Summer is heating up, and RV travel is on the rise. So, which destinations are the hottest among RVers this year? We’ve got answers and travel guides!
This blog covers where to go, what to drive, and where to camp in the most popular RV travel destinations.
Already know where you want to go? Skip to your guide:
- Denver, Colorado
- Seattle, Washington
- Los Angeles, California
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Portland, Oregon
- Anchorage, Alaska
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- San Diego, California
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- San Francisco, California
- Las Vegas, Nevada
1. Denver, Colorado
Where to go
Popular stops in or near Denver
Red Rocks Amphitheater
Whether you want to do some yoga, catch a film, or see some live music, Red Rocks is the place to do it all.
Chatfield State Park
Hike, bike, float, or fly all at Chatfield State Park. Dogs are also welcome, with an off-leash dog walking area to wander.
Pikes Peak
This one is a bit of a drive, but totally worth it. Make the 14,115-foot climb to the top by foot or by shuttle, and don’t forget to grab a donut when you get there!
Coors Field
All sports enthusiasts should plan to catch a game at (or take a tour of) Coors Field.
Garden of the Gods
Hike, bike, drive, or segway around the 1300-acres of sandstone formations that make up the Garden of the Gods.
National Parks near Denver
There are plenty of National Parks near, or not too far from, Denver, and all of these top destinations.
Some popular National Parks travelers are taking their Denver RV rental include:
- Rocky Mountain NP (1.5 hours away)
- Great Sand Dunes NP (4 hours away)
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP (5 hours away)
- Canyonlands NP (5.5 hours away)
- Arches NP (5.5 hours away)
What to drive
Decided on Denver but not sure what RV to rent? Here are some 5-star options:
Find other RV rentals in Denver.
Where to camp
- Garden of the Gods RV Resort
- Denver West / Central City KOA
- Denver East / Strasburg KOA
- Buffalo Campground
Find more RV campgrounds near Denver.
2. Seattle, Washington
Where to go
Popular stops in or near Seattle
The Space Needle
We have to start off with the iconic Space Needle that gives Seattle its recognizable skyline. Take the trip up 600 ft high to get a 360-degree view of the city.
Museum of Pop Culture
This nonprofit museum is dedicated to creative expression and exploring the contemporary pop culture. See what exhibits will be featured during your visit!
Pike Place Market
Located in the heart of downtown Seattle, Pike Place Market is the hub for farmers, craftspeople, and small businesses. This authentic farmer’s market attracts millions every year.
Discovery Park
At the largest city park in Seattle, you can expect 534-acres of beaches, trails, and forest.
Snoqualmie Falls
The famous 270-foot waterfall, Snoqualmie Falls is a must-see just outside of Seattle. Take it from the over 1 million people that visit the 2-acre park each year.
National Parks near Seattle
Some popular National Parks travelers are taking their Seattle RV rental include:
- Klondike Gold Rush NP
- Mount Rainier NP (2 hours away)
- Olympic NP (2.5 hours away)
- North Cascades NP (2.25 hours away)
What to drive
Decided on Seattle but not sure what RV to rent? Here are some 5-star options:
Find other RV rentals in Seattle.
Where to camp
Find more RV campgrounds near Seattle.
3. Los Angeles, California
Where to go
Popular stops in or near Los Angeles
Dana Point Harbor
Go whale watching, sailing, shopping, and more all at Dana Point.
Seal Rock Creek Beach
Make the 17-mile drive to this small white sand beach in Pebble Beach and watch for seals!
Griffith Observatory
Have your La La Land moment at Griffith Observatory. On the slope of Mount Hollywood, the free telescopes offer stunning views of the night sky.
Walt Disney Concert Hall
An architectural masterpiece, Walt Disney Concert Hall was designed by Frank Gehry and is a sight to behold for anyone visiting LA! Attending a show here should be on everyone’s bucket list.
Santa Monica Pier
Go fishing along the pier or head to the amusement park. You can get some of the best California views on the Ferris wheel or ride the historic merry-go-round!
