

Lastly, don’t forget to climb and explore the unique Hamlin Lake Sand dunes that give you a scenic view of Lake Michigan, Hamlin Lake, and Big Sable Point Lighthouse.

This is one of the best and most unique RV road trips in the US, and one worth adding to your must-do list!

Recommended by Hannah of Getting Stamped

4. Phoenix, Sedona, Grand Canyon and Page Arizona (one of the most scenic RV road trips)

• Distance: 478 miles (one way)
• Recommended time: 5-6 Days

There are so many amazing places to visit within driving distance from Phoenix. On this RV road trip, you will visit 3 of the most iconic destinations in Arizona , Sedona, the Grand Canyon and Page, Arizona.

Start in Phoenix and make your way to Sedona, one of the prettiest places in the world. There are a ton of places in Sedona to see incredible views or go on a  Sedona sunrise hike  to see the gorgeous red rocks illuminated in bright orange and red colors.

One of the best campgrounds to stay at in Sedona is Pine Flat Campground located on the scenic byway 89a. You’ll combine scenic accommodations with tone of the most gorgeous RV vacations in the USA!

After spending 1-2 days exploring Sedona, it’s time to head to the Grand Canyon, which is only 110 miles north. The Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic national parks in the United States, and it’s easy to see why.

Rent some electric bikes and bike along the rim to Hermits Rest and enjoy stopping off and seeing all the incredible views of the canyon.

The best place to stay near the Grand Canyon is at Mather Campground located inside the park. Advanced reservations are required to get a spot at this campground as it’s super popular.

After spending a day exploring the Grand Canyon, head 132 miles north to Page, Arizona. Once in Page, make a reservation to visit the incredible Antelope Canyon which is one of the prettiest slot canyons in the world.

You can also do the 1.5 mile round trip hike to Horseshoe Bend.

The best campground to stay at in Page is The Canyons , which is located only 10 minutes to Antelope Canyon and 10 minutes to Horseshoe Bend.

As one of the best RV vacation ideas, consider taking this road trip in either the spring or fall as the summer in Arizona can get really hot and be super crowded. 

Recommended by Jessica of Unearth the Voyage

5. San Francisco to Lake Tahoe

• Distance: 200 miles
• Recommended time: 3+ days
• Best time of year: summer or early fall

Hands down, one of the best RV vacations is a road trip from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe. With so much to do at the starting point, stopping point and in between, you could easily spend a week or more exploring this route. You’ll want a minimum of 3 days to see the highlights!

Starting in San Francisco, this is a great road trip for those based in northern California or southern Oregon. While driving an RV in San Francisco isn’t the most fun thing in the world, I can say it’s pretty spectacular driving across the Golden Gate Bridge in a motorhome (or travel trailer) !

You can spend a day (or more) exploring the sights in San Francisco; visit Lombard Street, Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz Island, Exploratorium and more. If you’re towing a vehicle, I’d recommend to leave your RV at your campsite and get a ride share around San Francisco.

From there, make your way northeast to Sacramento . Make a quick gas or food stop, or spend a day or more in the fun city. Highlights include the Capitol Building, Old Sacramento Waterfront, the Old Sugar Mill or do a wine tour.

Next, Lake Tahoe is big! So deciding whether to see (and camp) on the north or south side is important, as you’ll take 2 different routes out of Sacramento. Both areas are wonderful for RV travel, and each has unique experiences.

In north Lake Tahoe, see the incredible views of the lake at Sand Harbor State Park, go swimming, mountain biking or hiking. Furthermore, this dog-friendly destination is great for summertime swimming for your furry friends, too.

In South Lake Tahoe, a must-do is a sightseeing cruise of Emerald Bay. Of course there’s more hiking, paddleboarding and kayaking opportunities, not to mention Van Sickle Bi-State Park.

For camping in North Tahoe, try the Tahoe State Recreation Area or the Alpine Meadow Campground. In South Tahoe, consider the Campground by the Lake or Fallen Leaf Campground . As with most other RV vacations on this list, be sure to book your campground far in advance to ensure a spot.

While Lake Tahoe is a year-round destination, the winter driving in an RV (not to mention freezing temperatures) can create challenges. Summer is the best time for this road trip!

6. Santa Fe to White Sands National Park (one of the most underrated RV trips on this list)

• Distance: 397 miles
• Recommended time: 1 week
• Best time of year: late spring

Travel through the heart of New Mexico on an unforgettable Santa Fe to White Sands RV road trip. It’s a perfect route for RVs as the roads are largely flat with incredible views . Even in the areas where the roads turn hilly, it’s nothing that the average rig can’t handle!

Start your adventures in historic Santa Fe, the nation’s oldest capital city. Explore the Plaza and the oldest church in America before settling into your RV spot at the welcoming Santa Fe KOA.

Next, head over to Albuquerque, where you can tour the Old Town, hike in nearby Petroglyph National Monument, or experience the awe-inspiring Albuquerque Balloon Festival. 

Head south to the quirky Roswell, New Mexico, to uncover what happened in this town in 1947. Even if you don’t believe in alien encounters, the town’s extraterrestrial theming is out of this world.

Finally, complete the last leg of your New Mexico RV road trip by heading over the Sacramento Mountains into Alamogordo.

Camp at the Alamogordo/White Sands KOA, which offers free coffee in the morning, pedal bike rentals, a pool, a big game room, and a playground. You can also rent saucers for your White Sands National Park sledding from the front desk.

In Alamogordo, you can take a photo with the world’s largest pistachio at McGinn’s Pistachioland –don’t miss out on their homemade pistachio ice cream!

The New Mexico Museum of Space History is also an excellent way to spend several hours in Alamogordo. You can even visit the grave of the Ham, the famed monkey who flew to space and back in 1961.

The real gem in Alamogordo is White Sands National Park, which is about 15 minutes west of Alamogordo. Plan to spend at least  one day in White Sands  in order to get the most of the sledding, Dunes Drive, Junior Ranger program and more.

Recommended by Natalie of Camping Kiddos

7. Las Vegas to Zion plus the Grand Canyon

• Distance: 425 miles
• Recommended time: 5-10 days

Ready to go on one of the most scenic RV road trips in the USA?  Start your adventure by flying (or driving) into Las Vegas and picking up your RV.

After your RV is ready to go, set out from Las Vegas making your way to Springdale, Utah – the gateway to Zion National Park.

Springdale is the closest town to Zion with plenty of restaurants and RV parks. Watchman Campground, with both campsites and RV hookups, is one of the best places to stay in the area.

