USA RV road trip planner for RVs, campervans and motorhomes
Planning the ultimate USA driving route?
The USA is a huge country and unless you have months and months of holiday then you won't be able to see it all in one go. Plan your USA road trip to explore one or two States or one region at a time.
All the Campervan, RV and Motorhome depots are listed in our booking engine and you can get a free quote to compare rates from different cities and States.
Popular road trip routes include visits to National Parks and Monuments combined with the fun of visiting theme-parks and cities.
Choose your RV well. Don't be put off by the size of the campervans and motorhomes for your road trip as the roads, campsites, and parking lots are bigger and wider to accommodate the larger RVs.
How long does it take to drive across the USA?
In an RV between 5 and 7 days. However, depending on your holiday plan at least 5 to 6 weeks minimum if you want to have a holiday and an adventure.
How long should you rent an RV or motorhome for?
The USA is vast. Consider renting for a couple of weeks and driving a circuit then fly to another city and pick up point and drive another circuit. This will save you long distance drives so you can maximise your time.
RV, motorhome and campervan rental depots:
The main depots for an RV road trip are in almost every USA State and everywhere in between.
Our intrepid customers drive across the USA from East to West and back again.
We have listed our suggestions below by popular destinations and will be adding more throughout the year.
The most popular arrival destinations for renting a motorhome in the USA are:
- Los Angeles,
- San Francisco,
- Las Vegas,
- New York,
- Denver
- Miami.
The routes below include highlights such as the Grand Canyon, Disney World, and Route 66.
Taking some time to plan out your route will ensure that you see both the highlights that you have built your road trip around but also you will come across those unexpected gems that every road trip throws up out of the blue!
Top Road Trips in a Campervan from Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a great starting point for a campervan road trip. There are so many amazing places to see and things to do in California, and a campervan gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Here are some of the best road trips you can take from Los Angeles in a campervan:
This scenic route along the California coast is a must-do for any campervan traveller. Start your trip in Los Angeles and drive south along the coast, stopping to explore beaches, towns, and state parks along the way. Some of the highlights include Malibu, Santa Monica, and San Diego.
Day 1: Los Angeles to Joshua Tree National Park
Distance: Approx. 130 miles (210 km)
Driving Time: About 2.5-3 hours
Activities: Explore Joshua Tree's unique landscapes, hike, stargaze.
Campsite: Joshua Tree National Park campgrounds.
Top Site: Keys View for stunning desert vistas.
Day 2-3: Joshua Tree to Palm Springs
Distance: Approx. 40 miles (64 km)
Driving Time: About 1 hour
Activities: Visit art galleries, hike in Indian Canyons, explore Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
Campsite: Nearby RV parks or campgrounds.
Day 4-5: Palm Springs to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Distance: Approx. 80 miles (130 km)
Driving Time: About 2 hours
Activities: Enjoy desert hiking, view wildflowers (seasonal), visit the slot canyons.
Campsite: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park campgrounds.
Day 6-7: Anza-Borrego to Julian
Distance: Approx. 60 miles (97 km)
Driving Time: About 1.5 hours
Activities: Visit historic Julian town, orchards, and try their famous apple pie.
Campsite: Nearby RV parks or Julian area campgrounds.
Day 8-9: Julian to Laguna Beach
Distance: Approx. 85 miles (137 km)
Driving Time: About 2 hours
Activities: Relax on the beaches, visit art galleries, enjoy coastal vibes.
Campsite: Laguna Beach area RV parks or campgrounds.
Day 10-11: Laguna Beach to San Juan Capistrano
Distance: Approx. 20 miles (32 km)
Driving Time: About 30 minutes
Activities: Visit Mission San Juan Capistrano, explore historic sites.
Campsite: RV parks or nearby campgrounds.
Day 12-14: San Juan Capistrano to San Diego
Distance: Approx. 60 miles (97 km)
Driving Time: About 1 hour
Activities: Explore San Diego's Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, USS Midway Museum, and Gaslamp Quarter.
