This ultimate guide brings all of my destination resources to one place! Browse LOTS of RV road trip ideas based on location or interests.
We have been living the RV Snowbird Lifestyle for over two decades, cataloging our trips from year to year. I’ve shared countless articles and resources to help fellow RVers enjoy similar travels. Now, I’m bringing it all together in this ultimate destinations guide filled with many great RV trip ideas.
You can use this guide as an index to discover new ideas or dig deeper into places or things you’ve always wanted to see. I’ve organized it into two parts: location and activities/interests.
So, whether you’re interested in Arizona or scenic drives, Texas or birding, Georgia or hiking, you’ll find excellent resources to help with planning your next adventure!
RV trip ideas based on location
In this section, I organize my many location-based articles and resources into an easy-to-scan index. You’ll see helpful articles and links to useful resources.
When something catches your interest, click through to the links to learn more!
SOUTHWEST
The Southwest has stunning and unique landscapes you can’t see anywhere else in the world. We have fallen in love with the Southwest—Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and California. From red and orange rock formations in the desert to green and lush mountains, there’s so much to see in this one area of the country and hiking and birding that can’t be beat. Then there is the beautiful national parks, state parks, and regional/county parks—and, of course, the Grand Canyon.
- How Best to Road-Trip across the Southwest? Icons and Hidden Gems!
- Most Beautiful Towns in the Southwest
- The Ultimate Guide to Camping in the Southwest
- Five National Parks to Visit on the Ultimate Southwestern Desert Road Trip
- Most Beautiful Cities in the Southwest
Arizona
Visit Arizona for the iconic red rock formations of Sedona to the majestic Grand Canyon. Or for the vibrant cities such as Phoenix and Tucson which offer a range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
- Why Arizona is the Ultimate Road Trip Destination
- Discover Awe and Adventure in Arizona
- The Ultimate Arizona Road Trip: 16 Places to See & Things to Do
- 4 Favorite “Only in Arizona” Experiences
- The 12 Most Charming Small Towns in Arizona
- Five Fall Road Trips in Arizona
- An Unforgettable 3-Day Road Trip through Southern Arizona
New Mexico
New Mexico is a great destination for RVers due to its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. From deserts to mountains, RVers can enjoy a range of scenic drives and outdoor activities. The state is also home to a number of historic Native American pueblos as well as Spanish colonial missions which provide a unique cultural experience.
New Mexican cuisine is a fusion of Spanish, Native American, and Mexican ingredients and techniques. While familiar items like corn, beans, and squash are often used, the defining ingredient is chile, a spicy chile pepper that is a staple in many New Mexican dishes. Chile comes in two varieties, red or green, depending on the stage of ripeness in which they were picked.
D. H. Lawrence, writing in 1928, pretty much summed it up: “The moment I saw the brilliant, proud morning shine high up over the deserts of Santa Fe, something stood still in my soul.”
- Wake Up In New Mexico
- 4 Things to Know Before Visiting New Mexico
- Spotlight on New Mexico: Most Beautiful Places to Visit
- A Monumental Road Trip through New Mexico’s National Monuments
- Top 9 Things to See and Do in Santa Fe
- Las Cruces: Rugged Beauty, Endless Sunshine, History & More
- La Mesilla: Where History and Culture Become an Experience
- The New Mexico Green Chile Peppers Guide
Utah
Every state thinks its fun. Every state claims to have something for everyone. But not every state has five national parks (The Mighty Five), 46 state parks, five national historic sites and trails, and a dozen national monuments and recreation areas. While it’s mathematically impossible to finish your Utah bucket list, I’ll help you plan the trip you’ll be talking about forever!
- 13 Essential Stops on an RV Tour across Utah
- If the Outdoors is your Thing, Utah is your Place
- Photographic Proof That Utah Is Just One Big Epic National Park
- Here’s the Proof that Utah is the Most Beautiful State
- Utah Runneth Over With National Parks
- Everything You Need to Know about the Mighty 5
- The Ultimate Guide to the Mighty 5
- The Ultimate Guide to Hiking the Mighty 5
California
What is the quintessential wine experience in the Golden State? Where are the must-see natural wonders? Which beach is best? How do you decide which theme park to visit? Where best to spend the winter? Scroll through my favorite places to go and things to do and start dreaming about your next California adventure today.
- Spotlight on California: Most Beautiful Places to Visit
- The 10 Best Day Trips in Southern California
- 3 Classic California Road Trips to Drive in Your Lifetime
- California’s Timeless Getaway: Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley
- California Gold
- Road-tripping on California’s Less-traveled Lanes
SOUTHEAST
Over the last decade, the United States’ southeastern portion has become the ultimate place to visit for people who love outdoor activities and sports. You will find plenty to do from whitewater rafting to camping and hiking the trails when you visit the area. The twelve states located in the Southeast include Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, and Kentucky.
- 5 Things I Learned While RVing The American South
- The Ultimate Deep South Road Trip: Savannah to Charleston
- 40 Things Only Southerners Will Understand
- The Ultimate Coastal South Road Trip: From New Orleans to Savannah
- The Underrated Coast
Georgia
From the mountains down to the coast and everything in between, Georgia offers well-known and off-the-beaten-path experiences in cities both big and small. From ghost tours and island resorts to hidden gems here are a few can’t miss attractions, stays and towns when visiting Georgia.
