RVs offer the perfect way to explore some of America’s most beautiful and under-the-radar destinations. But national parks and remote beaches aren’t the only places these wheels can take you – motorhomes are also a convenient and budget-friendly way to experience the country’s most exciting cities, with great campgrounds and RV parks offering prime locations near the action.
Click through this gallery to see our ranking of the best American cities to visit in your RV (and where to stay)...
RVs can park overnight at McCormick Place Lot B in Chicago, with in-and-out privileges for a flat daily fee. There are no hook-ups, and leisure camping activities aren’t permitted, but for a couple of days exploring the Windy City, the location is hard to beat.
The lot is near Grant Park and the Lakeshore Trail, and within easy walking distance of the city’s ‘L’ trains, which will take you pretty much anywhere. Availability can be limited during major events, so it’s worth checking in advance.
Grant Park is the beating green heart of Chicago, especially the Millennium Park portion, home to ‘The Bean’ – the gleaming, legume-shaped sculpture officially called Cloud Gate – and the Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion, which hosts free concerts in summer.
There’s style and elegance everywhere, from the skyscrapers to the bars lining the Riverwalk, so all you really need to do is wander around. And maybe eat some deep-dish pizza.
It’s surprisingly easy to visit the capital with an RV. The monument-filled city has several spots with large enough spaces, including Union Station parking garage, right in the centre.
For more pleasing surroundings, and if you want to park up somewhere for more than a night or two, Cherry Hill Park in College Park, Maryland has full hook-up sites, a pool and – crucially – a cheap shuttle-bus service into the city.
You’ll save a small fortune compared to sleeping in one of the city’s elegant hotels. Dine on fried chicken and pho from DC's many food trucks, wander around free-to-visit Smithsonian museums, and stroll between the (also free-to-visit) presidential monuments on the National Mall.
If all the money you’ve saved is weighing you down, you could splash out on one of the city’s Michelin-starred restaurants.
For motorhome owners keen to explore Philly, the Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA (Kampgrounds of America) offers a well-equipped and comfortable base just 20 minutes from the city.
Tucked away in Clarksboro, New Jersey, this RV park has full hook-up sites, showers and even a swimming pool for unwinding after a day of sightseeing. While there’s no direct shuttle into town, the drive is easy, and public transport options are within reach, making it practical as well as peaceful.
With your home on wheels safely parked, you can spend days and nights in the city, exploring American Revolution sites like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall (where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed).
Of course, there’s also the essential run up and down the Rocky steps outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art. How else are you going to justify eating Philly cheesesteaks for breakfast, lunch and dinner?
Denver is a gateway city to all sorts of road-trip wonders, from the rugged Rocky Mountains to ski resorts like Aspen and Beaver Creek. But you can also park your RV within easy reach of the city.
Applewood RV Resort in the suburb of Wheat Ridge is the closest, with an on-site bus to take you into the city. Or sleep at scenic Clear Creek RV Park, a 20-minute drive from downtown and close to hiking and biking trails along the creek.
While in town, check out the art scene. You'll find sweeping collections at the Denver Art Museum and bold, bright murals all around the city – especially in River North or RiNo, which has an alley of murals stretching several blocks.
This district is also home to some of the city’s famed craft breweries. For dinner, one of the nicest places to be is Larimer Street, a pedestrianised stretch roofed with strings of twinkly lights.
A key stop on the Pacific Coast Highway, it makes sense that San Francisco is a relatively RV-friendly city. Candlestick RV Park, for example, offers full hook-up sites, showers and laundry facilities, along with a shuttle service to downtown for a small fee.
If you're just passing through, Lot 39 near Pier 48 allows day parking for oversized vehicles, including RVs, from 6am to midnight. Just be aware that overnight parking isn’t permitted, and rates may increase during special events.
Then, you’re free to explore one of the world’s best cities, with its beguiling mix of history and modern culture, old-school charm and slick attractions. Eating should be high on your list, whether it’s chowder in a bread bowl at Fisherman’s Wharf or ramen in the hip Japantown neighbourhood.
With vast swathes of awe-inspiring wilderness, Alaska is a dream for RVers. But don’t overlook its RV-accessible cities, either. Anchorage in particular has plenty of spots where you can stay overnight for free, including the Cabela’s car park, which has designated RV parking.
Or book a spot at Creekwood Inn & RV Park, which offers full hook-up sites, restrooms, showers and laundry facilities – all within walking distance of downtown.
The city itself is charming in a contagiously laid-back way. Wander between art galleries and museums, learn about Indigenous culture at the Alaska Native Heritage Center, and pop into just about any bar to hear some live local music. It’s also a gateway city for Denali National Park, a six-million-acre wilderness with wolves, alpine forests and glaciers.
St Louis is that rare beast: a city with an RV park within walking distance of its main attractions. DraftKings at Casino Queen RV Park isn’t particularly pretty, but who cares when you’ve brought your hotel with you?
It has everything you’re likely to need, from electric hook-ups to laundry facilities, and recent renovations have upgraded the restrooms and bathhouses for added comfort. Plus, with 24-hour security and a location right next to, well, everything, it’s a top choice for exploring the city.
Just across the river you can explore the City Museum, a surreal mix of interactive exhibits and architectural oddities, or ride to the top of the Gateway Arch, the country’s tallest manmade monument.
The Loop Trolley runs from Forest Park to the Delmar Loop, making it easy to visit retro theatres, riverfront restaurants or catch a baseball game at Busch Stadium. And if in doubt, head to one of the city’s many breweries to sample its famed craft beers.
Yuma, renowned as the sunniest place on Earth, is a haven for RV enthusiasts seeking year-round warmth. Beyond its vast desert landscapes, the city boasts several centrally located RV resorts.