Campsite: San Diego area RV parks or campgrounds.
Top 5 Tips for an Adventure-Packed RV Trip:
- Plan Flexibly: Allow room for spontaneity; some sites may surprise you.
- Pack Essentials: Water, extra fuel, hiking gear, and a first-aid kit are crucial.
- Research Campgrounds: Book campsites in advance, especially in popular areas.
- Local Cuisine: Try regional specialties at local eateries for a unique experience.
- Connect with Locals: Engage with locals for insider tips and hidden gems.
This stunning park is home to towering granite cliffs, giant sequoia trees, and cascading waterfalls. It's a great place to go hiking, camping, and fishing.
14-Day RV Trip Itinerary: Los Angeles to San Francisco
Day 1: Los Angeles to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Distance: Approx. 200 miles (320 km)
Driving Time: About 4-5 hours
Activities: Explore the giant sequoias, hiking trails.
Campsite: Campgrounds within the national parks.
Day 2-3: Sequoia and Kings Canyon to Yosemite National Park
Distance: Approx. 150 miles (240 km)
Driving Time: About 3-4 hours
Activities: Discover Yosemite Valley, hikes to waterfalls.
Campsite: Yosemite National Park campgrounds.
Day 4-5: Yosemite to Lake Tahoe
Distance: Approx. 175 miles (280 km)
Driving Time: About 3-4 hours
Activities: Enjoy the lake, hiking, water sports.
Campsite: Lake Tahoe area RV parks or campgrounds.
Day 6-7: Lake Tahoe to Lassen Volcanic National Park
Distance: Approx. 200 miles (320 km)
Driving Time: About 4-5 hours
Activities: Explore volcanic landscapes, hiking trails.
Campsite: Lassen Volcanic National Park campgrounds.
Day 8-9: Lassen Volcanic to Redwood National and State Parks
Distance: Approx. 280 miles (450 km)
Driving Time: About 5-6 hours
Activities: Experience old-growth forests, coastal scenery.
Campsite: Campgrounds within Redwood National and State Parks.
Day 10-11: Redwood National and State Parks to Mendocino
Distance: Approx. 150 miles (240 km)
Driving Time: About 3-4 hours
Activities: Explore coastal cliffs, art galleries.
Campsite: RV parks or campgrounds in the Mendocino area.
Day 12-14: Mendocino to San Francisco
Distance: Approx. 150 miles (240 km)
Driving Time: About 3-4 hours
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Activities: Discover San Francisco's landmarks, culture, and cuisine.
Campsite: San Francisco area RV parks or campgrounds.
Top 5 Tips for an Adventurous RV Trip:
- Plan Varied Activities: Include hikes, water activities, cultural experiences for a diverse trip.
- Flexible Schedule: Allow for detours or unplanned stops to discover hidden gems.
- Weather Preparedness: Pack for changing climates, especially in mountainous regions.
- Campsite Reservations: Book campsites in advance, especially in popular areas or during peak seasons.
- Local Insights: Engage with locals for recommendations on lesser-known attractions or dining spots.
This otherworldly park is home to some of the most extreme landscapes in the world, including salt flats, sand dunes, and mountains. It's a great place to go hiking, camping, and stargazing.
14-Day Road Trip Itinerary: Las Vegas to San Francisco
Day 1: Las Vegas to Death Valley National Park
Distance: Approx. 120 miles (193 km)
Driving Time: About 2-3 hours
Activities: Explore Badwater Basin, Artist's Palette, Dante's View.
Campsite: Furnace Creek Campground (Check for safe travel dates).
Day 2-3: Death Valley to Yosemite National Park
Distance: Approx. 325 miles (523 km)
Driving Time: About 6-7 hours
Activities: Hike Yosemite Falls, visit Glacier Point, Mariposa Grove.
Campsite: Yosemite National Park campgrounds.
Day 4-5: Yosemite to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Distance: Approx. 200 miles (322 km)
Driving Time: About 4-5 hours
Activities: Experience General Sherman Tree, Moro Rock, Kings Canyon Scenic Byway.
