We already know the best adventures come from hitting the open road – and 2026 is shaping up to be an epic year for outdoor adventures!
Whether you’re a full-time RVer planning your next big trip or a road tripper just making the most of your days off, here are 20 trending spots across North America you need to check out this coming year!
Grab your map, fire up your route planner, and let’s dive into the places you need to visit in 2026!
Route 66 Corridor
Why It’s Hot: With The Mother Road’s 100-year anniversary coming up in 2026, National Geographic has highlighted Route 66 as a must-do journey, tapping into growing interest in nostalgic Americana and the road trip experience.
Route 66 stretches from Chicago to LA, offering an incredible diversity of landscapes, attractions, and Americana! Look for retro diners, vintage motels, and natural wonders like the Painted Desert and the Petrified Forest. Williams, Arizona, is a gateway to the Grand Canyon, and quirky stops like the Cadillac Ranch offer perfect roadside photo ops.
Nearest KOAs:
Illinois KOAs
Missouri KOAs
Oklahoma KOAs
Texas KOAs
New Mexico KOAs
Arizona KOAs
California KOAs
Big Sky, Montana
Why It’s Hot: Big Sky’s not just about the outdoors anymore. It has a growing food scene, family-friendly activities, and a culture that makes it more than just a base camp.
You’re just an hour from Yellowstone, with world-class skiing and snowboarding in winter and top-notch hiking, biking, and whitewater rafting in warmer months. The views of Lone Peak are breathtaking, and the wildlife viewing in nearby Lamar Valley is hard to beat anywhere in North America. Community events and a thriving cultural environment are bringing in new visitors who want the perfect mix of wilderness and refinement.
Nearest KOAs:
Yellowstone Park / Mountainside KOA Journey
Yellowstone Park / West Gate KOA Holiday
Island Park KOA Holiday
Three Forks KOA Journey
Québec City, Québec
Why It’s Hot: Québec City is emerging as a great alternative to international travel, offering a unique blend of European charm and North American convenience.
Québec’s cobblestone streets, historic fortifications, and world-class dining create a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. And with the new Nibiischii National Park, there’s even more to explore. Montmorency Falls, just outside the city, is a must-see – it’s taller than Niagara! In the fall, the foliage rivals that of New England. Winter’s got the magic of the Québec Winter Carnival, while summer’s all about festivals and terrasse (patio) season. And let’s not forget the poutine!
Nearest KOAs:
New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, West Virginia
Why It’s Hot: America’s newest national park (designated in 2020) is gaining popularity among outdoor enthusiasts who crave world-class rock climbing and whitewater rafting without the crowds.
The New River carved out a stunning gorge through the Appalachians, known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” that offers world-class whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and hiking trails. The New River Gorge Bridge is the longest steel arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere, and every October, it closes for “Bridge Day,” when visitors can walk across and BASE jumpers leap from the span.
Nearest KOAs:
Flatwoods KOA Journey
Wytheville KOA Holiday
Acadia National Park Region, Maine
Why It’s Hot: Maine’s been named one of the top US destinations for 2026, with travelers praising its unique coastal culture, natural beauty, and four national parks.
You’ve got granite peaks rising from the Atlantic, rocky beaches giving way to pristine forests, and some of the most stunning sunrises in America. Don’t miss the chance to summit Cadillac Mountain at sunrise – it’s one of the first places in the US to see the dawn. What makes Acadia even more appealing is the park’s vehicle reservation system, which helps manage crowds and gives visitors a more peaceful experience. And let’s not forget that Maine lobster!
Nearest KOAs:
Bar Harbor / Oceanside KOA Holiday
Bucksport / Fort Knox KOA Holiday
Bangor / Holden KOA Holiday
Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Why It’s Hot: Fort Walton Beach offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, military history, and family-friendly activities without the price tag or crowds of other Gulf Coast destinations.
The Emerald Coast boasts stunning beaches with sugar-white sand and turquoise water that rival the Caribbean! Beyond the beaches, you can explore coastal dune lakes, go world-class fishing, and visit the Air Force Armament Museum. The mild winters make it an ideal spot for snowbirds, and the summer brings warm Gulf waters perfect for swimming and water sports.
Nearest KOAs:
Gulf Shores / Pensacola West KOA Holiday
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee/North Carolina
Why It’s Hot: The Great Smoky Mountains offer dramatic scenery, incredible biodiversity, rich cultural history, and easy access – all with free admission.
Although the Smokies always attract a crowd, they are still trending in 2026. You’ve got mist-shrouded peaks, abundant wildlife (including black bears), historic homesteads, and over 800 miles of trails. The lesser-known corners of the park, such as Cataloochee Valley and the Greenbrier area, are now receiving more attention from savvy visitors.
Nearest KOAs:
Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg KOA Holiday
Townsend / Great Smokies KOA Holiday
Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday
Cherokee / Great Smokies KOA Holiday
Asheville West KOA Holiday
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Why It’s Hot: Shenandoah is becoming the go-to escape for East Coast city folks looking for a quick getaway in 2026.
