Cross-country RV camping is an opportunity to have the adventure of a lifetime. Kampgrounds of America has over 500 locations, making it easy to find cross-country campgrounds where you can relax and explore each destination. Enjoy a coast-to-coast road trip with the following cross-country camping destinations.
Experience the History of Spaceflight in Florida’s Space Coast
Driving distance: This is your starting point.
Start your trip exploring some of Florida’s best beaches and learning about America’s history of spaceflight. The Atlantic side of Florida is home to the Kennedy Space Center and nicknamed Florida’s Space Coast. You can splash in the waves at Cocoa Beach, Sebastian Inlet State Park or Melbourne Beach before checking out the Kennedy Space Center for some fascinating experiences. You can learn what it feels like to blast off into space on a Shuttle Launch Experience®, learn more about shuttle missions and watch a real rocket launch into space.
At Titusville / Kennedy Space Center KOA Journey, you will be within driving distance of the area’s best attractions and have easy access to Playalinda Beach and the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
Enjoy the Thrills and Magic of Orlando, Florida
Driving distance: 62 miles
Your next stop is Disney World, the most magical place on Earth. Stay at Orlando / Kissimmee KOA Holiday to reach 10 world-class theme parks, including Disney World, Legoland, SeaWorld and Universal. Enjoy a few days riding thrilling roller coasters, stepping into your favorite movies and meeting classic characters.
Wander the Beautiful Smoky Mountains
Driving distance: 646 miles
After you have had your fill of funnel cakes and roller coasters, head north to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Wander around the historic town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Now is the time to purchase an America the Beautiful Pass since this cross-country road trip itinerary heads to many of the nation’s best national parks. Stay at Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday to do the following:
- Explore gorgeous hiking trails.
- Take an unforgettable scenic drive.
- Watch the sunset on Clingman’s Dome.
- Embark on an underground adventure in the Forbidden Caves.
- Learn fascinating history at the Titanic Museum.
- Zipline and walk in the treetops at Anakeesta.
Make a Splash in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Driving distance: 639 miles
Next, head to the Great Lakes region for some watery excitement. Explore the town of Grand Rapids or head to the water’s edge for some river rafting, tubing, kayaking and canoeing. Make a splash with plenty of lakeside beaches and boat ramps, or explore wooded hiking and biking trails in the Huron-Manistee National Forests. Stay at Allendale / West Grand Rapids KOA Holiday, which is just minutes from the Lake Michigan beaches.
Experience the Charm of Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Driving distance: 749 miles
As you head west, the vast distances between big destinations make perfect opportunities for rest and rejuvenation. Break up the long drives with a stop in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This city features beautiful nearby waterfalls where you can cool off or go for a hike or bike ride.
There is a unique butterfly house, lots of historic buildings and a chance to slow down and enjoy the small-town vibe. You can even catch a minor-league baseball game. Sioux Falls KOA Journey is close to everything you want to see in Sioux Falls and offers recreation such as a heated pool, playground and mini golf.
Explore the Black Hills of South Dakota and Badlands National Park
Diving distance: 386 miles
Continue west toward Mount Rushmore and the iconic Black Hills of South Dakota. Visit the presidents carved into the rock and the nearby Crazy Horse Memorial, and explore the beautiful Black Hills.
On the way from Sioux Falls, do not forget to stop at Badlands National Park for a chance to see the intricate wind-carved sandstone formations rising from the plains. Stay at Custer / Mount Rushmore / Black Hills KOA Holiday, which is centrally located among the five major Black Hills attractions.
Visit Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to See Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park
Driving distance: 484 miles
The next stop is Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where you can spend several days or weeks in one of America’s most beautiful mountain towns. Cody KOA Holiday is a great basecamp to enjoy the following activities in Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park:
- Biking
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Mountain climbing
- Whitewater rafting
- Fly fishing
- Wildlife spotting
- Soaking in hot springs
Go Rock Climbing in Rocky Mountain National Park
Driving distance: 472 miles
It is time to drive south along the Continental Divide. Estes Park / Rocky Mountain National Park KOA Holiday is a five-minute drive from the stunning Rocky Mountain National Park, where you can embark on a breathtaking scenic drive along Trail Ridge Road, go rock climbing right in Estes, or take a detour to the quieter west side of the park and make a pit stop at Grand Lake. During the summer, you can take a free shuttle to both the park and downtown Estes Park. If you yearn for some city action, Boulder is only about an hour away, and Denver is less than two hours away.
Embark on a Black Canyon Adventure in Gunnison, Colorado
Driving distance: 250 miles
Next, head to the western slope of Colorado to visit the town of Gunnison. Gunnison KOA Journey is near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, where you can venture through towering cliffs featuring some of North America’s oldest rock. This area offers exciting hiking opportunities for various experience levels, and Black Canyon is a gorgeous spot for night sky viewing.
Gunnison is also a laid-back, relaxing oasis away from the crowds. You can rest, take in mountain views or visit the nearby town of Crested Butte. This tucked-away gem is home to some of the most beautiful high mountain wildflowers and fall colors.
Hike Among the Red Rocks in Moab, Utah
Driving distance: 240 miles
Moab, Utah, is an adventure hub that is home to two national parks — Canyonlands and Arches. With world-class climbing, biking and Jeep trails, there is something for every kind of adventurer in Moab. Stay at Moab KOA Holiday to explore the stately red rocks and spectacular arches in the desert before cooling off in a resort-style swimming pool. The spring and fall seasons are the best times to visit for the most pleasant temperatures.
