Road Trip with RVshare St. Louis to New York

This exciting St. Louis to New York City road trip will be one of the most picturesque trips for you and your family. The entire route is filled with fun spots, national parks, state parks, and other attractions worth the visit. You can visit the Gateway Arch National Park and finally see the world-famous Gateway Arch, or visit the Elephant Rock State Park and participate in rock climbing on billion-year-old rock formations. You can also visit the most filmed location in the world, Central Park, and take memorable pictures with your family. You can stay in Dayton and explore the USAF history or stay in Harrisburg and meet the local Amish communities. 

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

Indianapolis

This is one of the first cities you will pass during your St. Louis to New York City road trip. This city is the capital of Indiana, and it is also the most populated city in the state. Indianapolis is home to the eighth-largest encyclopedic art museum in the U.S., the Indianapolis Museum of Art. You can take your family on a guided tour of this museum, or you can visit other attractions in the city, such as the Conner Prairie, Eiteljorg Museum, or Newfields.

Caboose Lake Campground offers a dump station and electric and water hookups to RVers. This campground features 20 acres of lush green forests, shaded campsites, and scenic views. There is also a spring-fed pond in the campground. You can use the dump station and get your RV ready for the remaining portion of your trip. 

Dayton

Dayton is located on the crossroads of I-70 and I-75 in southwestern Ohio, and this city will serve as the perfect stopping place during your St. Louis to New York City RV road trip. The city has the highest number of patents in the U.S. and is the home of the Wright Brothers, who invented flight. There is a National Museum of the Air Force where you can explore the rich history of USAF, or you can visit America's Packard Museum to see vintage cars.

Dayton KOA offers RV facilities, including electric and water hookups. Moreover, it is also home to a heated pool, fishing pond, and a miniature golf course. You will even find a dump station in this campground for your RV.

Harrisburg

Harrisburg is home to the Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex and the State Museum of Pennsylvania. This city is also home to a large Amish community, so you may see an actual horse-drawn carriage near the outskirts of the city. There are plenty of attractions in the city, such as the Susquehanna Art Museum or the National Civil War Museum, where you can have a memorable time with your family. 

Deer Run Camping Resort is a good campground for RVers looking for electric and water hookups for their RVs. There is also a sanitary dump station on-site. While refueling and preparing your RV for the trip ahead, you can go hiking or fishing in the area.

National Parks

If you are interested in exploring national parks along the way, you can check out our guide to national parks. You will find some of the best national parks to explore during your RV adventures.

Gateway Arch National Park

Gateway Arch National Park is located in the heart of St. Louis, and this is one of the first national parks you will come across during your St. Louis to New York City RV road trip. Formerly known as Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, this national park got its status in February 2018. Located at the starting point of the Lewis and Clark expedition, the Gateway Arch rises 630 feet over the Mississippi River. The park offers 91 riverside acres featuring historic city buildings and modern-day museums. Visitors from all over the globe visit this national park to see the arch itself. You can participate in guided tours to explore the Old St. Louis Courthouse or take a trolley trip to the top of the arch.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways National Park

Ozark National Scenic Riverways National Park is 144 miles from St. Louis. This is yet another stunning park that you should add to your St. Louis to New York City road trip itinerary. Congress created the park in 1964 in order to safeguard the Current and Jacks Fork rivers; this is the first-ever national park that was created to protect a river system. During your visit, you can go canoeing, swimming, fishing, or boating on the two rivers. There are also freshwater springs, well-preserved caves, hiking trails, and historic sites.

Nearby State Parks

Do you want to add some of the best state parks to your St. Louis to New York City road trip itinerary? RVshare’s state park guide will help you find relevant information on the state parks as well as what to expect from your visits.

Castlewood State Park

Castlewood State Park is less than 40 minutes away from St. Louis and is spread over 1,818 acres along the Meramec River. This state park is perfect for visitors who love hiking and mountain biking. This park is home to well-preserved hiking and biking trails that will take you around the park. The state park is also pet-friendly and features one of the best bird sanctuaries in the state. You will find ample parking spots for your RV, and all the campsites offer electric and water hookups. There are clean wooden benches throughout the park where you can sit, relax, and enjoy the panoramic views.

Don Robinson State Park

Don Robinson State Park is in proximity to St. Louis, and this is a relatively new state park in the region. The park is spread over 800 acres, and it is filled with sandstone box canyons, shelter caves, cliffs, glades, and bottomland forests. There is no entrance fee for the park, but there is a fee for RVers looking to book a campsite and use the electric and water hookups. You can use the four-mile loop trail around the park or the paved trail to visit the best attractions inside the park.

Elephant Rocks State Park

Elephant Rocks State Park is located 86 miles from St. Louis, just southeast of Belleview, Missouri. This is yet another stunning state park that you must add to your St Louis to New York City road trip itinerary. The state park boasts billion-year-old Precambrian granite boulder formations. You can enjoy hiking, camping, swimming, and rock climbing in this park, and you can also see the names of 19th-century miners carved into some of the rock formations inside the caves. There are two trails inside the park: Braille Trail and the Engine House Ruins Trail. There are also gorgeous quarry views, bird-watching tours, and guided tours to a local engine house.

Along the Way

Missouri Botanical Garden

During the first few hours of your St. Louis to New York City road trip, you will come across the remarkable Missouri Botanical Garden. This is an excellent place to spend some quality time with your family, and you can take your kids around the garden on a guided tour. You can feed the koi fish or take a stroll in the Japanese garden. 

Forest Park

You will find this public park in western St. Louis. The park is spread over 1,326 acres, and it serves as an excellent spot for families traveling with kids. The park has been the host to many famous historic events, including the Louisiana Purchase Exposition of 1904 and the 1904 Summer Olympics. The park is also referred to as the "Heart of St. Louis." The kids can explore the various attractions inside the park, such as the St. Louis Zoo, the Missouri History Museum, the St. Louis Art Museum, and the St. Louis Science Center.

Central Park

If you and your family are huge fans of the TV sitcom "Friends," Central Park is a must-add stop to your road trip from St. Louis to New York City. The park covers 843 acres and has been featured in various famous TV shows, movies, and documentaries. In fact, with 38 million visitors every year, this park is the most filmed location in the world.

When you follow this road trip itinerary from St. Louis to New York City, 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 St. Louis or New York City.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from St. Louis to New York?

To plan an RV road trip from St. Louis 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 St. Louis 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 St. Louis 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!