RVing is getting more and more popular in the United States – about 11.2 million households now own an RV, with 600K of them shipped to the happy new owners in 2021 alone. Vacationing with an RV has many upsides: you can explore and leisurely decide where you want to spend your time. Also, it’s comfortable to be able to travel surrounded by your own stuff. This is particularly appealing for families with children. With the prevalence of working from home nowadays, RVing is set to become even more widespread, as it makes combining work and travel truly feasible.
RVing is most popular among residents in Las Vegas, Colorado Springs, and Phoenix, according to research from StorageCafe, a nationwide self storage marketplace. Fortunately, those cities also benefit from a strong self storage sector that allows them to easily store their RVs while not in use. Renting an RV storage unit in Las Vegas, for example, hovers around $300 per month, and there are about 145 facilities in the city to choose from.
But which are the most attractive places to travel to in an RV? The same StorageCafe research came up with the best 100 destinations for RVing in the US, based on a variety of factors, including the number of RV campsites, amenities available at those campsites, general tourist infrastructure, air quality, and much more. Check out the top 10 destinations – hopefully, they can serve as inspiration for your next RV trip:
- Branson, MO
Located in the gorgeous Ozark Mountains, Branson, Missouri, scores the top spot in the ranking, with no less than 25 RV campgrounds for RV travelers. Apart from the natural beauty of the area, the destination also features many theaters, concert venues, museums, and restaurants, allowing visitors to experience the perfect family vacation.
- Hot Springs, AK
Another mountain destination, this one nestled in the forested Ouachita Mountains, takes up the second spot. Numerous hiking trails, modern spas, theme parks, film and music festivals are just some of the attractions that RV travelers can enjoy in the area.
- Pigeon Forge, TN
Smokie Mountains beauty and the Dollywood theme park – a winning combination that spells vacation time! Apart from that, Pigeon Forge has several museums, plenty of great restaurants, and 16 RV parks, of which 80% also feature a pool – so be ready to make a splash!
- Zephyrhills, FL
Zephyrhills, Florida, takes fourth place and it’s the highest-ranked Floridian destination for RV enthusiasts. Its particularity is that it combines access to natural attractions with proximity to a big city, Tampa, which comes with its host of perks – fine dining, cultural experiences and shopping opportunities. Legendary beaches like Dunedin and Honeymoon Island are a short drive away, and Zephyrhills is also famous for its mineral waters.
- Grants Pass, OR
Grants Pass has the second-best air quality among the vacation destinations analyzed, and it’s the perfect location from which to explore the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. If your idea of a perfect vacation includes relaxing forest walks and enjoying unforgettable scenery, then Grants Pass is your jam.
- Rockport, TX
There’s a very good reason Rockport is also known as the Texas Riviera: the city is teeming with marinas, making it a great destination for boating and fishing fans. Other popular attractions in the area are birdwatching and, of course, sunbathing, swimming, and a variety of water sports.
- Gulf Shores, AL
Gulf Shores, another beach and water sports centered destination, comes in at number seven. Apart from enjoying the sun, sand, and water, tourists can also go dolphin watching or ocean fishing. The nearby Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is great for spotting turtles and migratory birds. The area also has plenty of golf courses – and there’s even a zip line going over the sand dunes at the Gulf State Park.
- South Fork, CO
Tucked in the San Luis Valley, South Fork is a great destination for tourists in search of peace and quiet and unspoiled nature. Hiking, rafting, or fly fishing are just some of the activities you can indulge in. If you’re not opposed to RVing in the winter, South Fork is also a well-known winter sports hotspot.
- Houston, TX
Houston is the only major urban hotspot that makes it to the top 10, offering a mix of attractions that include urban delights such as festivals, cultural events, the zoo, museums (including a children’s museum and world-class art museums), and of course, the NASA Space Center. The campsites in the area provide good value and great amenities.
- Fort Myers FL
Fort Myers rounds out the country’s top 10 best destinations for RV travelers, boosted by pristine, shell-covered beaches, fine dining and cultural and historical attractions. There are also 21 RV campgrounds in the area, with excellent amenities such as swimming pools or high-speed Internet.