A standout option is The Palms RV Resort, offering luxury amenities such as a clubhouse, heated pools, fitness centre and tennis courts, all within a welcoming community atmosphere.
Yuma is known for its transportation history, which you can learn about at Colorado River State Historic Park, home to an old army supply depot, antique wagons and other vehicles. Don’t miss the fascinating Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park, either – a notorious 19th-century prison that’s now a museum.
Think of Las Vegas and big, flashy casino hotels probably spring to mind. But Sin City is also surprisingly brilliant for the RV crowd. The adults-only Las Vegas RV Resort (pictured) is a full-amenity site with a swimming pool, fitness centre and 24-hour security. It’s also just a 15-minute drive (or taxi ride) from The Strip, and has 379 full hook-up sites, including spaces for even the largest motorhomes.
Las Vegas RV Resort is also just 10 minutes from Downtown Vegas, the city’s original heart, which has evolved into a hip hangout with cocktail bars and cultural spots like the Mob Museum and Neon Museum.
You’re also within easy reach of one of the world’s greatest road-trip destinations – the Grand Canyon. The four-hour drive is well worth it, especially with a stop at the equally awe-inspiring Hoover Dam along the way.
This laid-back city embraces RV travellers with a prime campground right in the heart of the action. Campland on the Bay, set along Mission Bay, is just a few miles from San Diego’s top attractions and within easy reach of restaurants. A shuttle service also runs to the Ocean Beach Farmers Market every Wednesday, making it easy to explore without needing to drive.
One of the best ways to explore is by bike. Campland on the Bay offers easy access to the 12-mile (19 km) Mission Bay Bike Path, a scenic loop that winds along the shoreline, connecting a series of waterfront parks.
For a longer ride, continue to Balboa Park, home to the San Diego Zoo, art galleries and miles of hiking trails that weave through forested areas and lush botanical gardens.
Orlando is so RV-friendly that even Walt Disney World has a dedicated resort for motorhomes – Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground – a surprisingly affordable alternative to some of the theme park hotels.
The city is packed with RV parks, from basic to high-end, with full hook-ups and plenty of amenities. Orlando Southwest KOA Holiday is a solid choice, offering a pool, laundry facilities and easy access to restaurants and attractions.
There’s plenty to explore beyond the theme parks too. Head to Lake Eola Park, a leafy spot that has a surprising number of speakeasy-themed bars nearby. Or spend a day exploring upscale Winter Park and its streets lined with boutiques and galleries, where regular boat trips take visitors out onto a chain of lakes.
The home of all things hip is refreshingly RV-friendly, with several well-equipped campgrounds within easy reach of the city. Austin Lone Star RV Resort, for example, is just five miles (8km) from downtown Austin, yet the tree-shaded spots feel wonderfully rural.
The resort offers full hookups, spacious pull-through sites and cosy cabin rentals, along with a heated swimming pool, fitness centre, clubhouse, laundry facilities and a fenced dog park.
Austin isn't short on great attractions, not least the famous live-music scene. Catch a gig at spots like Elephant Room and Antone’s Nightclub, or just follow your ears to the nearest bar. You could also duck into Franklin Barbecue to try what many claim is the best brisket in Texas (and therefore the world?).
When it’s hot (which it often is, especially in the sweltering summers), join kayakers and stand-up paddle boarders on Lady Bird Lake, or swim in the deliciously cool waters at Barton Springs.
In a city where parking spaces – and any kind of space, frankly – are at a premium, it’s surprising that you can stay in an RV while still having easy access to all the Big Apple’s attractions.
Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City, New Jersey, is the closest option, just across the Hudson River. A 15-minute ferry ride from Liberty Harbour takes you straight to Wall Street’s Pier 11 on weekdays, or you can hop on the PATH train from nearby Grove Street station for a quick ride into Manhattan.
That means you'll save some cash to blow in the big city, whether that means shopping on Fifth Avenue, grabbing great seats for a Broadway show or eating in a fancy restaurant.
There are plenty of free things to do too, from strolling around Central Park to seeking out the West Village brownstone apartment where Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw lived.
If other cities are RV-friendly, Fort Lauderdale is an RV enthusiast. With its balmy winters and proximity to the Everglades, it’s long been a top choice for snowbirds escaping cooler northern climes, and there are several parks within easy reach of the city’s beaches and top attractions.
For an upscale experience, Aztec RV Resort in Margate is a luxury resort set within a gated community surrounded by canals. It features oversized paved lots, two pools, tennis courts and a putting green – all just a short drive from the beaches of Pompano and Fort Lauderdale.
Once you've parked up, there’s little need to drive – unless you’re venturing into the swampy Everglades. Instead, hop on a water taxi, where skippers point out canal-side celebrity homes between stops at popular seafood restaurants and the Las Olas Boulevard shopping district. Or hire a bike and cruise along the seafront to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, a lush retreat filled with tropical plants and native wildlife.
Our choice for the best city to explore in your RV is Ventura. For those with vintage, retro-styled trailers or small campervans, Waypoint Ventura is the ultimate stay. Steps from downtown and the beach, this spot blends nostalgia with modern comforts – think full hook-ups, hot showers, communal BBQs and nightly s’mores by the fire.
Rolling with a standard RV? Try Ventura Beach RV Resort. Conveniently located off the 101, it offers spacious sites, a pool, hot tub and general store – all just minutes from the sand and surf.
Ventura is made for exploring, whether it’s strolling to Ventura Pier for ocean views or heading to the beach to catch some waves. The compact downtown is packed with character, from retro cinemas and live music venues to labyrinthine bookstores, tiki bars and craft breweries, making it easy to soak up the city’s laid-back, surf-town vibe on foot.
Now discover the best place to stay in every US state with your motorhome