Campsite: Campgrounds within the parks.
Day 6-7: Sequoia and Kings Canyon to Pinnacles National Park
Distance: Approx. 250 miles (402 km)
Driving Time: About 5-6 hours
Activities: Explore cave trails, rock climbing, birdwatching.
Campsite: Pinnacles National Park campgrounds.
Day 8-9: Pinnacles to Big Sur (Monterey or Carmel)
Distance: Approx. 150 miles (241 km)
Driving Time: About 3-4 hours
Activities: Enjoy scenic coastal drives, visit Bixby Creek Bridge, McWay Falls.
Campsite: RV parks or campgrounds in the area.
Day 10-11: Big Sur to Santa Cruz
Distance: Approx. 70 miles (113 km)
Driving Time: About 1.5-2 hours
Activities: Visit Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Natural Bridges State Beach.
Campsite: RV parks or campgrounds in Santa Cruz area.
Day 12-13: Santa Cruz to San Francisco
Distance: Approx. 70 miles (113 km)
Driving Time: About 1.5-2 hours
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Activities: Explore Golden Gate Park, Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz Island.
Campsite: San Francisco area RV parks or campgrounds.
Top Tips for an Adventurous Trip:
- Weather Check: Confirm safe travel dates for Death Valley due to extreme heat.
- Campsite Reservations: Book campsites in advance, especially in popular national parks.
- Trail Safety: Follow park guidelines for hiking and stay hydrated in desert areas.
- Vehicle Maintenance: Ensure your RV is in good condition for the diverse terrain.
- Local Exploration: Engage with park rangers and locals for insider tips and hidden spots.
This park is home to a unique blend of desert and mountain landscapes. It's a great place to go hiking, camping, and rock climbing.
San Diego to Los Angeles Road Trip
San Diego to Los Angeles Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1: San Diego to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Distance: Approximately 85 miles (137 kilometers)
Driving Time: Around 1.5 to 2 hours
Camp at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground or Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Campground.
Day 2-3: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Explore the park's trails and sights.
No significant additional driving.
Day 4-5: Anza-Borrego to Joshua Tree National Park
Distance: Approximately 175 miles (282 kilometers)
Driving Time: About 3 hours
Camp at Hidden Valley Campground or Jumbo Rocks Campground.
Day 6-7: Joshua Tree National Park to Palm Springs
Distance: Around 40 miles (64 kilometers)
Driving Time: Approximately 1 hour
Visit attractions in Palm Springs.
Day 8-9: Palm Springs to Big Bear Lake
Distance: Approximately 100 miles (161 kilometers)
Driving Time: Around 2.5 hours
Camp at Serrano Campground or Holcomb Valley Campground.
Day 10-11: Big Bear Lake to Angeles National Forest
Distance: Approximately 60 miles (97 kilometers)
Driving Time: About 1.5 hours
Camp at Buckhorn Campground or Chilao Campground.
Day 12-13: Angeles National Forest to Malibu and Santa Monica
Distance: Around 80 miles (129 kilometers)
Driving Time: Approximately 2 hours
Camp at Malibu Beach RV Park or Leo Carrillo State Park.
Day 14: Santa Monica to Los Angeles
Distance: Approximately 20 miles (32 kilometers)
Driving Time: About 40 minutes
Explore iconic landmarks in Los Angeles.
Top 5 Tips for an Adventurous RV Trip:
- Off-the-Grid Preparation: Plan for stretches without service or amenities. Carry extra water, food, and fuel to ensure preparedness.
- Exploration Gear: Pack hiking boots, binoculars, maps, and guidebooks for impromptu adventures.
- Flexible Itinerary: Embrace spontaneity and adjust plans based on weather or local recommendations.
- Engage Locals: Talk to locals for hidden gems and unique insights.
- Night Sky Adventures: Bring a telescope or stargazing apps for remote campsites.
Remember, these driving times are approximate and can vary based on traffic, road conditions, and stops along the way. Adjust your schedule accordingly to make the most of your adventure!
