I’ve been seriously thinking about RVing one of these summers for a good old-fashioned road trip. Especially because there are some amazing places to go on a road trip for families. Find out how you can win an RV Trip to the Great Smoky Mountains at the end of this post.
This post is sponsored by RVshare was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
A few weeks ago, one of my good friends announced that they were buying an RV as it is very convenient to go to different places to road trip. They had done a lot of research and knew exactly which one they wanted to get.
Their plan is to use the RV all summer for camping trips and to visit with extended family located all over the Pacific Northwest.
But she also said she was thinking about renting it out to make a bit of cash. I thought that was so smart and I started looking into how someone might rent an RV.
We live in the Pacific Northwest, and it seems like a great way to explore Winthrop, WA, Portland, OR, or the Oregon Coast!
Going on an RV vacation is one of the most economical ways to travel with your family. On average, you can save up to 57% on vacation costs compared to other forms of travel. Additionally, RV travel allows you to experience natural wonders and scenic drives across the country, making it a great American road trip option.
What is RVshare?
RVshare is an online marketplace where regular people can list their RV for families to rent for their next road trip.
Their database is HUGE, and they help RV renters connect with RV owners from all over the United States.
Families can also read the user reviews for any RV they are considering renting.
They also have all types of RVs, including pet-friendly RVs, ones that can be towed, ones that can be driven, and pop-up campers.
So, if you have romantic ideas about exploring the country (or even your state) in an RV, renting one is much cheaper than buying one! Whether you’re planning to visit national parks, drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, or take a scenic route through small towns, RVshare provides the perfect solution for your great American road trip.
5 Amazing Places to Road Trip with RVshare in the U.S.A.
No one has ever called me “outdoorsy,” but I do love to be in nature. However, I haven’t really enjoyed camping so far in my life.
That’s one of the reasons I think renting an RV might be the only way I’ll ever be a “happy camper!”
I’ve been dreaming up some places to road trip to with my family over the next few years, and here are the places at the top of my list:
1. YOSEMITE
My husband and I came here for a wedding when we first started dating and we’ve been itching to get back to really explore with our boys. Making this my first place to road trip to as a family.
There’s so much to do in Yosemite with kids!
I know my boys will love running around some of the largest trees in the world and playing in the base of waterfalls.
There’s even a Pioneer Village where families can see what it was like at Yosemite back in the olden days. Plus, they have an awesome Yosemite Junior Ranger program, perfect for kids of all ages!
Yosemite is also a haven for nature lovers, offering spectacular views and an abundance of hiking opportunities.
2. GRAND CANYON
I’ve NEVER been to the Grand Canyon. It just seems like one of those places everyone visits at some point in life. So I, of course, had to add it to my own ‘places to road trip to’ list.
I’d probably also stop at Antelope Canyon in Page, AZ. There’s a cool Navajo tour that sounds like an awesome cultural experience for families.
We’re not really hikers, so the Grand Canyon Skywalk seems like a great option for getting some epic views without trekking into the canyon.
And my train-loving boys would beg us to go on the Grand Canyon Railway!
3. YELLOWSTONE
My in-laws actually honeymooned in Yellowstone back in the 60s, and my mother-in-law talks about it with such enthusiasm that it’s made me want to check it out for myself. Planning a trip to Yellowstone sounds like a dream come true!
Actually, my brother-in-law also made this one of his top places to road trip to with is kids. And was able to take his family last summer in a rented RV for the full eclipse and they said it was one of their best family vacations to date!
Of course, we’d need to see Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic.
It also seems like a good opportunity to see bison in the wild! They are protected by law, and we’ve only ever seen them at Northwest Trek.
If you’re a fan of natural hot springs, check out Boiling River. We went there specifically for our kids to geek out about being in a “boiling river!” Plus, there are tons of kid-friendly hikes at Yellowstone!
Yellowstone offers incredible scenery and is filled with natural beauty that makes it a top destination for any road trip.
4. MT. RUSHMORE
I visited Mt. Rushmore briefly on a road trip in high school. I was recovering from getting my wisdom teeth out, and I barely remember seeing this iconic American landmark.