Along the way to Zion, there are several different stops along I15 for more sightseeing and breaks from the road, including Valley of Fire State Park and Red Rock Canyon.

Zion is one of the most scenic national parks, home to the red cliffs of Zion Canyon, forested trails, waterfalls, and the Emerald Pools. There are lots of hiking trails, including the famous Angel’s Landing.

Next, hit the road towards Grand Canyon National Park. You can stop at Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell, or the town of Page along the way.

After exploring the Grand Canyon, start making your way back to Vegas. Along the way, visit the Route 66 Museum in Kingman, visit the “living ghost town” of Chloride, or make a pitstop at the Hoover Dam before arriving back in Las Vegas.

Once your road trip is over, spend a few days in Las Vegas unwinding at the pool and exploring one of the USA’s most fun cities.

Recommended by Sydney of A World in Reach

Best RV trips in the west

The west coast of the USA is full of dramatic landscapes, curvy roads and scenic views that honestly just seem impossible. Some of my favorite RV trips have been along the west coast.

Let’s keep this list going…

8. Sequoia National Park to Monterey via Big Sur (a personal favorite on this RV vacations list!)

• Distance: 300+ miles
• Recommended time: 3-5 days
• Best time of year: Spring, summer or fall

If you’re looking for the best RV vacations, then this incredibly scenic drive is it! You’ll see the giant Sequoia trees, California’s stunning coastline through Big Sur and the charming town of Monterey.

You’ll want to spend 1-2 days visiting Sequoia National Park , where you can see the General Sherman Tree – the world’s largest tree by volume! Fun hikes like Congress Trail and Moro Rock will help you fall in love with this fun park.

Note: some roads in the park are quite narrow and depending on the size of your RV, you’ll need – or maybe want – to take the park shuttle .

At Sequoia, there’s the Dorst Creek Campground, perfect for RVs inside the park. Alternatively, the Sequoia Resort and RV Park is near the park entrance.

From Sequoia National Park, you’ll actually head southwest, even though Monterey is slightly north.

Drive through Visalia (a great spot to grab gas) and continue southwest to the s mall town of Cambria, California. Stretch your legs on the boardwalk trail along the beach or shop and dine in the charming downtown.

North of Cambria, you’ll take the incredibly scenic California Highway 1, or the Pacific Coast Highway. While there are too many things to do in Big Sur to mention here, a few RV-friendly highlights include the Sand Dollar Beach, McWay Falls and the Bixby Creek Bridge.

If you’re looking to stay in Big Sur and enjoy a few days exploring the area, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a great spot for RV camping in the heart of Big Sur.

Ending your trip in Monterey, you’ll want to check out the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, Old Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row . It’s such a fun city, I’d recommend spending 1-2 days exploring the sights.

9. Glacier to Yellowstone National Park

• Distance: 420 miles
• Recommended time: 7.5-hour drive
• Best time of year: Summer and Fall

There’s just something about the American West that is freeing and magical. It feels like home when you’re out on the open road without a care in the world. 

This is what you get as you road trip between Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park. But, thankfully, there’s much more to do in this road trip than just gazing out at the vast landscapes. It’s one of the best RV road trips in the west!

You can start your trip in either direction, but for this one, we’ll begin in Glacier and head south to Yellowstone .

At Glacier, you’ll be home to arguably the best views of any National Park in America. With towering peaks cut by glaciers, turquoise waters with glacier silt, and wildlife galore, it’s a mesmerizing experience. 

Do note that you need reservations to enter most of Glacier’s top spots, such as Many Glacier or Going to the Sun Road, or be willing to wake up before 6 am to beat the crowds. 

I suggest spending at least five days in Glacier to see both sides. Your best places to visit are Grinnell Glacier, Iceberg, Hidden and Two Medicine Lakes. 

If you’re curious how long you should allocate for each destination, I’d recommend spending 67% of your time in Glacier – it’s that good!

As for the specific driving portion of it, there’s little to see between the two famous national parks. I suggest cruising through the heartland and getting to Yellowstone quickly. 

Once in Yellowstone, make sure to hit the classics: Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, Morning Glory, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. You can see a lot of the park in just two days, allowing you to keep this  epic road trip  to a reasonable length. 

Recommended by Alec of Explore with Alec

10. Joshua Tree and Death Valley National Park (one of the most interesting RV routes in the US)

Distance: 577 miles (if starting and ending in Los Angeles) Recommended time: 5 Days Best time of year: Fall to Spring

A  Joshua Tree and Death Valley road trip  is the ultimate Southern California experience! Los Angeles makes for an easy starting point, but you can also choose to start in Las Vegas . This whole RV road trip is around 600 miles and you will want to plan a minimum of 5 days.

Spend at least one full day in Joshua Tree, visiting all of the best hikes including the Cholla Cactus Garden, Arch Rock, Barker Dam and Hidden Valley. Joshua Tree is also an amazing spot to stargaze if the weather is clear.

Staying in the park will allow you to make the most of your trip, so reserve your campground in advance!

After having your fill of Joshua Tree, drive up to Death Valley National Park to continue on with one of the best RV vacations.

There are a few reservable campsites in Death Valley, but if you do not get one, there is also a large first-come, first-served campground near Furnace Creek .

In Death Valley, you do not want to miss spots like the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Zabriskie Point, and Gold Canyon.

Make sure to stop at the lowest point in North America- Badwater Basin Salt Flats!

Keep in mind some side roads are restricted to vehicles under 25 feet long like Artist Palette Drive, but the majority of the popular spots are accessible.

Plan this trip when it is not too hot out, as Death Valley has the hottest recorded temperature on Earth! Fall and Spring are the best time to visit.

The desert temperatures can drop at night and it can get very windy, so this makes a perfect RV road trip, as you can shelter from the elements.

Recommended by Val of Voyages with Val

11. Ashland to Crater Lake National Park

• Distance: 92 miles
• Recommended time: 1-2 days
• Best time of year : July – September (These are often the only months the roads are not closed due to snow!)

Oregon is a state full of beautiful scenery, and makes for one of the best RV trips west coast. Perhaps one of the most beautiful spots is Crater Lake.

This natural lake is the deepest in the United States and one of the most pure. From the blue water to the fresh, clean air, an RV vacation from Ashland to Crater Lake National Park will not disappoint.

Visitors can explore the rim of the lake on a variety of hiking trails. Boats even take visitors to Wizard Island to get a unique view of the stunning scenery. 

The RV road trip from Ashland to Crater Lake is beautiful in its own right. Highway 62 often travels along the Rogue River. You’ll pass through little towns with charming names like Shady Cove and Prospect. 