This iconic park is home to one of the world's most famous natural wonders. It's a great place to go hiking, camping, and mule riding.
Las Vegas to Los Angeles Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Las Vegas to Zion National Park
Distance: Approximately 160 miles (257 kilometers)
Driving Time: About 2.5 to 3 hours
Visit Zion National Park, hike the Narrows or Angels Landing.
Camp at Watchman Campground or South Campground.
Day 2-3: Zion National Park
Explore more trails, experience the Weeping Rock or Emerald Pools.
Day 4: Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park
Distance: Around 72 miles (116 kilometers)
Driving Time: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours
Marvel at Bryce Canyon's hoodoos, hike the Navajo Loop or Queens Garden Trail.
Camp at North Campground or Sunset Campground.
Day 5: Bryce Canyon National Park to Lake Powell/Page
Distance: Approximately 160 miles (257 kilometers)
Driving Time: About 2.5 to 3 hours
Visit Antelope Canyon or enjoy water activities at Lake Powell.
Camp at Wahweap Campground or nearby RV parks.
Day 6-7: Grand Canyon National Park (North Rim)
Distance: Around 150 miles (241 kilometers)
Driving Time: Approximately 3 hours
Explore the North Rim, hike the North Kaibab Trail or Cape Royal Trail.
Camp at North Rim Campground or nearby sites.
Day 8-9: Grand Canyon to Joshua Tree National Park
Distance: Approximately 340 miles (547 kilometers)
Driving Time: About 5 to 6 hours
Drive to Joshua Tree National Park, explore unique rock formations and hike various trails.
Camp at Hidden Valley Campground or Jumbo Rocks Campground.
Day 10-11: Joshua Tree National Park to Palm Springs
Distance: Around 40 miles (64 kilometers)
Driving Time: Approximately 1 hour
Enjoy Palm Springs attractions like the Aerial Tramway or visit local hot springs.
Stay at RV parks or campgrounds nearby.
Day 12: Palm Springs to Angeles National Forest
Distance: Approximately 110 miles (177 kilometers)
Driving Time: About 2 to 2.5 hours
Arrive at Angeles National Forest, explore hiking trails or go rock climbing.
Camp at Buckhorn Campground or Chilao Campground.
Day 13: Angeles National Forest to Malibu and Santa Monica
Distance: Around 50 miles (80 kilometers)
Driving Time: Approximately 1 to 1.5 hours
Visit Malibu's beaches, explore Santa Monica Pier, and relax by the coast.
Camp at Malibu Beach RV Park or nearby sites.
Day 14: Santa Monica to Los Angeles
Distance: Approximately 20 miles (32 kilometers)
Driving Time: About 40 minutes
Explore iconic landmarks in Los Angeles before concluding the trip.
Tips for an Adventurous Road Trip:
- Backcountry Exploration: Consider guided tours or hikes in less-visited areas for a unique experience.
- Adventure Gear: Pack climbing gear, water sports equipment, and hiking essentials for outdoor activities.
- Sunrise and Sunset Views: Plan to witness stunning views at different locations.
- Flexible Schedule: Allow room for spontaneity and adjust plans based on local recommendations.
- Wildlife Spotting: Keep an eye out for wildlife in each park.
This road trip offers a blend of iconic national parks, outdoor activities, and breathtaking landscapes along the way. Adjust the itinerary based on your interests and available time!
Route 66
Route 66 is one of the most popular routes for a USA RV Road Trip. Plan to drive it between May and October for the best weather. Route 66 driving tips So too is the trans-America journey where you collect in New York and return to Los Angeles or vice versa.
These are just a few of the many great road trips that you can take from Los Angeles in a campervan. With so much to see and do, you're sure to have an unforgettable adventure.
Take your time planning your road trip to make sure you find the places that are top of your list and then allow lots of spare time to go off course and explore more.
