Road Trip with RVshare Charleston to Bangor

If you want to drive from the coast of South Carolina to close to the coast of Maine, then you should pack your bags and hit the road on a Charleston to Bangor road trip. As you travel up the Eastern Seaboard, you'll have the opportunity to visit some stellar national and state parks. Since you go through and close to some of America's greatest cities, you'll have no problem finding awesome tourist destinations to put on your road trip itinerary from Charleston to Bangor.

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

Richmond, Virginia  

While exploring Virginia’s capital, be sure to drop by the Virginia Capitol, the Science Museum of Virginia, and Maymont. There are many high-quality dump stations and campgrounds nearby.

Washington, D.C.

In America’s capital, you can visit great locations like the Lincoln Memorial, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and the Library of Congress. Numerous excellent dump stations and campgrounds are within easy driving distance.

Baltimore, Maryland  

Fort McHenry, Camden Yards, Fell’s Point, and more await you in this huge Maryland city. Great dump stations and campgrounds abound.

New York, New York  

Narrowing down tourist locations in the Big Apple is difficult, but some great places to go are Central Park, the High Line, and the Empire State Building. No matter how long you end up staying here, you’ll be able to use some good dump stations and campgrounds.

Hartford, Connecticut  

The capital of Connecticut is home to places like the Mark Twain House & Museum and the Connecticut Science Center. You’ll easily be able to find dump stations and campgrounds close by.

National Parks

Congaree National Park  

You can reach the first national park on your road trip from Charleston to Bangor by traveling 45 minutes west of Santee, South Carolina. Congaree National Park is home to some of the East Coast's tallest and oldest trees, so it's a great place to explore. Most of the park's trails are relatively short and level, so you'll be able to walk around this fascinating swamp and hardwood forest with ease. One of the best ways to check out this park is by boating, kayaking, or canoeing down the Congaree River. 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park  

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is four hours from Santee, but it's only three and a half hours from Congaree National Park. Panoramic mountain views, seemingly endless forests, and abundant wildlife await you. There are 800 miles of trails in the park, so you won't have to work hard to find a great way to explore this 500,000-acre portion of the Great Smoky Mountains. If you're into fishing, you'll probably want to drop a line into some of the more than 2,100 miles of streams and rivers in the park.

New River Gorge National Park  

If you want to visit America's newest national park on your Charleston to Bangor RV road trip, then all you have to do is drive three and a half hours west of Richmond, Virginia, to reach New River Gorge National Park. Rafting, kayaking, and canoeing down the New River are all popular pastimes here. Visitors also love hiking along the top of the ridge and trekking down into the canyon itself. With 70,000 acres to explore, you won't run out of fun activities at New River Gorge National Park.

Shenandoah National Park  

An hour and 20 minutes west of Fredericksburg, Virginia, is one of the multiple entrances to gorgeous Shenandoah National Park. Skyline Drive, the Appalachian Trail, and more await you at this lovely mountain retreat that's contained within 300 square miles of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Whether you want to explore the tops of mountains or the bases of waterfalls, you can easily find a great trail to travel on foot, horseback, or bike. Fishing, rock climbing, and camping are some other awesome activities you can do here. 

Acadia National Park  

Just because you've reached your ultimate destination doesn't mean that you have to end your road trip from Charleston to Bangor. In fact, rugged Acadia National Park is only an hour’s drive toward the Maine coast. Ocean shores, peaks, lakes, forests, and more await you at this popular national park that draws in several million people per year. Between the carriage roads and hiking trails in the park, you'll have your pick of roughly 200 miles of pathways to explore. Some of the most popular activities here are swimming, boating, biking, bird watching, and horseback riding. 

Nearby State Parks

Myrtle Beach State Park  

Since you started your journey in Charleston, why not experience another quintessential Carolina coastal experience by driving an hour and 20 minutes east of Florence, South Carolina, to Myrtle Beach State Park? Myrtle Beach itself is one of South Carolina's most desirable tourist destinations, so parking your RV at a nearby state park with 138 spots with full-service hookups would be a logical choice. Of course, once you find yourself chilling on the park's gorgeous beach, strolling along the beautiful Myrtle Beach State Park Pier, and taking a lovely nature walk, you might decide you never want to leave. 

Merchants Millpond State Park  

If you want to explore a coastal pond surrounded by a thick swamp forest on your Charleston to Bangor RV road trip, then Merchants Millpond State Park is a must-see. This 3,296-acre park is an hour and 10 minutes east of Weldon, North Carolina. Nine miles of trails open up this park to hikers and bikers. Merchants Millpond itself is perfect for exploring by kayak. Keep your eyes peeled for gators, bobcats, otters, minks, and more. 

Bear Brook State Park  

Adding New Hampshire's largest state park to your road trip itinerary from Charleston to Bangor is a wise decision since Bear Brook State Park is so gorgeous. It's roughly 40 minutes west of Hampton, New Hampshire, and is close to Allenstown and the Merrimack River. More than 10,000 acres of New Hampshire woodlands are full of great places to fish, swim, and practice archery. Hikers, bikers, and riders can check out 40 miles of trails.

Odiorne Point State Park  

Before you head into Maine, you should drive 10 minutes east of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to beautiful Odiorne Point State Park. The park is home to some of the Sunken Forests of New Hampshire, so you'll get to see some of those massive tree stumps on the state's coast. It's a great place to go boating; biking and hiking are also popular. In the winter, you can go skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing.

