Road Trip with RVshare Portland to Rochester

Your road trip from Portland to Rochester takes you on an unforgettable journey through the great cities of Boise, Salt Lake City, Chicago, and Buffalo. Some of the incredible sights you can see include Niagara Falls, the Sunken Gardens, and the Shoshone Ice Caves with more adventurous stops along the way. On your transcontinental journey, you'll also experience the wonders of Yellowstone, the pristine beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park, and the rugged wilderness of Grand Teton National Park. 

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

Boise

A visit to Boise's fun and most unique attractions treats you to observing the eclectic open-air artistic murals at Freak Alley Gallery, surfing on the Boise River at Boise Whitewater Park, and enjoying the local cuisine with a beer tasting at White Dog Brewing Company. You should also check out the Boise State Capitol, the Bogus Basin, and the Old Idaho Penitentiary Site. Local campgrounds offer rest, relaxation, and lovely scenery. Dump stations can be found throughout the city. 

Salt Lake City

In Salt Lake City, you can explore the largest lake west of the Mississippi at the Great Salt Lake, enjoy the beautiful architecture of the Salt Lake Temple, and spend time perusing stone art at the Gilgal Sculpture Garden downtown. Take a drive up Little Cottonwood Canyon for great mountain views, and end up at two world-class ski resorts at Snowbird and Alta. In the valley, you should also check out The Leonardo and Clark Planetarium and grab a slice at the best pizza joint in Utah, The Pie Pizzeria. A stay at a nearby campground ensures that you'll be able to take in all of the sights. Many dump stations are located within local parks, but you can also find them around the city. 

Chicago

No visit to Chicago would be complete without an elevator ride up to the 103rd-floor observation deck at Willis Tower, the 110-story skyscraper formerly known as Sears Tower. Another fun location you'll want to visit is Navy Pier, which features rides, shops, restaurants, parks, and gardens. More places to explore in the Windy City are The Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, Wrigley Field, and Buckingham Fountain. Campgrounds in the city are perfect for extending your exploration time in Chicago. Nearby dump stations make it convenient and easy for you to take care of your RV's sanitation needs.

Buffalo

As you near your destination, don't forget to stop in Buffalo for some thrilling times at Buffalo Riverworks, where you can zipline, enjoy live music, kayak, and get rowdy at a roller derby. You should take a tour of this city's iconic 110-year old silo elevators that are available on land or by water on the Silo Vertical Tour or on an Elevator Kayak Alley adventure. Anchor Bar is an absolute must-see experience on your Buffalo bucket list. This bar inspired restaurants to put Buffalo wings on virtually every appetizer menu in the country, so be prepared to get your hands messy with a side of bleu cheese. You'll find that most of the campgrounds in Buffalo have dump stations; however, more are located in and around town. 

National Parks

Marvel at the wonder of some of America's most unique and biodiverse national parks as you traverse the country. 

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is a must-see on your Portland to Rochester road trip, and it's just four hours away from Twin Falls. While you're at this park, you'll have plenty of opportunities to hike, fish, camp, and view indigenous wildlife in their natural habitats. You'll also see some of the most beautiful and unusual geothermal wonders in the world at Old Faithful, the Grand Prismatic Spring, and Fountain Paint Pots. 

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is a stone's throw away from Yellowstone, so make sure you visit this park while you're still nearby. Fun things you'll want to do are a hike to the Grand Teton, the largest peak in the park; a raft trip on the Snake River; and a cruise down the 42-mile Scenic Loop Drive. Jackson Hole is just down the road with more to see and to explore at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Jackson's Town Square. Plan to stay for at least three to four days to get the full Yellowstone and Grand Teton experience. 

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is a short one-hour-and-50-minute drive south from Cheyenne and should definitely make it onto your Portland to Rochester road trip itinerary. At this park, you'll have 355 miles of hiking trails to trek and breathtaking locations to explore and to photograph at Emerald Lake, Forest Canyon Overlook, and Alberta Falls. Camping, fishing, horseback riding, and picnicking are more fantastic activities for you to enjoy. 

Indiana Dunes National Park

Indiana Dunes National Park is a sandy oasis on the shores of Lake Michigan where you can spend a couple of days basking in the sun, swimming, hiking various nature trails, and visiting the Old Lighthouse museum for a bit of local history. Be sure to also check out the Michigan City Lighthouse, Porter Beach, and the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center for park history and information. 

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

At Ohio's only national park, you'll catch a glimpse of the beautiful wilderness and wildlife of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. You can hike to popular scenic destinations at Virginia Kendall Ledges, take the Ira Trailhead, snap some photos at Brandywine Falls, and hop aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. Biking, kayaking, and fishing are also great ways to experience this park. 

Nearby State Parks

Beautiful and activity-packed state parks await on your Portland to Rochester RV road trip. 

Walnut Woods State Park

Walnut Woods State Park is a peaceful place to spend a day or two camping, fishing on the serene Raccoon River, and hiking the park's two miles of wooded trails. Bird-watching is another popular activity here, and you can expect to see owls, warblers, hawks, and songbirds. 

Potato Creek State Park

At Potato Creek State Park, you can hike and bike throughout the area and enjoy interesting exhibits and educational displays about the local ecology and wildlife at the Nature Center. You can also swim, fish, or boat on the lake. There's even an on-site camp store that's perfect for stocking up on a few road trip essentials. 

Geneva State Park

Geneva State Park offers spectacular shoreline views of Lake Erie, quick access to The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake next door, and plenty of outdoor activities. During the day, you can hike, fish, and swim before enjoying a wine tasting and fine dining at Horizons Restaurant located in the park lodge.

Along the Way

Shoshone Ice Caves

Shoshone Ice Caves is Idaho's own natural wonder. It's also the state's largest cave with year-round below-freezing temperatures, so be sure to bundle up. Tours of the caves take you through what is actually a 1,000-foot-long lava tube located 100-feet below the earth's surface. 

Sunken Gardens

Visit the Sunken Gardens on your way through Nebraska, and enjoy the beauty of this Depression-era project for free. Here, you can walk amongst a lush variety of flowers, shrubs, and trees with trickling waterfalls and fountains as you approach the park's famous Rock Garden. If you want to leave a permanent impression on the garden, you can honor a loved one with an inscribed Paving the Path standard or foundation brick, or you can fund One Flower Forever for a fee. 

Niagara Falls

Not far from your destination is Niagara Falls, one of the most majestic places on the planet. There are a number of amazing ways to experience these magical waterfalls. You can jump onto a Maid of the Mist boat cruise that takes you to the base of the falls; go on Journey Behind the Falls, where you can view them from a particularly special place; or enjoy Cave of the Winds, a series of wooden walkways located in the Niagara Gorge.

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Portland to Rochester, 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 Portland or Rochester.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from Portland to Rochester?

To plan an RV road trip from Portland to Rochester, 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 Portland to Rochester 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 Portland to Rochester. 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!