Here are a couple of general links to start you off:
Follow the changing Autumn leaves and colours in New England
The dramatic New England fall foliage starts in the northern New England states (Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire) typically in late September and moves down to the southern New England states (Connecticut, Massachusetts Rhode Island) around late October New England Foliage Map
Oklahoma also has fabulous Autumn colours on the Talimena National Scenic Byway, in south-eastern Oklahoma. Another popular spot in autumn is Arbuckle Lake and Chickasaw National Recreation Area. Visit from late October to early November. Oklahoma Travel Guide
Fall foliage maps updated in the autumn season:
- Connecticut Fall Foliage Map
- Maine Fall Foliage Map
- New Hampshire Fall Foliage Map
- The Weather Channel: Fall Foliage Map
- Yankee Magazine Fall Foliage Report
Overnighting places in an RV
If you plan a long stretch of driving then use the Walmart car parks or the truck stops to spend the night.Wallmart locations.
Campsites are everywhere. If you plan to spend some time in the National Parks then book ahead. If you are visiting Disneyland or any of the theme parks, they all have RV parks for overnight stays and they are often themed too.
Take the bikes, pack a surf board, golf clubs or skate boards...there's plenty of room in the big-rigs.
Talk to your neighbours. There is a great network of RV'ers who will give you top advice on where to go and where to park up and where to eat.
Campsite bbq's and fire's are a great place to swap stories and advice.
Campsites and Caravan Parks in the USA
We strongly recommend you stay in a campsite (caravan (RV) park). USA has an extensive network of caravan parks in all major tourist centres and most towns.
You can also stay in National Parks. The facilities are not as good but they are all in spectacular locations. Check out the links on our Travel Planner page. USA Travel Planner
Powered sites enable you to connect your rig/campervan/motorhome to electricity.
Some companies provide discounts on campsites in USA through a voucher system. You can usually find discount vouchers on their websites before you travel. Book ahead if you are travelling in peak season especially in the National Parks.
Most US national parks have areas set aside for camping. There are often showers, toilets, barbecues and picnic areas. National parks are also beautiful and peaceful locations to stay overnight. However, national parks do not usually offer powered sites.
The USA's Army Corps of Engineers maintains hundreds of miles of coastline around lakes, rivers and the shorlines as well as walking trails and with that are hundreds of campsites. Check out their locations and booking terms.
Here is the link to the USA National Parks Website to book your site.USA National Parks Website to Book Campsites
America the Beautiful Pass costs under $100 per year (less for senior citizens) and gets you into more than 2,000 national parks, monuments, forests, and recreation sites.
- KOA Kampgrounds of America
- RV on the go
- USA govt information site on National Parks
- RV Dump Stations in the USA what more is there to be said.
- Campendium List of Dump Stations
- Good Sam RV Parks and Campgrounds
- Reserve America Campsites
- Go Camping America Campsite Guide
- Pitchup USA Campsite guide
- Camp overnight in a vinyard
- Yellowstone National Park RV Campsite Booking
- Camp Native campsites in the USA
- Reserve America Campsites
The Mountain Directory: A Guide For Truckers, RV And Motorhome Drivers is a useful guide to mountain passes and steep roads
Truck Stop Locations allow free overnight parking:
Useful link: Truck Stop Overnight Parking locator by State.
Free Overnight Parking on Private Property in the USA
Useful link: Overnight Parking on Private Property locator.
Casinos often allow overnight camping in their car parks.
Overnight parking at wineries, farms and homestays
Useful link: Overnight Parking on Wineries, Farms and Homestays locator.
A useful website that is kept up to date regularly is Campendium. It features articles and a State by State guide where to free- camp in the USA. Campendium Free Camping in the USA.
Free overnight camping? Boondocking, free camping, wild camping - here's some help:
It is perfectly ok to free-camp or wild camp or go boondocking in the USA. You need to be sure that you are allowed to park overnight. We have put together a list of overnight stops where you don't have to pay. Stay at one of these and you qualify as a boondocker!
Before you attempt to boondock, or free camp or wild camp it's worth reading a bit of advice. We found a good article by Campendium on Boondocking 101: Get Started Free Camping.
