Road Trip with RVshare Detroit to Boston

A Detroit to Boston road trip will take you from the western portion of the Midwest through some great parts of the Northeast. Multiple majestic national parks with a wide variety of environments are within driving distance of your route. The same is true of state parks, which will provide you with some neat places to get some rest and relaxation. You’ll also be able to go through some lovely cities that contain plenty of fun places to visit. If you’re ready to get your journey underway, then it’s time to start your road trip from Detroit to Boston. 

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

Toledo  

Toledo is just across the Michigan-Ohio border. Its position on Lake Erie and the Maumee River ensures that there are multiple great campgrounds in the area. Stop by places like the Toledo Zoo, the Toledo Museum of Art, and the Toledo Botanical Garden.

Cleveland

Not too far from the Ohio-Pennsylvania border is Cleveland. This city is so big that there are, of course, plenty of nice dump stations and campgrounds available. Places to visit are the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, the A Christmas Story House, the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame, and the USS Cod Submarine Memorial.

Youngstown  

Youngstown is right at the border between Ohio and Pennsylvania. There are multiple campgrounds at which you can park your trailer. Don’t forget to check out Lanterman’s Mill and the Butler Institute of American Art.

Hartford  

Connecticut’s state capital is a great place to explore on your Detroit to Boston road trip. You won’t have a problem finding solid dump stations and campgrounds nearby. Some great attractions are the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, the Connecticut Science Center, and the Connecticut State Capitol. 

Worcester  

Worcester, Massachusetts, is only 50 minutes outside of Boston, so it’s a great place to spend time on your road trip from Detroit to Boston. You can tend to your trailer at these nearby dump stations and then park it at these lovely campgrounds. Then, you can visit the Worcester Art Museum, the EcoTarium, and Bancroft Tower.

National Parks

Indiana Sand Dunes National Park  

Three hours west of Toledo on the banks of Lake Michigan is Indiana Sand Dunes National Park. You’ll have 15 miles of beach to play on as well as 20 square miles of countryside to explore. While the dunes themselves are the primary attraction, wetlands, forests, rivers, and prairies are also present at this park. Over 50 miles of trails give hikers, bikers, and horseback riders access to 14 different trail systems. 

Cuyahoga Valley National Park  

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is just south of Cleveland, but you won’t be thinking about big cities while you’re surrounded by the majesty of this park’s 100 waterfalls. The park also includes 100 miles of the Cuyahoga River, so there are plenty of great places to fish, kayak, canoe, and hike. More than 125 miles of trails take you by the Cuyahoga River, Brandywine Gorge, Blue Hen Falls, and more.

Shenandoah National Park  

Shenandoah National Park is about three and a half hours south of your route, but it’s so beautiful that it’s worth adding to your road trip itinerary from Detroit to Boston. This is a great place to walk on the Appalachian Trail as 101 miles of it come through Shenandoah. If you’d rather stay in your vehicle, you can drive 105 miles on Skyline Drive through the park. There are plenty of other trails in the park as well; some of them even allow pets. 

Minute Man National Historical Park  

Before you reach Boston, you should stop by Minute Man National Historical Park in Concord, which is the site of the “shot heard ‘round the world.” At this national historical park, you can stop by the visitor center so that you can learn more about the history of the park. You can also walk on the Battle Road Trail, visit the North Bridge and its visitor center, and tour the Hartwell Tavern. Another great place to go is The Wayside: Home of Authors, which was initially the abode of the master muster of the Minute Men but was later home to famous authors like Louisa May Alcott, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Harriet Lothrop.

Acadia National Park  

Once you’ve reached Boston, you might decide you don’t want your Detroit to Boston RV road trip to end. If you want to stay on the road, then you can travel an extra four and a half hours up the Eastern Seaboard to Acadia National Park on the Maine coast. Several million people visit this park annually because of its 158 miles of hiking trails and because it's home to the Atlantic Coast’s tallest mountain in Cadillac Peak. Fishing, swimming, and boating are popular here thanks to the park’s coastal location. The trees are gorgeous in the fall, so this is a great place to go to see exquisite autumn leaves.

Nearby State Parks

Maumee Bay State Park  

There are multiple great places to visit on Lake Erie; one of them is Maumee Bay State Park near Toledo. This is an excellent location to swim thanks to the sandy beaches of Lake Erie and the park’s inland lake. You can also play a round or two at the park’s 18-hole golf course. Multiple trails are ideal for hiking, biking, and even cross-country skiing in winter. 

Hickory Run State Park  

Before you leave the great state of Pennsylvania, you should pay a visit to Hickory Run State Park in White Haven. It’s known for its large boulder field, but there’s more to do here than look at some cool rocks. You can go swimming in Sand Spring Lake and fishing in the numerous streams in the park. More than 40 miles of trails provide many great places for hiking. 

Harriman State Park  

Even though you only spend a little while in New York, you can make the most of your time in this state by visiting Harriman State Park in Sloatsburg. With more than 30 separate bodies of water here, you can take your pick of gorgeous places to hang out. You’ll be able to take advantage of more than 200 miles of trails from which you can see a wide variety of local animal and plant life. 

Black Rock State Park  

Black Rock State Park is close to your route, so you should check it out before you hit Hartford, Connecticut. It’s another great place to go if you want to see some stunning fall foliage. Swimming, hiking, and more are popular at this park thanks to the presence of Black Rock Lake and Black Rock Pond. 

Wells State Park  

About an hour outside of Boston, you’ll reach Wells State Park. The 1,400 acres of woodland at this park contain over 10 miles of hiking trails. Walker Pond is a great place to go fishing and swimming. When the trees change colors in the fall, visitors flock to Wells State Park to see them.

Along the Way

Cedar Point  

Cedar Point in Ohio is known as the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World,” so you should definitely stop by on your road trip from Detroit to Boston. Coasters like the world-famous GateKeeper, Rougarou, and Top Thrill Dragster await. Thrill rides like Power Tower, Snake River Falls, and Thunder Canyon have been delighting guests for years. 

Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park  

Between Interstate 80 and the Bald Eagle Forest is Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park in Centre Hall, PA. They offer guided boat tours of Penn’s Cave, a farm to explore, and off-road mountain tours. You can even pan for gems here. They also have a labyrinth called “Prospector Pete’s Miner Maze” that lets you get lost in style. 

Bronx Zoo  

The Bronx is only an hour and a half off your route, so how could you pass up the opportunity to explore it on your Detroit to Boston RV road trip? One great attraction in this part of the Big Apple is the Bronx Zoo, which has more than 6,000 species contained within its 265 acres. 

The Mark Twain House & Museum  

In Hartford, you’ll find the Mark Twain House & Museum, which features the home that renowned author Samuel Clemens had built for his family. They lived there while he wrote popular books like "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," and "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court." 

Boundless Adventures Zipline and Aerial Park  

Boundless Adventures Zipline and Aerial Park is located about 45 minutes outside of Boston, so it’s one of the last items on your road trip itinerary from Detroit to Boston. There are nine courses here featuring four different skill levels, so there’s something for everyone here. Rope bridges, zip lines, and more make this a thrilling adventure park.

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Detroit to Boston, 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 Detroit or Boston.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from Detroit to Boston?

To plan an RV road trip from Detroit to Boston, 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 Detroit to Boston 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 Detroit to Boston. 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!