Embark on a summer RV adventure to diverse destinations across America, from Finger Lakes, NY, to Olympic National Park, WA. Enjoy unique landscapes, outdoor activities, and RV-friendly camping spots.
Summer vacations are a tradition for many people. In fact, this summer 2019 will see over 75 million Americans on a family vacation, and many of these vacations will take place in an RV. With tens of thousands of potential places to take your RV, the options are truly endless. Some may want to travel all the way across the country, and others may prefer to keep it local. And some may visit the mountains, while others visit the beach, the forest or the plains. No matter what type of trip you are seeking, there is sure to be the perfect vacation for you and your family. Here, we’ve compiled a list of beautiful places all over America in hopes of inspiring your next RV camping trip.
1. Finger Lakes, New York
Let's start on the East Coast with Finger Lakes, New York. This is an excellent vacation destination in the Northeast. Due to the elevation and the lake air, the temperature is fairly mild in the summer. There are eleven total Finger Lakes, consecutively named Conesus, Hemlock, Canadice, Honeoye, Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca, Cayuga, Owasco, Skaneateles, and Otisco. Of the eleven lakes, Seneca is the most popular. Seneca Lake is also home to Watkins Glen State Park. At Watkins Glen, visitors can choose between three main trails, one of which passes nineteen waterfalls in just two miles.If you plan to visit Finger Lakes in the summer, there are many places for you to stay in your RV. Sned-Acres Family Campground is a reasonably priced RV park overlooking Cayuga Lake. They offer full and partial hookups sites for RVs, as well as tent camping sites. For Harvest Host members, there are many additional options for places to stay. Along the shores of the eleven Finger Lakes lie thirteen different Harvest Hosts locations, including a farm, two breweries, and ten wineries/vineyards. Many of these locations are located right along the lakes and offer breathtaking views and unchallenged scenery.
2. Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina
If you're heading down south this summer, nothing is better than a vacation planned around the beach. If you're travelling to North Carolina, then we have just the place for you: the first National Seashore. Tucked away in the Outer Banks, is the perfect blend of nature, history, and relaxation. You may have the opportunity to witness a variety of animals such as sea turtles, birds, dolphins, and even seals (in the winter). There are also self-guided lighthouse climbs at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and the Bodie Island Lighthouse that are seasonally open to the public.
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Thankfully, this National Seashore offers four campgrounds within the park, each one offering tent, trailer, and motor home sites, but please note that only Oregon Inlet offers full hookups. What could be better than waking up with only sand dunes separating you from the beautiful coast?
3. Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio
Southeast of Columbus, Ohio, lies the gorgeous Hocking Hills State Park. In this beautiful Midwestern state park, you will find plenty of hiking trails, winding past stunning waterfalls, towering cliffs, intriguing caves, and deep gorges. Here, visitors may enjoy hiking, fishing (designated areas only, with a license), hunting (designated areas only, with a license), camping, and swimming.At the state park, there is a campground with both full hookups sites, partial hookups sites, and dry camping sites. There are also a few nearby private campgrounds and two Harvest Host wineries in neighboring towns (Lancaster and Laurelville). This beautiful park is a must-see for those planning summer RVing vacations.
4. Destin, Florida
What used to be a small fishing village, is now a popular spot to visit during the dog days of summer. Just across the Mid-Bay toll bridge awaits white sands met with Emerald waters, featuring nature trails through sand dunes: welcome to Destin, Florida. Located in the northwest region of Florida, otherwise known as 'the panhandle', Destin is a beautiful getaway that will be sure to complete your summer of travelling. If you're bringing the whole family, then Destin will be your destination! If you have children with you, don't forget to swing by Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park.
Looking for a place to park your rig along this gorgeous coastline? Search no further because Emerald Beach RV Park has got you covered. They offer full hookups along with a plethora of other amenities, including a beach with a private pier, and a fenced-in dog park (but unfortunately dogs are not allowed on the beaches of Destin).
5. Sedona, Arizona
If you plan to visit the Southwest in the summer, then Sedona is the place for you. This gorgeous location is incredibly RV-friendly and has so many incredible hiking and sightseeing opportunities. There is also a great arts and food culture, as well as plenty of history and museums. The towering orange rocks and green vegetation make for a stunning backdrop for all of your summer adventures.Here, there are so many great places to park your RV. Traveling in the summer means you will most likely need full hook-ups to run your air conditioner, so a campground is highly recommended. Rancho Sedona RV Park is highly recommended. Nestled along a bubbling creek, it has plenty of full hook-ups sites and amenities for visiting campers. If you are a Harvest Hosts Golf Club member, you may also stay at Oakcreek Country Club. This stunning location features perfectly manicured landscapes, set against an orange sandstone backdrop.
6. Salida, Colorado
The Rocky Mountains of Colorado are a summer RVing favorite. With dozens of picturesque small towns tucked between towering mountains of granite, it’s so hard to choose just one destination. Fortunately, Salida, Colorado, offers the best of the Rockies all in one place. Flanked by a series of Fourteeners, Salida is commonly referred to as the “Heart of the Rockies.” Here, popular activities include hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, white water rafting, kayaking, fishing, and tubing. Downtown Salida is also picturesque and has a thriving arts and cuisine culture.In Salida, there are plenty of wonderful places to camp in your RV. Heart of the Rockies Campground is an excellent KOA campground with plenty of full hookups sites. Tucked beneath the shadows of Mount Shavano, it boasts gorgeous views and a convenient distance from all the best sights in Salida. Harvest Hosts members can also stay at Vino Salida, a gorgeous vineyard with views, excellent Colorado wines, and plenty of nearby trails.
7. Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic is one of the most stunningly diverse national parks in America. Covering nearly half of the Olympic Peninsula of Washington, this park truly has it all. From lush rainforests to roaring waterfalls, towering mountains to rocky shores, natural hot springs to bubbling rivers, and temperate forests to alpine lakes, there are so many beautiful places to see here. In the summer, the weather stays mild and is perfect for the multitude of outdoor activities available.With twelve RV campgrounds within park boundaries, it is extremely convenient to stay right in the center of all the best activities. The campgrounds do not have hookups, but there are bathhouses and dump stations at many of them. In addition, there are many private campgrounds outside of the national park with hookups and other amenities.
8. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan
Along the sandstone cliffs of Lake Superior lies Pictured Rocks. As one of just two national lakeshores in the country, this gorgeous area features waterfalls, forests, dunes, and shorelines. Popular activities include hiking, camping, boating, fishing, and sightseeing. RVers may stay in one of three on-site campgrounds. Each of these is dry camping only, with a bathhouse and dump station provided. If hookups are a must, there are a few private nearby campgrounds with excellent reviews. In addition, there is a cute Harvest Hosts pottery/gallery in the nearby town of Munising, MI.
In conclusion, no matter where you plan to travel, there are endless places you can go to make your summer vacation special and memorable. We hope this brief list is able to be either your guide or provide the inspiration for your next adventure. And as always, happy trails!
Do you have any getaways, favorite spots, or hidden gems that you enjoy visiting? Comment below and let us know!
Harvest Hosts is a unique RV camping membership that offers self-contained RVers unlimited overnight stays at 9,700+ unique locations across North America with no camping fees. Stay at farms, wineries, breweries, museums, golf courses, attractions, and other one-of-a-kind destinations while enjoying memorable travel experiences and the peace of mind that comes with knowing a safe place to stay is always nearby.
