Popular RV Trip Routes Across Major US Highways

Are you craving an RV trip among the dipping canyons? Or perhaps one cruising the coastal highway with windows down and fresh ocean air in your hair? For many RVers and travelers alike, part of the allure of a long-haul road trip is the spontaneity of it all; seeing something beautiful or amusing and stopping to explore. But if you’re looking to find safe parking for your RV overnight, especially with full hookups, it’s often best to plan ahead with a reservation to ensure a vacant spot is waiting for you.

Spot2Nite offers RVers the convenience of a centralized campground marketplace from which you can manage all the admin. Users can search for destinations with RV spots that meet their rig criteria and amenity preferences along a map route, and immediately book a reservation without having to search individual property websites or call various places to check availability.

Book a few campground stops along the way to soak in the scenery and reap the benefits of some much-needed R&R to power you up for your cross-country trip.

Cruise the Historic Route 66

First and foremost, Route 66, or as it was otherwise known, the Will Rogers Highway, Main Street of America or Mother Road, was one of the first highways of the American road and travel system. A fact unknown by many, Route 66 first started in Chicago, Illinois, crossing Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. It would then conclude in Santa Monica in Los Angeles County, California - adding up to a total of 2,448 miles traveled if you sought to drive this iconic stretch.

The road itself is no less a wonder today. Fancy some time travel? Traversing Route 66 takes you on a trip back in time, with many signs of the bygone eras past, telling the story of a much less industrialized America of old. On Route 66, family-run diners and businesses are the order of the day, with quaint motels and flashy 1950s drive-ins serving as a hub for nostalgia! Undoubtedly, Route 66 also abounds in natural beauty, whichever state you find yourself in.

A notable journey stop may see you at one of the most famed drive-in theaters in Missouri. These also have historical significance, with the Carthage drive-in theater first opening in 1949, then closing, and reopening again in 1998. This little piece of history still plays films every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, so we’d recommend planning your trip, so you don’t miss out on this pop culture reset!

If you’re searching for old-style living, consider stopping at the Blue Swallow Motel - a motel from the 50s where penniless visitors could trade valuable pieces of clothing or property for a night’s stay in this quaint inn. When we said cultural reset - we meant it! Its neon signage is one of the most characteristic features of Route 66.

For RV travelers, Meadview RV Park & Cozy Cabins in Arizona is a must-see. This is the roundabout where the Grand Canyon ends and Lake Mead begins - a desert oasis offering proximity to the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon for boating, hiking, and fishing expeditions. It’s also where the unique "Gold Basin" meteorite exploded over more than 50 square miles. The meteorite itself was carbon-dated and found to be around 15,000 years old and has survived the Ice Age. More than 3,000 fragments have been found so far, and scientists estimate there could be thousands more. Who knows, maybe you'll find one of these fallen stars!

Miami, Florida to Houlton, Maine

While this interstate road may not be the longest, it passes through 15 states plus the District of Columbia. Depending on what time of year you’re on the road, you can enjoy the sandy beaches and promenades of Miami Beach or visit the agricultural and music festivals in rural Maine - like crossing from one extreme into another north or south.

Twin Palms Resort, located near Florida’s famous Lake Okeechobee, has been a hub for anglers, duck hunters, and families for decades. The resort is only an hour’s drive west of the Gulf Coast or an hour east of the Gold Coast of the Atlantic, located between Disney World and Miami Beach - a proximity dream! So you’ve got the kids with you and are searching for some downtime, this is an ideal park-off for you.

Adventure awaits at Loon's Haven Family Campground. The white sandy beaches, clear water, and wooded setting offer a relaxing getaway in Naples, Maine. You can hear the loons call across the spring-fed pond early each day while you enjoy the fresh morning air and the beauty that surrounds you. There’s also a variety of activities right on-site, like horseshoe tournaments and beach parties for adults, as well as crafts and games for kids.

Interstate 80

According to Trafalgar, the I-80 takes the crown as the best interstate travel route through the central U.S., passing through 11 states and over 2,902 miles. If you drive the full stretch, you’ll pass through parts of the Great Salt Lake and hit sections of the California National Historic Trail in California and Nevada. After all this, you’ll get to explore some lesser-visited states with local gems like Wilder Park in Iowa which is connected to an 18-acre wildflower prairie, CERA Sports Park & Campground in Indiana where you can access a 30,000 sq. ft. sports and fitness center, and Hearthside Grove Lake Erie in Ohio, which is a luxury motorcoach resort adjacent to Geneva State Park.

Highway 1 to Big Sur in California

Highway 1 has been a beloved route for many seasoned motorists. Do prepare yourself, though, as this California classic is packed to the brim with adventurous drops, steep inclines, and wide turns. But a scenic seaside drive offering some of the most breathtaking views and the fresh ocean air comes with it. Some stretches can last for a hefty 40 miles without a single gas station or drop-in, so make sure your RV has a full tank.

Keen on some Cali sightseeing? Big Sur has a spectacular answer to the famous Golden Gate bridge. If you ever find yourself on Highway 1, you’ll want to stop for a photograph on Bixby Bridge - a tremendous open-spandrel arch bridge that soars about 260 feet above a steep canyon and various cliffs.

In Pursuit of The Sun In Montana

Going-To-The-Sun is one of America’s most remarkable roads, constructed initially to promote tourism and as a draw card to our pristine national parks. Completed in 1932, this 50-mile stretch carves through Montana’s Glacier National Park, traversing through the Rockies and over Logan Pass’ Continental Divide - a spectacle if ever there was one. Be cautious, however; this road is characterized by tight curves and steep drops, so keep this route in mind for spring and summer as the pass is best avoided in an RV over the cold winter season.

Logan Pass is one of the sights to behold in Montana, so consider stopping to stretch your legs and soak in the views. The pass soars to a stunning 6,646 feet and has expansive overlooks, indigenous mountain goats, and blankets of the most beautiful wildflower meadows.

If you’re in awe of Montana’s natural splendor, you have to stay at Outback Montana RV Park. Nestled between Woods Bay and Downtown Big Fork, this is the prime location to explore the beauty of Flathead Lake and other natural forests. Situated on a stunning piece of waterfront land, this property is heavily forested with shaded RV sites fit for a true nature enthusiast that loves to kayak, hike, and fish.

Journeying across the United States in your RV is an adventure, and while spontaneous stopovers are encouraged, planning your campground reservations ahead of time gives peace of mind that you have a safe place to rest your eyes, and a basecamp from which you can venture out and truly explore your surroundings along the way.