As you get closer to the lake, watch for bald eagles flying overhead or nesting on top of trees. But the highlight of the day will be cresting the final ridge and getting your first glimpse of the lake . It’s truly breathtaking.

There is one campground nearby that allows RVs. Mazuma Campground is seven miles from the Rim Village Visitor Center .

It’s a beautifully maintained campground and very popular. Be sure to make reservations in advance to secure your spot.

The road trip from Ashland to Crater Lake is short enough for a day trip, but one day may not be long enough to get your fill of the astounding beauty.

Recommended by Sherry of  Digital Nomad and a Dog

12. Highway 395, California (another stunning route on the RV vacations list)

• Distance : 201 miles
• Recommended time: 7 days
• Best time of year: Spring or fall

The entire length of Highway 395 is gorgeous, but its southern portion, from Bridgeport, California to Death Valley National Park is next-level epic . It’ll surely be one of your most memorable RV trips on the West Coast (maybe even the whole USA!)

You can even drive along this route as part of a longer trip, such as from Yosemite National Park, whose Tioga Pass entrance is right by Bridgeport (note that this is only accessible from mid-summer through mid-fall).

You’ll drive along the stunning Sierra Nevada mountains the entire time —not only is the scenery breathtaking, but the drive is an RVer’s paradise, with tons of campgrounds and dispersed camping along the way.

Start in the charming town of Bridgeport, where you’ll find the under-the-radar  Buckeye Hot Springs  and Travertine Hot Springs. As an added bonus, there’s lots of dispersed camping spots right by Buckeye in Stanislaus National Forest!

Continue on to Mono Lake , one of the oldest in the United States at over one million years old. The lake is famous for its tufas, unique spires that are a byproduct of calcium carbonate. 

The ski town of Mammoth Lakes is your next stop on one of the best RV road trips in the US. If you visit in the spring, there’s a good chance you’ll still be able to enjoy the fresh powder on Mammoth Mountain , one of the best ski resorts in the country. This area is actually one of the best snowy winter vacations in USA !

During the spring, there’s plenty of natural hot springs to enjoy in Mammoth Lakes as well. 

Next up is Alabama Hills , which looks like something from another planet, with enormous monzogranite boulders scattered across the desert floor and the towering peaks of the Sierras in the background.

Score a spot at the Tuttle Creek Campground to have this scenery as your backyard for a night.

Finally, Death Valley National Park will be the endpoint of your visit. This park is one of the most dynamic in the national park system, offering colorful badlands, sand dunes, salt flats and towering mountains.

If you’re interested in doing more than quickly driving through the park, plan your road trip in either early spring or late fall—it’s famously sweltering in the summer months!

This is easily one of the best RV vacations for those based in or near California.

Recommended by Jessica of Uprooted Traveler

13. Los Angeles to San Diego

• Distance: 120 miles
• Recommended time: 3 days
• Best time of year : Late spring or early fall

A RV road trip from Los Angeles to San Diego is magical. The 110 mile-drive is filled with scenic sights, beaches, and parks.

If driving straight through, expect it to take right around 2 hours, but I highly recommend at least 3 days to ensure you have time to see everything.

The most popular route (and the most scenic of them all) is the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). It is also known as Highway 1. It offers the stunning views of the California coastline.

While driving, make sure to take the exit 62 to Las Pulgas Road because it offers an oceanic panoramic view that can take your breath away.

After continuing down Highway 1 on one of the best RV trips west coast, you will pass by Huntington Beach and Laguna Beach . They are some of the most popular beach towns in California. If you have time, they would be a good place to stop for brunch, swimming, or just to soak up the sun.

It’s no secret that California is home to some busy roads! The best time of the day to start this road trip is before morning rush hour to avoid the congestion. If you do not make stops along the way, you could even make it all the way to San Diego without any traffic issues!

Finally, after arriving in San Diego you can check out the exciting theme parks such as Seaworld, Disneyland, or Legoland. There’s so many things to do in San Diego with kids , it makes for a great family RV vacation for the whole family!

No matter how you choose to spend your time in California , it will surely be one of your most beloved RV vacations!

Recommended by Ossama of Awesome Traveler

RV road trips in the east

Traditionally the western part of the USA is known for its outdoor adventure, and a great spot for RVers. However, the eastern part of the US has some pretty spectacular RV vacation ideas too. Check these out!

14. Florida’s A1A

• Distance: 338.7 miles
• Recommended time: 6-8 days
• Best time of year: Winter

Hop in the RV and fire up the AC for a scenic trip along Florida’s A1A. This State Road runs from Fernandina Beach, just south of Georgia on Amelia Island, to the lively Key West , south of the Sunshine State. It’s one of the very best RV vacation ideas in the USA.

While the drive is pretty, there’s plenty of opportunity to get off the route to see Florida’s coastal cities.

Visit some of the “oldest” streets and buildings in the country at  St. Augustine , spend the day at the beach in Flagler, or watch the fast cars of Daytona.

Continue along the road and be sure to climb the stairs at Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse in New Smyrna, go shopping at West Palm Beach and admire the Art Deco in Miami Beach.

Finally, you’ll get to drive over the famous Seven Miles Bridge to the Florida Keys.

According to Google Maps , doing the route with no stops would take just over nine hours. However, many locations featured in the trip are notorious for traffic, so factor this time in. 

Obviously, you’ll want to make stops at attractions, how many will be dictated by your set vacation time! 

There are plenty of options for RVs to camp along the route, such as the Beverly Beach Camptown RV Resort, which has Atlantic Ocean views. Bliss. 

The best time to visit the East Coast of Florida depends on hurricane patterns, with the season running from June until November.

Also, the summer months might be too humid for out-of-staters. While winter is too cold for locals, visitors enjoy the warm temperatures, relatively crowd-free beaches, and the chance to see manatees!  

Recommended by Amanda of Hey! East Coast USA

15. Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park (a great RV vacation for fall colors!)

• Distance: Skyline Drive is 105 miles from Waynesboro to Front Royal, Virginia. 
• Recommended time: 3 hours to drive this 35-mph road, but you’ll want to stop and stay in one or two of the campgrounds. 
• Best time of year: October is the perfect time to take in the fall colors and enjoy cooler weather. 

If you’re looking for one of the most beautiful RV routes in the United States, then Skyline Drive is a must-do! Spanning 105 miles of gorgeous mountain scenery in Shenandoah National Park, this picturesque roadway is perfect for RV travelers.

It traverses the entire length of the park and offers easy access to all the amenities and activities the park has to offer.

Although you can drive the entire length of Skyline Drive in just a few hours, you won’t want to leave that soon. And with four  campgrounds in Shenandoah National Park , you don’t have to either!

