Explore the Best Outdoor Activities in the United States

1. Exploring National Parks

National parks are some of the best places for outdoor activities in the United States! Visitors of all ages and abilities visit national parks, so there is often a range of activities available. Take a short, easy stroll to admire the scenery, or hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon if you’re more experienced. You’ll also learn a lot about the history and ecology of the area you visit. Many national parks have campgrounds right inside the park. You’ll also find more upscale RV resorts just outside popular parks.

Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the country. Visitors seek out Old Faithful to watch the geyser erupt. The Grand Prismatic Spring has technicolor terra firma. And there are mountains, lakes, and a variety of outdoor activities.

• Best time to visit: Summer is the best time to visit Yellowstone for mild weather. This is also when all of the park’s areas are open. However, summer is also the most popular time of year. If you visit after Labor Day, you’ll still get mild September weather but fewer crowds.
• Best RV type: There is one campground inside the park with full hookups- Fishing Bridge RV Park. Some campgrounds also have size restrictions on motorhomes. Class A and C motorhomes, campervans, or trailers are all good choices for camping at Yellowstone.
• Pets: Yellowstone allows pets in campgrounds, parking lots, and within 100 feet of roads. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Dogs can’t be on trails or boardwalks. If you plan to explore Yellowstone, you’ll need to leave your dog in your RV.
• Getting there: If you want to fly to Yellowstone, Yellowstone Airport is just 5 minutes from the west entrance to the park. Because the park is so popular, it’s likely you can find RV rentals nearby. You may also be able to find owners willing to set up their rigs at your campground for you.

Yosemite

Yosemite is well-known for the striking Half Dome, impressive El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls. The park is about an hour and 20 minutes from Fresno, the nearest big town. It’s a very popular park, and you may need reservations to visit.

• Best time to visit: Summer at Yosemite is mild, and you can hike, swim, and bike. There are winter outdoor activities as well including sledding, ice skating, and even skiing at Badger Pass. The off-seasons – spring and fall – are good times to visit for fewer crowds.
• Best RV type: The maximum length you can have for an RV at a Yosemite campground is 40 feet and the maximum trailer length is 35 feet. There are very few sites this big, however – you’re better off with an RV of 35 feet or less and a trailer of 24 feet or less. A small Class A motorhome, Class C camper, campervan, or smaller trailer is the best choice.

• Pets: Pets are allowed on paved roads, sidewalks, bicycle paths (unless there is a sign prohibiting them), and in campgrounds except for walk-in campgrounds or group sites. Dogs can be on the Wawona Meadow Loop trail, but are not allowed on other hiking trails. They are also not allowed on shuttles.

• Getting there: The Fresno-Yosemite International Airport is about an hour and a half from the Wawona area of Yosemite (2 1/2 hours from Yosemite Valley) and is the closest option. Because Yosemite is so popular, there are nearby rentals and often owners will offer delivery to your campsite.

Great Smoky Mountains

Great Smoky Mountains National Park has lots of outdoor activities, from hiking to biking to fishing and more. It’s also the most-visited national park in the entire country.

• Best time to visit: The most popular time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park is during the summer. To avoid crowds and still enjoy mild weather, plan a trip anytime from March through May.
• Best RV type: The maximum length for an RV at a campground at Great Smoky Mountains National Park is 40 feet. For a trailer, it’s 35 feet. Some campgrounds at the park require even shorter lengths. There are also some secondary roads in the park that do not allow RVs or buses to drive them. If you want to see everything in the park, consider a smaller vehicle like a campervan or trailer that can be detached.

• Pets: The park allows pets in campgrounds, picnic areas, and on roads. Pets must be leashed. There are two short paths that also allow dogs but they are not allowed on other trails in the park.

• Getting there: The McGhee-Tyson Airport is near Knoxville, Tennessee and is about 45 minutes from the Gatlinburg entrance. Gatlinburg has lots of RVs for rent, and many owners offer delivery and setup as well.

Grand Canyon

Outdoor activities at Grand Canyon National Park include easy hikes around the top of the canyon rim, or challenging hikes to the very bottom of the canyon. Mule trips also offer an unusual way to explore the canyon.

