There are many reasons to pick a destination when you’re on an RV road trip. You may be traveling to see family, or to learn more about the history of a certain spot, or to just check out a state or region you’ve never visited before. But, of course, another reason to travel is to get out in nature and to appreciate the breathtaking scenery of places across the U.S.
This country has so many scenic, picturesque places to visit! Whether you’re headed to the east or west, north or south, here are some of the most scenic campgrounds where you can stay.
5 Picturesque Campgrounds in the Southwest
The desert beauty of the southwest is something you don’t see replicated anywhere else. That region of the country may be arid and dry, but it is definitely not lifeless! Desert wildflowers speckle the ground, stark, alien-like cactus sprout towards the sky, and the rocks themselves are a myriad of beautiful colors from deep red to rich purple. Here are several scenic campgrounds around the southwest.
1.) Fruita Campground, Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
This campground inside Capitol Reef boasts shady trees (it’s on the edge of an orchard!) and backs up to massive, red rock cliffs. Capitol Reef itself is a park worth exploring, with cliffs, canyons, natural bridges, and other formations in what is known as the Waterpocket Fold…a wrinkle in the earth.
The campground is next to the Fremont River and looks like an oasis in the arid desert. It does not have sewer or electric hookups, but there is an RV dump station and potable water station available. Restrooms have running water and flush toilets, but no showers.
2.) Devil’s Garden Campground, Arches National Park, Utah
This is the only campground in the park, and as such is very busy so make sure you have a reservation ahead of time! Campsites are in the shadow of huge rocks that look like they were casually tossed aside by a giant hand, and desert trees and vegetation populate the park. Arches National Park is a beautiful collection of natural, red rock arches dotted across the landscape, and is especially beautiful in early morning or at sunset.
3.) Kaibob Camper Village, Grand Canyon, Arizona
This campground is located near the less popular (and less crowded!) north rim of the Grand Canyon. It’s surrounded by the tall pines of the Kaibab National Forest, with a scenic meadow and Jacob Lake on the grounds. The north rim is not the area of the Grand Canyon that most people know well – just about everyone heads to the south rim with its easier access and many more amenities. But if you’re looking for a new view of the breathtaking canyon and want to avoid the crowds, this could be the place for you!
4.) Rancho Sedona RV Park, Sedona, Arizona
Rancho Sedona is surrounded by sycamore and cottonwood trees, next to sparkling Oak Creek and with a view of the beautiful red rocks the town is known for. Visitors are within walking distance of art galleries, shops, and restaurants and outdoor enthusiasts can go mountain biking, hiking, and fishing right in the park.
5.) Along The River RV Park, Ruidoso, New Mexico
This campground is situated, as the name suggests, next to a rushing river, and near Bonito Lake. Shady campsites offer plenty of cool spots to sit, and the campground is also near White Sands National Monument, Three Rivers Petroglyph Site, and the wineries near Tularosa.
7 Picturesque Campgrounds in the West
The west encompasses a lot of breathtaking beauty, including amazing views of the Pacific Ocean all up and down the coast, to Rocky Mountain vistas in Colorado and Montana and more. Here are some of the most picturesque campgrounds in the west.
6.) Lower Pines Campground, Yosemite National Park, California
Pretty much any campground in Yosemite is spectacular, but Lower Pines is in the middle of Yosemite Valley. The area is surrounded by towering granite cliffs and rushing waterfalls, with the Merced River winding its way across the valley floor. You’re also close to wide meadows dotted with flowers and ancient sequoias. The campground is one of three in the valley that allows reservations, and you’ll want to make them well in advance to ensure a spot! There are non-electric RV sites available.
Once you have set up camp, you’ll be near hiking and biking trails, and a shuttle travels through the valley that can take you to places in the park that are not within walking distance.