National Parks near Los Angeles
Some popular National Parks travelers are taking their Los Angeles RV rental include:
- Joshua Tree NP (2.5 hours away)
- Sequoia NP (3.5 hours away)
- Kings Canyon NP (3.5 hours away)
- Death Valley NP (3.5 hours away)
- Yosemite NP (4.75 hours away)
What to drive
Decided on Los Angeles but not sure what RV to rent? Here are some 5-star options:
Find other RV rentals in Los Angeles.
Where to camp
- Wilderness Lakes RV Resort
- Rancho Oso RV & Camping Resort
- Circle X Ranch Group Campground
- Los Angeles / Pomona / Fairplex KOA
Find more RV campgrounds near Los Angeles.
4. Phoenix, Arizona
Where to go
Popular stops in or near Phoenix
Lost Dutchman State Park
Venture to Superstition Mountain, the Lost Dutchman Mine, and the top of the Flatiron.
Tonto National Forest
We don’t talk about National Forests enough! So here we are, talking about them and telling you to visit one in Phoenix. At over 2.9 million acres, the largest in Arizona, Tonto National Forest, is one to be explored and admired.
Sedona
Only around a 2-hour drive, a visit to Sedona is a must. Hike around Slide Rock State Park, visit Cathedral Rock, and grab a drink at Sedona Beer Company.
Montezuma Castle
A National Monument dedicated to preserving Native American culture, Montezuma Castle stands 20 rooms high and is nestled in a limestone cliff. Established in 1906, this monument tells a powerful story.
Desert Botanical Garden
Discover the beauty of the Sonoran Desert in Phoenix’s Desert Botanical Garden of succulents, cacti, wildflowers, and more.
National Parks near Phoenix
Some popular National Parks travelers are taking their Phoenix RV rental include:
- Grand Canyon NP (3.5 hours away)
- Petrified Forest NP (3.5 hours away)
- Joshua Tree NP (3.5 hours away)
What to drive
Decided on Phoenix but not sure what RV to rent? Here are some 5-star options:
Find other RV rentals in Phoenix.
Where to camp
Find more RV campgrounds near Phoenix.
5. Portland, Oregon
Where to go
Popular stops in or near Portland
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
One of the oldest National Forests, Gifford Pinchot spans 1,312,000 acres. Within the forest are lakes, canyons, waterfalls, and Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.
Painted Hills
A few hours from Portland, Painted Hills, one of the seven wonders of Oregon, is worth the drive.
Seaside
The beach town of Seaside is one of the favorites among tourists and is just a 1.5-hour drive from Portland. Here, you can take a hike at Ecola State Park or ride the waves at Arcadia Beach.
Willamette Valley
Also known as Oregon Wine Country, Willamette Valley has world-class wineries. In addition to that, you can also expect world-class outdoor recreation from kayaking on Detroit Lake to hiking Mary’s Peak.
International Rose Test Garden
Stop and smell the THOUSANDS of roses at International Rose Test Garden found within Washington Park.
National Parks near Portland
Some popular National Parks travelers are taking their Portland RV rental include:
- Lewis and Clark Historic NP (2 hours away)
- Mount Rainier NP (2.5 hours away)
- Olympic NP (3.5 hours away)
- Crater Lake NP (4 hours away)
- North Cascades NP (5 hours away)
Find other RV rentals in Portland.
What to drive
Decided on Portland but not sure what RV to rent? Here are some 5-star options:
Where to camp
- Mt Hood Village RV Resort
- Bend-Sunriver RV Campground
- Cascade Locks / Portland East KOA
- Tollgate Campground
Find more RV campgrounds near Portland.
6. Anchorage, Alaska
Where to go
Popular stops in or near Anchorage
Chugach State Park
Chugach State Park is a hiker’s dream with seemingly endless trails. Hike to Thunderbird Falls and cool off with a paddle in Eklutna Lake.
Seward
Take a scenic train ride over to Seward, Alaska where you’ll be met with breathtaking glacial scenery and glimpses of Alaskan wildlife.
Kincaid Park
You can do it all at Kincaid Park, from hiking and biking to disc golf and motocross.