• Best time to visit: Although Grand Canyon National Park can get hot in summer, that’s still the most popular season for people to visit. You can avoid both the heat and crowds by visiting during the spring or fall.
• Best RV type: The Mather Campground at the South Rim is the most popular for RVers and reservations fill up quickly. The RV length limit here is 30 feet, so a small Class A, Class C, campervan, or trailer is best.

• Pets: Pets can’t go below the canyon rim, but are allowed on trails along the South Rim. If you plan to explore the inner canyon, you’ll need to leave your pet in your RV or elsewhere. There is a kennel available at the South Rim. If you visit with your pet in summer, be sure they have plenty of water and paw protection from the hot pavement.

• Getting there: Flagstaff Airport is ninety minutes from the South Rim, and is the nearest airport to fly into. There are lots of nearby Grand Canyon RV rentals and many owners will also deliver and set up your RV at your campsite for an extra fee.

2. Rock climbing

Rock climbing is an outdoor activity that combines physical and mental toughness and provides a unique challenge. There are lots of excellent rock climbing options, especially in the Western and Southwestern states. Moab is a popular spot for rock climbing, as is Garden of the Gods Park in Colorado, and Joshua Tree National Park in California.

• Best time to visit: Because those states tend to get hot in summer, the best time to rock climb is later in the fall as temperatures start to drop.
• Best RV type: There are lots of places around Moab and in Wonder Valley near Joshua Tree where you can camp off-grid. Campervans are popular with people in these areas, but smaller Class C campers or trailers are also a good choice.

• Pets: Since it’s hard to take pets actually rock climbing, it’s a good idea to have a designated person to sit with them at your base, or to leave them at your RV or home. Dogs are allowed at Garden of the Gods if they are on a leash, and are allowed on roads, in picnic areas, and at campgrounds at Joshua Tree.

• Getting there: All of these places are near airports – Colorado Springs is the closest to Garden of the Gods, Indio/Palm Springs Airport is near Joshua Tree, and Canyonlands Field Airport is near Moab. Since these are popular recreation areas, you’ll find RV rentals in Colorado Springs, Palm Springs, and Moab.

3. Rafting & Paddling

Rafting and paddling are exciting ways to experience the outdoors in the U.S. Some of the best rafting in the country is on the Salmon River in Idaho, the Arkansas River in Colorado, and the Pigeon River in Tennessee. You can also paddleboard, kayak, or canoe in a variety of lakes across the country. Minnesota is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, so of course, you’ll find lots of options there! The Adirondacks in New York also have lots of picturesque lakes where you can swim and paddle.

• Best time to visit: Water sports are going to be best during the warmer summer months.
• Best RV type: If you want to get to less-explored lakes or rivers, a Class B campervan or small pop-up trailer will handle windy roads better. If you’re staying at an RV resort near the river or lake, you can manage a larger Class A or Class C camper or a fifth-wheel trailer.

• Pets: If you have a water-loving pup, there’s a good chance you can bring them along! Check the rules of any lakes you’re visiting to make sure they allow pets. Rafting can be trickier, but there are some companies that allow dogs. Be sure your pet has a flotation device – dogs know how to swim but could have trouble if they get tired or hurt.

4. Skiing

The United States has lots of excellent options for skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and other winter outdoor activities. Many ski resorts allow pets on a leash in areas near the lodge, but they can’t travel on lifts or be on slopes. Some pets enjoy running alongside snowshoers, but check to make sure they’re allowed if you’re on professionally groomed trails. Also, if your dog is going to be walking for long periods of time on snow or ice, make sure they are warm enough and consider protecting their paws. If you want to enjoy a day skiing without your pet, many areas have nearby kennels, or you could leave them in a heated RV.

Park City, Utah, Sun Valley, Idaho, Breckenridge, Colorado, and Lake Tahoe, California, all have wonderful options for skiing and snow sports.

5. Leaf Peeping

Leaf peeping, or heading on a road trip to see fall foliage, is an outdoor activity that’s perfect for people of all abilities! You can combine your road trip with a hike if you want more outdoor exercise, or simply stop and admire the view several times along your trip. Acadia National Park is a popular, beautiful spot to see autumn leaves. You may also find that traveling to Acadia in the fall means fewer crowds than in the middle of summer. Kenosha Pass near Denver is another famous fall drive, and the brilliant yellow aspens are a sight to behold.

