The Ultimate Cross-Country RV Trip: Must-Visit Destinations
The open road is calling, answer the call and plan out your best road trip with great RV campground stops along the way. Surround yourself in the towering pines of the Pacific Northwest or the colonial charm of the East Coast. This flexible cross-country RV guide calls you to the open road from any region you choose. You don’t have to start from west to east. This guide is designed to support your direction, timeline, and wanderlust. We’ll highlight must-see landmarks, stunning natural attractions, and insider tips to help you launch or link up your road trip from nearly anywhere in the U.S.
US Regions to Explore (and Where to Start or Continue Your RV Trip)
Pacific Northwest – Includes scenic start points in Oregon and Washington, with tips for launching from forests or coastlines.
Out West – Destinations across California, Nevada, and Utah with guidance for beginning or extending your road trip in wide-open spaces.
Midwest Frame of Mind – Visit America’s heartland, featuring big skies and small towns.
Welcome Y’all to the South – Visit Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas – featuring Eureka Springs, ideal for kicking off a Southern-style road trip or linking up with other legs, such as the Appalachian landscapes.
Back East – Begin or end your journey amid history, mountains, or beaches.
Explore America’s Best RV Road Trip Destinations
Discovering the United States by RV offers a timeless mix of freedom, spontaneity, and connection to the open road like no other. RV travel gives you a front-row seat view to the country’s most iconic landscapes, from mountain passes to rolling farmland, sun-soaked deserts to misty coastlines. This guide spotlights the best regional stops, featuring natural landmarks, historical attractions, and RV-friendly trips. Whether you’re planning a coast-to-coast epic or piecing together shorter trips, the beauty of this guide is its flexibility. Take off from any spot, and let the road take care of the rest.
Pacific Northwest – Coastlines, Mountains & Forests
This journey begins in the lush, evergreen heart of the Pacific Northwest, where US-20 begins its epic eastbound stretch along the Columbia River Gorge. This region is a dream for outdoor-loving RVers with a dramatic blend of coastal cliffs, mountain passes, and magical forest trails. From beach camping in Oregon to scenic drives through the Cascade Range, there’s a plethora of panoramic views to capture – and they’re all RV-accessible.
An eastward trek on US-20 becomes a curated list of America’s natural and cultural treasures: Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, Niagara Falls in New York, and the shores of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Destinations along this historic highway include ample opportunities for overnight camping, roadside attractions, and exploring beautiful American landscapes. Whether you start from the West Coast, East Coast, or start in the middle somewhere and go east or west, this RV trip has so much to offer.
The West – Desert Views & Iconic Parks
Nicknamed “The Loneliest Road in America,” it should not be overlooked! This journey starts near San Francisco, CA, on US-50, and continues to Ocean City, MD, with breathtaking views and unforgettable detours along the way.
Lake Tahoe is an awesome stop where sapphire waters meet pine-covered peaks. Head farther east and take in the wonders of Great Basin National Park, Nevada’s hidden gem with star-studded night skies and ancient bristlecone pines. Discover the iconic red rock sculptures of Canyonlands and Arches National Parks in Utah. Sport your hiking boots, grab your camera, and soak in solitude amid towering formations.
Colorado’s Million Dollar Highway will give you a thrill with switchbacks and sweeping alpine views before descending into the heart of Kansas City, MO, the city of fountains, with world-class museums, and a vibrant city culture. Heading farther east, detour into Washington D.C. and possibly finish your RV road trip by dipping your toes in the Atlantic waves of Ocean City, Maryland.
The Midwest – Heartland Beauty & Cultural Stops
Not all great RV road trip routes need to span coast to coast. If you live in the Midwest or are passing through, you can enjoy its rich slice of Americana. There are scenic drives, cultural detours, and historical landmarks filled with quiet charm and unexpected depth.
