Independence Day is fast approaching, and 4th of July camping destinations will start filling up soon. However, it’s not too late to plan an RV road trip to celebrate the nation’s birthday.
RVing is a wonderful way to experience the 4th of July. You can spend all day at a citywide celebration and fireworks show, knowing you can return to a comfortable bed and hot shower when you’re done. Because the 4th is during the summer, you might also be able to make this a leisurely road trip. You can stop at several points of interest along the way and explore this great country as it celebrates another year.
In this article, I’ll take a look at some of the top destinations for a 4th of July road trip. I’ll also share some tips for scoring a last-minute campground reservation on the holiday weekend.
Here are some of the top destinations for 4th of July camping:
- Washington, DC
- Bar Harbor, Maine
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Lake Tahoe, Nevada/California
- Gatlinburg, Tennessee
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Bristol, Rhode Island
- Saint Augustine, Florida
- Boston, Massachusetts
Washington, DC
The nation’s capital makes an obvious choice for 4th of July camping and festivities, and it doesn’t disappoint. An Independence Day parade kicks off the festivities, with marching bands, fife and drum corps, floats, and so much more. The evening fireworks over the National Mall are an annual tradition, and there are several vantage points where you can watch the spectacular pyrotechnics. Also, many Washington, DC museums are free year-round, including on the 4th.
RV Camping Near Washington, DC
There are several campgrounds near Washington, DC, which is good because the area fills up for the 4th! The Washington DC / Capitol KOA Holiday is near the city, and has all the amenities you can expect from a KOA. You’ll find a pool, a pet area, games, planned activities, bike rentals, and more.
Lake Fairfax Campground in nearby Virginia has electric hookups, a water fill station, restrooms and showers, and a beautiful view of the lake. You can combine a visit to the bustling city with a few days of fishing and swimming.
If your campground doesn’t offer a shuttle or public transportation into Washington, DC, you may want to drive to a park & ride lot. You’ll save a lot of trouble taking public transportation from there into the city, and won’t have to worry about finding (and paying for!) parking throughout the day.
RV Rentals Near Washington, DC
You can save time by renting an RV in Washington, DC instead of driving one there. Some owners will even set the rig up at your campsite for you, so you can just arrive and settle in.
There are a variety of motorhomes, trailers, and campers available for rent around DC. You may want to consider a smaller rig, trailer, or campervan if you plan to drive your vehicle into the city. If you have a tow vehicle, that also makes getting around the area easier.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Summer is the perfect time to visit Acadia National Park and the park’s gateway town of Bar Harbor. The town has a fireworks show that was ranked #1 by the Today Show. The town has a pancake breakfast, an Independence Day parade, live music, and fireworks over the bay.
RV Camping Near Bar Harbor
There are lots of campgrounds near Bar Harbor where you can stay for 4th of July camping. Blackwoods Campground is inside the park, and has flush toilets, running water, and a dump station. Bar Harbor Campground has more amenities, including a heated pool, hot showers, a laundry room, and electric and sewer hookups.
RV Rentals Near Bar Harbor
You’ll find lots of RV rentals in the Bar Harbor area. Because of the nearby national park, there are lots of campgrounds that can accommodate just about any type of rig. Whether you want a large Class A or a light and small campervan, you should be able to find an RV rental to suit you!
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis is home to another iconic American image, and the sight of fireworks exploding near the Gateway Arch is on a lot of bucket lists. Kick off the day with America’s Birthday Parade through the streets of downtown St. Louis. The parade has floats, dance performances, and marching bands.
There will be live music throughout the day, and you can end the evening with a fireworks show over the Mississippi River, with the arch as a backdrop.
RV Camping Near St. Louis, Missouri
You have lots of choices for campgrounds near St. Louis. Sundermeier RV Park is 20 miles west of St. Louis and has full hookups, level concrete sites, showers, and is pet-friendly. 370 Lakeside Park RV Campground is 30 minutes west of St. Louis and has electric hookups, Wi-Fi, showers, laundry, and a camp store.
RV Rentals Near St. Louis, Missouri
You can find a variety of RV rentals near St. Louis. Whether you want a Class A that sleeps a crowd, a smaller camper, or a trailer, you’ll be able to find it for rent near St. Louis.