All of the campgrounds have plenty of pull-thru and back-in sites for all sizes of RVs. There aren’t any hookups (water, power, or sewer), but they do have bathrooms, showers, and dump stations. They are seasonal with a range of operation between March and November each year. 

The drive is home to 61 overlooks allowing your ample opportunity to stop and take in the views of the Shenandoah Valley and the Massunutten mountains.

If you want to experience more of the park on foot, be sure to enjoy some of its 500 miles of trails, including some of the most beautiful waterfalls you’ll experience on the east coast. 

One caution for RVers is the low clearance Mary’s Rock Tunnel near Thorton Gap at mile 32. The clearance is only 12’8”, but there are four entrances to Skyline Drive so if your RV is higher than that, you can access it via one of the other points. 

This fun drive is by far one of the best RV trips in the US, and one worthy of putting on your bucket list!

Recommended by Julie of Chickery’s Travels 

16. Boston to Portland

• Distance: 110 miles
• Recommended time: 2-5 days
• Best time of year: Summer or Fall

Making a trip from Boston, MA to Portland, ME can be a fun and easy road trip for those who are looking for a short but beautiful RV route.

Normally the drive is just two hours long (110 miles) on I-95, but if you can spare some extra time there are plenty of scenic stops and charming seaside towns to extend your drive. 

Start your journey in Boston, Massachusetts which is a fun city to explore in itself. If you have a day or two, be sure to check out these date ideas in Boston if you’re on this road trip as a duo!

Don’t forget to stop at world-famous Fenway Park (Go Sox!). Check out the Freedom Trail and join a guided walking tour of some of the city’s most iconic historic sites.

Continue your journey in Salem, Massachusetts and explore the history of the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. If you’re visiting in October, there are specialized tours like Hocus Pocus and ghost tours that will help you get in spooky mood!

Head north to the charming seaside town of Ogunquit, Maine for a quintessential  New England beach town . This picturesque town is only four miles long and boasts stunning ocean views as well as a quaint town center. Dont forget to grab a lobster roll!

Cape Elizabeth Maine is a perfect stop to see some quintessential New England lighthouses. There are three main lighthouses – Portland Head Light, Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, and Bug Light. 

Finally, end your trip in the city of Portland. It is a hub for art and culture, with plenty of food and drink spots to explore. It’s a fun town to explore, and a perfect stopping point for one of the best RV vacations routes in America.

Visit local breweries like Allagash or Moon Dog Craft Brewery, or take a ferry out to Peaks Island to explore the seashore. 

Optional: you could even take the road trip a step farther and go north to Acadia National Park or Bar Harbor. Maine has so many destinations to offer visitors but a Portland RV road trip is a must!

Recommended by Sierra of Your Guide to Wandering

17. Miami to Islamorada (top routes for RV travel USA)

Distance: 90 miles Recommended time: 2 – 3 days Best time of year: Winter and Spring

Traveling to the Florida Keys with your family or friends is an exciting RV road trip. While Key West is the most well-known island to visit, traveling to Islamorada is even better.

Islamorada’s waters are famous for their clarity and rich marine life , earning the title of “Sport Fishing Capital of the World.” Legends like Zane Grey and Ernest Hemingway used to frequent the area to catch big game fish.

It’s situated about 80 miles southwest of Miami, and the driving distance between the two destinations typically covers around 90 miles, depending on the route. Depending on traffic and route selection, it usually takes between 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours to reach Islamorada. However, you’ll want to spend time in Miami and Islamorada to enjoy the destination.

The best time of year to visit Islamorada is during the winter and spring months, specifically from December to April. This period is characterized by warm and pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and water sports. 

The average temperatures range from the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit (24-29 degrees Celsius), providing comfortable conditions for exploring the area.

Additionally, visiting during this time allows you to avoid the peak tourist season, which occurs during the summer months when temperatures are hotter and the area can be more crowded.

You’ll definitely want to stay at least 2 days in Islamorada if not 3. This is a great, relaxing drive allows you to get in touch with marine life and nature, and is by far one of the best RV road trips.

While in Islamorada, be sure to visit Olive Morada , which is a local shop that has delicious olive oil and balsamic vinegar, which you can do a free tasting. Plus, it’s a great shop if you are in need of souvenirs that are not cheesy.

A stay at Tavernier Elks Lodge makes this one of the best RV vacations in the USA. Just be sure to reserve your campsite early as space is limited!

Islamorada is a great RV road trip because it is gorgeous, relaxing, and allows you to reconnect with nature and loved ones.

Recommended by Fuse of Fuse Travels

More RV vacations in the US

Rounding out this list are a few of my personal favorites. From the incredible dramatic landscapes of Utah, the underrated Midwest and the beachy coasts, let’s finish out this guide to the best RV routes in the US!

18. Utah’s Mighty 5 (another favorite on this list of RV road trips)

• Distance: 362 miles
• Recommended time: 6-10 days
• Best time of year: spring or fall

This is it! One of the very best RV vacations in the United States, and it’s sooo good! This Utah national parks road trip covers a lot of ground, and some truly spectacular sights.

Starting in Moab, Utah, you’ll discover two nearby national parks. There are many things to do in Moab and you’ll want to spend at least two days there. A great RV campground between Arches and Canyonlands is Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway.

Spend a day exploring Arches National Park. Hike to the famous Delicate Arch and see The Windows area , where there’s several arches within a few minutes walk from the parking lot.

In Canyonlands National Park, be sure to visit the Grand View Point Overlook, Green River Overlook and Mesa Arch. The canyon is beyond impressive! And with fewer visitors than Arches, you may even get a break from the crowds!

Between Moab and Capitol Reef National Park, enjoy the incredible Utah Scenic Byway 24 in your RV . In Capitol Reef, visit the Fruita Historic District and the orchards, and hike the Hickman Bridge Trail . On your way to the next park, stay in Wonderland RV Park .

A personal favorite along this incredible RV road trip is the Scenic Byway 12 between Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon. The views are out of this world – and just continue as you see the famous hoodoos in Bryce Canyon National Park.

Bryce Point and Inspriration Point offer amazing views of the park. And if you’re up for a hike, check out the popular Queens Garden Trail and Navajo Loop to hike down into the canyon through the funky rock formations. So fun!

Your last stop on this RV vacation is Zion National Park. Home to an amazing canyon, this park is often a bucket list check for travelers. The Zion Canyon Campground just outside the park or Watchman Campground inside the park are both great for RVs.

