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RV Summer Vacation Ideas

So, beautiful warm weather and longer days of sunshine are calling you to go on some summer adventures. An RV summer vacation is a great way to enjoy nature at its finest along with the comfortable amenities of having a tiny home on wheels.

Don’t have an RV? No problem! 

Travelcamp RV has all the RV rentals you can imagine, featuring class As, class Cs, and travel trailers, all ready for you to rent. Find the best fit today to aid you in your pursuit of these 10 summer vacation ideas that’ll get you on the road exploring the best that mother nature has to offer.

1. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Considered one of the wonders of the world, you can take either the park’s South Rim or North Rim to experience the grandeur of this canyon. Covering over a million acres, the park has numerous hiking trails, historic sites, and water activities on the Colorado River. There’s only one campground in the park with full hook-ups, but there are plenty of private campgrounds nearby for you to choose from. It’s a popular destination in the summer, so we recommend making reservations at least 6 months in advance.

2. Lake Havasu, Arizona

From swimming in Lake Havasu to having more than a mile of beach real estate to play on, this area boasts a ton of activities both in and out of the water. Watersport fans can rent paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, and jet skis. You can launch your boat from the docks and spend a sunny day fishing in your boat. There are tons of campgrounds to choose from near the lake, including Crazy Horse Campground, the lake’s oldest RV park and campground.

3. Upper Peninsula, Michigan

Summer is the best time to visit Michigan, as it’s the only time the upper peninsula boasts pleasant weather. Check out the natural formations of Arch Rock and the shoreline of Lake Superior. Snap some beautiful pictures with a waterfall backdrop in Tahquamenon Falls State Park or spend a couple of hours strolling through Mackinac Island State Park, Michigan’s first state park. Park your RV at Straits State Park, which offers electric hookups and gives you easy access to the ferry that takes you to Mackinac Island. For lakefront campsites, consider Indian Lake State Park.

4. Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

As Missouri’s most popular lake destination, the Lake of the Ozarks features natural springs, beautiful landscapes, and historic castle ruins. This lake has more than 1,100 miles of shoreline, offering plenty of space for beachgoers, fishing enthusiasts, and water sports fans. Enjoy good food and music at nearby Shawnee Bluff Winery and the many other great restaurants in the area. Besides Lake of the Ozarks State Park, there are over 20 other excellent RV campgrounds nearby where you can spend several nights.

5. Outer Banks, North Carolina

The Outer Banks (OBX) refer to the islands along the shores of North Carolina and can be accessed via bridges. See Jockey’s Ridge State Park and its 426 acres of the largest natural living sand dune on the East Coast. History buffs can visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial to see exhibits on aviation or sign up for a historic tour that’ll take you on a voyage to the New World. The Cape Hatteras/Outer Banks KOA offers oceanfront camping next to some amazing sand dunes.

6. Arches National Park, Utah

Take your RV on the 19-mile scenic drive from Highway 191 to the Devils Garden trailhead. The park boasts some incredible viewpoints of breathtaking rock formations like Balanced Rock and the Garden of Eden. Take a hike on some of the trails to reach other amazing rock formations like Broken Arch and Delicate Arch. There are several places to park your RV nearby, including the Moab Valley Resort and the Portal RV Resort.

7. Zion National Park, Utah

Hop on the park’s shuttle bus to explore the many sights along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. If you prefer to enjoy the scenery in your RV, the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway is a good alternative. Make sure to stop at the Canyon Overlook Trail to get an incredible view of the valley. Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort offers some of the best RV camping with its spacious campsites and easy access to a variety of activities. Zion River Resort offers full hookups and includes nice amenities like a hot tub and laundry facilities.

8. Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

The 4,000-year-old limestone cave that the park is named after is a must-see when you arrive at this place. You can also do some horseback riding, trail biking, and kayaking trips in the park. To those with fuzzy friends, Mammoth Cave is one of the few national parks that’s dog-friendly. There’s a handful of nearby camping options that offer full hookups and amenities such as swimming pools and dog parks.

9. Redwood National and State Parks, California

With daytime temperatures ranging from the low 70s to low 80s in the summer, the Redwood region is an ideal place for campers who don’t like the heat. Make sure to check out the spectacular redwood groves that reach over a hundred feet into the sky. Imagine traveling back to the Jurassic as you hike through Fern Canyon. RV travelers can stay in the park’s many campgrounds, which accommodate RVs up to 31 feet, or choose to park their RVs at the nearby Ramblin’ Redwoods Campground or Elk Country RV Resort and Campground.

10. Grand Lake, Colorado

Surrounded by national forest on three sides, the Grand Lake is also Colorado’s largest natural lake. As such, it’s a playground for any and all aquatic activities you can think of. Rent out a pontoon or whaler boat for a full day of fun on the water or explore the lake by kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddle board. Point Park on the water’s edge has great fishing access, picnic sites, and an amazing view of Mount Baldy. Numerous RV parks and campgrounds nearby are dog-friendly and provide amenities like restrooms and showers.