Road Trip with RVshare Los Angeles to New York

A cross-country RV journey from Los Angeles to New York takes you through deserts, mountains, woodlands, and some of America’s most vibrant cities. Along the way, you can stop at national parks, historic sites, and scenic overlooks, customizing the trip to your pace and interests. The route is especially RV-friendly, with accessible highways, dependable fuel stops, and convenient campgrounds that make the long drive both manageable and enjoyable.

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

From the bustle of Los Angeles to the verdant Appalachians and the wide-open stretches of desert in between, the drive from LA to NYC offers an experience like no other. The varied terrain, countless sights, and well-connected highways make this coast-to-coast route especially appealing for RV travelers. Along the way, you’ll find RV-friendly roads, frequent pull-offs, scenic campgrounds, and well-maintained routes that keep long-distance RV travel comfortable and straightforward.

Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

Petrified Forest National Park is a beautiful desert setting with petrified wood, badlands, and stunning desert vistas. It's about a 10-hour drive into your Los Angeles to New York road trip. Tourists can drive around the picturesque circle, take short walks to overlooks, or poke around the petrified logs that are well over 200 million years old. It's the ideal place to stretch your legs and rest up before the next part of your journey. 

RV Info & Tips:

• When to Visit: Come any time from March to October since this is when the weather conditions tend to be the most comfortable for driving, sightseeing, and short desert hikes.

• How Long to Stay: Two to three hours gives you ample time to drive the scenic loop, stop at overlooks, and walk a few short trails. You can always stay overnight if you want to relax and rest before you begin the next leg of the journey.

• Campgrounds: There aren't any campgrounds inside the park, but this doesn't mean you're out of luck; nearby options like Holbrook and Sun Valley both offer RV hookups.

Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, Oklahoma

After about 25 hours on the road, you'll reach Oklahoma City, home of the National Memorial & Museum. It's an impressive and well-laid-out place to reflect and learn. The museum offers exhibits, survivor stories, and interactive displays that showcase the impact of the 1995 bombing and the resilience of the community. If you're interested in American history, you'll definitely want to spend a few hours here.

RV Info & Tips:

• When to Visit: The museum is open year-round, but spring and fall offer the best weather for walking the Outdoor Memorial before or after your visit.

• How Long to Stay: Plan on spending two to three hours to explore the exhibits, listen to survivor stories, and tour the peaceful Outdoor Memorial.

• Campgrounds: Several RV parks sit within a short drive, including Twin Fountains RV Resort and Rockwell RV Park, both offering full hookups and convenient access to downtown.

Memphis Botanic Garden, Tennessee

When you reach Memphis, around 35 hours into your journey, you can stop at the Memphis Botanic Garden for a peaceful green retreat before continuing east. The tranquil water features, covered walkways, and themed gardens make it a wonderful spot to relax after a long day on the road. There's lots to do here, like taking photos of the vibrant seasonal blooms, enjoying a quiet stroll through the Japanese Garden, and looking at unique plant collections with carefully curated displays.

RV Info & Tips:

• When to Visit: Come any time of year. The garden is open year-round and even during winter events.

• How Long to Stay: Two to three hours is plenty for exploring all of the themed gardens and walking paths.

• Campgrounds: You have a few nearby campground options to choose from if you want to stay overnight in an RV. The T.O. Fuller State Park Campground is one of the most popular because it has spacious RV sites and convenient electric hookups.

Pro Tips to Make the Most of Your Trip

Traveling in an RV from Los Angeles to New York is an exciting adventure when you take time to plan your stops. But you'll also want to leave room for additional stops in case you decide to take detours or pause for extra sightseeing.

Loop Back a Different Way

Choosing to loop back to Los Angeles on a different route gives you a chance to take in other sights. For example, you can skip I-40 and go south on I-10 to see beach towns, desert villages, and big Southern cities like New Orleans and San Antonio. The travel is more leisurely along this alternative route since there is often less traffic on certain sections.

Timing & Logistics

Try your best to avoid congested metropolitan regions during rush hour. This includes Phoenix, Oklahoma City, Nashville, and Washington, D.C. Trying to go through these areas when traffic is at its peak will add quite a bit of time to your trip. It's smart to travel early morning when going through desert stretches since there tends to be less traffic. Plus, you'll be able to cover more miles before the desert heat intensifies. If you take a route that entails driving on long rural highways with limited services, it helps to plan your fuel stops so you don’t encounter unexpected gaps between gas stations.

Trip Logistics

• Ideal duration: To account for rest stops, sightseeing, and potential delays, you should allocate a minimum of one week for the journey from Los Angeles to New York. Extending the trip to 10 to 14 days allows for a more leisurely pace with many overnight breaks, making the travel much more pleasurable.

• Road grades or steep passes: As you travel through Arizona, New Mexico, and the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, you will mostly experience a combination of flatter sections and gently rolling terrain. Once you get closer to the Midwest and then into Pennsylvania and New Jersey, you may run into steeper Appalachian grades and tighter curves, especially on older highways. Even though most major roads are RV-friendly, long hills and winding stretches will slow you down, so it's essential to monitor engine temperature and downshift when needed.

• Seasonal driving conditions (snow, heat, storms): It's important to carefully check the weather before traveling on any given day, especially in the Midwest and Northeast, where winter storms may cause slick roadways and abrupt whiteout conditions. Early morning driving is recommended in the Southwest, so it's easier to avoid driving in extreme midday heat.

Now that you have a detailed itinerary to follow on your road trip from Los Angeles to New York, it's time to start planning the finer details. Be sure to map out your overnight stops, but don't forget to stay spontaneous and leave room for unexpected discoveries. Traveling in an RV is one of the best ways to explore comfortably and without rigid schedules. RVshare makes it simple to find the perfect RV for your cross-country drive whether you’re looking for a compact campervan or a spacious motorhome.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from Los Angeles to New York?

To plan an RV road trip from Los Angeles to New York, 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 Los Angeles to New York 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 Los Angeles to New York. 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!