Hike the Canyon Overlook Trail or The Narrows for incredible views of Zion. And regardless of whether you’re traveling to Zion with kids in the RV or not, this will be a highlight of your trip!

Pro tip: When you’re driving through Zion, the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel is tricky to navigate. You’ll pay a separate fee to drive an RV through the tunnel, and you’ll want to time it right to arrive during business hours because the NPS will actually block off traffic to allow your RV to drive down the center of the road. It’s quite the experience!

When you’re thinking about RV travel USA, the Mighty 5 in Utah is the perfect adventure!

19. Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Scenic Byway Trail

• Distance: 293 miles
• Recommended time: 2+ days
• Best time of year: summer

This is truly a hidden gem in the US, and one of the best RV vacation ideas if you live in the Midwest . It connects Toledo with Conneaut, hitting major towns like Sandusky and Cleveland. It’s RV-friendly and offers a ton of outdoor recreation along the way.

The Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Scenic Byway Trail is located along Lake Erie, one of the Great Lakes in the northern US. Although you could technically drive this in one day in an RV, it’s much more exciting to stop at the many adventures along the way.

Starting at the west end of the trail in Toledo, check out the botanical gardens, museums, zoo and restaurants. Just near Toledo is a fun Ohio pumpkin farm , Fleitz Pumpkin Farm. In Port Clinton, be sure to enjoy a meal in the adorable downtown. Afterwards, head to the beach at Waterworks Park and the Port Clinton Lighthouse.

One of my favorite stops along this route is the Marblehead Lighthouse. This free attraction is also the most photographed spot on Lake Erie. It just screams summer on the lake vibes!

There’s also so many things to do in Sandusky Ohio , nearby. Get your thrills at Cedar Point, the 2nd oldest amusement park in America. And bonus: it has RV-friendly parking.

Further along the Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Scenic Byway Trail is Cleveland, the home of rock and roll. Enjoy the North Coast Harbor, the Great Lakes Science Center and of course, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

The next stop in your RV should be Headlands Beach State Park in Mentor. This gem includes a natural, mile-long beach perfect for relaxing. A perfect addition to one of the best RV trips in the Midwest!

Lastly, Conneaut Township Park is a fun spot to see on the far eastern end of the scenic trail. If you’re a history buff, you won’t want to miss the D-Day reenactment at the park each year.

Other outdoor adventures along the route include hiking, biking and a plethora of water sports. There’s also so much wildlife to be seen, especially in the active summer months. This underrated and scenic RV vacation is one of the best in the Midwest!

20. Denver to Santa Fe (another underrated spot on this list of RV vacation ideas)

• Distance: The easiest and quickest route from Denver, CO to Santa Fe, NM is 392 miles.
• Recommended time: This drive could easily be done in one day or could be drawn out over 3-4 days.
• Best time of year: Fall is one of the best times to take this road trip because of the moderate temperatures and fall foliage that you get to experience along the way.

A road trip from Denver to Santa Fe must be on your bucket list as one of the best RV vacations to embark on throughout the United States. This trip takes about 6 hours in length, making it the perfect road trip to take in one day or to spread out over 3-4 days! 

As you make your way from Denver towards Santa Fe, you will pass through an abundance of beautiful terrain and popular towns. 

About an hour and a half into the drive, you will pass through the marvelous town of Colorado Springs!

For those looking to catch some tremendous views of the surrounding mountains and red rock formations, be sure to stop by the Garden of the Gods . This is the perfect stop for those looking to stretch their legs for a bit and take in the beautiful Colorado landscape. The Siamese Twins Garden of the Gods hike is perfect for a quick adventure!

For those looking to extend their stay in the area, the Garden of the Gods RV Resort is the perfect destination to stop for a night or two along the way. 

After visiting Colorado Springs, we recommend continuing your drive one of the best RV road trips, south through several smaller towns and along I-25 until you arrive at the charming city of Santa Fe so that you can spend as much time exploring this marvelous town as possible. 

We recommend staying for a minimum of 72 hours in Santa Fe so that you can take in the immense history, culture, and cuisine that this delightful city has to offer!

Recommended by Abby of Trekking Price’s

Related read: Denver to Albuquerque Drive: 10 Scenic Stops You Can’t Miss

21. Austin to Corpus Christi

• Distance: 217 miles
• Best time of year: December – May

This fun and unique RV vacation idea for those located in or near Texas! Because of the extreme heat in Texas, this road trip would be best done in the winter or spring. Just make sure your RV is set up for freezing temperatures as that can sometimes in the deep of winter too.

Start this adventure in the lively town of Austin . With a plethora of street art, live music, good food and entertainment, spend a day (or 2) in Austin.

For outdoor adventures, go hiking in McKinney Falls State Park or check out the views from the top of Mount Bonnell. There are plenty of Austin campgrounds for RVs, too.

From Austin, drive southwest to San Antonio. Visit the famous San Antonio River Walk for entertainment and restaurants. For some thrilling entertainment, visit Six Flags Fiesta Texas, which is open year-round.

Check out The Alamo and the Historic Market Square to round out your time in San Antonio. The KOA in San Antonio puts you in a good position for hopping on and off the main roads while putting you close to the action.

After leaving San Antonio, head south to Corpus Christi. This Texas town has some fun things to do including museums, shopping and restaurants. But the star of the area is the beach-camping in your RV!

Just southeast of Corpus Christi are a few RV parks where you can camp on the beach. Wake up to the sound of the ocean from your RV – so fun! The Port Aransas area is lots of fun, and is home to On the Beach RV Park, which offers a great stay. Book in advance to get a good spot!

For an off-the-grid adventure, you can camp, hike and enjoy water activities at Padre Island National Seashore. There’s no RV hook-ups, but there is water and a dump station in the park.

If you’re looking for the best RV travel USA, this road trip is certainly a fun one, and unique because of beach camping.

22. New Orleans to Panama City (another gorgeous route on this list of best RV vacations)

• Distance: New Orleans to Panama City: 327 miles (via I-10 E), 386 miles (via I-10 E and US-98 E)
• Recommended time : 1-2 days  
• Best time of year: May – October 

An RV road trip is one of the best ways to explore a new part of the country. With the freedom to pull off or take a detour on a whim, road trips always make for memorable adventures. The stretch of road between New Orleans to Panama City offers a great RV vacation experience. 

Travelers should begin their road trip in New Orleans, home of jazz, voodoo history, riverboat adventures, and so much more. Make sure to take a  New Orleans food tour or cemetery tour before continuing on toward Panama City. 

