Embark on Epic Adventures: Your Ultimate Bucket List Journey
After retiring from the daily grind, it’s time to hit the open road in your RV or travel trailer. Your bucket list is calling, and exploring these destinations can save you money compared to traditional travel. Here are the top 50 must-visit locations across the USA to add to your next vacation.
Disney World, Florida
Visiting as a retiree without children offers a fresh experience compared to past family trips. You can enjoy rides, attractions, and new park additions at a leisurely pace, free from the rush of family schedules. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort in Orlando is perfect for retirees seeking a relaxing RV-friendly stay. It offers full hookups, ample outdoor dining areas with picnic tables and grills, and accommodates large groups. Multi-day passes let you explore the parks unhurried, immersing you in Disney’s evolving magic.
Plan your adventure: Disney World
New York City, New York
New York City’s attractions are too vast for a single trip. Enjoy a one-day sightseeing tour, a group visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, or explore the 9/11 Memorial Museum or the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Catch a Broadway show or visit the Top of the Rock Observation Deck. Times Square is a must, especially at night when its lights dazzle. RV parking in the city is limited to 24 hours, but nearby RV parks offer convenient alternatives.
Plan your adventure: New York City
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park offers endless exploration, from backcountry camping to witnessing Old Faithful erupt. Add this iconic destination to your RV bucket list. Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park in West Yellowstone, Montana, provides full hookups (sewer, water, cable) and 30-50 amp electric service, with sites offering views of wooded areas and lakefront.
Plan your adventure: Yellowstone National Park
Mount Rainier, Washington
Towering over 14,000 feet, it rivals Rocky Mountain peaks and offers thrilling adventures. For an extreme experience, hike the volcano’s slopes. No RV camping with hookups is available in the park, but White River and Cougar Rock offer dry camping for RVs.
Plan your adventure: Mount Rainier
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Grand Canyon National Park remains breathtaking. A must-visit, the South Rim is accessible year-round with an average elevation of 7,000 feet, offering unforgettable views. At sunset, Arizona’s low light pollution reveals a stunning starry sky. Numerous campgrounds and RV parks, including those with full hookups, are available nearby.
Plan your adventure: Grand Canyon National Park
New Orleans, Louisiana
Let the good times roll! New Orleans blends fun and culture, making it a bucket list gem. For jazz-filled nightlife, visit the French Quarter or Bourbon Street. Explore art and history at Jackson Square or the 18th-century St. Louis Cathedral. Time your trip for Mardi Gras in late February or early March for peak vibrancy. RV options include the French Quarter RV Resort or Pontchartrain Landing RV Park.
Plan your adventure: New Orleans
The Kentucky Derby, Kentucky
The Kentucky Derby, held the first Saturday in May, caps the two-week Kentucky Derby Festival. Famous for fancy hats and seersucker suits, it’s a bucket list experience. Wear your own derby outfit, sip a mint julep, and enjoy the race. Afterward, explore the Kentucky Bourbon Trail’s distilleries. RV options include Derby Park Expo Five, Louisville South KOA, and Trackside RV Park.
Plan your adventure: The Kentucky Derby
Nashville Music City, Tennessee
Visit the Grand Ole Opry or Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum for a taste of music heritage. Tour the Tennessee homes of country stars like Toby Keith or Martina McBride, or take a night trolley tour to see the city aglow. RV options include Safe Harbor RV Resort and Two Rivers RV Park.
Plan your adventure: Nashville Music City
Niagara Falls, New York
Towering over 160 feet with a flow exceeding 2.2 million liters per second, it’s a must-see. Add this international marvel, straddling the U.S.-Canada border, to your bucket list—a passport may be needed. Enjoy it by day or illuminated at night. RV options include Niagara Falls State Park and Branches of Niagara Campground & Resort.