7.) Furnace Creek Campground, Death Valley National Park, California
Furnace Creek is the only campground in Death Valley National Park that allows reservations, so if you want to be guaranteed a camping spot you may want to book here. The campground has hookup sites, as well as more campsites with drinking water, picnic tables, flush toilets, and a dump station. It’s on the bottom of the valley floor, with very little vegetation although there are a few trees for shade. You can get a sweeping view of the mountains, which turn orange, red, and yellow during sunrise and sunset each day.
8.) Silver Falls State Park, Salem, Oregon
Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, this campground is situated in a temperate rainforest with views of beautiful Silver Falls waterfall. There are showers, flush toilets, and RV campsites with electrical and sewer hookups.
9.) Lodgepole Campground, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Washington
This campground on the east side of Mt. Rainier features quaint, riverside spots next to the American River. There are nearby views of wildflower-strewn meadows and it’s close to Mt. Rainier so you can easily explore the park. There are no hookups or dump stations, and restrooms are vault toilets with one water pump nearby. The wooded sites are quiet and picturesque.
10.) Moraine Park Campground, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
This campground offers beautiful mountain vistas and scenery. Rocky Mountain National Park supplies a diverse range of natural beauty. The mix of pine trees blankets the campground and offers a cool, shady camping space, while wildflowers dot the nearby meadows. You may see mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep or moose in the area.
11.) Signal Mountain Campground, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Signal Mountain has awe-inspiring views of the Tetons, and some sites lie just above Jackson Lake. It’s a great option for RVs up to 30 feet long, and some sites do have electric hookups.
12.) Apgar Campground, Glacier National Park, Montana
This is the largest campground in Glacier National Park, and is on Going-to-the-Sun Road which is the main thoroughfare through the park. It’s near restaurants and gift shops, and is a short walk to the scenic Lake McDonald. You are also near concessionaires who rent kayaks or arrange guided horseback rides through the park. You can also walk to the Going-to-the Sun shuttle and get rides throughout the park.
4 Picturesque Campgrounds in the Northeast
In the northeast, you’ll find a variety of gorgeous landscapes, ranging from the White and Adirondack mountains to the sea. This area is rich in beauty and picturesque campgrounds. Here are a few to get you inspired for your next RV trip.
13.) Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA, Bar Harbor, Maine
Close to Acadia National Park, this campground in Bar Harbor offers amazing views of the coast and the expansive Atlantic Ocean. A shuttle can take you directly into Acadia, and you’re also near plenty of delicious lobster rolls, fresh mussels, and other tasty seafood.
14.) Eighth Lake Campground, Inlet, New York
This campground in the Adirondacks is alongside a lake which is known for its trout fishing, with nearby salmon ponds as well. Campsites are spacious and surrounded by shady trees. Canoe, hike, or cycle the area if fishing’s not your thing.
15.) Glen Ellis Family Campground, Glen, New Hampshire
This beautiful camping spot in the White Mountains is along the Saco and Ellis Rivers. There’s hiking in the Presidential range, and tubing and other water activities.
16.) Delaware Seashore State Park, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and Rehoboth Bay on the other, this seaside campground features two nearby areas for ocean swimming. You can also go crabbing, clamming, surfing, sailboarding, or just relax on the shore and enjoy the view.
5 Picturesque Campgrounds in the Midwest
The midwest is full of beautiful lakes, forests, and open lands that allow you to see for miles. The upcoming campgrounds are perfect for those who appreciate the Great Lakes and peaceful vistas.
17.) Wilderness State Park, Carp Lake, Michigan
This park has a variety of outdoor activities visitors can participate in year-round. There are 26 miles along the shore of Lake Michigan, with many trails, a swim beach, and a dog beach. The park also has a designated dark sky preserve so you can see the stars at night.
18.) Indiana Dunes National Park, Porter, Indiana
The Indiana Dunes have long been considered a sacred site and the site was reclassified from a National Lakeshore to a National Park in February of 2019 so it’s a baby in the world of national parks! Situated along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, the park has beautiful lake vistas and plenty of land for hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and watersports.