Travelers who want to travel efficiently and stick to the shortest route won’t run into any exceptionally fun cities or attractions, except for Mobile, Alabama. But, those who have a bit more time to work with might enjoy slight detours to Biloxi, Mississippi, and Pensacola, Florida. 

There are some amazing beaches to explore along this route if schedules allow for a detour to the coast. Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola Beach, and Santa Rosa Beach are just some of the picturesque places travelers can visit along their way to Panama City.   

Travelers who avoid the coastal detour will also be able to enjoy the beach upon arrival in Panama City. Panama City Beach is a wonderful place to spend some time in the sun as well as St. Andrews State Park. 

Spring through early Fall is the best time of year to take this road trip. Here’s to wonderful RV adventures! 

Recommended by Candice of Exploring the Gulf

23. Badlands to Theodore Roosevelt National Park (get ready for beautiful landscapes on this RV road trip)

• Distance: 338 miles
• Recommended time: 3 – 4 days
• Best time of year: spring, summer or fall

An all-American road trip, this scenic route has surprisingly dramatic landscapes! This is one of the most underrated RV vacations on this list, but is sure to be a fun one.

Starting in Rapid City or Wall, South Dakota, head to Badlands National Park. You’ll want to spend a full day here to see the highlights. Drive the scenic loop, with 16 overlooks in just 39 miles, it’s RV-friendly. The Notch Trail is a must-do if you love hiking, and Pinnacles Overlook is one of the best with ample parking.

From there, take a slight detour before heading to North Dakota to see Mount Rushmore , one of the most famous South Dakota landmarks .

An American classic, this presidential tribute is a fun attraction for all ages to visit. Completed in 1941, Mount Rushmore welcomes over 3 million visitors – almost 3x the amount of the nearby national park!

Rapid City is a great spot to set up camp for the night. Or, there’s plenty of campgrounds near Sturgis, South Dakota as well. And if you’re in the off-season, stop in town and pick up a souvenir on your road trip!

Pro tip: summer is a great time for this RV road trip, but I’d suggest avoiding late July and early August. This region in South Dakota is extremely congested with the annual Sturgis event, making it extremely difficult to find a campground and a dramatic increase in traffic to the area.

From Sturgis, it’s about 3.5 hours north to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. To see the highlights of this park, you’ll want 2 full days. There are 3 distinct areas of the park: South Unit, North Unit, and Elkhorn Ranch. The Elkhorn Ranch Unit is partially unpaved, and not very RV-friendly so we’ll skip that in this guide.

The South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park is by far the most visited area . Drive the Wildlife Loop Road, where visitors can often see bison, elk, bighorn sheep and pronghorn. Hike the 1-mile Painted Canyon Nature Trail or Buck Hill, which is barely more than a walk to an overlook rather than a hike.

The North Unit feels much more deserted versus the southern area of the park, yet offers expansive views. Take the scenic drive in hopes of seeing mule deer, coyote, pronghorn and even beavers! The Little Mo Trail is a crowd favorite, coming in at less than a mile and paved.

If you want to get campground reservations for your RV, plan your trip in advance as they sell out quickly, especially in the summer months.

So the next time you think about RV travel USA, consider the Dakotas a great spot for a vacation!

RV vacations recap

What an epic list of RV vacations to take in the United States! From fan-favorites, to underrate gems, the options are truly endless! Where will your home on wheels take you next?

Here’s a quick recap of the best RV trips from the above list!

Best RV routes

• Great Smoky Mountains: Asheville to Gatlinburg
• Alaska RV road trip
• Milwaukee to Ludington
• Phoenix to Page, Arizona
• San Francisco to Lake Tahoe
• Santa Fe to White Sands National Park
• Las Vegas to Zion plus the Grand Canyon
• Sequoia National Park to Monterey via Big Sur
• Glacier to Yellowstone National Park
• Joshua Tree and Death Valley National Park
• Ashland to Crater Lake National Park
• Highway 395, California
• Los Angeles to San Diego
• Florida’s A1A
• Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park
• Boston to Portland
• Miami to Islamorada
• Utah’s Mighty 5
• Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Scenic Byway Trail
• Denver to Santa Fe
• Austin to Corpus Christi
• New Orleans to Panama City
• Badlands to Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Related content to read next: 30 Gorgeous West Coast Road Trip Routes You Gotta See to Believe 29 Amazing Road Trips USA: Scenic (& Underrated) Routes You’ll Love 26 Absolute Best (and Underrated) Fall Drives in the US You’ve Gotta See to Believe

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Sunday 9th of July 2023

Yeeees Nikki!

You choose the best trips as you are so good at including gorgeous natural sights and hikes along the way! The Alaska trip looks like a dream! I am also looking forward to your post after your next Canadian Rockies trip. :)

Monday 10th of July 2023

Thanks so much Josy! Your comment was so nice! Yes, I can't wait for new adventures taking the RV into Canada, too!💙

Anna Schaeffer

Saturday 8th of July 2023

I'm hoping to get a five wheeler in the next year or two! Pinning this for later. Great post!

Oh yay Anna! This would be great inspiration for a new RV!!

I don’t own a RV but this article makes me want to rent one and try these trips! Great roundup.

Oh Terri that's a fabulous idea! You could literally go anywhere on this list too - just fly into the nearest airport, rent an RV and hit the road!

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The Ultimate Mexican Beach Road Trip of Your Dreams, Planned by a Local Expert

Road tripping in a vintage Volkswagen Vanagon with a certified expert by our side inspires nostalgia, and rekindles a love for Baja California.

My vintage Westy jounces along the grated road, psychedelic Latin rock blasting as the rust-colored Baja sand dusts my windshield. A burro makes his way along the saguaro-lined highway, and as I grab for my glass bottle of Coca-Cola, I can’t help but feel like a vintage postcard come to life. But even as a seasoned solo traveler with countless trips to Baja under my belt, I’m glad I have a bright yellow van named Schnitzel and our caravan leader Shane Jordan as my North Star.

Thomas J. Story

Our five vintage Vanagons pass through several seasons—from bluebird skies to dense downpours—along our journey toward what to many travelers is still a great unknown. It’s as far away as possible from the raucous Cabo San Lucas, and that’s how we like it. There’s no cell service, and for the first time in a long time, I’m alone with my thoughts in this remote, relatively untouched part of Baja California Sur.

I’m not the only one seeking to slow down and do things the old fashioned way. There’s a real interest in rewinding to simpler times, from the prevalence of vinyl and shooting on film to the popularity of thrifting at flea markets . It’s only natural that this nostalgia would permeate the world of travel, and there’s no better place to experience it than here.