Alaska Native Heritage Museum
Learn about Alaska’s 11 major cultural groups — the Athabaskan people, Eyak people, Tlingit people, Haida people, Tsimshian people, Unangax people, Alutiiq people, Yup’ik, Cup’ik, Siberian Yupik, and Inupiaq.
Portage Glacier
Found in Chugach National Forest, this ten stories tall glacier is a sight to behold, drawing in tourists every year.
National Parks near Anchorage
Some popular National Parks travelers are taking their Anchorage RV rental include:
- Kenai Fjords NP (2.5 hours away)
- Denali NP (4 hours away)
- Wrangell-Saint Elias NP (4.5 hours away)
What to drive
Decided on Anchorage but not sure what RV to rent? Here are some 5-star options:
Find other RV rentals in Anchorage.
Where to camp
Find more RV campgrounds near Anchorage.
7. Salt Lake City, Utah
Where to go
Popular stops in or near Salt Lake City
Big Cottonwood Canyon
Take a scenic drive, stop for a picnic, swim in the lakes, or even go skiing at Big Cottonwood Canyon.
Great Salt Lake
The largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere is worth a trip. Great Salt Lake and the surrounding islands are popular among swimmers, sailors, and sunbathers.
Red Butte Garden
Walk around the 21-acre garden, take a hike on the trails, or attend an event at the amphitheater.
Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest
2.1 million acres of varying scenery make up Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Drive the 37-mile Mount Nebo Scenic Byway or grab your hiking boots to take it all in.
Natural History Museum of Utah
If you love history, science, and culture, the Natural History Museum of Utah has exhibits you will love.
National Parks near Salt Lake City
Some popular National Parks travelers are taking their Salt Lake City RV rental include:
- Arches NP (4.5 hours away)
- Bryce Canyon (4.5 hours away)
- Capitol Reef NP (4.5 hours away)
- Canyonlands NP (5 hours away)
- Zion NP (5 hours away)
- Great Basin NP (5 hours away)
What to drive
Decided on Salt Lake City but not sure what RV to rent? Here are some 5-star options:
Find other RV rentals in Salt Lake City.
Where to camp
Find more RV campgrounds near Salt Lake City.
8. San Diego, California
Where to go
Popular stops in or near San Diego
Torrey Pines
At the Torrey Pines Natural Reserve, you can expect unspoiled beaches, pine forests, seabirds, and so much more. The most historic aviation site in North America, Torrey Pine Gliderport is a great place for action-seekers. Go paragliding, hang gliding, or take flight lessons!
Coronado Beach
It wouldn’t be a trip to San Diego without getting that postcard-quality beach photo. One of the best places to get it? Oceanfront at Coronado Beach.
La Jolla Cove
Watch the sunset and watch for wildlife at La Jolla Cove. The surrounding waters of the Cove are part of the 6,000 acre La Jolla Underwater Park, which means snorkeling you’ll likely encounter Garibaldi, sea turtles, seals, and leopard sharks.
San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is one of the most popular family-friendly attractions in the city with wildlife for everyone to observe and learn about.
USS Midway Museum
Explore over 30 restored aircraft and 10 acres of exhibits at the USS Midway Museum.
National Parks near San Diego
Some popular National Parks travelers are taking their San Diego RV rental include:
- Joshua Tree NP (2.75 hours away)
- Death Valley NP (4.75 hours away)
What to drive
Decided on San Diego but not sure what RV to rent? Here are some 5-star options:
Find other RV rentals in San Diego.
Where to camp
- Oakzanita Springs RV Campground
- Pio Pico RV Resort & Campground
- San Diego Metro KOA
- Campland On the Bay Campground
Find more RV campgrounds near San Diego.
9. Minneapolis, Minnesota
Where to go
Popular stops in or near Minneapolis
Minnehaha Regional Park
Venture through one of Minneapolis’ oldest and most popular parks, Minnehaha. Here, you can hike to the 53-foot waterfall, swim in the wading pools, or take a walk through the gardens.
Minneapolis Sculpture Gardens
There is a sculpture of a giant cherry on a giant spoon — need I say more? Well, I will. The park has welcomed millions of visitors since 1988, and you can be one of them for FREE.
