Road Trip with RVshare Dover to Branson

If you want to take a Dover to Branson road trip, then you'll get to see plenty of awesome sights along the way. Mountain retreats, hundreds of waterfalls, large bodies of water, and more await you at a handful of fantastic national parks. There are plenty of awesome state parks along your route as well - not to mention the excellent cities that are quality destinations to put on your road trip itinerary from Dover to Branson. 

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

Baltimore, Maryland  

The Walters Art Museum and Little Italy are just a couple of interesting places you can visit in this large Maryland port city. There are a good number of fantastic dump stations and campgrounds in this area. 

Columbus, Ohio

While exploring Ohio's capital, be sure to pay a visit to places like the Center of Science and Industry and Otherworld. You’ll be able to find plenty of high-quality dump stations and campgrounds close by.

Indianapolis, Indiana  

Whether you want to watch the Indy 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway or take a stroll along the Central Canal, you'll have plenty of stellar entertainment options in Indianapolis. Numerous top-notch dump stations and campgrounds can be found within easy driving distance.

St. Louis, Missouri  

The Saint Louis Zoo, City Museum, and more await you in this great Mississippi River city. You won’t have any problems locating excellent dump stations and campgrounds in this place.

Springfield, Missouri  

In Springfield, you can find fascinating attractions like Fantastic Caverns and Pythian Castle. Some local dump stations and campgrounds are nearby.

National Parks

Shenandoah National Park  

The closest entrance to Shenandoah National Park from your route is just an hour and 20 minutes from Ballenger Creek, Maryland. You'll be able to explore this 300-square-mile part of the Blue Ridge Mountains on foot, bike, horseback, and car. The park is home to a hundred miles of Skyline Drive and the Appalachian Trail, plus many other park trails. There are also plenty of great places in the park to go fishing, rock climbing, and wildlife-watching. 

New River Gorge National Park  

New River Gorge National Park is about two hours from Morgantown, West Virginia. If you're looking for an amazing place to go whitewater rafting on your Dover to Branson RV road trip, then you'll want to visit this park so you can raft or boat on the New River. The gorge and its surrounding 70,000 acres of countryside provide many great locations for rock climbing, hiking, biking, fishing, and more. You'll probably also want to check out the New River Gorge Bridge, which is a gorgeous, iconic steel bridge. 

Cuyahoga Valley National Park  

You can easily reach Cuyahoga Valley National Park by traveling an hour and a half north of Cambridge Township, Ohio. If you didn't get enough time out on the river at New River Gorge, then you'll definitely want to take your time floating down the Cuyahoga River. If you want to hit the trails instead, then you'll have 125 miles of them at your disposal. You can even play a round of golf in the park thanks to the presence of Sleepy Hollow Golf Course. 

Indiana Sand Dunes National Park  

Two hours and 10 minutes northwest of Indianapolis is Indiana Sand Dunes National Park. The shores of Lake Michigan and its surrounding countryside await you at this relatively new national park. You can obviously engage in plenty of water sports on Lake Michigan, but you can also explore the dunes, wetlands, woods, rivers, and more in the park. No matter which of the park's 14 trail systems you choose to hike, you'll get to experience the loveliness of the Great Lakes. 

Gateway Arch National Park  

Since your route takes you right past Gateway Arch National Park while going through St. Louis, Missouri, how could you pass up the chance to visit this iconic landmark on your road trip from Dover to Branson? This great white arch has long welcomed travelers on their westward journey, so you should stop by and explore all of its 630 feet. You'll be able to walk along the Mississippi River, tour the Old St. Louis Courthouse and other historical buildings and then spend some quality time in St. Louis itself when you're done exploring this unique national park.

Nearby State Parks

Swallow Falls State Park  

Half an hour from Accident, Maryland, is beautiful Swallow Falls State Park. Cascading waterfalls, river rapids, scenic views, and more are on display at this lovely state park. The hilly terrain here is perfect for hiking and biking; in fact, one of the park's trails goes all the way to nearby Herrington Manor State Park. The Youghiogheny River and Muddy Creek are both excellent places for fishing, kayaking, and rafting. 

Salt Fork State Park  

Salt Fork State Park is approximately 10 minutes north of Old Washington, Ohio. At 20,000 acres large, Salt Fork is Ohio's largest state park; it's even home to nearly 3,000 acres of water. Needless to say, there are plenty of awesome places to go hiking, riding, and biking here; fishing and boating are also popular. You can go shooting here at both a golf course and an archery range; and don't forget to tour the Kennedy Stone House, which was built in 1873.

Turkey Run State Park  

You can find Turkey Run State Park 45 minutes from Jackson Township, Indiana. People are drawn to the deep gorges and canyons here, but there are also old-growth forests and rivers to explore. Sugar Creek is a great place to go fishing and canoeing; if you want to go swimming, you can do so at the park's Olympic-sized pool. Other interesting places to visit include historic buildings from the late 1800s and a handful of sports courts.

Pere Marquette State Park  

Pere Marquette State Park is a 40-minute drive along the Mississippi River from Granite City, Illinois. The park itself is close to the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, so there are plenty of lovely views of the water to be found here. If you're fortunate, you might be able to see a bald eagle or two. Hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails are all available; hunting, rock climbing, and picnicking are other favorite pastimes here.

Elephant Rocks State Park  

An hour and 10 minutes from St. Clair, Missouri, is Elephant Rocks State Park. People visit here to see the enormous Precambrian granite boulders that give the park its name, but there are plenty of other great things to do here. A couple of hiking trails take you around the large rocks and through a historic railroad engine house. If you get hungry, you can pick up a bite to eat at a food truck.

Along the Way

Patuxent Research Refuge  

The Patuxent Research Refuge is half an hour west of Hanover, Maryland. This refuge is nearly 13,000 acres large and is home to a wide variety of wildlife. You can go fishing and hunting here, but you can also settle for merely viewing and photographing the wildlife you see here. Be sure to drop by the National Wildlife Visitor Center in order to learn more about the plants and animals at this refuge.

Western Maryland Scenic Railroad  

On the banks of the Potomac River, just two minutes from your route as it goes through Cumberland, Maryland, is the depot of the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. If you want to put a 4.5-hour scenic train trip through the Allegheny Mountains on your road trip itinerary from Dover to Branson, then this attraction is a must. In the middle of your journey, you'll get to layover in picturesque Frostburg, which contains some lovely shops and restaurants.

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens  

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is just a handful of minutes off of Interstate 70 as it passes through Columbus, Ohio. You'll find more than 400 species of plants here, so you'll have plenty of gardens to explore inside and outside. This park is also home to the vivid glass artwork of Dale Chihuly as well as an architectural light installation by light artist James Turrell. 

Indianapolis Zoo  

A dozen minutes from your route as it travels through Indianapolis is the Indianapolis Zoo. This fabulous zoo in the heart of this large Indiana city has the biggest shark-touching pool in America as well as the world's sole dolphin viewing dome. At this zoo, you can feed a giraffe, take a ride on the Endangered Species Carousel, and race a cheetah. 

Six Flags St. Louis  

Just five minutes from your route and the Gateway Arch, you'll find exciting Six Flags, St. Louis. At this Six Flags park, you'll get to experience thrilling rides like American Thunder, the Ninja, Screamin' Eagle, and Pandemonium. 

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Dover to Branson, 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 Dover or Branson.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from Dover to Branson?

To plan an RV road trip from Dover to Branson, 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 Dover to Branson 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 Dover to Branson. 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!