The Ultimate RV Road Trip: 8 Iconic Routes Across the Country
Are you looking for an inspirational journey for your next RV road trip?
America’s iconic routes are the trips that many RVers dream about. Any experienced explorer will tell you that these routes are the ones you should add to any bucket list. If you’re looking for these unique road trips and want to learn about eight of them, then you need to read this article.
When it comes to iconic routes, there is no better way to get an all-American experience than by taking a road trip across the nation. With a variety of natural and manmade attractions, there are now eight iconic routes that can only be found in America.
Be inspired to take a road trip across the country with these eight must-see routes for RV adventures.
Table of Contents
1. Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the best RV trips across the country. Stretching 469 miles through Virginia and North Carolina, the route affords incredible views of the Appalachian mountains and pastures, layered ridges, and lush forests.
Along the route, visitors will marvel at breathtaking vistas, historic sites, and quaint towns. It’s the perfect route for anyone seeking to experience the beauty of the Appalachian mountains.
Every twist and turn of the road reveals an amazing new landscape. Wildlife sightings are common, including deer, wild turkeys, black bears, and plenty of birds. There are also several places to stop for hikes, to explore historic sites, or to pull over and take in the views with a well-deserved picnic. The route also passes through the cities of Ashville, North Carolina and Roanoke, Virginia, offering plenty of opportunities for shopping, dining, and recreation.
There are also plenty of places to stop for food and supplies, giving travelers ample opportunity to really get a sense of the local cultures and experience a variety of activities like fishing, kayaking, and rafting. All in all, RVing along the Blue Ridge Parkway is an unforgettable experience!
2. Big Sur Coastal Highway
Big Sur Coastal Highway is one of the iconic routes across the country on the ultimate RV road trip bucket list. It is a winding, cliff-hugging roller coaster of a highway that runs along California’s majestic Big Sur Coastline. Its breathtaking views of crystal clear blue waters and spectacular forest views will leave you captivated.
The 135 miles of coastline highway is located in central California, running between Carmel and San Simeon and is one of California’s most beautiful drives. The area is known for its steep cliffs and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, with endless points of scenic stops along the way.
It is a perfect place for spotting wildlife, taking pictures, and enjoying the beauty of nature. There are numerous campgrounds, beautiful beaches, and numerous hiking trails. It is the perfect route to take for an unforgettable and scenic RV road trip.
The journey is an unforgettable experience and can be done in one day or spread out over a few days, depending on how long you want to enjoy the scenery. There are many camping spots where you can rest and relax and take in the views.
Stop and explore the beaches, spot sea lions and otters, and snap plenty of photos of this drive that will leave you with a lifelong memory of one of the most amazing roads to take on your RV road trip.
3. Columbia River Highway
The Columbia River Highway is an iconic roadway that runs for 76 miles in Oregon. This spectacular route offers magnificent views of the Columbia Gorge, filled with spectacular cascading waterfalls, basalt canyons, rolling hills, and lush forests. A journey along the Columbia River Highway is a road trip you’ll never forget.
Along the way you’ll traverse the stately town of Mosier, taking in the river bluffs along the way. As you move further along the highway, you’ll soon be surrounded by the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, with its beautiful lush verdant cliffs. And as you drive along the waterfront town of Hood River, you can take in a stunning view of glistening Mount Hood, a must-see in its own right.
Exploring the Columbia River Highway is one of the ultimate road trips across America, and you’ll never forget the beauty you witness along the way. There are numerous places to camp and explore on the way.
During the trip, make sure to check out local gems like Vista House, Multnomah Falls, and the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail. With so much to see and do, the Columbia River Highway is the perfect stop for a cross-country road trip.
4. Desert Southeast
The Desert Southeast has so much to offer an RV traveler looking for the best RV destinations. From Louisiana to the Hill Country of Texas, experience the region’s romantic history, vibrant cities, and inspiring landscapes. Visit cities like New Orleans, Jackson, Baton Rouge, and Austin, then explore the Big Bend National Park.
Discover the charming small towns, mountain peaks, rugged deserts, and pristine rivers of the Southwest. Whether your journey begins in Arizona or Texas, the Desert Southeast offers a unique look at the wonders of the American Southwest. A road trip through this region is an unforgettable experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Be sure to stop by the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley; no matter how many times you’ve been, awe-inspiring views and legendary stories live on. The red rocks of Sedona create a romantic landscape perfect for long days spent enjoying sunsets and the beauty of the desert all around.
You could also choose to drive through ghost towns, stark panoramas, and geologic wonders. To complete your expedition, why not bookend your trip with a dinner at an iconic Tucson cafe and take in all the flavor that Arizona has to offer.
As you journey through the area you can take in the unique culture, sights, smells and sounds of the Southwest.