Skyline Drive is a must-see, but there’s so much more to Shenandoah than just that! The park protects some amazing Blue Ridge Mountains scenery, including waterfalls, wildflower-filled meadows, and forests that turn gold in the fall. With over 500 miles of trails to explore, you can hike to your heart’s content. Plus, the Appalachian Trail runs right through it! And if you’re looking for something more, Luray Caverns is just a short drive away. They’re the largest caverns in the eastern U.S. and definitely worth a visit.
Nearest KOAs:
Charlottesville KOA Holiday
Harrisonburg / Shenandoah Valley KOA Holiday
Natural Bridge / Lexington KOA Holiday
Zion National Park Region, Utah
Why It’s Hot: Zion’s iconic scenery and landscapes continue to trend, with natural formations that can’t be found anywhere else.
Zion‘s legendary hikes are just the beginning. The park’s shuttle system has improved the experience, reducing traffic and making it easier to hop between trailheads. For 2026, consider exploring beyond the main canyon – areas like Kolob Canyons offer equally stunning scenery with fewer crowds!
Nearest KOAs:
Zion National Park KOA Holiday
St. George / Hurricane KOA Journey
North Dakota Badlands
Why It’s Hot: Both National Geographic and Lonely Planet have highlighted Theodore Roosevelt National Park as a top destination for 2026.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s dramatically sculpted landscape offers a more intimate national park experience, with bison, wild horses, prairie dogs, and elk roaming freely, as well as spectacular night skies! Plus, July marks the grand opening of the 93,000-square-foot Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, situated on a bluff overlooking the Little Missouri River and featuring interactive exhibits, immersive storytelling, and digitally linked archives from 33 institutions.
Nearest KOAs:
Miles City KOA Journey
Bismarck KOA Journey
Yellowstone National Park Region, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho
Why It’s Hot: Yellowstone’s proximity to Big Sky, Montana, creates a powerful dual-destination appeal that’s trending in 2026.
Yellowstone’s geothermal wonders never grow old, let alone the bison, elk, wolves, and grizzlies roaming freely. Add in the pristine wilderness, and you’ve got a destination that could occupy you for months! For 2026, visitors are seeking out Yellowstone’s less-crowded areas, such as the Lamar Valley for wildlife watching, the Norris Geyser Basin for its thermal features, and Yellowstone Lake for its natural beauty.
Nearest KOAs:
Yellowstone Park / Mountainside KOA Journey
Yellowstone Park / West Gate KOA Holiday
Livingston / Paradise Valley KOA Holiday
Island Park KOA Holiday
Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
Why It’s Hot: Capitol Reef has the same breathtaking red rock formations, canyons, and unique geology as its more famous Utah siblings, without the crowds and permit hassles.
Capitol Reef often gets left out of itinerary planning because it’s the most remote of the “Mighty Five,” but that creates a bonus for those who make the trip. The park is home to a 100-mile wrinkle in the Earth known as the Waterpocket Fold, a natural wonder that creates colorful cliffs, canyons, domes, and bridges – all yours to explore with no elbow-jostling required! Fruita, a historic Mormon settlement within the park, has orchards planted by pioneers back in the 1880s. Depending on the season, you can pick cherries, apricots, peaches, pears, or apples – just pay by the pound on the honor system!
Nearest KOAs:
Canadian Rockies, Alberta
Why It’s Hot: The Canadian Rockies are a hot spot for international travelers, and it’s easy to see why. The scenery is on par with that of the European Alps, but with the added accessibility of North America.
Stretching over 900 miles, the Canadian Rockies offer a diverse range of outdoor adventure. With its massive glaciers and towering mountain peaks, Banff National Park is the crown jewel of the Canadian Rockies. But the impossibly blue waters of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are also must-sees! The Icefields Parkway blazes through both Banff and Jasper National Park and is one of North America’s most scenic drives. Summer in the Rockies is amazing, but don’t ignore the shoulder seasons – September’s golden larches and June’s wildflowers are pure magic.
Nearest KOAs:
Hinton / Jasper KOA Holiday
Drumheller / Dinosaur Trail KOA Holiday
Lethbridge KOA Journey
Apostle Islands, Wisconsin
Why It’s Hot: Travelers are discovering that these islands offer a unique combo of dramatic coastline, accessible island adventures, and the winter phenomenon of walkable ice caves – but without all the crowds.
Don’t overlook the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, with its intriguing sea caves, pristine beaches, historic lighthouses, and clear blue waters! You can kayak among the sea caves or take water taxis and charter boats to explore the islands. When Lake Superior freezes, walk to the mainland sea caves near Meyers Beach, where water and ice create icicles and frozen formations that look like something out of a fantasy film.