Lake Tahoe, Nevada/California
The beauty of Lake Tahoe fireworks is that more than one area around the lake has a show. Pick a good spot, and you can see 2-3 different shows, around the lake. However, the most spectacular is the South Shore show. For a truly unique vantage point, take one of the cruises out onto the lake. If you’re on-shore, head to Nevada Beach or Baldwin Beach for great views … but get there early!
You’ll want to spend several days, or even a week or more exploring Tahoe while you’re there – there’s lots to do at the lake and in the nearby mountains.
RV Camping Near Lake Tahoe, Nevada/California
Because of its scenic destination, there are plenty of options for RV campgrounds near Lake Tahoe. Camp Richardson Resort has an RV village with full hookups. You’ll be within walking distance of the lake, and there are kayak and bike rentals, an ice cream shop, and a restaurant. The resort is not pet-friendly.
Tahoe Valley Campground is a Thousand Trails Resort with restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and full hookups. This resort does allow pets.
RV Rentals Near Lake Tahoe, Nevada/California
You’ll find a variety of trailers for rent near Lake Tahoe, along with Class C campers. But there are also Class A motorhomes and Class B campervans available as well. If you don’t see what you want in Lake Tahoe itself, look in nearby Carson City and Reno, which is about an hour away.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg prides itself on hosting “the very first Independence Day Parade in the nation,” at 12:01 am the morning of the 4th. Downtown festivities last all day, ending with fireworks and a drone show at 10 pm. You can also ride the Gatlinburg Trolley, and enjoy Appalachian music from live bands.
RV Camping Near Gatlinburg, Tennessee
There are several great campgrounds around Gatlinburg. Smoky Bear Campground & RV Park has full hookups, a pool and hot tub, shady sites, and a clubhouse. The park is pet-friendly. Camp LeConte has full hookups, laundry, a bathhouse, and free Wi-Fi. It’s just four miles from downtown Gatlinburg and is close to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
RV Rentals Near Gatlinburg, Tennessee
You’ll find lots of trailers and Class C campers for rent near Gatlinburg. Many rentals are available for less than $200 a night. If you want to arrive and just start camping, you can also look for owners who are willing to set up your rig for you at your campground. This service comes with a small fee, but it can save you a lot of time not having to set up camp!
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Birthplace of America knows how to throw a birthday party! Celebrations in Philadelphia last three weeks, culminating in a free concert featuring NE-YO and Kesha and a fireworks show over the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Visitors can also enjoy free admission to 40 museums and attractions in the days leading up to the 4th.
RV Camping Near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
There are plenty of excellent campgrounds near Philadelphia where you can stay to enjoy the 4th. The Philadelphia/West Chester KOA Holiday is near Philadelphia, Valley Forge, and the Brandywine River Valley. You’ll find typical KOA amenities here including full hookups, a pool, mini golf, and canoe rentals.
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Williamstown, New Jersey is about 40 minutes from Philadelphia. It has a water park, planned activities, and full hookups.
RV Rentals Near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
You’ll find plenty of options for RV rentals near Philadelphia. There are lots of trailers and Class C campers available for rent, along with some Class A motorhomes and Class B campervans if you’re looking for something smaller.
Bristol, Rhode Island
Bristol, Rhode Island has the country’s oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration. Enjoy the small-town feel of this New England village with the Military, Civic and Firemen’s Parade. You can also enjoy fireworks over the harbor the night before, and stroll through the quaint streets shopping, eating, and enjoying the evening.
RV Camping Near Bristol, Rhode Island
There are some great campgrounds near Bristol, Rhode Island for your 4th of July camping trip. Colt State Park is nearby, and there are nice places to stay near the park. Newport RV Park is just 15 minutes from Bristol and has full hookups, a dog park, hiking trails, and fishing. Paradise Park RV Campground is about half an hour from Bristol.
RV Rentals Near Bristol, Rhode Island
There are lots of Rhode Island RV rentals, including some near Bristol. You’ll have plenty of options for trailers, and there are some Class B campervans, Class C campers, and large Class A motorhomes if you need to accommodate a bigger group.