This zeitgeist is embodied at Escapar a la Baja , an annual vanlife and overlanding gathering now in its sixth year that draws upwards of 20,000 attendees. While the Baja 1000, first started in 1967, may have sparked the interest in driving the massive 760-mile-long state, you no longer have to be a rally racer to experience the magic of the region in the form of a road trip, thanks to a Seattle-based company called Peace Vans . 

The Pacific Northwest purveyor of pop-up camper van rentals, repairs, and sales is helmed by former Microsoft executive Harley Sitner, who himself fell in love with Baja road tripping over the years. Though many encounter Peace Vans via their popular Instagram account , I was introduced to Sitner while going down the rabbit hole researching camps for Burning Man . It turns out Sitner is a 26-year veteran of the Black Rock City festival in Nevada, and my burnt red van named Columbia had festival parking passes on the window dating back to 1999. 

Sitner’s quirky, creative, connector’s spirit sits right in line with some of the old school Burners, and Baja locals too. For his curated trips with Peace Vans, he’s teamed up with Carmen Loeffler and Jordan Bobrowicz, also known as the Bougie Dirtbags , who are facilitators of not just amazing food, but also great vibes. We spent our mezcal-fueled nights together around the campfire, waves roaring and hearts full.

“Our Baja program is a huge labor of love for me personally. Our hearts felt called to do it. Over the almost 12 years I’ve been running Peace Vans, I’ve learned that it’s much more than an auto repair shop, more than a camper van company, and more than a rental company,” says Sitner. “We are, literally and figuratively, a way for people to live their best lives through the magic of life on the road.” 

The winter of 2023 was the first season for Peace Vans’ Baja road trips, where the company offers both self-guided, six-night itineraries as well as more curated, guided trips with specific focus areas, like whale watching or farm-to-table cuisine that you can tack onto your self-drive. We participated in a version of their guided group trips, where vanlifers travel in a caravan of four to six vehicles with support along the way and a unique and special set of activities, experiences, and dining.

“Something inside my heart told me it was important to put this program together—to create a new set of experiences for folks who are open to a slightly more challenging, and therefore more heart-opening, travel experience, but one that is still highly supported and partially curated,” says Sitner.

The magic isn’t in the destination after all; it’s in the journey. Though it’s far from glamping, Peace Vans trips offer the perfect balance, prioritizing magic over efficiency, but still providing the creature comforts that keep you from truly roughing it. The vans come outfitted with all the road-trip-ready amenities you’d need, including fresh water filters with pump attachments for showers, Starlink internet, Sand Cloud beach towels, beach chairs, bug spray , head lamps, and solar-powered lanterns. That’s not to say it’s simple. But working through those challenges, paired dashes of happenstance and kismet, is what makes travel great. 

The sheer volume of people who have fallen in love with the state of Baja while road tripping down here is evidenced by bumper stickers you might see on the journey. It’s not uncommon to see signs like “Ask your doctor if Baja is right for you” or “I’d rather be nowhere.” I am now emphatically one of those converts, not-so-secretly plotting my next trip back. 

“I passionately believe that it is at these edges where life happens,” says Sitner. And after a lifetime of travel, I couldn’t agree more.

The Itinerary

Here’s how our journey through Baja California Sur unfolded, day by day. Rather than following this word for word, let this serve as a rough road map and jumping-off point to inspire your own journey in this magical corner of the planet.

Day One: Cabo Pulmo

After leaving the bustling Cabo San Lucas airport, we headed to the Vista Ballena campsite in Cabo Pulmo, an absolute must-visit for water enthusiasts . This underwater National Park is teeming with marine life and is an excellent spot for snorkeling, diving, and kayaking. After parking our vans at the site, our group headed for a quick dip in the warm waters. It was practically a private beach, with no one around as far as the eye can see.

Over the years, I’ve had some amazing experiences in the area surrounding Cabo Pulmo. While staying at the nearby Four Seasons Costa Palmas , I went on a spearfishing adventure with local guides, bringing back a catch to enjoy as ceviche. And in the nearby break of Los Barriles, there’s incredible, world-class surf.

Upon returning to the campsite, which also offers casitas and teepees, the Bougie Dirtbags proved how they got their name by preparing an epic seafood feast. We noshed on freshly shucked oysters from Magdalena Bay and a tinned fish board with an assortment of smoked dips and local produce. In the morning, the girls whipped up a savory French toast with morel duxelles, poached eggs, and chili oil, and we did one last dip before heading off.

Day Two: Rancho San Dionisio

We packed up our vans and hit the road, but not without stopping at OXXO for my favorite chili and chamoy-flavored Mexican sour straws called Squinkles, and our caravan made its way to a palm-tree forest in Santiago that looked straight out of The Land Before Time. Then we continued enroute to the biosphere of El Refugio, where we meet Clarence Harrison, who owns and operates this magical regenerative farm called Rancho San Dionisio. Clarence and his wife Isabella are rehabilitating the farm, which was formerly a cheese-making ranch in the 1800s, to grow groves of mangoes and avocados and row upon row of greens and squash.

After a brief tour, we make our way down to their private watering hole to cool off. Smooth granite boulders dot the river, which flows through a canyon lushly forested with oversize palm trees. The sounds of flowing water and the wind rushing through the leaves is punctuated by the occasional chirp of a bird. It’s easy to see why many overlanders and hikers choose this as the starting point for a three-day hike that starts here and runs to Todos Santos.

As for us, we’re on more of a glamping regimen. We make our way back to the vans, and Carmen and Jo are at it again, this time cooking massive tomahawk steaks over a live fire for a long-table dinner under an ancient string-lit ficus tree.

Day 3: La Paz

Driving into the traffic-jammed city is admittedly a bit jarring after being off the grid for a few days. But the friendly valet has all sorts of questions about our Westies, which is something we’ve grown accustomed to on this trip. The amount of curiosity and community these vans inspire is like no other vehicle I’ve ever driven. It’s an instant conversation starter. 

While it’s been shockingly comfortable sleeping in a van the past few nights, the plush beds at Baja Club Hotel are a welcome change. We settle in for a cocktail and stroll the Malecón in the evening, taking in the sunset as locals do. 

After a bite and a proper shower, we hit the hay and enjoy an early night. In the morning, we head out with Shane Jordan in his restored, WWII era Westy Schnitzel to a private beach near El Tecolote. The water is as warm as the Caribbean, and save for a group of locals riding on horseback with a couple travelers, we didn’t run into a single person on our stretch of sand. 

We were famished after our morning swim, and lunch at Casamarte , a Baja-style seafood shack, couldn’t have come sooner.

