Plan Your Cross Country RV Trip
—
June 11th, 2022
Sleeping in a tent or at a budget hotel is no match for a comfortable bed, complete bathroom, and fully equipped kitchen. Eagle Guard Storage has the guide to RVing the United States, planning your RV journey and fantastic driving routes. (You can check out our blog about renting an RV space here)
Before you get ready to go it is important to plan a general route, check out places to sleep, and make reservations as needed. Some RV parks require a reservation while others are a first come first serve. When you travel during less busy times you can typically get away with not making reservations and leaving more days between stops for your trip to be more spontaneous. When looking for a campground be sure to check the amenities the site offers. The majority of free campsites do not offer water, electric, or sewer hook-ups so you need to prepare for your trip accordingly.
There are several great apps to help with finding campgrounds and RV parks in the USA such as AllStays Camp & RV app. Now it is time to plan where you will visit. We hope you enjoy the list we have compiled for your RV trip planning!
Alaska is Calling
After completing some shorter road trips consider upping your RV game and driving to Alaska. From Washington state you can drive through British Columbia and the Yukon to reach Alaska.
You will need a minimum of one month to explore and drive this RV road trip. Ideally two to three months will grant plenty of time for sightseeing in Alaska and exploring western Canada as well. Alaska is one of the few places in the United States that it is legal to camp almost anywhere. Check out Denali national park to see the highest peak in North America and a variety of wildlife. 240 miles north of Anchorage off Alaska highway 3 is the park entrance with RV friendly campgrounds. Enjoy camping right beside the natural wonders of Alaska.
Highway 101
Driving around the Olympic Peninsula is a short but sweet RV road trip. This road trip is just over 300 miles and can be completed in just a few days, however there is so much to see in the area you can easily stay for weeks. The main attraction on the Peninsula is Olympic National Park with stunning mountain peaks, crystal clear lakes, a lush rainforest, and the Pacific Coast. There are a variety of places to stay just off highway 101 and there are 10 campgrounds that accommodate RVs in the National Park.
For more incredible views take a trip to Cape Flattery or Neah Bay! To reach Cape Flattery head to the town of Neah Bay from highway 112. After going as far west as you can, and following signs to Cape Flattery road, approximately 8 miles down the road will take you to the trailhead parking lot. Neah Bay requires you to purchase a recreation pass to hike on the trail. This trail winds through the forest to lead you to gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean, it is an easy 1.5 mile round trip.
Utah National Parks
Utah offers five National Parks with breathtaking views. You can combine all five national parks into a single road trip, start with Zion National Park and finish up in the Canyonlands. We suggest you allot for at least two days in each park to have ample time to take in the scenery and hike. Most of these trails are not pet-friendly so this may not be a great road trip for your furry friends to attend.
Horse Point State Park is located just outside of Canyonlands and offers dramatic views of the Colorado River and the pinnacles of Canyonlands. An hour from Zion, Sand Hollow State Park is another great stop if you want to get in the water. The main feature of the park is a refreshing reservoir with boat rentals.
Traveling Route 66
Known as the Mother Road, the most iconic and celebrated RV route in the USA. Historic Route 66 covers over 2400 miles of the United States, starting in Chicago and ending at Santa Monica, CA. We recommend traveling the westernmost portion of the route for a classic experience. There are many attractions that will transport you back in time along this route.
There are many RV campgrounds along historic Route 66, including state park campgrounds. Consider camping at Santa Rosa Lake, Homolovi Ruins, and Malibu Creek State Parks. Just 11 miles off the road in Arizona is Hualapai Mountain Park which offers a break from the desert. Sitting in Hualapai Mountain Range is a campground that offers views of the desert from a cooler elevation. You will want to take your time driving down Route 66 so you give yourself plenty of time to stop for roadside attractions or detours that sound fun!
If you start in Amarillo you will want to check out Cadillac Ranch, the art installation of old Cadillac cars. In the ghost town of Oatman, Arizona see the friendly wild burros.
California Coast
Hugging the Pacific Coast of California for 650 miles is the Pacific coast highway also known as Highway 1. The route is faster than from north to south so you’re on the ocean side of the road the entire drive.
The route features winding turns, small shoulders and big drop offs so it is recommended as an RV trip for a more experienced driver. Drive slowly and plan short days to keep the drive safe and fun.With several state Park campgrounds and private RV parks along Highway 1 this is a great RV trip if you’re looking for a long summer vacation. You can even spend a few days at the San Francisco RV resort just outside the city. It is pricey but features stunning ocean views, easy access to the city and full hook ups.