Missouri's rolling hills and charming lakeside retreats make it an ideal place for RV camping. Nebraska offers sweet stops at places like Chimney Rock, Scotts Bluff National Monument, and the quirky Carhenge that punctuate the plains with drama and history. Indiana’s Amish Country introduces travelers to handcrafted goods, horse-drawn buggies, and delicious home-style meals.
This leg does not stretch from sea to sea, but it’s a beautiful trip on its own, right in the heart of the country.
The South – Ozark Retreats & Mountain Adventures
Welcome Y’all to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, where southern charm meets outdoor adventure. The Beaver Dam Dive Shop, Campground & RV Park is an excellent launch point for RV road trippers exploring the Ozarks. Located in the hills above Beaver Lake, this full-service RV resort offers lakeside camping, freshwater diving excursions, and convenient access to hiking trails in the lush, rolling terrain of Northwest Arkansas. The charming streets of downtown Eureka Springs will invite you to slow down and soak in Victorian architecture and local hospitality.
Beaver Dam Dive Shop is an RV destination in its own right, but it’s also a springing off point to the Appalachian foothills, Tennessee, the Smoky Mountains, or even deeper into the Blue Ridge.
The East–Coastal Towns & Historic Escapes
When planning a cross-country road trip or starting somewhere closer, exploring the East Coast's history, charm, and laid-back coastal beauty is a great RV destination. Take a scenic RV road trip through Charleston, South Carolina, with its cobblestone streets, antebellum architecture, and welcoming Southern hospitality.
Consider extending your RV trip further north to explore Savannah, GA; Beaufort, SC; and Williamsburg, VA, and take in the colonial landmarks, waterfront views, and local eats. RV-friendly coastal detours abound: camp beneath the stars at Assateague Island National Seashore, where wild ponies roam, or unwind along the oceanside campsites of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, with their New England vibes. Slow down, soak it all in, and savor the journey of an East Coast RV road trip.
What Should You Pack for an RV Trip? Essentials for Any Duration
A smart packing plan contributes to a seamless RV road trip. Having the right gear and prepping your RV makes for an enjoyable experience.
Quick Prep Tips Before Packing:
- Inspect the RV: Check tire pressure, fluid levels, brakes, lights, and propane tanks.
- Test Key Systems: Confirm water, electrical, heating/cooling, and tank systems are fully operational.
- Plan Your Route: Map out your overnight RV stops and fuel stations beforehand.
- Secure Important Documents: Bring your RV registration, proof of insurance, campground confirmations, and personal IDs.
Packing Breakdown – RV Essentials by Category:
- Must-Have Gear: Freshwater and sewer hoses, leveling blocks, surge protector, and a well-stocked tool kit.
- Daily Living: Pack cookware, dishes, bedding, towels, outdoor chairs, and a compact grill.
- Navigation & Safety: GPS, paper maps, first aid kit, flashlight, batteries, and roadside safety items.
- Personal Essentials: Weather-appropriate clothing layers, toiletries, sunscreen, and required medications.
Enjoying an open road RV trip is a lot more fun when you’re not missing your sewer hose or flashlight – preparation makes all the difference.
Plan Your Ultimate Cross-Country RV Trip
From the misty shores of the Pacific Northwest through the rolling farmlands of the Midwest, to the deserts and canyons Out West, the scenic Ozark byways of the South, and finally to the historic shores Back East, this guide offers unforgettable RV routes across America. Experience the diversity of mountain passes, quiet forests, sun-drenched beaches, or bustling cultural hubs because the open road is calling your name. And the best part: You can plan your RV road trip from any corner of the country, and tailor your route to match your pace, interests, and sense of adventure.
Let the open road adventures begin. Set out from the Beaver Dam Dive Shop in Eureka Springs, Arkansas; it’s the perfect RV-friendly launch point with lakeside camping, diving excursions, and expert resources to help expand your wanderlust and plan ideal RV road trips.
Contact us today for reservations or for more information!
