Road Trip with RVshare Washington, D.C. to New Haven

Before you begin your Washington, D.C., to New Haven road trip, you will want to explore the nation’s capital. In addition to visiting the capitol building and other national monuments in the city, you will also want to check out the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. From Washington, D.C., take I-66 west so that you can explore a national park during your trip. Shenandoah National Park is not directly on your path, but it is only about an hour and 20 minutes out of the way. Once you visit the national park, you will take I-95 as you head north for the remainder of the trip.

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

Baltimore, Maryland

Baltimore is a unique coastal city where you can visit the harbor, spend time at the lighthouse, or take in the marine life at the National Aquarium. If history interests you, make sure to visit Fort McHenry while you are in Baltimore, and if you find that you need to stay for more than a day, there are plenty of Balimore campgrounds, and many of them even offer waterfront campsites that you can enjoy.

If you need to offload your gray and black water, there are plenty of dump stations in and around Baltimore that you can use for free or a small fee. Bar Harbor RV Park and Marina and Camp Meade RV Park offer their dump station to guests for free.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia is well-known as the home of the Liberty Bell, but there is a lot more you can see and do when you visit "The City of Brotherly Love." You can explore Independence National Historical Park, visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art, tour the Eastern State Penitentiary, and check out the Betsy Ross House to learn more about the history of the city. There are a zoo and an aquarium in the city as well. Don’t forget to try an authentic cheesesteak during your visit. If you want to stay overnight, there are plenty of RV parks and campgrounds in Philadelphia to consider.

Philadelphia dump stations are also plentiful in this area. However, most of the campgrounds in and around Philly do charge a small fee for the use of their dump station.

New York, New York

New York is a city that has everything that you would be interested in seeing. There are state parks, monuments, and other attractions to see in the city. There are zoos, aquariums, and botanical gardens that you can explore. You can spend several days in the city and barely scratch the surface of what there is to do. Don’t forget to stop and visit some of the museums that are placed throughout the city.

You can also take a walk in Central Park, check out the 9/11 Memorial, or get a view of the city from the top of the Empire State Building. If you are staying in a New York campground for a few nights, make sure that you find some time to see a Broadway show and explore Times Square. There are even beaches and amusement parks in the city that you can enjoy, such as Coney Island. You may also want to use a dump station before you leave "The Big Apple."

National Parks

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is a bit off of the route that you will take for this road trip from Washington, D.C., to New Haven, but heading west to make this detour is well worth the time that driving to the park will take. Once you arrive, there will be stunning vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains and many things to do. There are more than 100 miles of trails within the park that you can explore on foot or bike. Pets are permitted on the trails, so if you brought your dog camping with you, they would most likely enjoy taking a long walk with you. The trails in the park range from about one mile in length to about nine miles. Fishing, rock climbing, and horseback riding are also popular activities enjoyed in Shenandoah National Park.

Nearby State Parks

Susquehanna State Park

Susquehanna State Park is located in Maryland, and it is one of the first state parks that you will encounter during this Washington, D.C., to New Haven RV road trip. The park is located along the Susquehanna River, so water activities such as boating and fishing are options for you during your visit to the park. If you like to bike, some of the best mountain biking trails in the state are located in Susquehanna State Park. There are also several hiking trails in the park that vary in difficulty. Those who enjoy learning about the history of the area will want to look at the Rock Run Historic Area, which has been fully restored. 

Lums Pond State Park

Lums Pond State Park is a 1,790-acre park that is located right along the largest freshwater pond in the state. In addition to enjoying water activities such as boating or fishing, you can hike the trails in the park or check out the wildlife from above. There is a zipline course located in the park, which also has rope courses designed for anyone over the age of 10.

Riverbank State Park

Riverbank State Park is a New York state park that you should visit before you leave New York City. The park is inspired by urban rooftop designs in Japan, and is located about 69 feet above the Hudson River. There are five buildings within the park where you can take part in activities like swimming in an Olympic-size pool, roller skating, ice skating, and more. There is even an 800-seat cultural theater that you can enjoy if something is scheduled during your visit. Outside, there is a wading pool, a lap pool, tennis courts, a running track, soccer fields, and football fields. Views of the Hudson River and the Palisade Mountains are stunning from this park, and you can also get a great view of the George Washington Bridge.

Sherwood Island State Park

One of the last Connecticut state parks that you will encounter during your road trip itinerary from Washington, D.C., to New Haven is Sherwood Island State Park. This park is one of the finest state parks in this part of the country, and it is located right on the Long Island Sound. You can enjoy watching wildlife from the observation platform at the park or relaxing on the beach. Fishing and swimming are also common activities that you can take part in when you visit this park.

Along the Way

Six Flags Great Adventure

Located in Jackson Township, NJ, Six Flags Great Adventure is an amusement park with hundreds of rides and activities to enjoy on your road trip from Washington, D.C., to New Haven. Rides like Kingda Ka, El Toro, Nitro, and Green Lantern make this a memorable stop, and you can even enjoy some water-based rides at the attached Hurricane Harbor.

Statue of Liberty National Monument

The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France that represented freedom and democracy in the United States. The statue was dedicated in 1886, and it became a national monument in 1924. You can take a tour and walk up the statue, see it from Ellis Island, or take a cruise to get a more picturesque view of the statue. There is also a museum that you can visit to learn about the statue's history and even get a glimpse at the original torch.

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 live exhibits that you can explore during your visit. These exhibits feature over 300 species of animals, which totals more than 2,700 different animals living in either salt or freshwater. There are meetings with the animals on a daily basis that you can take part in and a 3-D theater where you can learn more about specific animals.

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Washington, D.C., to New Haven, 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 Washington, D.C., or New Haven.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from Washington, D.C. to New Haven?

To plan an RV road trip from Washington, D.C. to New Haven, 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 Washington, D.C. to New Haven 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 Washington, D.C. to New Haven. 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!