Learn About Native History in Monument Valley, Utah
Driving distance: 139 miles
Just a few hours south of Moab lies the iconic Monument Valley. Located within the Navajo Nation, this sacred site is home to impossibly tall desert towers that rise out of the flat landscape like sentinels. Stop here for a lesson on native history and cultures and hike the trails that run through a gorgeous desert landscape. Remember to stick to the trails to respect the desert. Monument Valley KOA Journey is known for its sunrises, sunsets and dark night skies that are perfect for stargazing.
Enjoy Unbelievable Views in the Grand Canyon, Arizona
Driving distance: 276 miles
No cross-country road trip is complete without a visit to the mighty Grand Canyon. Staying at Williams / Exit 167 / Circle Pines KOA Holiday is a convenient way to visit any part of the park and soak in the views from both the north and south rims. The south rim is a warmer, more populated section, while the north rim sits over 1,000 feet higher for grander views and little to no crowds. For a unique ride to the national park, you can embark on a railroad adventure via the Grand Canyon Railway.
Relax and Explore in Palm Springs, California
Driving distance: 358 miles
Palm Springs offers the perfect balance of adventure and blissful tranquility. Palm Springs / Joshua Tree KOA Holiday features a large pool and three hot-tub spas, and it is just a short drive away from exciting areas where you can:
- Soak in hot springs.
- Check out funky rock formations in Joshua Tree National Park.
- Take a Jeep tour of the San Andreas Fault.
- Ride Horses through Coachella Valley.
- Hike through the Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve.
- Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
- Take a celebrity bike tour through some of the city’s oldest and most prominent neighborhoods.
Admire the World’s Tallest Trees in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Driving distance: 296 miles
Head north up the throat of California toward the towering Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park. You can stay at Visalia / Sequoia National Park KOA Journey to reach beautiful locations such as Kings Canyon, Inyo National Forest and Yosemite National Park. Driving through the world’s tallest trees and admiring the massive forests in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks is a can’t-miss experience, and the area features some incredible hiking opportunities.
Relax by a Snow-Capped Volcano in Mount Shasta, California
Driving distance: 425 miles
Continue north toward Mount Shasta, and spend a few days soaking in the views of this snow-capped volcano and relax after the hustle and bustle of Sequoia. Mount Shasta City KOA Holiday is located at the base of the peak, providing the perfect spot to have a campfire, ride a bike, splash in the pool or relax with incredible scenery. You can also enjoy some fantastic hikes to waterfalls, and nearby lakes make serene fishing spots.
Experience the Dazzling Blue Waters in Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Driving distance: 174 miles
Cross into Oregon to explore the brilliant blue waters of Crater Lake. Formed by a collapsing volcano, the lake gets its color from its crystal clear waters and immense depth that reaches nearly 2,000 feet at its deepest point. When you stay at Lemolo Lake / Crater Lake North KOA Holiday, you can rent a kayak to enjoy the area’s incredible views or embark on some of Crater Lake National Park’s exciting hiking trails.
Explore Lush Rainforests and Oceanside Hikes in the Olympic Peninsula, Washington
Driving distance: 587 miles
Continue north to where your road trip ends in the Olympic Peninsula of Washington. Stay at Olympic Peninsula / Port Angeles KOA Journey to take in spectacular ocean views, hike along the shoreline and through peaceful rainforests, soak in hot springs and explore glaciers. You can also visit the Olympic Mountain Range for some breathtaking trails.
Invest in High-Quality RV Insurance
Before you hit the road, consider investing in premium RV insurance. It is an extremely important thing to have on a road trip and will give you the peace of mind you need to focus 100% on your exciting adventure. RV insurance is similar to home and auto insurance and can protect you and your RV with comprehensive coverage against accidents caused by other vehicles, falling objects, theft and weather-related incidents. Many plans will also cover any of your necessary medical expenses when dealing with injuries from an accident.
Progressive is one of the leading RV insurance providers, offering top-of-the-line support to ensure you are protected no matter where the road takes you. They will work closely with you to design a personalized RV quote that makes sense for your RV cross-country trip. For an affordable annual price, you will gain the impressive coverage you can trust to keep your RV safeguarded.
Why Trust Kampgrounds of America for Travel Information?
There are over 500 KOA Campgrounds throughout the United States and Canada, so you can travel from coast to coast and know there is a comfortable campsite waiting for you. Whether you want to explore California’s sun-filled beaches, the wonder of the Rocky Mountains, the untainted beauty of the Great Smokies, epic Canadian landscapes or the one-of-a-kind ecosystem of the Florida Everglades, you can find a KOA near the places you want to go.
Additionally, KOA has been a camping authority since 1962. The KOA blog covers a variety of topics, from RV maintenance to camping meals and tips for camping throughout the seasons. Make your camping excursion unforgettable with the help of KOA.
Stay at KOA for a Fun, Relaxing Cross-Country Road Trip
Cross-country RV-ing is an exciting opportunity to explore America’s most fascinating and beautiful destinations. From rocket launches to awe-inspiring views, and all of the adventures in between, you can experience the best of this grand country when you stay at KOA. With campgrounds across North America, you can create an epic itinerary with fun and relaxing stops along the way. Reserve a stay at KOA to start your cross-country adventure.
About the Author: Kampgrounds of America
Kampgrounds of America is the largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds in the world, with over 500 locations across the United States and Canada. Founded in Billings, MT in 1962, KOA’s family of campground brands – KOA Journey, KOA Holiday and KOA Resort – today serve more than a million camping families each year. KOA is dedicated to “connecting people to the outdoors and each other” by providing people with a variety of camping experiences and the information they need to make the most of their camping trip. Read more of their camping and travel resources by visiting KOA.com/blog.