Few things are more American than cross-country RV road trips. Well, maybe football, cold beer, or apple pie. The point is, in America, we have wide open roads and plenty of remarkable scenery. It’s why we love long road trips and discovering new places. After all, most people buy an RV dreaming about freedom, nature, and the open road.
Make your RV road trip fantasies a reality with this list of the best RV trip routes. You aren’t going to want to miss any of these top ten scenic drives.
1. Cascade Loop
Take a drive on the Cascade Loop in Washington to see beautiful, vast mountain ranges–many of which are RV accessible. This scenic drive includes views of valleys, farmland, the Puget Sound (where you can see orcas from May to October), and North Cascades National Park, giving it broad appeal for every kind of RVer. If you like what you see, there are plenty of RV campsites along the scenic drive.
2. Great River Road
Experience ten different states when you travel along the Great River Road. It follows the Mississippi River and is known as the longest scenic byway in the United States. This route was also a popular historic trading route that passes by various landmarks, making it an exciting road for history buffs to traverse with their RVs.
3. Newfound Gap Road
If you love Appalachia, you’ll love the Newfound Gap Road that carves through the Great Smoky Mountains, stretching along the Tennessee-North Carolina border. You might even catch a glimpse of the rich biodiversity in the region, including black bears. You’ll also witness spectacular foliage (which is even more beautiful in autumn) along the route.
4. Old King’s Highway
For RVers wishing to visit New England, we recommend driving along Old King’s Highway near Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Simply follow Route 6A from Sandwich to Orleans to see charming beaches and historic villages that most people expect to see in New England. It’s quieter than the popular tourist route on Route 28 on the southern side of the Cape, making it a great detour for you and your RV.
5. Oregon Coast Highway
For breathtaking views of the Pacific Northwest coastline, drive down Route 101 in Oregon–also known as the Oregon Coast Highway. It boasts numerous RV turnouts, inspiring state parks, campgrounds, restaurants, and more! If you enjoy moody cliffsides, cold crashing waves, misty forests, and the occasional lighthouse, driving this highway should be on every RVers bucket list.
6. Overseas Highway
Explore the southernmost part of Highway 1, also known as Overseas Highway: The Highway that Goes to Sea. There are 113 miles of roadway from Key Largo to Key West from which you can see countless islets and the thin line between sea and sky. This route includes the Seven Mile Bridge, which is the name of the seven miles of highway that go over the Atlantic Ocean.
7. Pacific Coast Highway
Take your RV for the trip of a lifetime by driving it along the Pacific coastline in California. As you take this unparalleled journey, you can enjoy views of coastal bluffs, seaside boardwalks, and redwood forests. While the entire highway is awe-inspiring, Big Sur remains the most popular destination on this route, which congests traffic during the summer months. If you’re itching to stop and explore, don’t worry; RV parks are dotted along the coast.
8. Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway
Fans of the desert West love to drive along the Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway in Utah and Colorado. It features many prehistoric sites significant to the Apache, Navajo, and Ute peoples and provides access to multiple parks and monuments, while RV parks no larger than a big lot are scattered along the route in tiny towns to use at your convenience. Keep in mind that this byway is quite isolated, so be sure to top off on fuel, propane, or other needs before making the trek.
9. Wisconsin Lake Superior Scenic Byway
Pass through quaint harbor towns and historic fishing villages when you bring your RV on 70 miles of Wisconsin State Highway 13, along the majestic southern shore of Lake Superior. There are also plenty of sandy beaches and fruit orchards to view from the comfort of your vehicle. If you want to get out and recreate, there are opportunities for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing.
10. Zion Scenic Byway
If you are going to be anywhere near Zion National Park in Utah, we highly recommend enjoying the view on the 54 miles of Zion Scenic Byway. You can stop at designated overlooks to take a break from driving and truly take in the scenery: the blue water of the Virgin River carving through towering red rock plateaus, blue skies shining overhead. Can’t get enough? Try camping at one of the many campsites in the area. Then continue onward to the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon, or other popular destinations.
Which one of these is your favorite scenic byway for RVers? What other RV road trip routes should be added to this list?