5. Highway 71
Highway 71 is a great route for a classic road trip with an RV. Starting in Fayetteville, Arkansas, it runs through the states of Missouri, Iowa, and Minnesota, and ends in Canada. This 2,400-mile route is full of iconic, historic, and stunning sights. Highlights include the natural splendor of Bryce Canyon in Utah, the historic Route 66 in Arizona, and the majestic redwoods of Northern California.
Along the way, travelers will find plenty of spectacular attractions, from camping and glamping to historical sites and picturesque drives. From the Ozark Mountains in Arkansas to the Great River Road in Iowa, the journey offers a gold mine of exciting activities and natural beauty.
Popular stops are the Booneville Bluff State Park and the Effigy Mounds National Monument. Those who continue into Minnesota will find themselves in the famed Boundary Waters Wilderness Area and Voyageurs National Park. With endless scenic drives and opportunities to explore, Highway 71 is truly an unforgettable journey.
Along the way, classic road trip stops offer a glimpse of quintessential American roadside attractions and small-town eateries. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or an adrenaline seeker, Highway 71 has something to offer everyone. From the sweeping views to the unique culture and flavors, this road trip is a truly memorable experience.
6. Route 66 for RVs
The iconic Route 66 has been a road trip destination for RVers for decades. A custom van conversion is perfect for a long trip and a great way down iconic Route 66 is something that you can’t pass up! It stretches from Chicago, Illinois to Los Angeles, California, snaking through 8 states and 79 cities.
With its true Americana feel and its compelling history, this is a trip you will never forget. From Chicago, IL, you will enjoy famous stops such as Albuquerque, NM and the Grand Canyon Village in Arizona.
You will also have the chance to explore the beautiful landscapes of the area while visiting the iconic Route 66 attractions. There are a host of great RV camping spots to choose from along this route where you can set up camp and take in the stunning natural surroundings. With the combination of the stunning landscape, great attractions, and camping spots, it is easy to see why Route 66 should be at the top of your Ultimate RV Road Trip list.
You can also explore some off-the-beaten-path gems, like the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in Missouri, and the Wigwam Motel in Arizona. For RVers looking to get the true Route 66 experience, it’s one of the ultimate RV road trips!
7. The California Loop
The California Loop is an iconic American RV road trip and should not be missed. This trip takes you through eight iconic routes over 8,000 miles. Travelers will experience some of the most spectacular landscapes in the country with beautiful coastline, rolling inland hills, and majestic redwood forests.
Along with breathtaking views, there are many outdoor activities available such as camping, fishing, hiking, rafting, and much more. You will be able to explore some of the most breathtaking views of the country, from the Redwoods of California to the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. In California, start your journey at the border of Mexico and take in the sun-drenched coastlines.
Next, drive to San Diego for views of the wild Pacific Coast and the hill country of the San Gabriel Mountains. Cruise up the inland coast to witness the alien landscape of Joshua Tree National Park before reaching the cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco. Finally, take in the awe-inspiring view of the Golden Gate Bridge and Big Sur before driving up north to the redwoods.
With state parks, beach campsites, and RV-friendly towns and cities, the California Loop also allows for plenty of stops for all kinds of RVer needs. From San Diego to San Francisco this epic journey can be completed in as little as two weeks, giving plenty of time to take in all of the natural wonders that the state has to offer while creating lifelong memories.
Along the way, enjoy the great outdoors in national parks, beaches, forests, and cities. So whether you’re an experienced RV-er or a newbie, the California Loop will provide you with an unforgettable vacation.
8. South Eastern Seaboard
The South Eastern Seaboard is the perfect destination for RV road trippers looking to explore and experience some of the best attractions across the United States. Stretching from Maine to Florida, the South Eastern Seaboard has some of the most iconic routes in the country. Be prepared to be absolutely awestruck as you journey through this beautiful part of the country.
Starting in Florida, this route takes you up the coast into Georgia, Alabama, South and North Carolina, as well as, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey. With an RV, you can enjoy the flexibility of visiting any of the amazing national parks, recreation areas, and city life along the South Eastern Seaboard.
Along the way, stop by the Everglades, tour Fort McHenry, taste some succulent seafood, and experience some of the most amazing beaches. The incredible array of sights you’ll experience will make you feel like you’ve been transported to a different world. Whether looking for a sunny vacation destination or a rich history lesson, the South Eastern Seaboard will not disappoint.
Take On These Amazing RV Adventures Now
This is the ultimate RV road trip experience, providing a memorable journey across the country. With eight iconic routes to choose from, you will never be short of RV adventures. Now is the perfect time to start planning your ultimate RV trip, create lifelong memories, and explore the amazing sights and sounds of America.
Start planning your trip today and get ready to hit the open road.
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Last Updated on July 5, 2023