Plan your adventure: Niagara Falls
Joshua Tree National Park, California
The half-mile Arch Rock Trail, a popular spot, offers an easy hike with fresh air and stunning views, perfect for photos at Arch Rock. Explore other striking rock formations along the scenic trail. RV camping options include Jumbo Rocks and Belle Campground, both conveniently located.
Plan your adventure: Joshua Tree National Park
Dollywood, Tennessee
Experience award-winning entertainment and lively music at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee—a must for any RV road trip. With dinner shows, amusement rides, tours, and resorts, it offers something for everyone. While Dollywood lacks an on-site RV park, nearby options like Up the Creek RV Camp provide full hookups, 30/50 amp power, and picnic tables at each site.
Plan your adventure: Dollywood
St. Augustine, Florida
Explore its Spanish colonial architecture or enjoy deep-sea fishing for a waterfront adventure. Vibrant nightlife awaits with numerous restaurants and clubs. RV travelers can stay at Anastasia State Park, North Beach Camp Resort, or Compass RV Resort.
Plan your adventure: St. Augustine
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park draws over three million visitors annually for its world-class outdoor adventures. A must for your RV bucket list, explore Bear Lake Trailhead and admire Nymph Lake’s lily pads. Adventurous retirees can enjoy whitewater rafting. Downtown Estes Park offers charming shops and sights. RV camping is available, with Manor RV Park as a top choice.
Plan your adventure: Rocky Mountain National Park
Key West’s Mallory Square Dock, Florida
Join lively crowds to witness the sunset, street performers, conch vendors, acrobats, or clowns. Explore all that Florida offers, perhaps even scouting a retirement home. For RV camping, Boyd’s Key West Campground provides deluxe waterfront views, strong cell reception, and easy access to restaurants, shops, and museums.
Plan your adventure: Mount Rainier
Glacier National Park, Montana
Worth the drive, this captivating park forms part of the world’s first international peace park, symbolizing U.S.-Canada friendship. Marvel at the 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road, showcasing glaciers, landscapes, and waterfalls. RV parking may be limited at the entrance based on vehicle length.
Plan your adventure: Grand Canyon National Park
Smithsonian Museums, Washington, D.C.
The Smithsonian Museums are a must for any RV bucket list. Eleven diverse museums and galleries cover American history, air and space, African-American history, and more, offering treasures for all interests. For easy access, park your RV at Cherry Hill Park, the closest campground to D.C., with year-round full hook-up sites, and take the metro to the museums.
Plan your adventure: Smithsonian Museums
Hoover Dam, Nevada
Standing before the nation’s highest concrete arch dam, towering 726 feet with 4.4 million cubic yards of concrete and generating 2,080 megawatts via 17 turbines, is awe-inspiring. Attracting nearly 7 million visitors annually, it’s a must-see. For RV camping, choose Lake Mead RV Village or Boulder Beach Campground for amenity-rich stays.
Plan your adventure: Hoover Dam
Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota
Far surpassing TV or textbook images, this massive sculpture embodies rich history. Designed by Gutzon Borglum, who died seven months before completion, it was finished by his son. The 60-foot presidential faces were carved using dynamite to remove 90% of the granite. Stay at Rushmore Shadows RV Resort, just 20 minutes away, offering pet-friendly amenities, a convenience store, playground, restaurant, bar, and access to Coon Hollow Trailhead.
Plan your adventure: Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Garden of the gods, Colorado
Turn your visit into an adventure with a Jeep tour through the striking sandstone formations or hike and climb for an exhilarating experience. Snow-capped peaks make it a year-round gem. Stay at the Garden of the Gods RV Resort or nearby Barr Camp, Lone Duck Campground, or Fountain Creek RV Park.
Plan your adventure: Garden of the gods
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Visit during the snow-free months (June–September) to explore old-growth forests, volcanic remnants, and evergreens. The star attraction, Crater Lake, is the deepest lake in the U.S., with the 170-foot Phantom Ship rock formation rising from its waters. RV camping is available at Mazama Campground; Lost Creek is tent-only.
