Top Scenic Routes for RV Road Trips in the USA

When you’re RVing, the journey is just as important as the destination—especially when you choose a scenic route. The United States boasts some of the most breathtaking routes in the world that are perfect for RV road trips. From coastal drives to mountainous highways, these routes offer unparalleled views and bountiful RV-friendly stops. Whether you’re a seasoned RVer or planning your first adventure, our guide to the top scenic RV routes in the USA will help inspire your next road trip and lead you on an unforgettable RV adventure.

Pacific Coast Highway, California

The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), which is also known as Highway 1, is a must-see scenic drive for RVers. Stretching over 600 miles from Dana Point to Leggett, this iconic highway hugs the California coastline, offering stunning ocean views, rugged cliffs, and picturesque seaside towns.

Highlights:

• Big Sur: This section between San Simeon and Carmel is renowned for its dramatic cliffs and panoramic ocean vistas. Don't miss Bixby Creek Bridge, one of the most photographed bridges in California.
• Monterey and Carmel: Explore the historic Cannery Row in Monterey and the charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
• Redwood National and State Parks: Near the northern end of the PCH, these parks are home to towering redwoods, some of the tallest trees in the world.

RV-Friendly Stops:

• Hearst San Simeon State Park: This park offers spacious campsites and easy access to Hearst Castle.
• Big Sur Campgrounds: Multiple campgrounds are available in the area, but it’s best to book well in advance due to high demand.
• Redwood Meadows RV Resort: Close to the Redwoods, this resort provides full hookups and amenities.

Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia to North Carolina

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile scenic drive that meanders through the Appalachian Mountains, connecting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. Known as "America's Favorite Drive," it’s one of the best RV routes in the country.

Highlights:

• Shenandoah National Park: Start your journey with the beautiful Skyline Drive, which offers 105 miles of scenic views and overlooks.
• Peaks of Otter: This area features stunning views, hiking trails, and a serene lake.
• Linville Gorge and Falls: Known as the "Grand Canyon of the East," Linville Gorge offers spectacular scenery and a dramatic waterfall.

RV-Friendly Stops:

• Loft Mountain Campground: Located in Shenandoah National Park, it offers RV sites with stunning views.
• Peaks of Otter Campground: This park boasts RV sites near hiking trails and the scenic Peaks of Otter.
• Mount Pisgah Campground: Situated at a high elevation, it offers cooler temperatures and beautiful mountain views.

Route 66, Illinois to California

This list of American road trip destinations wouldn’t be complete without Route 66. Known as “The Mother Road” and “The Main Street of America," Route 66 is an iconic highway stretching from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. This historic highway covers 2,448 miles and offers a nostalgic journey through the heart of America.

Highlights:

• Cadillac Ranch: Located in Amarillo, Texas, this quirky art installation features half-buried Cadillacs painted in vibrant colors.
• Petrified Forest National Park: In Arizona, you can explore ancient fossilized trees and unique landscapes that almost feel like you’re on another planet.
• Santa Monica Pier: The end of Route 66, this iconic pier offers entertainment, dining, and stunning ocean views.

RV-Friendly Stops:

• KOA Campgrounds: Numerous KOA sites are available along Route 66, offering reliable amenities and full hookups.
• Oklahoma Route 66 Museum: Learn about the history of The Mother Road at this museum, and stay at nearby RV parks.
• Santa Monica Campground: Close to the beach and the end of Route 66, this campground offers full amenities.

Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana

Located in Glacier National Park, Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of the most scenic drives in the USA. This 50-mile route traverses the park from west to east, crossing the Continental Divide and offering stunning views of glaciers, mountains, and valleys. It’s important to note that this road is subject to seasonal closures, and vehicles and vehicle combinations that are longer than 21 feet or wider than 8 feet (including mirrors) are not allowed on certain sections of the road. However, there are free shuttles that will take you the whole length of the road if your RV is too big or if you’d prefer to leave the driving to someone else.

Highlights:

• Lake McDonald: The largest lake in Glacier National Park, it offers crystal-clear waters and stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains.
• Logan Pass: Logan Pass is the highest point on the road and it provides breathtaking views as well as access to several hiking trails.
• Wild Goose Island: This is a picturesque spot on St. Mary Lake that’s definitely worth a stop.

RV-Friendly Stops:

• Apgar Campground: Located near the west entrance, it accommodates RVs up to 40 feet.
• St. Mary Campground: Near the east entrance, this campground offers RV sites with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
• Glacier Campground: Just outside the park, it offers full hookups and easy access to the park.

Overseas Highway, Florida Keys

The Overseas Highway, part of U.S. Route 1, connects mainland Florida to Key West. Spanning 113 miles and crossing 42 bridges, this route offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, making it a unique and unforgettable RV road trip for beach lovers.

Highlights:

• Seven Mile Bridge: One of the longest bridges in the world, offering panoramic ocean views.
• Bahia Honda State Park: This park is known for its beautiful beaches and excellent snorkeling opportunities.
• Key West: The southernmost point in the continental USA, Key West offers a vibrant nightlife, historic sites, and beautiful sunsets.

RV-Friendly Stops:

• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park: Located in Key Largo, it offers RV sites and access to coral reefs for snorkeling and diving.
• Bahia Honda State Park: Once you’re done snorkeling at this park, you can also stay the night in your RV!
• Boyd’s Key West Campground: Located near Key West, this campground offers full hookups and convenient access to the city’s attractions.

Conclusion

Embarking on an RV road trip allows you to experience some of the most scenic routes and landscapes in the USA. From the coastal beauty of the Pacific Coast Highway to the historic charm of Route 66, each route offers unique experiences and breathtaking views. By planning your journey with RV-friendly stops and preparing for the adventure, you can make the most of your RV road trips. At RVPostings.com, we’re here to help you discover and enjoy these incredible destinations.