Road Trip Cross Country – Plan RV Route National Parks

RV Cross Country Trip Planning Tips

Whether you’re a seasoned RVer or just starting, a cross-country RV trip is an adventure like no other. But with so much to do ahead of time, it can be tough to know where to start planning a successful RV road trip cross country.

Planning an RV trip cross-country can be a daunting task, but here are a few of our best tips to make the process a bit easier. First, it’s essential to take the time to plan your route carefully. Perhaps, you should map out your route and consider the weather, budget, and more.

Second, it’s essential to ensure you have a good grasp of your budget. You’ll need to factor in gas, food, lodging, RV dump sites, and more. A contingency plan and extra cash if something unexpected arises is a good idea.

Third, You should prepare for anything and everything; it’s crucial and pack plenty of food and water, and check the weather forecast ahead, so you know what to expect. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to have a first-aid kit on hand, just in case.

We believe that we have compiled a list of must-see RV vacation ideas and some of the most desirable places from coast to coast. So pack up the RV, fill up the tank, and hit the open road to your dream RV destination.

Planning and Packing for a RV Road Trip Cross Country

One of the most important aspects of traveling by RV and planning a long trip across the country is packing for the journey. What you choose to pack will depend on the length of your trip, the climate you’ll be traveling through, and your personal preferences. However, everyone should pack some essential items for an RV trip.

First, you’ll need to ensure you have all the necessary documents. The documents should include your driver’s license, registration, proof of insurance, and any camping permits you may need.

Next, you’ll need to pack all your belongings. Clothes, toiletries, bedding, cookware, and eating utensils are just a few of the things you’ll need to bring along.

RV Trip Planning Tools

Regarding RV trip planning, a few essential tools can make the process much easier. Perhaps one of the most important tools is a good map. A good map will help you route your path across the country, estimate gas prices and distance, and find campgrounds and attractions.

Another critical tool is GPS, it can help you find your way if you get lost, and it can also help you find campgrounds, restaurants, and other nearby businesses. Maps will come in handy if your GPS fails or you want to explore an area off the beaten path.

A few apps can help make your trip planning process a little easier. Google Maps is a must-have for any road trip, and it can be constructive when trying to find RV friendly routes to a campsite and a place to park the RV. Another helpful app is Allstays Camp & RV, which provides detailed information on over 43,000 campgrounds and parks across the United States.

Needing a little inspiration for your road trip, check out the RV Roadtrippers App, an RV road trip planner. It can help you plan your stops to find some of the most exciting places to visit along your RV journey and even help you plan your travel day itinerary. Once you’ve planned your route, the Campendium App can be a helpful resource for finding camping near National Parks, other scenic locations, and free campsites.

Best Time for RV Travel Across the USA

There’s no single answer to what is the best time to cross America. That’s because there are many variables to consider, from weather to crowds to campground availability.

In general, the spring and fall seasons tend to be ideal for RVing. The weather is usually pleasant, with neither summer’s sweltering heat nor winter’s frigid temperatures. And since school is in session, there are fewer crowds at popular destinations.

Of course, there are exceptions to every rule. If you’re hoping to avoid winter weather, Florida and Arizona are both excellent choices for RV travel. And if you don’t mind dealing with a bit of cold, the camping spots in Yellowstone and Yosemite are practically empty in late fall and early spring.

Plan Ahead Before You Hit the Road to National Parks

If you’re planning on crossing the country, there are a few things you should do to prepare before you hit the road. First, research the different National Parks you might want to visit. Check out the park’s website and find out what activities are available because usually, each park has different rules and regulations regarding camping. So it’s best to know what those are before you go. Make sure to pack appropriate clothing and gear for your chosen activities.

You’ll also want to ensure your RV is in good working order before a long RV trip; because no one wants to get stranded on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere.

Finally, have a loose plan for your route. Knowing which cities and states you’ll be passing through will help you map out your trip and provide you with time to make any necessary reservations ahead of time along your route.

With some planning, an RV trip across the country can be a great way to see some fantastic sights and spend time with family or friends.

How Long Does It Take For a RV Road Trip Cross Country?

How long does it take for a cross country trip? The time to cross the county depends on several factors, including your route, how many stops you want to make, and what kind of sightseeing you want. A good rule of thumb is to allow at least two weeks to cross the USA, which will give you plenty of time to relax and enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

If you plan to make numerous stops along the way, you may want to allow even more time for your trip. This way, you can explore each destination fully and not worry about getting back on the road too quickly.

RV Rental for Cross Country Road Trip

Driving an RV across the USA is a great way to see the country with a comfortable place to stay. You should keep a few things in mind when planning your cross country trip.

First, think about where you want to go and what you want to see. There are RV parks all across the country, so you can pretty much go anywhere you want. Once you’ve decided on your destination, research the parks in the area and find one that meets your needs.

Next, think about the days on the road; an RV trip can be as short or as long as you want. If you’re only planning to be gone for a week or two, you might not need to rent a big epic RV.

You will need to decide on the size, type, and amenities you want in an RV. The size of the RV is perhaps the most critical factor to consider, and RVs come in several sizes, from small campervans to large Class A motorhomes.

Your size will depend on how many people you’re traveling with and how much stuff you need to bring along. A small RV will suffice if you’re traveling solo or with just a few friends. Of course, if you have family and a few friends aboard, you’ll need to rent a larger RV with more sleeping and storage space.