Plan your adventure: Crater Lake National Park
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
A top Wyoming destination, it hosts diverse forest communities and migratory birds year-round. Explore the outdoors beyond your RV. Choose from top RV parks like Teton Peaks Lodge & RV or Squirrel Meadows Guard Station for your stay.
Plan your adventure: Grand Teton National Park
Huntington Beach State Park, South Carolina
Perfect for a tranquil post-retirement escape near Myrtle Beach, its secluded sandy shores offer peace and privacy. Enjoy surf fishing or bird watching for added serenity. RV options include Cypress Camping Resort, Briarcliff RV Resort, and Carolina Pines RV Resort.
Plan your adventure: Huntington Beach State Park
Acadia National Park, Maine
Ideal for long hikes or nature walks, it features Cadillac Mountain, the tallest peak on the Atlantic coast. Scenic coastal trails invite exploration and return visits. RV-friendly campgrounds include Schoodic Woods, Blackwoods, and Seawall, each offering unique charm.
Plan your adventure: Acadia National Park
Golden Gate Bridge, California
Far from ordinary, its 7,650-foot-long main cables, supporting 27,500 parallel wires, create a striking masterpiece. Walk across from the Northeast Side Parking Lot or drive for scenic views. Stay overnight at Golden Gate Trailer Park or Marin Park.
Plan your adventure: Golden Gate Bridge
Death Valley Super Bloom, California
Every decade, a rare super bloom transforms Death Valley with vibrant pink, purple, and yellow wildflowers, defying its stark name. Photos can’t capture this marvel—experience it firsthand amid stunning mountainscapes. RV camping options include Death Valley National Park’s Furnace Creek Campground for a comfortable stay.
Plan your adventure: Death Valley Super Bloom
Napa Valley, California
Renowned for its grand estates, tasting rooms, charming towns, and elegant lodges, Napa Valley is a retiree’s paradise. With over 400 wineries, it welcomed 3.8 million visitors in 2018. Tour your choice of wineries and savor a glass of exquisite wine. Drive scenic routes to enjoy vineyard beauty. Stay at Napa Valley Expo RV Park, offering full water and sewer hookups for a comfortable stay.
Plan your adventure: Napa Valley
NASCAR at Talladega Superspeedway, Alabama
Whether a NASCAR fan or curious visitor, the roaring engines and vibrant crowd are unforgettable. Explore nearby attractions for added fun. Stay at North Park for a relaxing RV retreat after the races.
Plan your adventure: NASCAR at Talladega Superspeedway
Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia
Ideal for history buffs and RV travelers, it’s near Yorktown and Jamestown attractions. Enjoy shopping at Prime Outlets or golfing at nine local courses. Stay at American Heritage RV Park, spanning 70 acres of woodlands and meadows, with full hookups and 30/50-amp service.
Plan your adventure: Colonial Williamsburg
Redwood National Park, California
Standing amid these giants humbles all, highlighting nature’s grandeur. Hikers and bikers enjoy 200 miles of trails. RV camping is available within the park, or stay at Elk Country RV Resort or Redwood Meadows RV Resort.
Plan your adventure: Redwood National Park
Las Vegas Strip, Nevada
Nearly 500,000 people travel to the Crater Lake National Park annually. Walking the 2.5-mile Las Vegas Strip, lined with luxury hotels, casinos, entertainment, and restaurants, is an unmatched experience. For RV travelers, options like the Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort or Hitchin’ Post RV Park offer full hookups and easy Strip access.
Plan your adventure: Las Vegas Strip
Freedom Trail, Massachusetts
The 2.5-mile Freedom Trail in Boston guides you through 16 historic landmarks, including Paul Revere’s home, Old State House, Old North Church, Old South Meeting House, and the Boston Massacre site. Over 3 million visitors walk this red-brick path annually, averaging 90 minutes but easily extending to a full day. RV options near Boston include Cape Ann Campsite and Winter Island Park Campground.