Finally, the McKenzie River Scenic Byway in Oregon is a beautiful drive in the Pacific Northwest linking the Willamette Valley to the Cascades.

• Best time to visit: Peak fall foliage times can change slightly each year, depending on how warm the weather is and how much water the trees get. However, foliage generally is at its best in Colorado from late September to early October. In Acadia, it peaks around mid-October, and in Oregon it peaks in mid-to-late October.
• Best RV type: If you plan to drive winding sideroads in order to get off the beaten path, you’ll want a smaller Class C camper, Class B campervan, or small, pop-up trailer. If you want to travel the main byways and camp in comfort, a larger Class C, travel trailer, or Class A motorhome will suit you well. You also won’t have to search for bathrooms along your route!

• Pets: At Acadia National Park, pets are allowed in all places except two beaches, the Isle au Haut campground, ladder trails, inside public buildings, or near lakes that are public drinking water. If you’re headed on a drive through the park, or in Oregon or Colorado, you can tailor your trip to accommodate your pet. The beauty of a road trip drive is that you can stop as often as you or your pet would like.

6. Beach Activities

The United States has many beautiful beaches that are perfect for outdoor activities! Whether you enjoy surfing, deep-sea fishing, or relaxing on the beach with a good book, there are plenty of things to do at the beach. It’s also the perfect destination for kids and adults alike, so many beaches make the perfect family destination. Crystal Cove State Park in California is near Newport Beach and has oceanside camping, tidepools to explore, and a marine conservation area. Myrtle Beach in South Carolina is a popular resort destination with a boardwalk, aquarium, restaurants, and plenty of activities. Key West in Florida features beautiful beaches and island living that lets vacationers truly relax and enjoy the ocean views.

• Best time to visit: Summers are the most popular time for vacationers to visit beaches around the country. In the winter and during Spring Break, you’ll find snowbirds and other people escaping their snowy homes to spend a while at a warm beach. If you truly want to escape crowds, fall and spring (before or after Spring Break season) are the best times to visit.
• Best RV type: There are many seaside RV resorts that can accommodate large Class A motorhomes and fifth-wheel trailers. Look for a rental with an outdoor shower where everyone can rinse off the beach sand before coming inside.

• Pets: The rules for bringing dogs to the beach vary depending on the beach. Some beaches are dog-friendly, while some prohibit them altogether. If you’re allowed to bring your dog, be sure to give him plenty of water to drink while he’s running around. Letting him drink saltwater from the ocean won’t hydrate him, and could make him sick. Keep an eye on pets – just like people – to make sure they don’t overheat and that they take breaks from the sun. Dispose of your pet’s waste promptly, and check to see if beach rules require pets to be on a leash.

7. Bird-Watching

Bird-watching is a beautiful way to enjoy the outdoors and the animals who live there. You can find bird-watching opportunities across the United States, at all times of year. The Lake Erie Birding Trail in Ohio has seven loops that allow birders to look for songbirds, waterbirds, and many other species. Bald Eagle State Park in Pennsylvania is, as the name suggests, an excellent place to watch for bald eagles. However, many migrating birds make a stop here to rest and eat. Patagonia, Arizona is another popular spot for migrating birds. Watch for hummingbirds, orioles, tanagers, and other colorful fowl.

• Best time to visit: The best time to visit these destinations is going to depend on the types of birds you want to see. Birds tend to migrate north in spring and south in fall, but there are also locations where you can find fascinating birds all year long.
• Best RV type: You’ll be able to find RV resorts that cater to larger rigs near most birding areas, so you can likely rent a large Class A motorhome or big travel trailer if you like your creature comforts. If you do rent a larger RV, consider towing a smaller vehicle that you can drive around during the day while you’re searching for birds. A trailer means you’ll have a vehicle to use as well.

• Pets: Pets are allowed at Bald Eagle State Park and at various Lake Erie campgrounds. However, dogs may frighten off the birds you’re hoping to see. If you’re truly hoping to spot or photograph birds, it’s best not to bring along your pets.

Hopefully, this post has given you some ideas for exciting and fun outdoor activities for the whole family! RVing is a great way to experience these activities and get out in nature while still staying comfortable and warm. And RVshare has a variety of rentals for families of all sizes and budget ranges.