We’d want to see the Crazy Horse Memorial and talk with the kids a bit about Crazy Horse and the Sioux tribe.
And my kids would love to take a ride on the Rushmore Tramway up the mountain and then come down on the President’s Alpine Slide! This area is close to the South Dakota border and offers an opportunity to explore more of South Dakota’s natural beauty and historic routes.
5. GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS
I’ve never seen a firefly, and, believe it or not, it’s WAY up high on my bucket list! They are featured in so many books and movies, and I just want to see what all the fuss is about!
Apparently, they are all over the Elkmont area in the Smoky Mountains.
Clingman’s Dome seems like a fun place to check out the view (without having to hike!)
For kids, there’s the Great Smoky’s Junior Ranger Program with seasonal programs featuring specific activities like making an old-fashioned mountain toy.
Families will get a kick out of doing a horseback ride or horse-drawn carriage ride from one of the many stables nearby.
Plus, you can turn this Smoky Mountain road trip into an excuse to check out Dollywood! The Great Smoky Mountains are known for their dense forests and scenic drives, making it a perfect destination for a family road trip.
Other Cool Places to Road Trip with RVShare
Exploring the U.S.A. with your family in an RV can be an unforgettable adventure. Here are some other cool places to consider for your next road trip with RVShare:
- Lake Tahoe: Nestled in the Sierra Nevada, Lake Tahoe is perfect for families who love both summer and winter activities. From stunning beaches to world-class ski resorts, there’s something for everyone. You can also enjoy the scenic beauty of the eastern Sierras on your drive.
- Bryce Canyon: Famous for its unique rock formations called hoodoos, Bryce Canyon offers an otherworldly landscape that kids will find fascinating. The park is ideal for a scenic drive and has numerous family-friendly trails.
- Appalachian Trail: While you might not hike the entire trail, visiting parts of the Appalachian Trail can be a great way to introduce your kids to nature. Check out the Appalachian Trail stretches in the Great Smoky Mountains for beautiful vistas and easy hikes.
- New England: A road trip through New England offers a mix of historical sites and natural beauty. Drive through quaint towns and enjoy the fall foliage. Don’t miss the beautiful coastline and beaches in places like Cape Cod.
- San Francisco: This vibrant city offers plenty of attractions for families. From the Golden Gate Bridge to Alcatraz Island, there’s so much to explore. Drive along the Pacific Coast for breathtaking views.
- Hoover Dam: Visit this engineering marvel located on the border between Nevada and Arizona. The Hoover Dam provides a great opportunity to teach kids about history and science.
- Hawaii: Though you’ll need to rent an RV on the island, exploring Hawaii’s lush landscapes and beautiful beaches is worth the trip. Enjoy the scenic drives and cultural experiences unique to the islands.
Why a Family Road Trip is Good for Your Kids
Family road trips are more than just a vacation; they offer numerous benefits for kids:
- Bonding Time: Road trips provide an excellent opportunity for families to spend quality time together away from the distractions of daily life. The close quarters of an RV encourage conversation and shared experiences, strengthening family bonds.
- Educational Experiences: Traveling exposes children to new places, cultures, and histories. Visiting locations like historic routes or natural landmarks like the Grand Canyon can be both fun and educational.
- Nature Exploration: Road trips often include visits to national parks and other outdoor destinations, allowing kids to discover the wonders of nature. Whether it’s hiking in dense forests or exploring sand dunes, these experiences can foster a love for the environment.
- Flexibility and Freedom: Unlike flying or other forms of travel, road trips offer the flexibility to make spontaneous stops. If you see an interesting site or want to take a detour, you can do so without the constraints of a strict schedule.
- Life Skills: Kids learn valuable life skills on road trips, such as planning, navigation, and problem-solving. They can help read maps, choose routes, and even assist with setting up camp, making the trip a collaborative effort.
- Creating Memories: The shared experiences and adventures of a family road trip create lasting memories that children will cherish for years. Whether it’s the excitement of a scenic drive or the thrill of discovering a new place, these moments are priceless.
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What are some of your favorite places to road trip to with your family? Share in a comment below!