Stop at Doheny State Beach Campground in Dana point where campsites are available right on the beach. Or perhaps you could visit one of the most iconic stops along the California coast, Big Sur. You should plan to spend a few days exploring this area! Add the hike to McWay Falls to your travel Adventure bucket list. The views are incredible. You can access the trail directly off Highway 1 and the trail is less than a mile long, great for beginner hikers.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Stretching through the mountains from Afton Virginia to Cherokee North Carolina Blue Ridge Parkway is an iconic route for people RVing in the USA.
With plenty of overlooks and a speed limit never exceeding 45 mph this makes for a leisurely RV road trip. The root has sweeping curves but is generally easy to drive without many tight turns. Although crowded during the fall, Blue Ridge Parkway offers stunning vistas during the peak of fall season when the leaves are changing.
Most of the campgrounds at the eight national parks do not have hook ups. These campgrounds typically offer RV dump stations, picnic tables, portable water, fire rings, and restrooms. Open May through October these campsites cost $20 per night to stay. Near Asheville, North Carolina, spend a night or two at the stunning mountain top RV sites at Mama Gertie’s Hideaway Camp.Blue ridge parkway is known for its hiking and views, a hike to add to your adventure is Crabtree Falls, located at milepost 339.5.
With two different trail options this trail is great for hikers of all skill levels. The main feature of the Crabtree Falls hike is a 70 foot waterfall however there are also amazing wildflowers in the early summer to be seen.
Northern Michigan
A natural playground for RV tripping, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The best time to visit is when you can count on the warm pleasant weather of summer. You can plan your route in the lower peninsula as the upper peninsula of Michigan is accessed from interstate 75. Straits State Park is a great place to start and end your RV trip.
Directly after the bridge to the Upper Peninsula, with two campgrounds that have electric hook ups. From here Mackinac Island ferry is easily accessible.Indian State Park offers lakefront campsites and plenty of private campgrounds for the remainder of your trip. A short drive from Indian State Park is The Big Spring. The crystal blue water is the perfect spot for a photo opportunity. Although swimming is not allowed you can hop in a self operated observation raft and see the trout swimming below. Don't forget to try a Pasty, a local meat pie delicacy.
Columbia River Gorge
Drive along one of the most scenic roads in the Pacific Northwest. Reaching heights of 4000 feet, the Columbia River Gorge serves as the boundary between Oregon and Washington. This is a perfect trip for first time RV roadtrippers as there is approximately 30 minutes between RV parks. You can extend your trip by driving over the river to the Washington side for more amazing views.
Columbia River gorge is a short trip but offers plenty of activities like local breweries, hiking trails, and stunning waterfalls. Beacon Rock is a must see core of an ancient volcano. The handrails make this trail safe for even casual hikers and at the top you are rewarded with amazing views of the Columbia River Gorge.
Vegas to the Grand Canyon
If you are looking for city life and the great outdoors then driving from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon might be just the trip you have been looking for. The drive from Las Vegas to the south rim is just over four hours, but you can spend a significant amount of time at each destination. This trip can be combined with a Utah National Park or Route 66 road trip for a longer adventure.
With many large RV resorts around Las Vegas that have shuttle access to casinos and outdoor activities there is plenty to do. You could stay right on The Strip at Circus Circus RV Park. Call hook up site and all the same amenities as hotel guest Circus Circus RV park might be perfect for you.
At the Grand Canyon, Trailer Village campground offers full hook-up RV sites close to the south rim of the canyon. Stop in Chloride for some history and exploration of Arizona. The old silver mining town features some interesting art with many residents creating junk art sculptures on their property. Roy Purcell painted a 2000 square foot mural of rock and granite in Chloride in 1966, stop outside the RV park to see it!
One Last Stop Before Home
Whether you are looking for a winter destination or a fun summer trip, look no further than the Sunshine State. Start your Florida road trip near the Everglades National Park and the drive down the Florida Keys! Eagle Guard Storage suggests starting your trip at the Miami Everglades RV Resort, a full hook-up RV park near the Everglades offers amenities including a pool.
When you head to Key West something to consider is leaving your RV behind for the day to visit Dry Tortugas National Park. This park is an island 70 miles west and is accessible by boat or seaplane. Daily ferriers shuttle visitors from Key West to the park. Once you arrive, spend the day snorkeling, swimming, and exploring the 19th century fort.
Ready to start your RV road trip and see some of the places on top of your bucket list? If you are in need of a place to park the RV after your travels, Eagle Guard Storage can help. Rent a space with us today and happy trails!