The Best Summer RV Destinations for 2022
These are the Places That You Should Visit in Your RV This Summer
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At long last, summer is finally here, which can mean only one thing—it’s time to go camping! But with the popularity of RVing at an all-time high and more travelers planning to stay closer to home this year, deciding exactly where to go has gotten a little more complicated.
Fortunately, there are plenty of great destinations to choose from, whether you’re looking to make numerous short outings or embark on a weeks-long road trip. So, pull out your maps, grab a notebook, and update your bucket list—it’s time to start planning. And remember, all Good Sam members receive a 10% discount when booking their stay at Good Sam campground.
These are the best summer RV destinations for 2022.
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Bar Harbor, ME
Beat the summer heat with a trip to Bar Harbor, Maine. The town is not only located on the picturesque Frenchman Bay but also serves as the gateway to Acadia National Park. Acadia is one of the most stunning settings in the eastern United States, with fantastic hiking and bike riding. The coastline is also great for kayaking, fishing, and whale watching. While you’re there, be sure to watch the sun come up from the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the first place in the US touched by the sun’s rays each morning.
Recommend Campground: Timberland Acres RV Park
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Lake George, NY
Located in the Adirondack Mountains of Upstate New York, Lake George—both the body of water and the town—makes an excellent destination for summer travel. The surrounding wilderness features top-notch hiking and mountain biking, while the lake offers everything from canoeing and kayaking to sailing and leisurely dinner cruises. And for those looking for a dose of adrenaline, there are several theme parks, zip line excursions, and waterparks in the area too.
Recommended Campground: Lake George RV Park
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Pigeon Forge, TN
Pigeon Forge is a family-friendly destination with something to offer visitors of all ages. Options include off-road trail rides, whitewater rafting, zip-lining, and go-karting. Relax with a fun round of mini-golf on one of seven local courses or catch a comedy show, music act, or dinner theatre in one of the local venues. And when you’re ready to stretch your legs and take in some scenic views, head over to Great Smoky Mountain National Park, where you’ll find hundreds of miles of hiking trails and endless roads to explore.
Recommended Campground: Gateway to the Smokies RV Park & Campground
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Outer Banks, NC
Stretching for more than 100 miles along the coast of North Carolina, the Outer Banks chain of islands offers plenty of sun, sand, and surf. Refreshing ocean breezes help keep the region cool and comfortable, even in the summer heat, but of course, nothing beats going for a swim in the ocean. Renting kayaks and jet skis are popular ways to play on the water, but those who prefer to stay on land will find plenty of activities to keep them occupied. The OBX—as the locals call it—is a fantastic destination for birdwatchers and history buffs. A tour of the historic lighthouses is especially interesting.
Recommended Campground: Camp Hatteras RV Resort
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Marquette, MI
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is an amazing wilderness area filled with plenty of outdoor activities, scenic landscapes, and quaint little towns to explore. Marquette, which sits on the shores of Lake Superior, makes an excellent base camp to explore the region, offering a central location and access to a wide variety of opportunities. The hiking, fishing, and paddling are all wonderful, and the mountain biking is some of the best found in the eastern US. In the evening, gather around a campfire and enjoy the countless stars overhead. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
Recommend Campground: Rippling River Resort Campground
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Door County, WI
A popular destination for leaf peepers in the fall, Door County, WI, is worth a visit in the summer too. Surrounded on three sides by Lake Michigan, the region offers plenty of activities for those who love being on, around, or even under the water. Spotting shipwrecks from a kayak or while scuba diving are popular activities, as is exploring the remote woods and the more than 300 miles of sand-covered coastline. A road trip through Door County includes spotting historic Belgian chapels and lighthouses—with the occasional stop at one of the numerous local wineries.
Recommended Campground: Bailey’s Grove Campground
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Lake of the Ozarks, MO
Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks has been a popular destination for RVers for decades, and it remains a top spot today. In addition to offering great outdoor activities—including boating, fishing, hiking, and golf—visitors will find plenty of other things to do while there. The options include enjoying a relaxing day at the spa, going shopping, attending live music events, and enjoying a lakeside meal at one of the countless area restaurants. There is always something new and exciting happening around the lake.