- Georgia Is On My Mind
- The Perfect Georgia Coast Road Trip
- Spotlight on Georgia: Most Beautiful Places to Visit
- Best Georgia State Parks: Plan Now for a Spring or Summer Getaway
- The Golden Isles of Georgia
- 10 of the Best Places to Visit in Georgia
South Carolina
South Carolina is a state of variety with beautiful beaches, remote islands, charming cities and towns, watery wilderness, great golf, interesting history, rolling hills and mountains, and much more. From the Upcountry mountains through the vibrant Midlands and to the Lowcountry coast, the Palmetto State amazes.
- South Carolina Has It All
- Spotlight on South Carolina: Most Beautiful Places to Visit
- Finding Solace in the Old Growth Forest of Congaree
Alabama
From the foothills of the Appalachians through countless river valleys to the sugar white beaches of the Gulf, natural wonders abound. The 22 state parks which encompass 48,000 acres of land and water provide opportunities to fish, camp, canoe, hike, and enjoy the great outdoors.
- Spotlight on Alabama: Most Beautiful Places to Visit
- Where the Rivers Meet the Sea: Mobile-Tensaw River Delta and Meaher State Park
- Beauty, History and Adventure Come Together in Alabama
- Sweet Home Alabama: Mobile
- Mobile Bay: Gateway to the Gulf
- Experience the Alabama Gulf Coast along the Coastal Connection Scenic Byway
Louisiana
Break away from the Interstate and take a road trip down one of Louisiana’s 19 scenic byways. From historic treasures and music festivals, to country kitchens and coastal wetlands teeming with wildlife, each drive offers you an authentic taste of Louisiana food, music, culture, and natural beauty. Start planning your trip here.
- Cool-As-Hell Louisiana Towns You Need to Visit (Besides New Orleans)
- ‘Pass a Good Time’ on the Bayou Teche Byway
- I’m going to Cajun Country!
- Explore the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area
- Cultural Interplay along the Bayou Teche: Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site
Kentucky
With everything from world-class horse racing to world-class bourbon, the list of things to do in the Bluegrass State seems almost endless. But with so many options, where do you even start? Here are a few experiences that stand above the rest.
- 23 of the Best Places to Visit in Kentucky
- The Ultimate Guide to Kentucky Bourbon Trail
- Step Back Into Time at My Old Kentucky Home
- Historic Frankfort: Kentucky Distilled
- Road Tripping in Bourbon Country
Florida
The Sunshine State connects you to natural landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and a host of outdoor activities and interactions.
- Swim with the Manatees of Florida’s Crystal River
- Discover the Wild Side of Florida at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
- Myakka River State Park: Place of Abundance Offering Varied Experiences
- The Top 10 Things to See and Do on Amelia Island
Texas
Mention Texas to someone from another state and they might picture cowboys herding longhorn cattle across the open range or scheming, wealthy oil barons a la TV’s Dallas. The Lone Star State which was admitted to the United States after winning its own independence from Mexico still sometimes seems—as the state tourism slogan goes—like a whole other country. And, boy, do we have a LOT of helpful articles on this popular RV destination!
- Texas Road Trips Sampler
- Visit SIX Iconic Texas Landmarks on One Road Trip
- The Spotlight Shines on Unique Small Texas Towns
- Texas Hill Country Is the Ultimate Road Trip
- “Howdy, y’all” to these Small Texas Towns
- The 10 Top Things to Do in Texas
- Explore the Funky Art Towns and Desert Beauty of West Texas
- 10 Things You Need To See and Do At Least Once In Texas
- Discover more on a Texas-sized Outdoor Adventure
- Texas is BIG—Beautiful & Diverse
- Wander the (San Antonio) River’s winding Path and Experience the Spirit of San Antonio
MIDWEST
The Midwest, also known as America’s Heartland, lies midway between the Appalachians and the Rocky Mountains and north of the Ohio River. The Midwest is generally considered to comprise the states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
Ohio
Ohio is home to a wide range of attractions from sprawling parks with stunning waterfalls to bustling cities and college towns.
- Ohio Amish Country: It’s About Life…Plain & Simple
- Experience the Past in the Present along the Amish Country Byway
Indiana
Appreciate a slower pace of life in a state known for its rural charms, Amish communities, and architecturally impressive cities.
North Dakota
North Dakota has uncrowded, wide-open spaces, and amazing vistas that take your breath away at must-see national and state parks, and recreational areas.
- North Dakota: Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- 4 Wild Dakotas Destinations to Explore this Summer
- Badlands Meet History in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
South Dakota
An often overlooked travel destination, South Dakota is a land of breathtaking scenic beauty.
Here’s the thing, visit South Dakota once and the place SELLS ITSELF. Much more than just the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and the Badlands, SoDak is the most scenic places you knew nothing about. Until now!
- South Dakota: Fly Over State? Not a Chance!
- South Dakota—Naturally
- The Ultimate South Dakota Road Trip Itinerary
- 4 Wild Dakotas Destinations to Explore this Summer
- Your Next Adventure Is Set In Stone
- Into the Hills: Can’t Miss Spots for Your Black Hills Tour
- Doorway to Forever: Badlands National Park
- a-MAIZ-ing Corn-fused Roadside Attraction
- Wall Drug: America’s Favorite Roadside Attraction
Worth Pondering…
All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.
—Gandalf the Wizard, Lord of the Rings