Yes, Walmart will allow you to free camp for a couple of nights in their car park.
- Walmart Locations By State.
- Casinos offer free overnight camping: Casino Camper
- Truck-stops are free: Truck Stop Locations by USA State
- Free Overnight Parking: Free overnight Rv Parking
- Free Overnight Parking on Private Property. Free Overnight Parking on Private Property.
- Free Overnight Parking at Wineries, Farms and Attractions: Free Overnight Parking at Wineries, Farms and Attractions.
- Free campsites
- Camp Overnight at Golf Clubs - membership required.
- Gas Buddy to find the cheapest fuel prices
- GasGuru
- GetUpside app a cash back for fuel.
- Good Sam for directions, rv parks, discounts.
Apps to help you find a campsite, plan a trip and more:
- The Dyrt App is a phone app that locates campsites for RVs.
- Campendium App also finds top campgrounds for RVs, campers and motorhomes.
- Roadtrippers App a trip planner includes activities and attractions.
- iExit a handy App for finding fuel, campsites near to interstate exits.
- Cruise America has its own app to help find RV parks, dump station etc
- National Parks App (iPhone/iPad)
RV Campsites by State:
Looking to find campsites in each State? Campgrounds by US State.
Tourism and Trip Planning
Official Tourism sites
| By state A-Z | ||
|---|---|---|
| Alabama - AL | Alaska - AK | Arizona - AZ |
| Arkansas - AR | California - CA | Colorado - CO |
| Connecticut - CT | Delaware - DE | Florida - FL |
| Georgia - GA | Hawaii - HI | Idaho - ID |
| Illinois - IL | Indiana - IN | Iowa - IA |
| Kansas - KS | Kentucky - KY | Louisiana - LA |
| Maine - ME | Maryland - MD | Massachusetts - MA |
| Michigan - MI | Minnesota - MN | Mississippi - MS |
| Missouri - MO | Montana - MT | Nebraska - NE |
| Nevada - NV | New Hampshire - NH | New Jersey - NJ |
| New Mexico - NM | New York - NY | North Carolina - NC |
| North Dakota - ND | Ohio - OH | Oklahoma - OK |
| Oregon - OR | Pennsylvania - PA | Rhode Island - RI |
| South Carolina - SC | South Dakota - SD | Tennessee - TN |
| Texas - TX | Utah - UT | Vermont - VT |
| Virginia - VA | Washington - WA | West Virginia - WV |
| Wisconsin - WI | Wyoming - WY |
Official Tourist Board sites by popular cities:
- ATLANTA (Georgia)
- BOSTON (Massachusetts)
- CHICAGO (Illinois)
- DALLAS (Texas)
- DENVER (Colorado)
- FORT LAUDERDALE (Florida)
- HOUSTON (Texas)
- LASVEGAS (Nevada)
- LOS ANGELES (California)
- MEMPHIS (Tennessee)
- MIAMI (Florida)
- NEW ORLEANS (Louisiana)
- NEW YORK CITY (NewYork)
- ORLANDO (Florida)
- PHILADELPHIA (Pennsylvania)
- PHOENIX (Arizona)
- SANDIEGO (California)
- SANFRANCISCO (California)
- SEATTLE (Washington)
- WASHINGTON DC
- USA Govt information site for visa entry
- Know Before You Go. Live updates on travel in the USA from the UK Govt.
- Wikipedia USA info.
Here are some links for campsites, some videos for you to get some more ideas and also some practical links for fuel costs etc:
- Videos of the USA
- Koa campsites
- Fuel costs in the USA
- Journey Cost Calculator
- Travel Cost Calculator
- Cheapest Fuel By State
- USA National Parks Campsites
- USA RV Parks
- Pitchup Camp Sites USA
Apps for your journey:
Phone Apps for your journey are useful tools for finding anything from campsites to finding free Wi-fi. Check the app store for Apps like Alongtheway, Roadtripper, wifi finder and route maps.
