5 Bucket List RV Trips in the U.S.A.

Spanning an incredible 3.797 million square miles of land, the U.S. is the fourth-largest country in the world by area. The terrain of the U.S. is as varied as the cultures and food. From the rugged mountains of the West to the painted deserts of the Southwest to the emerald beaches of the Florida coast to the rich fertile farmlands of the Midwest. Canvases of colossal landscapes throughout this alluring country lure travelers young and old.

For the RV enthusiast, the U.S. is an unending wealth of opportunities for adventure and exploration. With so many miles to cover and places to see, it can be hard to know where to begin! So, we’ve put together our top five bucket list RV trips in the U.S. to help you plan your bucket list.

#1: Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina & Tennessee

Forests abound in America’s most visited national park. Known for its incredible diversity of plants and wildlife, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is shared between Tennessee and North Carolina. Not only is this park a must-see due to the incredible beauty of the Smoky Mountains, but the park still holds remnants of the Southern Appalachian mountain culture, allowing visitors a glimpse into an incredibly unique and important part of the history and culture of the U.S.

Plan to hike to waterfalls, picnic in valleys with wildflowers in bloom, ascend to the top of Clingmans Dome, and watch wildlife in their natural habitat. This park is beautiful year-round with the spring, summer, and fall months offering the best weather and driving conditions.

Where to Stay

Great Smoky Mountains National Park features numerous campground options. Smokemont and Cades Cove campgrounds are the best fit for rigs up to 40 feet in length. For smaller motorhomes, Elkmont, Balsam Mountain, Deep Creek, and Cosby campgrounds are also a good fit.

#2: Yellowstone National Park - Idaho, Montana, & Wyoming

In 1872, Yellowstone National Park became the first national park in the U.S. This incredible park features over 2.2 million acres of natural beauty. The landscape is nearly untouched by humans and the wonders of Yellowstone make it a true bucket-list destination. Watch active geysers, such as Old Faithful, explode and explore boiling pots of mud. The colors of the geothermal landscape of Yellowstone will transport you to another world.

In addition to the incredibly unique and unrivaled landscape of Yellowstone, the park is also home to beautiful mountain hikes, stunning valleys, and abundant wildlife that includes bison, grizzlies, and wolves.

Where to Stay

To get the most immersive experience, stay in the park at one of the many campgrounds. Be sure to book well in advance as the summer months book out early.

#3: Saguaro National Park - Tucson, Arizona

On the edge of Tucson, Arizona sits Saguaro National Park. In the heart of the Sonoran desert, this park is home to the largest cacti in the U.S. The giant saguaro is perhaps one of the most iconic cacti, commonly associated with the American west.

A visit to Saguaro National Park will not only allow you the chance to see these incredible cacti up close and personal, but it will afford you stunning views of the beautiful deserts of the Southwest. The eastern portion of the park also boasts a sky island, where bears, cougars, and coati live. Not only will you find Saguaro National Park a unique experience unlike that found in most of the U.S., but it will also afford you the chance to explore the neighboring city of Tucson. Home to a vibrant arts scene, delectable cuisine, and lively nightlife, Tucson is a sparkling gem buried in the depths of the earthen desert.

Where to Stay

The national park itself does not offer camping, but you can book a stay at Gilbert Ray Campground on the edge of Tucson. This campground is located only three miles from the park entrance and makes it easy to also explore the nearby city.

#4: Lake Superior - Copper Harbor, MI

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is famed for its sprawling forests, crystal clear springs and rivers, and access to the banks of the sea-like Lake Superior. Head to the uppermost tip of the peninsula to spend some time soaking in nature in Copper Harbor, Michigan.

Copper Harbor is a small shorefront town with ample opportunity to hike nearby trails and to head out onto the lake via boat. For the mountain biking enthusiast, the Copper Harbor Bike Trail System will challenge and excite with mountain bike festivals taking place each summer. At the end of a long day spent in nature, enjoy dining at one of the many restaurants in the town, sampling the hearty cuisine of the Midwest.

Where to Stay

For more amenities, opt for a stay at Lake Fanny Hooe Resort and Campground. For a more rustic experience, stay at Trails End Campground. Both options offer you easy walkability into town.

#5: Denali National Park - Denali, Alaska

No U.S. RV bucket list would be complete without mentioning the incredibly rugged and wild Denali National Park. A trek that few will take, reaching Denali, Alaska, requires a commitment of time and a touch of bravery.

The park itself has only one road and only one road entrance. The 92-mile park road runs from east to west and provides you with incredible views of forests, mountain passes, and alpine tundra. Around 6 million acres in size, most of Denali National Park remains untouched by human development. This is a park for the nature enthusiast to truly get away. And, of course, no trip would be complete without laying eyes on the tallest mountain peak in North America, Mount Denali at 20,310 feet.

Where to Stay

Camp in the park at one of the many campgrounds available. Be sure to book well in advance for a summer visit to the park.

Stop by Transwest to Find Your Next Adventure

If you have been inspired to head out to the must-see locations on your bucket list, we are here to help. Stop by a Transwest location to find out more about our vast selection of quality RVs. We look forward to helping you find the perfect fit for wherever the road takes you next.