From its majestic mountains to its fantastic forests, the East Coast proves it has more than sunny seascapes to offer that are perfect for your next RV trip.
While it is true that this region of the country is home to beautiful beaches, there are still tons of other places to explore. Accounting for nearly two-thirds of the population in the United States, the East Coast is not short of the urban hustle and bustle. Although, with sixteen national parks and endless heritage sites, there are plenty of places to enjoy. The hard part is deciding where to go first. Here, we’ve compiled a list of 5 must-see RV destinations on the East Coast.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Rocky goodness from Acadia National Park in Maine. Photo Credit: Unsplash, Mick Haupt
Beachside cliffs, forests, and gardens will take your breath away at the oldest National Park east of the Mississippi River. Along the Atlantic coastline of the United States, Acadia National Park preserves the natural splendor of the high and granite headlands.
As the northernmost destination on this list, it is well worth the drive. Be sure to book a reservation at the campsites in advance, as not all spaces can accommodate motorhomes. Most RV campgrounds like Blackwoods are within a few minutes’ walk of the ocean, where you can take in the view of Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse and Cadillac Mountain. The island is also ideal for boondocking as there are good places to camp in.
At a place called Thunder Point by locals, waves crash into the cliff wall, making a thunderous noise. Other vantage points can be traveled to by hiking, so prepare yourself for some elevation, because it challenges beginners and experts alike with over a hundred and fifty miles of hiking trails. Other activities include biking and horseback riding with lots of stunning scenery. There are also forty-five miles of carriage trails along the roads that take you around the island, traveling to 16 of its stone bridges.
At Bar Harbor, you can dine and restore your energy in restaurants and boutiques, as well as take in more incredible seascapes.
Stay – Narrows Too Camping Resort, Trenton, ME: Overlooking Mt. Desert Island, experience the tastes & sights of Maine at nearby lobster hatchery, living salt marsh and Bar Harbor.
Fort De Soto County Park, Florida
Gulf fishing pier at Fort Desoto Park. Photo Credit: Getty Images, shakzu
Maroon yourself in the calm backwater beach at Fort De Soto County Park, a Florida campground rich in natural resources.
With more than 200 campsites, you can enjoy each one with partial and full hookups, grilling areas, washers, sanitary disposal stations, restrooms, showers, and play areas for the kids and pets. A bit further down you will find bike and kayak rentals at the beachside, with fishing piers for spending a lazy afternoon in and a historical fort to explore in the daytime.
While campers focus on the amenities and activities, it is the abundance and diversity in different ecosystems that makes Fort De Soto worth visiting. As the largest park in Pinellas, over a thousand acres of interconnected islands, also known as keys, make up the De Soto. These keys serve as homes to a wide variety of plants, mangroves, and hardwoods that preserve and protect their environment.
Each year, ornithologists add a new species of bird on the beach, which has already documented over three hundred species. Sometime in the summer, you can spot the loggerhead sea turtle swimming in the immediate seashore.
Stay – Cross Creek RV Resort, Arcadia, FL: This gated resort features vibrant landscaping, beautiful amenities and a full-time activities director.
Stay – Belle Parc RV Resort, Brooksville, FL: This active 55+ resort offers large sites, free WiFi, a heated pool, lake views and more.
Lookout Mountain, Tennessee
View from Lookout Mountain. Photo Credit: Unsplash, Rollalyn Ruis
Thrilling and delightful, a few minutes from downtown Chattanooga will take you to an immersive experience in nature.
Take in the breathtaking views of the Tennessee Valley and Tennessee River at the Lookout Mountain Tower, as the view is something you can’t miss. A similar sight can be seen from Blue Heron Overlook and the Village Plaza. If it’s your style, add the zipline to your itinerary, and rush over the forests that give you sweeping views of the valley forty feet in the air.
Marvel at the beauty of Ruby Falls, home to the country’s tallest and deepest public underground waterfall. Take an elevator over twenty stories underground, explore the lovely cavern trail marbled with geological formations down to the waterfall.
Ride the Incline Railway, the world’s steepest passenger railway. Also known as “America’s Most Amazing Mile”, add more excitement to your trip and strap on for a thrilling experience.
Discover the beauty of Rock City, a garden with massive ancient rock formations, and four hundred native plant species and sweeping views of the seven states, which can be seen in Lover’s Leap. You can go rock-climbing, watch birds of prey shows, and dine in the area.
Parking at the base of the mountain is ideal, as the route up the destination is steep and winding for a large vehicle. There are nearby campgrounds that offer a range of activities in the Chattanooga area, most of which including lakeside fun.
Stay: Chattanooga Holiday Travel Park, Chattanooga, TN: Located on a Civil War battlefield which served as a skirmish site in 1863 preceding the Battle of Chickamauga. Most of our 170 campsites are pull-through and they also offer rustic camping cabins sleeping up to 5 people.
Finger Lakes, New York
Lake Seneca is a popular vacation destination in the famous Finger Lakes region. Photo Credit: Getty Images, UpdogDesigns
When visiting the East Coast, travel to as many of the state parks as you can. In Finger Lakes, you can bask in the natural beauty of the northeast in Watkins Glen State Park: Go swimming, hiking, and exploring the foot of the Adirondack Mountains, which have trails that lead to scenic views. Cayuga Lake is a fantastic tourist attraction, where you can go canoeing in the lake.
Known for the breweries in the area, they also offer opportunities for wine tours, giving you a more even paced trip. In the downtown area, you can have fun at Rosamond Gifford Zoo, a well-maintained facility that is home to a variety of species like elephants and wildcats. There is also the interactive Strong National Museum of Play for children with so much fun and energy in the building.
For accommodations, Ledgeview RV Park in the nearby Lake George is a highly recommended, tranquil, and community-friendly campground with just the right amenities. It is also close to all the places you might want to visit, although traveling off the beaten path makes for a quiet and relaxing time for moments of reflection.
Camp Bell Campground in Campbell offers quality campsites and rental trailers and cabins for those not traveling with an RV. Explore nearby wineries!
Salem, Massachusetts
Taking a sail around Salem harbor is a great option for a visit to Salem. Photo Credit: Getty Images, sphraner
For a fun-filled adventure, come to Salem. There is food, entertainment, and culture to be found in this seaport town. Once infamous for its witch trials in the 17th century, they now set up witch-themed museums and shops around the area, where you can learn about its history.
Among popular attractions are the House of Seven Gables, Witch Trial Memorial, and Old Burying Point Cemetery. Salem’s town has its own appeal, from its cobblestone streets to its Victorian houses, it is a combination of quaint and quirky.
Night life in the town is just as fun! Come to Gulu Gulu Café for a selection of craft beers, and for dining, try coming to Sea Level Oyster Bar, a modern-looking seaside restaurant. After the whole trip, you will be spellbound by Salem’s charm.
Stay – Black Bear Campground, Salisbury, MA: Big Rig Friendly 50amp pull throughs. Minutes to Salisbury & Hampton beaches.
Stay – Winter Island Park, Salem, MA: Situated on the waterfront of Salem Harbor, a short distance from the downtown area.