Plan your adventure: Freedom Trail
Denali National Park & Preserve, Alaska
Wonder Lake offers stunning water and landscape views, while Sony Hill Overpass and Sable Pass provide safe wildlife sightings of caribou and grizzly bears. Explore trails like Horseshoe Lake or Taiga Loop. RV camping is available, but lacks electrical and water hookups and is unsuitable for RVs over 40 feet.
Plan your adventure: Denali National Park & Preserve
Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Tennessee
Whiskey enthusiasts should add this to their bucket list. The Dry County tour emphasizes the craft, while other tours offer samples. Upgrade to the “Taste of Lynchburg” for a two-course meal and tour, plus a group photo souvenir. Located two hours from Hohenwald’s Oliver Travel Trailers factory, where tours are available. Stay at Tim’s Ford State Park campgrounds for RV camping.
Plan your adventure: Jack Daniel’s Distillery
Gulf of Mexico, Florida
Retirees on an RV road trip can check off deep-sea fishing with guided chartered boats. Dolphin lovers will enjoy Dolphin Encounter Tours, showcasing porpoises gliding through the Gulf. Comfortable RV stays are available at Grayton Beach and Henderson Beach State Parks.
Plan your adventure: Gulf of Mexico
Stone Mountain Park, Georgia
Its centerpiece, the Confederate Memorial Carving of Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, and Thomas Jackson, draws visitors year-round. At 825 feet, the summit provides stunning Atlanta views. Enjoy activities like the Summit Skyride, Quarry Exhibit, and Songbird Habitat. RV campers find comfort with fire rings, clean showers, picnic tables, and laundry facilities at the park’s campground.
Plan your adventure: Stone Mountain Park
Meteor Crater, Arizona
Located 37 miles east of Flagstaff and 18 miles west of Winslow, Meteor Crater is a striking meteorite impact site.
Measuring 550 feet deep with a 1-mile diameter and 2.4-mile circumference, it captivates visitors. Engage in educational and fun activities like the 4D experience room, widescreen movie theater, or outdoor observation trails. The Meteor Crater RV Park offers over 70 sites with full hookups, laundry, showers, Wi-Fi, and a convenience store. At night, marvel at the starry sky.
Plan your adventure: Meteor Crater
Palace of Fine Arts, California
A masterpiece from any angle, it’s a must for your RV bucket list. By day, admire it from the lagoon or near its grand pillars; at night, see it illuminated. The San Francisco RV Resort offers over 160 sites with scenic views and full hookups, except for oceanfront sites.
Plan your adventure: Palace of Fine Arts
White Sands National Monument, New Mexico
Emerging from the Tularosa Basin, White Sands National Monument, the world’s largest gypsum dune field, is a breathtaking sight. The 8-mile Dunes Drive leads from the visitor center to the heart of the dunes. Enjoy sand play, sunset tours, or moonlight hikes, and spot an African oryx roaming the sands. For RV camping, reserve a spot at the Primitive Backcountry Campsites for a rugged experience.
Plan your adventure: White Sands National Monument
San Antonio Missions, Texas
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, along the San Antonio River, features five historic missions, including Mission San Jose and Mission Concepcion. Perfect for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts, this park offers rich exploration for all. Stay at Hidden Valley RV Park, open year-round, with full hookups, 30/50 amp service, free Wi-Fi, and pet-friendly walking paths.
Plan your adventure: San Antonio Missions
City of Asheville, North Carolina
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville’s 8,000-acre Biltmore Estate features a 175,000 sq. ft. mansion with 33 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces. In spring and summer, capture stunning photos at the North Carolina Arboretum’s diverse greenery or enjoy whitewater paddling on the French Broad. Stay at Asheville Bear Creek RV Park, offering free Wi-Fi, a heated pool, and full hookups, among many RV camping options.
