In this beginner’s trip guide, we’ll take you from coast to coast in seven states, offering a variety of experiences and landscapes so you can decide on one of these as your perfect road trip. As with all things travel, the most important thing is to follow your heart.
From the tiny pocket park cut into the side of a cliff-side cliff in San Diego State Park to the towering redwoods of Olympic National Park, we’ll take you all around California while showing you some great camping spots along the way.
Table of Contents
1. The Grand Canyon.
In addition to the amazing scenery, you’ll be able to enjoy the night sky without light pollution. The Grand Canyon is one of the darkest places in North America, so it’s a great place for stargazers. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to see wildlife such as deer, coyotes and elk.
There are many RV parks near the Grand Canyon that cater specifically to RVs—including some with hookups that can accommodate larger rigs (like Class A or Class C motorhomes).
2. San Diego.
San Diego is a great place to visit for the first time. There are so many things to do, and it’s easy to spend a week or two there. You can go to the zoo, or go surfing at one of the beaches nearby.
It’s also an excellent destination if you’re looking for something slightly more adventurous than your typical RV trip. If you’re not sure whether you want your RV trip to be more low key or high energy, San Diego might be perfect for you!
3. Orlando, Florida.
Orlando is a great place to visit because it has many attractions, restaurants and hotels. Orlando is a popular destination for vacationing with children. There are many places to stay in Orlando and there are also many places to shop. Orlando is a place that you can visit if you want to go on an RV trip with your family or friends.
4. Olympic National Park, Washington.
Olympic National Park is a great place to take a beginner RV trip. The park has over 100 miles of hiking trails, and it’s home to a number of wildlife species including black bears, wolves and mountain goats. In addition to the hiking opportunities, there’s also plenty of opportunity for exploration in Olympic National Forest, which surrounds the park’s boundaries.
If you’re looking for something truly remote with less crowds than other national parks like Yosemite or Yellowstone, then this might be your destination!
It can get cold during the winter months so be sure that you pack extra blankets along with warm clothing if you plan on camping overnight here (which we recommend). Also remember that there are no gas stations nearby so bring extra fuel if necessary!
5. Yosemite National Park, California.
Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular destinations in California, but it’s also a great place for beginners because it’s easy to get to and has plenty of places to explore.
There are lots of activities for RVers to do in Yosemite including hiking, biking, and swimming. If you want to stay overnight at Yosemite then there are campgrounds that you can reserve or free campsites where you can park your RV overnight.
The Curry Village Campground is one of the best campgrounds in the park because it’s right next to Half Dome Village which has an outdoor pool with an amazing view of Half Dome mountain!
If you’re not feeling up for hiking then don’t worry because there are lots of other things that you can do here like biking around Mariposa Grove (the largest sequoia grove) or just relaxing by the river listening to music on your boombox 😉
The scenery at this national park is absolutely breathtaking so make sure not forget your camera when visiting this destination!
6. California’s Highway 1.
- How to get there: You’ll have to fly into San Francisco or Los Angeles, both of which are international airports that operate 24 hours a day.
- Things to see and do: Highway 1 runs along the California coast from Los Angeles through Santa Barbara, where it ends in San Luis Obispo. Along the way are hundreds of wineries, restaurants with incredible views, beach towns and state parks.
- What to eat: The seafood is fresh and so is everything else on your plate (especially if you’re near Santa Barbara). Try fresh sardines at Sotto Mare in Santa Barbara for lunch; fish tacos at The Mona Lisa for dinner; or pizza at Sloughhouse (the name says it all). If you want something more traditional American fare like burgers or fries check out In-N-Out Burger—it’s one of California’s most famous eateries!
- What to bring: Don’t forget your camera! This trip has so many photo opportunities that even a professional photographer might not be able to capture them all in one visit. Bring comfortable shoes because you will be walking quite a bit during this trip as there aren’t any roads except those right next to the ocean (and those get washed out often during storms). A hat will protect against sunburns if anything else fails while exploring this beautiful state!
7. Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington.
Visiting Mt. Rainier National Park is a great choice for RVers who want to experience nature but are new to camping. Located in Washington, this park has so much to offer: hiking trails, beautiful vistas, and wildlife viewing.
The best time to go is from May through September when the weather is most pleasant, though October can also be nice if you’re comfortable with cooler temperatures (it was raining when we visited).
The park has over 100 miles of hiking trails that range from easy walking paths to strenuous climbs that lead you up close with the mountain itself. We did several hikes during our visit, including Spray Park and Paradise Glacier Trail which offers beautiful views at every turn.
The visitor center also offers free ranger programs throughout the day where guests can learn about Mount Rainier’s history as well as current conservation efforts being made by rangers who work there today.
These programs are led by volunteers so they cost nothing except your time! You must be able to walk at least 2 miles without assistance from others before attempting any of these hikes though; some are considered more difficult than others so please take note beforehand!
Taking an RV trip can be scary but here are some great places to explore while you’re still new to the RV experience.
- American West: The American West is one of the most iconic destinations in the United States, and it’s also one that offers a variety of activities for first-time RVers. From hiking to fishing to sightseeing, there are plenty of things you can do there.
- Florida: Florida has some of the best beaches in America, so if you’re looking to go on an RV trip with your family and enjoy some time at the beach while learning how to use your new vehicle, this could be a great place for you!
- Arizona: If you’re looking for somewhere with great natural scenery but without as much tourist activity as some other national parks offer, then Arizona might be perfect for your first RV trip!
Conclusion
We hope that you’ve enjoyed reading about these best RV trips for beginners. They’re some of our favorite places and we think they’ll be yours, too! If you feel like your inner adventurer is itching to explore, get out there and find your own adventure! Of course, always remember to have fun and stay safe!