Ok, so you have all the links you need to help you plan your RV road trip, what's next?
Choose the definite things you want to do and see.
That way you won't miss out on anything major. You can then calculate the distances and mileage needed and decide if you have left yourself enough time to do all of these.
You can then plot a rough route and work out the length of time needed. The temptation is to fit in too much on one trip. Allow some extra days that you can use up to stay longer in one place or re-route to see something else you have discovered.
General Trip Planning Tips
America closes down on national holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day are all public holidays. National Holidays in the USA
School holidays are long in the summer and can be up to 10 or 11 weeks long and as such make campsites and attractions such as the Grand Canyon, Disneyland, Universal Studios, that much busier so it is a good idea to book ahead. School and College Holidays in the USA.
There are long school and college holidays in the USA between the end of May and early September depending on the State and renting RV's is a popular pastime for many American families.
Check the Weather. Don't forget, you can head in the opposite direction from a storm, stay another day where you are or just stay indoors. USA Weather Reports
DrivingDon't be put off with driving a larger vehicle. They are just about always automatic. The roads, campsites, car parks and streets are mostly wide and big and well used to accomodating even the largest motorhomes and RV's and that goes for campsites as well.
Take your time to get used to the larger width and height. Take advantage of reversing cameras if they are in place.If not ask another passenger to guide you. Drive slower. Get one of your passengers to watch you reverse or park. It doesn't take long to get used to driving a larger motorhome. The mirrors are well placed and the windows are large and you are high up.
Take lots of breaks. Drive during daylight hours as it is a lot less stressful when you're just getting used to a new vehicle.
It is so much easier to allocate a navigator and not have to do both drive and work out your route at the same time.
Please read this before driving in the USA: Driving in the USA for Foreign Nationals.
It's tempting to turn on the gas stove to quickly warm up your campervan after being out all day. Don't as this is dangerous and you are vulnerable to carbon monoxide poisening.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning:
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Muscle twitching
- Intense headache
- Throbbing in the temples
- Weakness and sleepiness
- Unable to think properly
Top Tips - regularly empty the grey water tanks and the cassette toilet. This will keep your camper staying fresh. I read that this process is best done in daylight. Just sayin!
If you are planning on travelling to a remote area make sure the gas tanks are full. Also check on water levels and cooking gas bottles too.
Stock up on day one. Park up and load the fridge, freezer (if you have one) and store cupboard. You can then choose to stay in and cook or, if you are in a remote place you are well catered for.
Don't forget you are in your "home on wheels" and you have the flexibility to go where you want to when you are ready.
The RV is great when you are travelling with the family or friends. Everyone can enjoy choosing the route and where to stop for the night.
You will be surprised at how relaxing it is.
Pack light and pack casual.
The advantage or travelling in a motorhome in the USA is that you have a ready supply of great ingredients to cook fresh food every night. In addition there are a lot of fast food outlets and top class restaurants and cafes serving national and locally dishes.
Some campers cook all meals inside their camper from breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is also the option to cook outside on the bbqs in campsites or even on your own bbq.
Cooking in the camper van is as easy as cooking at home. Take along favourite recipes if you enjoy cooking or grab a pizza or dine out and stay in the carpark overnight. The choice is yours.
Stay in the RV every night or, if you feel like it, stay in a hotel for the night for a change.
America is the fast food capital of the world but you may want to have something a little different and give yourself a break from cooking and meal preparation:
Planning your RV road trip route.
Take a map. We are so used to using the map apps on our phone but if you are travelling in remote areas you probably won't get a signal. Anyway, you can't draw out your route on the phone with a Sharpie.
Ferry services - book ahead
There are times when you just want to take your rig on a ferry.
Keeping a record of the road trip.
Take a portable hard drive to store all your photos on. If you can't get wi-fi to upload to the cloud then at least you have a back up.
There are plenty of Apps to load onto your phone to find the nearest campsites, gas stations, national parks, coffee shops. Make use of them and share them with those friends you met. You know, the "snowbirds".
Need help or have a question?
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