Grand Rounds Scenic Byway
A driving path around the city, Grand Rounds Scenic Byway takes you through the natural beauty of Minneapolis. It is one of the country’s longest continuous systems of public urban parkways.
Chain of Lakes Regional Park
Chain of Lakes includes 5 lakes — Brownie Lake, Cedar Lake, Lake of the Isles, Bde Maka Ska, and Lake Harrie. As it is a district of the Grand Rounds Byway, it’s an easy and worthwhile stop on your drive.
Mall of America
The largest mall in the country? Your wallet may be telling you “no,” but this guide is telling you “yes!” With more than 500 stores and many other attractions, including the Nickelodeon Universe amusement park, this mall is for more than shopping ’til you drop.
National Parks near Minneapolis
Some popular National Parks travelers are taking their Minneapolis RV rental include:
- Voyageurs National Park
- Other area attractions that are part of the NP system
What to drive
Decided on Minneapolis but not sure what RV to rent? Here are some 5-star options:
Find other RV rentals in Minneapolis.
Where to camp
Find more RV campgrounds near Minneapolis.
10. San Francisco, California
Where to go
Popular stops in or near San Francisco
Santa Cruz Mountains
The Santa Cruz Mountains are a collection of 125 named peaks, including the 3,790 ft Loma Prieta. They stretch through San Francisco on throughout California, so there are plenty of places in the state to experience them.
Bigfoot Discovery Museum
Discover the many theories surrounding the infamous Big Foot at this roadside stop in Felton.
Big Sur
Take a trip down the Pacific Coast Highway and make a stop at Big Sur to further adventure through the coastline, eat good food, and hike through the towering redwoods.
Golden Gate Bridge
It wouldn’t be a guide to San Francsico without mention of the Golden Gate Bridge. Go for a full sensory experience and a great picture. From there, go bask in the sunlight at Bakers Beach.
The Painted Ladies
Another must-see stop is The Painted Ladies. Get your family and friends together and reenact the Full House intro!
National Parks near San Francisco
Some popular National Parks travelers are taking their San Francisco RV rental include:
- Muir Woods National Monument
- Alcatraz Island
- Pinnacles NP (2 hours away)
- Yosemite NP (4 hours away)
- Other area attractions that are part of the NP system
What to drive
Decided on San Francisco but not sure what RV to rent? Here are some 5-star options:
Find other RV rentals in San Francisco.
Where to camp
- San Francisco RV Resort
- San Francisco North / Petaluma KOA
- Del Valle RV Camground
- Santa Cruz North / Costanoa KOA
Find more RV campgrounds near San Francisco.
11. Las Vegas, Nevada
Where to go
Popular stops in or near
Valley of Fire State Park
Over 40,000 acres of Aztec Sandstone formations, Valley of Fire State Park is one of beauty and history.
7 Magic Mountains
In their production of the 7 Magic Mountains, the Nevada Museum of Art and Art Production Fund made nothing short of magic. The colorful boulders are a site to behold.
Red Rock Canyon
Nevada’s first National Conservation Area, Red Rock Canyon has it all, whether you want to drive, hike, or watch for wildlife.
The Neon Museum
The Neon Museum is a nonprofit that collects, preserves, studies, exhibits iconic Las Vegas signage. Just a short distance from the Vegas Strip, take a trip to see signs from hotels, casinos, businesses, and attractions that no longer exist.
SlotZilla Zipline
The world’s largest slot machine, SlotZilla is an 11-story Vegas-themed zipline. And, it’s the best way to see Fremont Street!
National Parks near Las Vegas
Some popular National Parks travelers are taking their Las Vegas RV rental include:
- Death Valley NP (2 hours away)
- Zion NP (2.5 hours away)
- Grand Canyon NP (2.5 hours away)
- Joshua Tree NP (3 hours away)
- Bryce Canyon NP (4 hours away)
What to drive
Decided on Las Vegas but not sure what RV to rent? Here are some 5-star options:
Find other RV rentals in Las Vegas.
Where to camp
Find more RV campgrounds near Las Vegas.
Ready to get planning?
Check out RV rentals in your city of choice, download these RV trip planner apps, and get planning!