Plan your adventure: City of Asheville
Boundary Waters, Minnesota
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area in northern Minnesota, a pristine wilderness accessible mainly by canoe, offers over 1,200 miles of stunning routes. For land lovers, 12 unique hiking trails await. Over 2,000 designated campsites accommodate RVs, with 250 backcountry sites outside the wilderness providing camping, fishing, and access to 1,500 miles of canoe routes.
Plan your adventure: Boundary Waters
Northern Lights of Fairbanks, Alaska
Fairbanks, Alaska, ranks among the world’s top spots to witness the Northern Lights (aurora borealis), a must for any bucket list. Visit in winter, especially November, for optimal darkness and viewing. Reserve RV stays at Rivers Edge RV Park & Campground or Chena River Wayside.
Plan your adventure: Northern Lights of Fairbanks
Fantastic Caverns, Missouri
Explore Fantastic Caverns in Springfield, Missouri, on a 55-minute ride-thru tour along a one-mile ancient underground riverbed, showcasing stunning cave formations. A top RV-friendly attraction, it’s a must-visit. Stay at Cooks RV Motor Park or Paradise in the Woods RV Park, offering full hookups and pull-through/back-in sites.
Plan your adventure: Fantastic Caverns
Taughannock Falls State Park, New York
Taughannock Falls, plunging 215 feet, is the highlight of this Northeast state park. Far from just an RV travel stop, it offers summer outdoor concerts and breathtaking hikes through an ancient gorge to view stunning waterfalls. Pet-friendly with a two-pet maximum, the park provides year-round activities like cross-country skiing and hiking. RV camping is available with basic amenities.
Plan your adventure: Taughannock Falls State Park
National Corvette Museum, Kentucky
National Corvette Museum, Kentucky
Spanning 115,000 square feet, the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, opened in 1994, showcases over 80 Corvette models across a 55-acre campus. A must for car enthusiasts and history buffs, plan 1-2 hours to explore. Note: only ADA-defined service animals are allowed. RV camping options include Beech Bend Campground or Bowling Green KOA Holiday RV Park.
Plan your adventure: National Corvette Museum
Wright Brothers National Memorial, North Carolina
The Wright Brothers National Memorial, the first federal park with a permanent public structure, honors this milestone with a striking 60-foot hollow granite monument. A must-visit for history buffs, it attracts notable figures. RV camping options include OBX Campground and Joe & Kay’s Campground.
Plan your adventure: Wright Brothers National Memorial
Historic Route 66, Illinois
Driving this iconic highway in your RV offers an unmatched experience, far beyond songs or movies. Visit the Route 66 Association Hall of Fame & Museum in Pontiac, Illinois, to dive into its history. RV camping options include Route 66 RV Resort in Albuquerque, among many along the route.
Plan your adventure: Historic Route 66
Cathedral Gorge State Park, Nevada
Nestled in a narrow valley, Cathedral Gorge State Park showcases dramatic bentonite clay formations shaped by erosion. A natural contrast to Las Vegas’s artificial allure, it captivates outdoor enthusiasts with stunning landscapes. Explore a 4-mile walking trail or nearby caves for a solid workout. Limited RV campsites offer water and electric hookups.
Plan your adventure: Cathedral Gorge State Park
Cody Night Rodeo, Wyoming
Cody, Wyoming, the rodeo capital of the world, hosts the Cody Night Rodeo every summer night, a 75-year tradition drawing cowboys, cowgirls, and fans globally. A must for your RV bucket list, whether it’s your first rodeo or a unique Cody experience. Stay at nearby Ponderosa Campground or Cody KOA, offering full hookups for RV travelers.
Plan your adventure: Cody Night Rodeo
Trace State Park, Mississippi
Just minutes from vibrant Tupelo, Trace State Park offers a serene escape with scenic hiking trails and captivating hardwood forests. Ideal for naturalists, it’s a tranquil retreat from city life. Elvis fans can visit nearby Tupelo, his birthplace. Note: pets are not allowed. RV camping is available at the park’s campground with full hookups.
Plan your adventure: Trace State Park