Nearest KOAs:
Hayward KOA Holiday
Cloquet / Duluth KOA Journey
Black Hills, South Dakota
Why It’s Hot: While Mount Rushmore’s the main draw, savvy travelers are discovering the Black Hills region has so much more to offer.
Custer State Park is a great place to start, with its wild bison roaming freely and the Needles Highway offering a spectacular drive. The Wildlife Loop Road is perfect for spotting pronghorn, burros, bighorn sheep, and those impressive bison (just remember to stay in your vehicle!). Wind Cave National Park and Jewel Cave National Monument offer underground adventures to rival any cave system in America. Historic Deadwood brings the Old West to life with preserved buildings, reenactments, and casinos.
Nearest KOAs:
Mount Rushmore KOA Resort at Palmer Gulch
Hill City / Needles Highway KOA Holiday
Custer / Crazy Horse / Black Hills KOA Holiday
Rapid City / Black Hills KOA Holiday
Hot Springs SD / Black Hills KOA Holiday
Deadwood / Black Hills KOA Holiday
Spearfish / Black Hills KOA Holiday
Joshua Tree National Park Area, California
Why It’s Hot: Travelers are seeking destinations that offer both outdoor adventure and spiritual renewal, and Joshua Tree’s otherworldly landscape delivers.
Joshua Tree’s surreal landscape of twisted trees, massive boulders, and dark night skies is a rock climber’s paradise and a photographer’s dream. Nearby towns have developed a thriving arts and wellness scene that complements the natural attractions. Visit from October to May to avoid the brutal desert summers, and catch the sunrise at Keys View for a view that stretches all the way to Mexico!
Nearest KOAs:
Palm Springs / Joshua Tree KOA Holiday
Banning / Stagecoach KOA Journey
White Sands National Park, New Mexico
Why It’s Hot: White Sands is getting more popular on social media, thanks to its one-of-a-kind landscapes – and with activities like dune sledding, it’s a great spot for families.
This park has 275 square miles of pure white gypsum sand dunes that look like they’re from another planet. The dunes are always shifting, shaped by the wind into ever-changing patterns. Early morning and sunset turn the white sands pink and gold, while Ranger-led moonlight walks offer an ethereal experience of walking through silver dunes. The park encourages sledding down the dunes – just bring a plastic saucer sled or buy one at the visitor center!
Nearest KOAs:
Alamogordo / White Sands KOA Journey
Las Cruces KOA Journey
Olympic Peninsula, Washington
Why It’s Hot: Travelers seek destinations with multiple ecosystems, and the Olympic Peninsula delivers with its rugged coastline, temperate rainforest, and snow-capped mountains.
Within Olympic National Park, you can experience three distinct ecosystems (ocean, rainforest, and mountains) in a single day’s drive. The region’s mild summers and dramatic winter storms offer unique appeal, but be prepared for rain anytime – you’re in a rainforest, after all!
Nearest KOAs:
Bay Center / Willapa Bay KOA Holiday
Burlington / Anacortes KOA Holiday
Ucluelet, British Columbia
Why It’s Hot: Ucluelet is a great alternative to Tofino, offering similar Pacific Rim scenery but with a more authentic vibe, better value, and smaller crowds.
This little town on the Pacific Coast has a dramatic coastline, access to the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, and a genuine small-town feel. The Wild Pacific Trail is a must-hike, with ocean views through old-growth rainforest and the chance to spot whales, sea lions, and eagles! Winter’s great for ocean-storm watching, surfing at Long Beach, and wildlife viewing. The Pacific Rim Whale Festival celebrates the gray whale migration in the spring.
Nearest KOAs:
Lynden / Bellingham KOA Journey
Burlington / Anacortes KOA Holiday
North Cascades National Park, Washington
Why It’s Hot: The North Cascades is trending among serious outdoor enthusiasts who are looking for a true wilderness experience without the crowds.
This park has over 300 glaciers, jagged peaks, and turquoise alpine lakes, offering spectacular scenery without the crowds (the park averages only about 30,000 visitors a year). The North Cascades Scenic Highway takes you through old-growth forests, past thundering waterfalls, and up to high mountain passes with breathtaking views. For hikers, the park offers everything from leisurely waterfall walks to challenging backcountry expeditions. Don’t miss the panoramic views of glacier-clad peaks from Cascade Pass!
Nearest KOAs:
Winthrop / North Cascades KOA Holiday
Concrete / Grandy Creek KOA Holiday
Your 2026 Adventure Awaits
These trending destinations represent some of the best that North America has to offer in 2026, which is shaping up to be an incredible year for RV travel. The open road is calling – and now you’ve got 20 excellent reasons to answer!
Leslie is a freelance travel and health/wellness writer who gets butterflies from telling stories and sharing information with readers across the globe. Her voice comes from a place filled with passion and dreams.
With over 10 years of experience in crafting words and years of embarking on travels that have taken this Montana girl to some incredible places, Leslie loves the adventures of both body and mind that her writing takes her on.
To see what Leslie’s up to in the writing and design world, visit her website here.