The type of RV is also necessary to consider. Class A, Class B, Class C, and more. Industry base RV types on their size, weight, and drivetrain. After you have decided on the RV type, you should consider the amenities of the RV.

Booking RV Parks and Campgrounds While on Route

When booking RV parks and campgrounds, be mindful of a few things.

First, booking early is essential because many popular RV parks and campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak season. So book early and don’t wait until the last minute, or you just might miss out on that spot you want.

Second, it’s vital to research the parks and campgrounds before booking. Make sure they have the amenities that are important to you and within an area you want to explore.

Finally, don’t forget to factor in the park or campground cost when planning your budget for your road trip cross-country.

Recommended RV Resorts and National Parks to Visit

1 of 10

Marquette, Michigan

Marquette is one of Michigan’s gems located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. In an old mining town on the coast of Lake Superior, the city treats visitors to scenic views of the water and the tree-filled hills surrounding the town. Marquette has beaches, museums, shopping, dining, and outside entertainment choices, so there’s something for everyone to do. And Tourist Park, a camping area inside the city limits for RVers, is the perfect base camp for an enjoyable experience.

2 of 10

Olympic National Forest, Washington

Instead, if you would like to camp on the beautiful beach or the mountainside, you can have it either way at Olympic National Park in Washington State. The park is RV-friendly, located on the Olympic Peninsula, and encapsulates the Olympic Mountains and Hoh Rainforest. Visitors can collect rocks on the Pacific Ocean and trek through ancient Spruce Trees in the rainforest, all on the same day. The park has sixteen campgrounds that can accommodate RVs on a first-come, first-served basis, so showing up early morning is advisable.

3 of 10

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

With many RV resorts located just outside town, Gatlinburg is a fantastic choice for your next getaway. Found near the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and with tourist destinations galore inside the city’s limitations, you’ll have your choice of attractions and activities in this Tennessee town.

4 of 10

Door County, Wisconsin

Door County is a must-do if unwinding on the shores of Lake Michigan sounds appealing to you. This Wisconsin Peninsula has several RV parks, wineries, trekking tracks, and pristine beaches prepared just for your pleasure.

5 of 10

Durango, Colorado

Found near the San Juan National Park in Colorado, Durango is a stunning mountain town. The downtown locations feature stores and plenty of dining experiences. There are several parks for RVers near the edge of the city. Directly outside Durango is the Mesa Verde National Park, where visitors garner views of ruins from cave-dwelling civilizations.

6 of 10

Moab, Utah

There are some excellent RV resorts to choose from in Moab, a town surrounded by the red rock in Eastern Utah. Moab is known for its mountain cycling, ATV trails, first-rate trekking tracks, and closeness to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.

7 of 10

Sedona, Arizona

Put Sedona on your list to capture the city’s vibe. This town in Arizona has shopping, dining, and trekking options for everybody. Sedona boasts several “vortexes,” basically rather large rock formations that purportedly produce energy. This place is worth checking out with several RV parks near the city and surrounding Coconino National Forest.

8 of 10

Acadia National Park, Maine

Plan to stop along the way at Acadia National Forest, situated along the coasts of the Atlantic in Maine, is a must-do. Just Like Olympic National Forest, Acadia grants visitors the opportunity to trek in the mountains and lounge on the beach on the same day. You can view a few parks spread throughout the area and neighboring Bar Harbor, but you must make reservations ahead of time.

9 of 10

Blue Ridge Parkway – North Carolina to Virginia

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a beautiful place to drive that starts in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in N. Carolina and ends in the Shenandoah National Forest in Virginia. The path is mountainous and picturesque, with a modest selection of RV camping grounds along the way.

10 of 10

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Make Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming part of your itinerary. This park is the pinnacle of outdoor camping spots for any RVer, with many of them inside the park. I am sure you’ll take the time to take advantage of the scenic mountain views and gaze upon the geysers.

How Much Does It Cost for a Cross Country Road Trip?

A road trip cross country is a great way to spend time with family or friends. But how much does it cost? The answer depends on a few variables, including the length of the trip, the number of people traveling, and the type of RV you rent.

Here are some things to consider when budgeting for your trip:

The cost of gas: Depending on your RV’s mileage and the current gas price, you can expect to spend between $200 and $1,000 on gas for the trip.

The cost of RV rental: You can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $5,000 per week for an RV rental. The size and amenities of the RV will affect the price.

How to Save Money When RVing America

RVing America and seeing the sights is great, but it can also be expensive. Here are some tips on how to save money when RVing:

1. Plan your route in advance and look for campgrounds that offer discounts.
2. Bring your food and cook meals instead of eating out.
3. Take advantage of free activities like hiking and swimming instead of spending money on attractions.
4. Look around for the best deals on gas and campground fees.
5. Join a club or group that offers discounts on camping fees and other benefits.

Conclusion: Why an RV Vacation is the Best Way to See the USA

RV vacations are simply the best way to see all the USA offers. On your next RV trip, pick one of the places and begin preparing today to arrive at your destination for one of the most fantastic vacations of your RV life. RV vacations are the best for several reasons:

First, RV vacation trips are relatively inexpensive compared to other vacation options.

Second, RVing offers great flexibility regarding where you can go and what you can do.

Third, RVs provide an opportunity to connect with nature and uniquely experience the country.

Fourth, RV vacations allow you to travel at your own pace. You can stop when you want to explore a particular area and don’t have to worry about making reservations or sticking to a strict schedule.

Fifth, RVs are comfortable and homey, so you’ll always have a place to relax after a long day of exploring.

Happy Travels!