Road Trip with RVshare Dover to Santa Claus

What could be more fun than to travel to the town of Santa Claus, Indiana? Besides the novelty of the name, the trip from Dover to Santa Claus travels through the states of Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Indiana. On your way to your destination, you will be pleased to know that the trip offers a diverse landscape of possibilities. From the Atlantic states to the Midwest, your route will guide you through forests, valleys, mountain ranges, lakes, and prairies. 

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

For a trip of this length, you will undoubtedly be stopping for refueling and for rest breaks along the way. There are several cities that you will drive through, including the following urban areas. 

Baltimore, MD

Baltimore is a large city in Maryland that is next to the nation's capital of Washington, DC. It is home to Fort McHenry, the birthplace of the "Star-Spangled Banner," and it is located next to the harbors, inlets, and bays of the Atlantic Ocean. The USS Constellation is here, and you can spend hours viewing the exhibits at the National Aquarium. Cherry Hill Park is family owned and operated and a Good Sam's Park that is conveniently located near the cities of Baltimore and Washington. You can also find multiple sites with dump stations. 

Huntington, WV

Huntington is the largest city in the Huntington-Ashland region of WV-KY-OH, which is often called the Tri-State Area. The city features a wide range of museums covering everything from nature and history to radios and technology. You can also rest and relax at one of the many city parks or visit one of the cultural venues. Statts Mills RV Park is located next to Lake O'Brien and the Appalachian Mountains and is a beautiful place to visit. If you need a dump station, you have several choices of sites.

Louisville, KY

The city of Louisville is the largest city in Kentucky, and it is located alongside the Ohio River on the Indiana state border. The Kentucky Derby runs here every year, and you can visit the Kentucky Derby Museum for an informative and interesting tour of the history of this storied race. Baseball is king here, and the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory is where Major League bats are manufactured. Louisville South KOA Holiday is just south of Louisville and is family oriented. You can easily find various dump stations in the nearby areas.

National Parks

This road trip from Dover to Santa Claus will take at least a day or more. Fortunately, you will have many chances to explore some of the more interesting national parks along the way.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a natural oasis near Cleveland that offers a quiet interlude from the road. The park is part of the Cuyahoga Valley and preserves the natural and historical features of this important area of Ohio such as the original towpath of the Erie Canal. On several other nature paths, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the restored Cuyahoga River. Besides the trails, there are other areas to see, including the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Brandywine Falls, and the Canal Exploration Center.

Independence National Historical Park

The city of Philadelphia is the birthplace of the independence of the United States, and Independence National Historical Park serves to commemorate this important historical event. The Declaration of Independence was signed at Independence Hall, and the park contains many other historical buildings and artifacts, such as the Liberty Bell.

Nearby State Parks

You will naturally want to stop along the way and take some side excursions, see local attractions, and explore the outdoors. Fortunately, there is a multitude of great state parks that you can add to your road trip itinerary from Dover to Santa Claus. 

Carter Caves State Resort Park  

Carter Caves State Resort Park in Kentucky is a remarkable park that contains two systems of caves known as the Carter Caves and the Cascade Caves. The park preserves 146 acres of forest, caves, and creeks. Of these areas, Bat Cave and Cascade Caverns contain and protect the Indiana bat, the Canada yew, and the mountain maple. There are more than 20 caverns in the cave systems, and Cascade Cave has a 30-foot underground waterfall. You will marvel at the luminescent stone fans, spirals, and pipes in the X Cave of Carter Caves. Above the caves, visitors can ride horses, mountain bike, hike, canoe, and play a round of golf. There are 20 miles of multi-use trails, including the Three Bridges Trail and the Box Canyon Trail. 

Blackwater Falls State Park

Blackwater Falls State Park is located in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia and is home to Blackwater Falls, a cascade of 62 feet of falling water from the Blackwater River. The River runs through Canaan Valley into Blackwater Canyon and gets its name from the tannic-tinted waters of the river and the falls. You can view these falls and the other smaller falls from the trails and viewing platforms. There are 20 miles of hiking trails and the longest sledding trail on the East Coast.

Seneca Creek State Park

Seneca Creek State Park, located in Gaithersburg, Maryland, meanders beside Seneca Creek for 14 miles as it makes its way to the Potomac River. Out on Clopper Lake, you are able to spend the afternoon boating. If you feel like taking a dip, you can wade in Seneca Creek if you'd like. There are more than 50 miles of multi-use trails inside the park, and you can even explore a restored 19th-century cabin.

Along the Way

You will have your pick of any number of natural, historical, and cultural sites of interest that you can visit on your Dover to Santa Claus RV road trip. The start of your journey will take you directly past the city of Washington, and the Smithsonian is an experience you do not want to miss.

Smithsonian

The Smithsonian Institution is a conglomerate of museums, galleries, and a zoo. Collectively, the Smithsonian contains more than 150 million objects to discover and explore in around 17 locations. Some of the noteworthy and popular museums include the Natural History Museum, American History Museum, Air and Space Museum, and National Gallery of Art. 

The Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum is the most-visited museum of natural history in the world and has an amazing rotating collection of 127 million objects that include the Hope Diamond, mummies, dinosaur bones, and more. At theAmerican History Museum, you will find Dorothy's ruby slippers, Julia Child's kitchen, and the original flag that inspired the "Star-Spangled Banner." The Air and Space Museum contains Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis, the Wright Flyer, astronaut suits, and lunar rocks, and you can contemplate works from Degas, da Vinci, and Calder at the National Gallery of Art.

Harpers Ferry

The Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers converge in the small town of Harpers Ferry in West Virginia. The site of John Brown's raid in 1859, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park houses museums, exhibits, and programs, and there are 20 miles of nature trails. While in the park, you can walk on the rocks where the rivers meet all the way to St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church and the conjoining cemetery. The Appalachian Trail Visitors Center in Harpers Ferry is an access point for the Appalachian Trail, and you can see great views of the town and the rivers. 

Kentucky Horse Park

The Kentucky Horse Park is both an educational theme park and a working ranch with a horse competition facility. The park has more than 1,200 acres in the Kentucky Bluegrass regions of the state, and visitors will get to see many different breeds of horses. The horses take their paces at work and play, and all ages can see presentations, take horse rides, and attend competitions. The International Museum of the Horse is a Smithsonian Affiliate and is the largest equestrian museum in the world. While you're here, you will definitely want to tour the American Saddlebred Museum as well.

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Dover to Santa Claus, 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 to Santa Claus.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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