Pit Stop: El Triunfo

An absolute must-stop on any road trip from La Paz to Todos Santos is the historic mining town of El Triunfo, stopping for lunch at the appropriately named Cafe El Triunfo , where Marcus Spahr, who used to be a baker at San Francisco’s legendary Tartine, has been making delicious woodfired pizzas and baked goods for the masses passing through, hoping to get a taste of old world Mexico. We carbo-loaded and then headed on to Todos Santos, as we wanted to get to the city before dark.

Days Four to Five: Todos Santos

“The American dream is alive and well in Mexico,” I joked after meeting handfuls of enterprising expats, from creatives and chefs to ceramicists and painters, who have decided to up and move south of the border to this charming surf town. It’d been over five years since I’d last visited, and while the same charm still exists, there are a ton more restaurants and bars cropping up, as well as darling boutique hotels.

A must while in this area is a day at Cerritos beach, one of the only swimmable beaches in the region that also has an excellent surf break fit for beginners. After a surf lesson with Mario Surf School , we stopped by Tasi , a family-owned açaí-bowl and coffee and juice bar, before heading to Barracuda’s for the obligatory Baja fish tacos. (They do, in fact, live up to every bit of hype.) We made our way back to our glamping tents at Villa Santa Cruz located right along a perfect surf break. I couldn’t help but roll up the safari tent doors to listen to the waves crash on the shore while getting ready for one last meal with our ragtag caravan crew of what I suspect will be lifelong friends. And that is the magic of a great road trip.

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Audiobooks for Long-Haul Listening

Some books sprint; others take the scenic route. The heady, highly absorbing titles here earn their marathon run times.

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By Alexander Nazaryan

Alexander Nazaryan writes about politics, culture and science.

Hear me out: Summer, with its hikes and bikes trips, is the perfect season for long audiobooks. I mean, the sound of birds is nice and all. Just not for three hours.

Conventional wisdom suggests you should settle for a beach read — or beach listen, in this case. And believe me, I love a fun, sexy mystery like Emma Rosenblum’s “Bad Summer People .” But I save those for winter, when the shores of Fire Island (where Rosenblum’s novel is set) seem impossibly distant.

Use summer for more ambitious projects. I’ve found long audiobooks to be perfect companions for those 10 weeks or so when the kids go off to camp and the pace of life generally slows.

Below, a few of my favorite supersized listens.

THE DYING GRASS, by William T. Vollmann

Vollmann is not known for accessibility ( his first novel was about insects and electricity), but “The Dying Grass” is a remarkably readable account of the 1877 Nez Perce War, made even more so by Henry Strozier’s sensitive narration. As Brig. Gen. Oliver Otis Howard hounds his Native adversaries across Montana and Idaho, the story soars above the awesome landscape, then peers into the hearts of people below. Believe me, time will fly.

Also try: “The Anatomy of Melancholy,” by Robert Burton; “War and Peace,” by Leo Tolstoy

ON HIS OWN TERMS: A Life of Nelson Rockefeller, by Richard Norton Smith

Here is a storied American family in its third generation, with the Rockefeller brothers taking on newfound civic responsibilities. Nelson was the most ambitious of them and maybe the most tragic, his bid for the presidency undone by a divorce . Paul Michael (“The Da Vinci Code”) narrates with stately confidence.

“Ducks, Newburyport,” by Lucy Ellmann

A woman in Ohio thinks about life. About illness, marriage and Laura Ingalls Wilder. She frets about the pies she bakes for a living. Also, there’s a mountain lion. Written as a single sentence stretching more than 1,000 pages, this remarkable 2019 novel thrums with life, a quality highlighted by Stephanie Ellyne’s energetic narration.

Also try: “1Q84,” by Haruki Murakami; “Hitler,” by Ian Kershaw

THE PASSAGE OF POWER, by Robert Caro

The fourth volume of Caro’s encyclopedic biography of L.B.J. begins with the gruff Texan becoming vice president to John F. Kennedy, an odd man out in an administration of Ivy Leaguers. But then comes a shattering Dallas afternoon. Our most esteemed historian , Caro thrillingly tells the story of how Johnson prods Congress and transforms a grieving nation with his civil rights and Great Society legislation.

GRAVITY’S RAINBOW, by Thomas Pynchon

George Guidall is one of the great audiobook narrators , and his rendition of Pynchon’s masterpiece quickly makes clear why as he captures Tyrone Slothrop’s madcap journey across Europe, which involves orgies and Nazis, a Malcolm X set piece and a good deal about ballistics. I can’t imagine a harder book to narrate — or anyone who could do the job as well as Guidall.

THE DAVID FOSTER WALLACE READER

The immensity of Wallace’s achievement can be daunting, but the “Reader” is a perfect distillation of his fiction and nonfiction alike. While most selections are performed by professionals, there are cameos from the Emmy winner Bobby Cannavale; Wallace’s mother, Sally; and Wallace himself, who died in 2008 .

Also try: “The Covenant of Water,” by Abraham Verghese; “Daniel Deronda,” by George Eliot; “And the Band Played On,” by Randy Shilts

A BRIEF HISTORY OF SEVEN KILLINGS, by Marlon James

It is only appropriate that a panoply of narrators (seven in all) take on this kaleidoscopic novel, which is nominally about the 1976 assassination attempt on Bob Marley but is in reality the story of Jamaica. “Brief History” was James’s breakout novel, winning the Man Booker Prize in 2015 . The narration matches the intensity of the prose; it’s as close as you can get to cinema without a screen.

THE SECRET HISTORY, by Donna Tartt

One of the smartest mysteries in the modern American canon, set at a bucolic New Hampshire college. Tartt herself narrates; though she may be a Mississippi native, her voice is neither Deep South nor New England. Like the novel itself, it is entirely her own.

WOLF HALL, by Hilary Mantel

Yes, you may need to consult the printed novel to keep track of the characters, but the effort is well worth it as Mantel pulls you ever deeper into 16th-century England and the life of her indefatigable protagonist, Thomas Cromwell. The narrator, Simon Slater, a noted British actor and composer, only enhances that journey.

RANDOM FAMILY, by Adrian Nicole LeBlanc

LeBlanc spent more than a decade as a virtual member of a South Bronx family as it struggled with drugs and crime, early pregnancy and poverty. Though the tone of Roxana Ortega’s narration is not always entirely in sync with the text, LeBlanc’s reportage is sensitive but not preachy, an unvarnished portrait of New York’s most neglected borough.

Also try: “Watergate,” by Garrett M. Graff; “Demon Copperhead,” by Barbara Kingsolver; “Lenin’s Tomb,” by David Remnick

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