Saint Augustine, Florida
The oldest city in the nation puts on a great party for Independence Day. There will be a two-hour free live concert in the Plaza de la Constitución, followed by fireworks over the Matanzas. And, of course, you can spend a few days enjoying summer in Saint Augustine before or after the festivities!
RV Camping Near Saint Augustine, Florida
There are several great campgrounds near Saint Augustine where you can enjoy 4th of July camping. Ocean Grove RV Resort is just minutes from Saint Augustine Beach. It offers full hookups, allows pets, and has a pool and on-site restaurant. North Beach Camp Resort has easy access to two restaurants and a boat to take guests on the water. There are full hookups, showers, and a pool and the campground is pet-friendly.
RV Rentals Near Saint Augustine, Florida
There are lots of RV rentals near Saint Augustine. You’ll find plenty of trailers and Class C campers, but you can also find larger Class A motorhomes and small Class B campervans that make getting around easier. You’re choice of RV will depend on how many people you’re traveling with, the roads you plan to travel, and the number of amenities that make you feel comfortable while you travel.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston often tops the list of 4th of July getaways, thanks to its rich history. The Boston Harborfest is one of the country’s largest 4th of July celebrations and includes historic re-enactments, arts & crafts for sale, live music, Chowderfest, and a spectacular fireworks show. Because fireworks are launched from a boat on the wharf, there are lots of places along the harbor where you can watch the show. And, of course, you’ll want to arrive a few days early or linger for a while afterward to explore Boston and its attractions, old and new.
RV Camping Near Boston, Massachusetts
There are many campgrounds near Boston where you can stay for a 4th of July camping trip. The Spacious Skies Minute Man campground is near the famous Walden Pond and has full hookups, a heated pool, and showers. Circle CG Farm Campground is about an hour from Boston and has full hookups, showers, and a pool.
RV Rentals Near Boston, Massachusetts
You’ll find lots of RV rentals near Boston. There is a nice mix of Class A motorhomes, trailers, and Class C campers and you can find Class B campers as well. The RVshare search filter can help you easily find a rental that suits the size of your group and the amenities you want for your trip.
Tips for Finding Last-Minute 4th of July Camping
It’s no secret that one of the biggest challenges to finding 4th of July camping will be finding a campground that still has room for you. If you’re searching online for campgrounds and coming up empty, here are a few tips to try.
Think Outside the City
If you plan to head to a big city or popular national park, consider camping farther away from the action. Look into smaller cities and drive to the big city or the park for the day. If you’re concerned about getting around the city with a large rig, you might also want to park at a park & ride and take public transportation into the area.
Think of Alternative Campgrounds
There are plenty of RV resorts and wonderful campgrounds across the country. But if you’re having trouble finding a traditional campsite, try a site like Hipcamp or Harvest Hosts. Hipcamp shares not only campgrounds, but sites on ranches and private land. Harvest Hosts is a membership group that allows RVers to boondock overnight for free at more than 5,000 locations including wineries, breweries, farms, and more.
You can also look at camping off the grid on BLM land. Most of those areas are in the West and Southwest … and as an added bonus, it’s free to camp on this land!
Try Calling
Sometimes you may have success calling a campground directly, even after the website says a campground is booked up. There may be cancellations that haven’t been processed yet. You can also ask the campground host if they can give you a call if they do have a cancellation. Hosts may also be able to recommend another campground that’s less likely to be fully booked.
Also, consider looking solely for campgrounds that require you to call to make reservations. In this digital age, many people don’t want the hassle of picking up the phone to reserve a site and you may luck out.
Look for First Come First Served Campgrounds
You probably won’t have much luck with a first come first served campground if you arrive on the evening of July 3 wanting to camp. But if you can arrive a few days before Independence Day, and especially if you can arrive on a weekday that isn’t part of the holiday (when others may be working) you might be able to find a spot.
Hopefully, these destinations have inspired you to consider a last-minute 4th of July camping trip! If you need an RV for your vacation, RVshare has a wide variety of rigs. You could rent one near you to drive to your destination. Or you could rent one at your destination and pick it up when you get there for a fun, long weekend. Either way, you’ll create some wonderful memories while celebrating Independence Day.