Recommended Campground: Osage Beach RV Park
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Bentonville, AR
If you’re looking for a destination with small-town hospitality and big city amenities, Bentonville, AR, should be on your list of places to visit. The town is home to some of the best mountain biking trails anywhere in the US but also features a world-class art museum, outstanding live music, fine dining, and several local breweries. While there, be sure to take a stroll through the town square, where you’ll find unique shops and restaurants, as well as the very first Walmart store.
Recommended Campground: The Creeks Golf & RV Resort
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Galveston, TX
Summers in Texas can be hot and humid, but the cool waters of the Gulf of Mexico are inviting all year long. Galveston features 32 miles of beaches for those looking to relax in the sun. But the barrier island is also home to historic architecture, a vibrant art scene, excellent seafood restaurants, and fun, quirky shops. Join a walking tour to learn more about the local history, jump on a boat to spot dolphins in the gulf, or go fishing from a pier. There is so much to see and do in Galveston that you’ll be planning a return visit before you’ve even left for home.
Recommended Campground: Jamaica Beach RV Resort
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Park City, UT
Fly fishing, horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking are just a few of the outdoor activities to enjoy while visiting Park City, UT. The mountain town is just a short distance away from dozens of opportunities for adventure. After all, where else can you go bobsledding on an Olympic course in the summer? And when you’ve worked up an appetite exploring the area, return to town to find a surprising array of places to eat and drink. Park City’s food scene is impressive, with something for everyone’s tastebuds.
Recommended Campground: Mount Valley RV Resort
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Missoula, MT
The Northern Rockies make a stunning backdrop for Missoula, MT, another destination that offers plenty of outdoor adventure. Visitors can hike, bike, climb, and paddle their way through scenic vistas that seem to go on forever. And when you’ve finished rafting, fly fishing, and exploring, soak in a soothing hot spring, enjoy a beverage from one of the local breweries, and listen to some tunes at one of the town’s live music venues. For a different kind of experience, take a tour of a nearby ghost town or search for sapphires at one of the largest natural gem deposits in the world. And at night, cast your gaze upwards to the stars to discover why they call Montana “big sky country.”
Recommended Campground: Jim and Mary’s RV Park
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Bend, OR
There are many reasons to love Bend, but its phenomenal mountain biking and abundance of microbreweries are at the top of the list. In fact, the town is home to the largest beer trail in the West, offering a trek of a very different kind. For breathtaking views—not to mention incredible day hikes and world-class rock climbing—head to nearby Smith Rock State Park. Better still, get your heart pounding while whitewater rafting on the Deschutes River, which runs right through the heart of the town. In Bend, you’ll find all of these adventures, plus a culinary experience that is tough to top.
Recommended Campground: Bend/Sisters Garden RV Resort
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Gulf Shores, AL
Alabama’s Gulf Shores is a fun destination for the entire family, offering attractions and amenities for young and old. The area features 32 miles of white-sand beach that provide excellent opportunities for rest and relaxation in the sun. Active travelers can swim, surf, fish in the Gulf of Mexico, go golfing on one of 15 regional courses, or kayak with dolphins. Kids will love the water parks and Gulf Coast Zoo, while adults can enjoy a vibrant nightlife filled with food, drinks, and dancing.
Recommended Campground: Whispering Pines RV Resort East and West
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Mystic, CT
To experience a quintessential New England summer, point your RV towards Mystic, CT. The town’s outdoor adventures include stand-up paddle boarding in the Mystic Harbor, hiking in nearby parks, and a treetop canopy tour. Visitors will enjoy a stroll through the historic village or visit the Mystic Seaport Museum, which offers lessons on maritime history, culture, and activities. Numerous local farmer’s markets are great for picking up fresh fruits and vegetables for use when cooking meals back at the RV. Still, no visit to Mystic is complete without enjoying some of the local sweets or at least stopping by the town’s famous pizza joint.
Recommend Campground: Hidden Acres Family Campground
Happy travels and enjoy the summer!
