Road Trip with RVshare New Haven to Buffalo

From the Amish country in the Midwest to Niagara Falls in the East, your road trip from New Haven, IN, to Buffalo is rife with opportunities for exploration. If your trip is in the summer, you can enjoy taking some time to play in one of the Great Lakes or any of the other lakes and rivers that cross your path. If in the winter, there are plenty of available winter sports in the areas. All of the states on your route are rich in historical significance.

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

Toledo

Toledo, Ohio, is a large city located on the western shores of Lake Erie. It possesses many historical and cultural attractions, such as the Toledo Museum of Art, which houses both Renaissance and modern works of art and also a fascinating collection of glassworks that exemplify Toledo's glass production legacy. The Imagination Station along the Maumee River is a fun children's museum that everyone will enjoy, and the Toledo Zoo has animal exhibits, rides, and an aquarium. The Toledo area features great campgrounds, like the Toledo East/Stony Ridge KOA Journey, which offers the security of your typical KOA RV park, and there are many nearby dump stations for your convenience.

Cleveland

Cleveland, Ohio, has been undergoing many city improvements over the years and today is a vibrant and interesting place to visit. Visitors can tour the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, visit one of the nine historic theaters in the Playhouse Square Center, and see the Lake View Cemetery that covers a large area of land and has more than 100,000 graves. The cemetery was first placed in use in 1869 and is still used today. The graves of James Garfield and John Rockefeller are among the notable gravesites. Cleveland is home to some fantastic campgrounds. Willow Lake Park is a beautiful RV park that is close to the city but far enough away to feel peaceful, and it has plenty of amenities. There are many available dump stations nearby for your use.

Ashtabula

Ashtabula, Ohio, is a city located on the Ashtabula River and Lake Erie. The city has a long history in this area of Ohio, and there are many historical and cultural sites. You can visit museums that detail the past manufacturing and maritime events of the city, view a number of old bridges around the city and beyond, and see displays dedicated to the Underground Railroad. Hide-A-Way Lakes Campground is close to the Western Reserve Greenway Trail and has lots of amenities, including fishing ponds and a game room. There are also convenient dump station sites in this area.

National Parks

Indiana Sand Dunes National Park

Indiana Sand Dunes National Park is a 22,000-acre park that runs along 15 miles of Lake Michigan's southern shoreline. The park is named for the tall sand dunes on the lake shores; these dunes can reach up to 200 feet in height. The park is home to a diverse variety of landscapes, including prairies, rivers, marshes, bogs, beaches, and woods. There are more than 50 miles of nature trails to hike along, and you will get the chance to see rare species of birds and a variety of wildlife. The park also has a number of national landmarks on its grounds. 

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park preserves the history and natural beauty of Cuyahoga Valley, which has been a vital part of Ohio over the years. Native Americans inhabited this area for many centuries, and European settlers came later. The park includes the original towpath of the Ohio and Erie Canal that was built in the 1830s in order to connect to the Erie Canal that ran from Buffalo, NY, to New York City. The park is a success story of river reclamation, and the Cuyahoga River, which was once one of the most polluted rivers in the country, is now a pristine and beautiful waterway. The park contains both public and privately administered sites and attractions, such as the Brandywine Falls, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, and the Canal Exploration Center. Visitors can enjoy many activities along the Cuyahoga River and the various hiking trails, including the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail.

Nearby State Parks

Along with amazing national parks, there are many state parks along your route that allow you to stretch your legs and better see the beauty of the area where you're traveling.

Mary Jane Thurston State Park  

Mary Jane Thurston State Park lies along the Maumee River southwest of Toledo and is a popular fishing destination for anglers, who can fish for white bass, channel catfish, walleye, pike, smallmouth bass, crappie, sheepshead, and bullhead. There are also designated hunting areas for game along the Maumee River. The park contains dunes, marshy areas, and prairies, and visitors can explore the remains of the original Miami and Erie canals that once ran through the park.

Findley State Park

If you love strolling through thickly forested woods, then you will definitely want to stop by Findley State Park on your New Haven to Buffalo RV road trip itinerary. While in this park in Wellington, Ohio, you will see white and red pine, wild black cherry, white ash, maple, oaks, and beech. There are also many species of wildflowers, including hepatica, spring beauties, bloodroot, marigold, asters, and trillium. Raccoons, foxes, deer, and beaver are present along with many amphibians and reptiles. There is even a butterfly sanctuary that contains the rare Duke's skipper butterfly.

Letchworth State Park

Letchworth State Park, located near Buffalo, is commonly known as the "Grand Canyon of the East" and is one of the most scenic parks in the eastern U.S. The Genesee River flows through the gorge and forms three major waterfalls between the cliffs; some of the falls are as high as 600 feet. There are 66 miles of nature trails that wind through wooded forests and alongside the waterfalls. There are multi-use trails for horseback riding, biking, and mountain biking, and visitors can enjoy winter sports like snow tubing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. There are plenty of water-based activities, and there are even hot air balloon venues. The restored historic Glen Iris Inn offers lodging and dining options.

Along the Way

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the U.S. and is a much-visited attraction. It contains a wide variety of animal species and has the largest collection of primates in North America, which includes the western lowland gorilla. Visitors will also see different types of fishing cats and many aquatic species, and there's an insectarium as well as a botanical garden at the zoo. 

Toledo Museum of Art

The Toledo Museum of Art is a delightful museum that is located among beautiful streets of historic Georgian and Edwardian mansions in the Old West End district of Toledo. The museum has many original paintings from Rembrandt and Rubens, and visitors will be in awe as they view the large collection of glassworks.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is comprised of three waterfalls that are formed by the Niagara River, which drains water from the other four Great Lakes into Lake Ontario. The Niagara Falls is on the U.S.-Canada border at Niagara Falls, Ontario, which is near St. Catherines, and Niagara Falls, New York, which is near Buffalo. The larger Horseshoe Falls is on the Canadian side, and the smaller American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are on the American side. The falls here are not the tallest waterfalls, but they are a beautiful sight because of their still-impressive height and the volume of the cascading water over the falls. Horseshoe Falls is the most powerful waterfall in North America as determined by the flow rate.

Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in the U.S. and was founded in 1885. Today, it serves a dual purpose as a power source and as a natural preserve. Fredrick Law Olmsted, one of the famous landscape architects behind Central Park, designed Niagara Falls State Park. Visitors to the state park can access both the U.S. and Canadian waterfalls. Besides the waterfalls, visitors can also view the oldest surviving U.S. flag at Old Fort Niagara. The historic Village of Lewiston was the site of the first skirmish of the War of 1812 and also the last stop on the Underground Railroad. The original Flight of Five Locks, built in the 1840s, is still present on the Erie Canal in Lockport.

When you follow this road trip itinerary from New Haven to Buffalo, 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 New Haven or Buffalo.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from New Haven to Buffalo?

To plan an RV road trip from New Haven to Buffalo, 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 New Haven to Buffalo 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 New Haven to Buffalo. 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!