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RVing is an increasingly popular pastime in the US — according to the RV Industry Association, manufacturers shipped over 600K new vehicles last year, representing a whopping 39% increase compared to 2020. Americans love vacationing in an RV as it provides flexibility (you get to spend as much or as little time as you want in a location and can decide to go to a new place at a moment’s notice), comfort (you have all your own belongings and there are no restrictions in terms of luggage) and on top of that, it’s more affordable than hotel accommodations and flights, particularly for families with children.
Fortunately, the U.S. also offers the necessary infrastructure and environment for people to practice and enjoy RVing. RV campgrounds are widely available around the country, and self-storage facilities offer owners a safe place to keep their vehicles while not in use. For example, there are about 50 vehicle storage facilities in Dallas alone, and even more in the surrounding metro area. Other cities where residents enjoy RVing — thus the demand for RV self-storage is high — include Colorado Springs, Phoenix and Tucson. These cities also have well-developed local self-storage sectors that allow people to find the right units or parking spaces for their needs.
The same report mentioned above also identified the country’s best RVing destinations based on a variety of factors, such as the number of campgrounds, costs, amenities they provide (water, sewer and electricity hookups as well as Wi-Fi, cable TV, pools and so on), plus air quality, grocery prices and retail outlets available in the area. In other words, the report evaluates all the things you need for a nice, stress-free RV trip. Here are the country’s top 10 best RV destinations, based on these indicators:
- Branson, Missouri
Located in the beautiful natural setting of the Ozark Mountains, Branson is also known as the “Live Entertainment Capital of the World” due to the no less than 50 theaters in the city where people can catch live plays and shows. Also, the city is in an excellent location, positioned within a day’s drive of one-third of America’s population. Whether you want to enjoy some live shows or the majestic beauty of the Ozarks, Branson and its 25 campsites with excellent amenities are waiting for you and your RV.
- Hot Springs, Arkansas
Hot Springs is in the Ouachita Mountains and, as its name clearly implies, visitors know it for its natural hot springs that you can enjoy in many local spas and thermal baths. The city also hosts many annual music and film festivals and is home to a renowned art community. The 16 campgrounds in the area generally feature all the amenities you might need — and don’t forget to bring your four-legged friends along, as 100% of the campgrounds also allow pets.
- Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
A mountain town and vacation area, Pigeon Forge sits nestled in the Smoky Mountains. It’s also the home of Dollywood, where you can enjoy fun rides and celebrate the extraordinary personality of the beloved Dolly Parton. Other popular activities in and around Pigeon Forge are hiking, whitewater rafting, fishing, off-road driving and mountain biking. The area has 16 well-fitted campgrounds, 80% of which have pools for visitors to enjoy.
- Zephyrhills, Florida
Zephyrhills allows you to enjoy the excellent Florida weather and do activities such as golfing, hiking or even … skydiving, as well as “diving” into the delicious local food scene. When you stay here, you’re about an hour away from several beaches and pretty close to Tampa and its many entertainment, cultural and shopping options. The almost 20 RV campgrounds around Zephyrhills provide excellent conditions for campers.
- Grants Pass, Oregon
Grants Pass, Oregon, is a well-known and very popular whitewater rafting destination, and as their iconic slogan “It’s the Climate” emphasizes, the area offers excellent air quality. Hiking trails near Portland, biking, and touring the Oregon Caves National Monument are just some of the activities you can do in the area. You can also practice rafting and other water sports along Rogue River or learn about wildlife at the Wildlife Images Rehabilitation and Education Center. Finding a suitable campsite for your RV won’t be an issue, as there are 13 campgrounds in and around Grants Pass.
- Rockport, Texas
The coastal city of Rockport, Texas, is an excellent destination for those who enjoy beach and water-related activities such as kayaking, boating, ocean fishing, swimming and much more. Nature lovers will also find delight in the destination. The Goose Island State Park contains a variety of landscapes and habitats, from prairie to marshland, and it’s great for spotting wildlife. Also in Rockport, you can admire one of the largest and oldest oak trees in Texas, estimated to be around 1,000 years old. The area’s 34 RV campgrounds allow you to park your RV safely and comfortably.
- Gulf Shores, Alabama
Beach lovers rejoice. The Gulf Shores is the perfect place for you with its miles and miles of pristine white sand beaches. Dolphin watching, boating, fishing or wildlife spotting in the Gulf State Park will keep you thoroughly entertained. There are also plenty of hiking trails — the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail takes you through six different ecosystems. The campgrounds in the area offer all the main amenities RVers need plus some great extras like cable TV and Wi-Fi, making your holiday even more pleasant.
- South Fork, Colorado
With a gorgeous natural setting at the confluence of the South Fork and Rio Grande rivers, this Coloradoan town is a great destination for active travelers who love hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, fly fishing, rafting or kayaking. During winter, South Fork is also a well-known winter sports hotspot. Pick one of the 13 campgrounds in the area and enjoy your time in South Fork.
- Houston, Texas
Don’t underestimate the advantages of visiting a big city with your RV — there are plenty of cultural spots, museums, entertainment, and fine dining to enjoy without the inconvenience of paying for expensive hotel accommodation. Houston ranks ninth among the country’s best destinations for RVing, with 15 campgrounds available in the area.
- Fort Myers, Florida
Rounding out the top 10 best RV destinations in the US, Fort Myers is famous for gorgeous beaches and shallow waters. The shallow water plateau around Fort Myers naturally collects shells, and you’ll be able to find a huge variety of them. Dolphin- and manatee-spotting tours, kayaking and tours of historic landmarks such as the Edison and Ford winter estates are just a few of the fun and interesting activities you can do in Fort Myers. The 15 RV campgrounds make it easier to find a camping spot with all the amenities you need.
