Road Trip with RVshare Minneapolis to Seattle

If you want to spend plenty of time driving through some gorgeous, rugged country all the way to the beautiful Puget Sound, then this Minneapolis to Seattle road trip may be right for you. You'll be able to see all the stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and natural beauty you could ever want in the form of some great national and state parks. There are also multiple great towns to explore that are packed with interesting places to visit. Crafting the perfect road trip itinerary from Minneapolis to Seattle is simple, so let's get started!

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

Fargo, North Dakota  

The Red River serves as the border between North Dakota and Minnesota; Fargo is right on the other side of the Red River. Multiple dump stations and campgrounds are available locally. Places to stop include the Red River Zoo and the Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center. 

Bismarck, North Dakota

Bismarck is North Dakota's capital, so it's worth exploring. You’ll be able to find plenty of dump stations and campgrounds close by. Be sure to check out the North Dakota State Capitol and the Dakota Zoo. 

Billings, Montana  

Nestled on the banks of the Yellowstone River is Billings, Montana. Many dump stations and campgrounds are present in the area. ZooMontana and Pictograph Cave State Park are great places to visit. 

Missoula, Montana  

If you want to explore some of the northern parts of the Rockies, then Missoula is a great place to visit. You’ll easily find some quality dump stations and campgrounds in the area. Stop by A Carousel for Missoula and the Aerial Firefighter & Smokejumper Center.

Spokane, Washington  

Spokane is home to lovely locations like Manito Park and Spokane Falls. There are several dump stations and campgrounds nearby for convenience.

National Parks

Theodore Roosevelt National Park  

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is less than one mile from Medora, North Dakota. This park is a tribute to President Theodore Roosevelt and features three different sections that include badlands, prairies, and a portion of the Little Missouri River. It's an outstanding place to view bison, so if you want to see a thundering herd, this is the park to visit. At this park, you can go backcountry camping, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and more. 

Yellowstone National Park  

Several decades before Theodore Roosevelt became president, President Ulysses S. Grant created Yellowstone National Park. Once you drive an hour south of Livingston, Montana, to visit this park, you'll understand what drove Grant to designate it as America's first national park. Iconic features like Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and more await you here. There are some great trails that can take you on a rugged adventure, but there are easier trails as well if you would prefer a more leisurely walk through this extraordinary landscape. 

Grand Teton National Park  

Grand Teton National Park is only 10 minutes south of Yellowstone and an hour and 10 minutes from Livingston, so how could you not stop on your road trip from Minneapolis to Seattle? More than 200 miles of trails give you the means to explore this magical world of clear mountain lakes, cascading waterfalls, and, of course, mountaintop peaks. This is a great place to go horseback riding, backcountry camping, and mountaineering. You can also take a scenic drive through this gorgeous mountain paradise.

Glacier National Park  

Three hours north of Missoula, MT, you’ll find the entrance to Glacier National Park. While you can, of course, find many glaciers here, you'll also be able to explore multiple different ecosystems in this million-acre park that's aptly referred to as the "Crown of the Continent." There are 734 miles of trails in this park and more than 130 named lakes, so you won't have a hard time finding adventure and beauty here. Hiking, biking, fishing, backcountry camping, and more are popular at this rugged park. 

Mount Rainier National Park  

Mount Rainier National Park is one of Seattle's most beloved symbols, so you should definitely see it before you end your Minneapolis to Seattle RV road trip. It's less than two hours from Bellevue or Snoqualmie, so reaching this 14,410-foot mountain isn't difficult. Exploring the park is also easy thanks to the bevy of trails ranging in difficulty from easy to hard. You can summit the mountain itself, but you can also explore its base and slopes. Wildflowers, old-growth forests, glaciers, valleys, and more are on display here.

Nearby State Parks

Glacial Lakes State Park  

A little more than 20 minutes outside of St. Cloud, MN, you'll find Glacial Lakes State Park. Signalness Lake is full of walleye, crappie, pike, sunfish, and more, so it's a great place to fish. You can also paddle, kayak, or canoe on the lake or take advantage of the mile and a half of shoreline along the lake. If you keep your eyes open, you might be able to spot a cougar, bobcat, timber wolf, or another animal that calls this park home.

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park  

Just southwest of Bismarck, SD, on the banks of the Missouri River is Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park. This thousand-acre park is home to multiple historical buildings as well as an assortment of wildlife. You'll be able to visit On-A-Slant Indian Village, Custer house, and more here. Nearly seven miles of trails provide great places for hiking, biking, and riding, while the Heart River and Missouri River both serve as great fishing areas. 

Missouri Headwaters State Park  

Half an hour beyond Bozeman, MT, you’ll drive past Missouri Headwaters State Park. Multiple rivers split off from the Missouri here, so you'll have your pick of top-notch fishing and boating locations. You can hike, bike, and ride on four miles of trails and hunt during the off-season of the park. Speaking of seasonal activities, be sure to check the park's calendar for special events if you're visiting during the summer.

Farragut State Park  

As you pass through the panhandle of Idaho, add Farragut State Park to your road trip itinerary from Minneapolis to Seattle. It's only 40 minutes north of Coeur d'Alene, so it's fairly close to your route. This park gives you access to Lake Pend Oreille, which is a great place to swim, fish, and boat. The park also boasts an 18-hole disc golf course and a naval history museum.

Riverside State Park  

Less than 20 minutes northwest of Spokane, you’ll encounter Riverside State Park. This 9,000-plus-acre park was once the site of a bustling fur trade outpost, so there's plenty of fascinating local history to learn. You'll be able to take advantage of the 55 miles of trails in the park. The Spokane River is a great place to go boating and fishing; you can even go rock climbing and water skiing here.

Along the Way

Fargo Air Museum

At Fargo Air Museum, seven minutes from Downtown Fargo, you can explore two large hangars of historical aircraft. Many of the planes still fly, so you might be able to watch one fly into the wild blue yonder. You can take a self-guided tour, an audio tour, or a scheduled tour with a pilot guide.

Dakota Zoo  

Before you head across the Missouri River to explore Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, you should travel seven minutes from Downtown Bismarck and visit the Dakota Zoo first. There are plenty of endangered animals to see here; you can also buy souvenirs at the Antler Trading Post or take a ride on a couple of zoo trains.

Moss Mansion  

Five minutes from the heart of Billings is Moss Mansion, which is a lovely turn-of-the-century home you can tour. You'll enjoy looking at the opulent décor, intriguing architecture, and maybe even some seasonal decorations. The gift shop has some classy keepsakes you can buy to remember your visit to Moss Mansion.

Museum of the Rockies  

If you want to view one of the world's largest dinosaur fossil collections on your Minneapolis to Seattle RV road trip, then you'll want to visit the Museum of the Rockies, which is six minutes from Downtown Bozeman. There are more than bones here, however. You can also view other exhibits featuring art from around the world and memorabilia from multiple time periods.

Riverfront Spokane  

Three minutes from the heart of Spokane on the Spokane River, you'll find Riverfront Spokane. At this nice downtown park, you'll be able to walk along the Spokane River, see Spokane Falls, and take in some seasonal entertainment. You can also ride the Looff Carousel and the Numerica SkyRide.

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Minneapolis to Seattle, 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 Minneapolis or Seattle.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from Minneapolis to Seattle?

To plan an RV road trip from Minneapolis to Seattle, 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 Minneapolis to Seattle 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 Minneapolis to Seattle. 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!