Make this the Summer of the road trip! What to see and where to stay.
This summer is all about making up for the lost vacations from the last year, and what better way to see it all (and make up for lost time) than a road trip to our country’s beautiful state and national parks! Pack up the car or, better yet, try out the popular RV lifestyle by renting an RV from peer-to-peer rental platform Outdoorsy.
As always, pinpointing where to go can be the hardest part but we’re here to help. We’re sharing some of the most scenic views across the country and where to stay when taking in all this beautiful country has to offer.
Arizona: Red Rock State Park
If you’re visiting the Sedona area, Red Rock State Park provides some of the most breathtaking scenery you may ever see. Simply strolling through this rugged valley with its startling sandstone formations is a sight for the eyes, but if you choose to visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross, you’ll add to the magnificent spectacle. Built into the buttes of the Red Rocks, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is considered an architectural wonder. Spend the night at the Verde Valley RV Campground in Cottonwood just a 30-minute drive from Red Rock State Park. Bring your RV or stay in one of their adorable tiny houses or cabin rentals.
California: Yosemite National Park
Any way you slice it, Yosemite National Park is one of the most scenic spots on Earth. To get a spectacular view of the Park’s highlights, including Half Dome and Yosemite Falls, take in the scenery from Glacier Point. With a commanding elevation of 7,214 feet, this popular overlook is a great way to see all the beauty of the Yosemite Valley. You can set up your home base at Yosemite Lakes RV Campground only five miles from the west entrance of the national park. Park your RV in a full hookup site or stay in one of their cozy riverside yurts.
Maine: Acadia National Park
Thunder Hole in Acadia National Park is named due to the thundering sound that occurs when the waves of the Atlantic roll into the cavern on this inlet at Acadia. The water can splash as high as 40 feet! Thunder Hole also offers fabulous views of Otter Cliff and the Great Head from the safety of an observation deck. A seaside RV site or a colorful cottage at Narrows Too RV Campground in Trenton is the perfect place to stay for a visit to Acadia and offers amazing views of the Mt. Desert Narrows Island.
New Hampshire: Odiorne State Park
Pick your favorite vista when you visit Odiorne State Park, in Rye. There are beautiful views of the woodlands, the rocky coastline and the Atlantic Ocean. On a clear day you can see the Isles of Shoals, a small group of six islands located about six miles off the coast. In addition to the views, there is also the Seacoast Science Center and the remains of Fort Dearborn, established during World War II to help protect the Portsmouth Harbor. Tuxbury RV Campground is a little over 30 minutes from Rye and is the perfect hideaway. Enjoy the beautiful swimming pool, kayak on the pond and then retreat to your RV or one of their cozy tiny house vacation rentals.
Pennsylvania: Tucquan Glen Nature Preserve
One of the most scenic spots in Lancaster County is Tucquan Glen Nature Preserve. Lake and river views, as well as streams, creeks, and waterfalls are just a few of the scenic details here. The rugged terrain of the woodlands provides possible glimpses of the preserve’s wildlife inhabitants, including coyotes, fox, and deer. Several well-marked trails lead the way as you explore the amazing scenery. A little over 20 minutes from the Preserve, visit Circle M RV Campground which offers both RV sites and yurt rentals, the perfect way to enhance this once in a lifetime vacation.
Washington: Kerry Park
Kerry Park, in Seattle, is the perfect spot to grab a panoramic view of the Emerald City. If you’ve seen such a shot in a magazine or movie, it was most likely taken from Kerry Park. There are so many pluses to visiting this location. Not only is the view of the city skyline spectacular, two bonus views include Mt. Rainier and Elliot Bay. Also, the charming neighborhood of Queen Anne provides views of 19th century homes in Upper Queen Anne, and another one of Seattle’s best locations for amazing views, the Space Needle, in Lower Queen Anne. Seattle is a perfect day trip when you stay at the Leavenworth RV Campground. Park your RV, pitch a tent or rent a cabin or cottage.