19.) Brown County State Park, Nashville, Indiana
Indiana’s largest state park is part of a region nicknamed the “Little Smokies” because the area is reminiscent of the Great Smoky Mountains. This campground inside the 16,000-acre park has scenic views – especially in fall when the leaves turn color. There is also a nearby camp store, an indoor aquatic center with a waterslide, and a restaurant.
20.) Canning Creek Cove Park, Council Grove, Kansas
This campground is part of the Council Grove Lake area, and is tucked into the grassy prairies of eastern Kansas. The dam-made lake offers boating, lots of fishing opportunities, hunting, hiking, and wildlife watching. The Pioneer Nature Trail is scenic and sweeping views of the vast prairie abound.
21.) Grand Marais Recreation Area, Grand Marais, Minnesota
The Grand Marais Recreation Area has spectacular views of Lake Superior, the untouched Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the nearby Sawtooth Mountains, and acres of forest and state parks to preserve all that beauty. The campground is next to the harbor, and offers views of the vast lake while also placing you within walking distance of downtown.
9 Picturesque Campgrounds in the Southeast
The southeast campgrounds in our final lineup offer much diversity. Explore ocean-front campgrounds of both the Gulf and the Atlantic, the painted beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, and more.
22.) DeSoto State Park, Fort Payne, Alabama
DeSoto is perched on top of Lookout Mountain in the northeastern part of Alabama. You’ll find waterfalls, and areas dotted with wildflowers. Campers can hike, fish, cycle, rock climb, and more.
23.) Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores, Alabama
You can nab a waterfront site at this park along the Gulf. The park also has beach pavilions when you need time out of the sun, a nature center to learn more about the flora and fauna, a swimming pool, and Lake Shelby with kayaking and canoeing. There are also beach vendors to help you plan a parasailing or kayaking trip.
24.) Elkmont Campground, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Great Smoky Mountains is America’s most visited national park, and the Elkmont Campground is a great little spot to make your home base. Towering trees provide plenty of dappled shade, and the camp is centrally located within the park. You can nab a riverside spot along Little River, and there are trailheads for several nature trails just next to the campground.
25.) Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina, Florida Keys, Florida
You can’t really go wrong with a campsite in the Florida Keys. Just about every campground offers views of the Gulf and the Atlantic Ocean and the minute you step outside your RV, you’re hit with the spectacular sight of crystal blue waters as far as the eye can see. This campground offers fishing and swimming, as well as planned activities.
26.) Grayton Beach State Park, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
Campsites at this park are located near a coastal dune lake, near a boat ramp for the lake. Grayton Beach itself constantly lists among the most beautiful beaches in the United States, with sugar-sand beaches and miles of blue water.
27.) Blue Spring State Park, Orange City, Florida
This campground is situated along the St. Johns River near the bathwater-warm Blue Spring. But while the campground is scenic, the big draw at Blue Springs is the manatees. Almost 500 manatees now winter in the warm waters of the spring, and visitors gather to watch these fascinating “sea cows” as they swim and play.
28.) Lake Bruin State Park, St. Joseph, Louisiana
This campground is perched along Lake Bruin, offering views of the lake. Campsites have water and electric hookups and picnic tables. There are also wheelchair accessible showers available.
29.) Ocean Lakes Family Campground, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
This family campground has oceanfront campsites so you can spend your time gazing out at the water. Along with the view, you get convenient beach access during your stay. There is also a cafe, water park, and mini-mart.
30.) Greenbrier River Campground, Alderson, West Virginia
This 8-acre campground is on the banks of the Greenbrier River and offers shady RV sites nearby. Guests can fish the river, or swim in “one of the best swimming holes on the river.” The camp also offers tube, kayak, and canoe trips on the river. The camp is near Lewisburg and White Sulphur Springs.
From coast to coast, picturesque natural beauty abounds! The best way to see it all is by RV travel. Enjoy waking up in the comfort of your home on wheels while immersing yourself in nature. Soak in the goodness of the campgrounds off this list yourself by renting an RV!