Sebago Lake State Park  

The sandy beaches of Sebago Lake await you at lovely Sebago Lake State Park. The park's entrance is 35 minutes northwest of Portland, Maine. Fishing, swimming, boating, sunbathing, and canoeing are all favorite activities here. In the winter, you can take advantage of nearly 12 combined miles of groomed and ungroomed trails suitable for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Along the Way

Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens  

Before you leave the District of Columbia behind you, you should drive two minutes off of your route and tour Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens. This park is home to multiple easy trails that take you through marshes, woods, and shorelines. Tropical lilies, 500-year-old lotuses, and nearly 240 species of birds live at this oasis in America's capital.

Maryland Zoo  

The Maryland Zoo is only 15 miles from your route as it goes through Baltimore, Maryland. This zoo's 135 acres is full of 130 different species of animals from around the world. In addition to seeing the animals, you'll be able to take a turn on the Carousel, hop aboard the Jones Falls Zephyr Train Ride, and grab a souvenir from Wild Things Gift Shop. 

The Franklin Institute  

The Franklin Institute's goal is to "inspire a passion for learning about science and technology" as a tribute to namesake Benjamin Franklin. At this Philadelphia science complex located twenty minutes from Cherry Hill, New Jersey, you'll be able to visit the Ben Franklin Memorial, search the stars in the Fels Planetarium, and check out the four-story Foucalt's Pendulum. You'll also get to take in multiple live science exhibitions that are held regularly each day. 

Yankee Stadium  

If you want to visit a location near and dear to the hearts of many New Yorkers on your road trip from Charleston to Bangor, then you should head 10 minutes south of your route and stop by Yankee Stadium. You can catch a Yankees game when the team's playing at home, but you can also tour the stadium itself as well as Monument Park and the New York Yankees Museum.

Yale University  

Since your route takes you within a dozen minutes of historic Yale University, how could you pass up the chance to add this lovely campus to your road trip itinerary from Charleston to Bangor? This campus is home to elite museums, top-notch libraries, and historic buildings. 

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Charleston to Bangor, you will enjoy historic locations and beautiful scenery along the way. If you want to travel in comfort and style, consider an RV rental from RVshare. From large motorhomes to compact campervans, there is a rig that will meet your travel and budget needs. Once you hit the road, you are protected by our renter guarantee and 24/7 roadside assistance. Find the perfect vehicle for your travel needs in Charleston or Bangor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from Charleston to Bangor?

To plan an RV road trip from Charleston to Bangor, start by mapping your route using Google Maps or a trip planner that supports RV navigation. Consider road types, fuel stops, campgrounds, and attractions along the way. Our RV rental specialists can help you choose the best vehicle and route based on your travel dates and preferences.

What type of RV should I rent for my trip?

The ideal RV depends on your travel style, group size, and destination. For couples, a camper van or Class B RV offers flexibility and easy driving. Families often prefer Class C motorhomes for more space and amenities. If you’re staying longer or need extra comfort, a Class A RV might be your best choice. Learn more about the different RV classes.

How much does it cost to rent an RV for a road trip?

RV rental prices vary based on vehicle size, rental duration, season, and mileage. On average, RV rentals range from $100–$300 per night, with discounts for weekly or monthly bookings. We also offer one-way rentals if you’re traveling from Charleston to Bangor without returning to the starting point.

Can I pick up my RV in one city and drop it off in another?

Yes! Many travelers love our one-way RV rental option. If the inventory is available for your route, you can pick up your RV in one location and drop it off in another, which is perfect for cross-country adventures or long-distance road trips.

What should I pack for an RV trip?

Pack essentials like bedding, toiletries, cooking supplies, and outdoor gear. Most of our RVs come equipped with kitchenware and basic amenities. Don’t forget to bring a first-aid kit, maps, and camping chairs for your outdoor setup. Keep this packing list handy to ensure you don’t leave anything behind!

Do I need a special license to drive an RV?

A standard driver’s license is all you need to rent and drive an RV. Keep in mind that you must be 25 to rent an RV.

Where can I park or stay overnight during my road trip?

You can stay at RV parks, national park campgrounds, or designated boondocking areas. Our team can recommend safe and scenic stops along your route from Charleston to Bangor. Be sure to reserve campgrounds in advance during peak travel seasons.

How do I handle fuel and hookups during my trip?

Most RVshare RVs are equipped for electric, water, and sewer hookups at most campgrounds. Keep track of your fuel stops and learn how to connect utilities before you hit the road. We provide a full orientation before departure to make setup easy.

Is insurance included in my RV rental?

Yes, basic insurance coverage is included with every rental. You can also purchase additional protection plans for peace of mind during your journey. We’ll explain all coverage options when you book your RV.

Can I travel with pets in my RV rental?

Absolutely! Many of our RVs are pet-friendly, so your furry friends can enjoy the adventure too. Use the filters to search for RVs that welcome pets on board.

What are the best road trip routes for RV travelers?

Popular RV routes include scenic coastal drives, national park loops, and cross-country highways. For beginners, you may want to try a long weekend trip where you don’t have to drive quite as far. Just remember to follow the 3-3-3 rule of RVing!