5 Scenic Drives in the U.S. to Do in Your RV

Stunning scenery is one of the best parts about going on a road trip. Constantly viewing new places right from your RV window can make hours on the road feel like minutes. Whether you’re a part-time RVer seeking to explore a new place or someone who lives on the road full time, these scenic drives are worth adding to your must-see list. 

Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana

Highlights 

Located in the glamorous Glacier National Park, this 50-mile road is known for its glacier-sculpted landscape, blue mountainous lakes, and breathtaking forests. It crosses over the continental divide and often offers sightings of bighorn sheep and grizzly bears, as well as waterfalls right off of the road, such as Weeping Wall, a 100-foot-long waterfall cascading over a rock face due to spring water and snow melt. 

Within the park, check out the popular Trail of the Cedars, an easy, 0.9-mile loop near Lake McDonald. The hike goes over a boardwalk, through a red cedar forest, and past Avalanche Creek, which features a waterfall and gorge. The road also passes Logan Pass, which is the highest point reachable by car in the park, at 6,646 feet. 

Know Before You Go

Going-to-the-Sun Road can be accessed from St. Mary Visitor Center (east) or Apgar Visitor Center (west). Due to an increase in popularity, reservations are required to enter the road during peak season (May 26 through September 10) from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Lower elevation sections of the road are open year round and the alpine portion’s summer opening varies based on snow accumulation and cleanup. Vehicles longer than 21 feet or wider than 8 feet aren’t allowed on the road between Avalanche Campground and Rising Sun. In addition, vehicles that exceed 10 feet in height may struggle driving west from Logan Pass due to hanging rock.

Where to Stay

There are a few campsites right off of Going-to-the-Sun Road that are RV-friendly. Glacier National Park is a very popular spot for RVers, so reservations are recommended—ideally up to six months prior to secure a spot. There are no hookups at campgrounds inside of the park.

• Apgar Campground is the largest campground in the park. 
• Sprague Creek Campground  does not permit RVs over 21 feet. 
• Avalanche Campground has 50 sites that can accommodate RVs up to 26 feet long.
• Rising Sun Campground operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. 
• St. Mary Campground operates by reservation only during peak season.

Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire

Highlights

Known as one of the best spots in the entire world for fall foliage, this 34.5-mile scenic drive along New Hampshire’s Rt. 112 is a leaf peeper’s paradise. In late September or October, you’ll see bright red, yellow, and orange leaves coating the highway. Stop and explore places like Sabbaday Falls or take a hike up to Mount Chocorua.

Know Before You Go

The Kancamagus Highway is a remote path that connects the towns of Lincoln and Conway. There are no restaurants, shops, or anywhere to get gas along this stretch. The fall is the most popular time of year to visit this area, so expect traffic during peak foliage season.

Where to Stay

There are six, easy-to-get-to campgrounds off of the Kancamagus Highway where you can camp in your RV. None of these campsites offer hookups and they all operate on a first-come, first-serve basis.

• Hancock Campground
• Big Rock Campground 
• Passaconaway Campground
• Jigger Johnson Campground
• Blackberry Crossing Campground
• Covered Bridge Campground

Scenic Byway 12, Utah

Highlights

If you ever get the chance to venture through some or all of Utah’s national parks in an RV, you’ll probably travel along the almost-123-mile Scenic Byway 12 in Utah, which connects Capitol Reef National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park. This road was named an All-American Road due to its unique features found nowhere else in the world. Tall red rocks, dense pine forests, and deep canyons spread across the landscape. While here, explore the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Hole in the Rock Road for an off-roading adventure, or even hike to Lower Calf Creek Falls.

Know Before You Go

Snowfall and freezing temperatures make some sections of this highway impassable or less safe to travel on, particularly between Escalante and Boulder. In this section, the road drops off into deep canyons below. Drivers should precede with caution and check road and weather conditions prior to their departure. 

Where to Stay

There are a decent amount of RV-friendly campgrounds right by Scenic Byway 12. Some only operate on a first-come, first-serve basis and only a few offer full hookups.

• Wonderland RV Park accepts reservations; full hookups are available.
• Singletree Campground accepts reservations; there are no hookups.
• Durffey Mesa operates on a first-come, first-serve basis; there are no hookups.
• Escalante Heritage Center accepts reservations; there are no hookups.
• Bryce Valley Ranch RV & Horse Park accepts reservations; full hookups are available.
• Red Canyon Campground operates on a first-come, first-serve basis; there are no hookups.
• Hitch-n-Post RV Park accepts reservations; full hookups are available.

Skyline Drive, Virginia

Highlights

This 105-mile, scenic road glides alongside the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park. From big boulder fields to sightings of wild turkeys and black bears, this popular drive is worth adding to your list. The Central District is known as the most scenic spot in the park, where you can hike to Stony Man, the highest point on the Appalachian Trail. In addition, stop at the Thornton Hollow Overlook for a magnificent mountain view.

Know Before You Go

Skyline Drive is open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, although it may close at any time due to inclement weather. Ensure that your RV will clear Marys Rock Tunnel prior to your trip because the maximum clearance is 12 feet, 8 inches.

Where to Stay

There are four campgrounds in Shenandoah National Park, which are open in the spring, summer, and fall. Camping is not permitted when they are closed. There are no hookups at any campground in the park.

• Mathews Arm Campground accepts reservations.
• Big Meadows Campground accepts reservations.
• Loft Mountain Campground accepts reservations.
• Lewis Mountain Campground operates on a first-come, first-serve only basis.

Oregon Coast Highway 101, Oregon

Highlights 

Known as one of the most scenic drives in the U.S., the Oregon Coast Highway 101 is a must-do adventure. This rocky coastline covers 363 miles from the California-Oregon border to the Washington-Oregon border. While driving through the 12-mile stretch of the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor, observe stunning sea stacks and coastal cliffs . The Northernmost forest of Redwood Groves can also be spotted along this highway. 

Pull over to take photos of Cape Blanco Lighthouse, the oldest and highest lighthouse in Oregon. In addition, stop in the town of Bandon, the Cranberry Capital of Oregon. It’s also worth taking an easy hike down Hobbit Trail, which leads to a hidden beach.

Know Before You Go

The ocean breeze can cool down the air quickly along the Oregon Coast, so be sure to have a sweatshirt or jacket handy. In many locations, this rugged ocean is dangerous to swim in and is known for receiving sneaker waves, so keep a safe distance while observing it.

Where to Stay

On your journey, enjoy sleeping next to the sea at one or more of these campgrounds that are along or near the highway.

• Humbug Campground accepts reservations; no hookups are available.
• Thousand Trails South Jetty  accepts reservations; hookups are available.
• Fort Stevens State Park accepts reservations; full hookups are available.
• Waldport/Newport KOA Journey accepts reservations; full hookups are available.
• McKinley’s RV Park & Marina accepts reservations; full hookups are available.
• Tillicum Beach Campground accepts reservations; full hookups are available.

Scenic drives make it easy to explore new territory without needing to leave your RV. Traveling in your RV is just one way to enjoy a road trip. There are also many campsites, hiking trails, and restaurants you can explore along the way to help you get the most out of your journey.

See you on the road!