6 Hidden Gem RV Trip Destinations
Published Sep 27, 2022
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Yellowstone, Niagra Falls, and Olympic National Park are all destinations famous for their natural beauty. However, many campers don’t know that across the U.S., there are hidden gems to see in smaller towns that are tucked away from the bustle of tourists.
If the path-less-traveled is calling your name, we’re here to help. Let’s check out six hidden gem RV trip destinations that you won’t want to miss.
Yonah Mountain Campground - Helen, Georgia
Helen, Georgia, is a beautiful mountain town set against the background of forests, river banks, and rugged landscapes. A visit here will leave you feeling as if you were transported to Germany since the town’s center is designed to look like a Bavarian village.
Stroll the cobblestone streets and breath in the aroma of German fare as you explore the quaint beauty of this hidden gem.
As evening falls, head to Yonah Mountain Campground, a lovely RV resort that features dozens of premier amenities, including WiFi, a swimming pool, a playground, a clubhouse, and a dog park.
What We Love About This Hidden Gem
- A stay in Helen, Georgia, provides you with easy access to nearby hiking trails. Be sure to plan a visit to the rare double waterfall at Anna Ruby Falls.
- During the summer months, grab a tube and hop in the river to see Helen from a different perspective. All summer long, you’ll find folks enjoying the cool waters of the Chattahoochee River with a float through the town.
Taughannock Falls State Park - Trumansburg, New York
Located in the Finger Lakes region, Taughannock Falls State Park is a small park that boasts incredible beauty. In this park, you’ll find the tallest single-plunge waterfall east of the Rockies.
Park your RV at a campsite overlooking Cayuga Lake, and enjoy hiking the park’s numerous trails. Gorge Trail will lead you to the waterfall, where you can enjoy the beauty of the falls regardless of the season. If you visit in the Winter, you might get lucky enough to see the waterfall frozen in place.
What We Love About This Hidden Gem
- While Taughannock Falls State Park is beautiful year-round, this park makes a great winter destination. During the colder months, ice skating on Cayuga Lake, cross-country skiing, and sledding are all favorite pastimes.
- The Cayuga Lake Wine Trail is located just outside of the park. A tour of this wine trail will allow you to sample wines from 16 of the area’s vineyards.
Goosenecks State Park - Mexican Hat, Utah
Incredible views of plunging canyons and flowing rivers await you at this small, relatively unknown state park in Utah. Camping here provides you with the chance to park your rig on the edge of a deep canyon looking down on the San Juan River.
Watch as the river twists and turns far below, and enjoy the incredible beauty of the desert as you settle into camp. Be sure to also swing by Mexican Hat, Utah to take a quick photo of the town’s sombrero-style hat rock formation.
What We Love About This Hidden Gem
- Goosenecks State Park has earned the accolades of being a designated International Dark Sky Park. This is the perfect place to view the night stars.
- Staying in Gooseneck State Park provides you with easy access to both Natural Bridges National Monument and Valley of the Gods in Miniature Monument Valley.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Gregory E. Moore RV Resort - Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
A visit to Topsail Hill Preserve State Park in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, will give you the chance to experience beaches that rival those found in the Caribbean without needing a passport.
Located in the panhandle of Florida, Topsail Hill is named for the expansive white sand dunes that rise like a ship’s sails over the beach line. Emerald blue waters from the Gulf of Mexico meet the powdery white sand to create a beach-goers paradise. Stroll from campsite to beachside in a matter of minutes.
What We Love About This Hidden Gem
- Don’t let the fact that this is a state park lead you to envision rustic amenities. This park is aptly dubbed an RV resort with amenities including shuffleboard, an on-site campground store, heated and cooled bathrooms, and a small cafe.
- No need to load down your rig with beach gear. The campground store offers bicycle, canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboards, and beach chair rentals.
The Wall at Badlands National Park - South Dakota
If your rig is boondock ready, be sure to add this location to your list. The Badlands National Park in South Dakota is famous for its unique landscape with other-worldly rock formations. To enjoy the best views the park has to offer, opt for a free stay at this boondocking destination. Referred to by boondockers as “The Wall” or “Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping”, this free camping spot will allow you to park your rig on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Badlands. To find this unmarked camping area, enter these coordinates into your GPS and look for the well-worn path to the edge of the wall: 43.89319380924242 N 102.2290965436505 W.
What We Love About This Hidden Gem
- Listen to the howl of coyotes and the whistling of the wind off of the canyon edge as you immerse yourself in the wilderness. This boondocking location is the perfect opportunity to get away from civilization.
- Don’t spend a penny on your stay at this free spot. With ample room for parking, you’ll often encounter fellow travelers taking advantage of this stunning location.
Canyon Lake Ranger District - Red Feather Lakes, Colorado
A stay in the Colorado mountains often comes with a hefty price tag, but not when you pull your rig into camp in this free dispersed camping area. Located just outside of the small mountain town of Red Feather Lakes, this beautiful wooded area features ample opportunity for hiking and wildlife watching.
Dispersed camping options in the area are numerous. To find easy-to-access pull-in spots, drive down County Road 69 (Manhattan Road) heading south out of town. Look for one of the numbered sites located along the road as you travel south. Dispersed camping sites are north of the turnoff for Bellaire Lake, so if you reach the signs for the Bellaire Lake campground, you’ve gone too far.
What We Love About This Hidden Gem
- Canyon Lake Ranger District is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. This area is home to four Wildnerness areas, recreational trails, and Colorado’s only Wild and Scenic River — the Cache la Poudre.
- For the fishing enthusiast, the numerous lakes in the area offer the perfect chance to pull in a trout or two. Bring your fishing pole and visit Bellaire or Dowdy Lake for the day.
Visit Transwest to Find Your Next Hidden Gem
If you’re ready to hit the open road and find the best-hidden RV gems the U.S. has to offer, swing by a Transwest location to pick out the right rig for your needs. From adventure-focused campervans to luxury coach RVs, we carry a premium inventory of options. Stop by or call our team to learn more.
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