Best RV Campgrounds in Every State: A Journey Through America’s Campsite Crown Jewels

Planning a trip of a lifetime across the United States in an RV might sound like a dream, but for my husband Tom and me, it became our reality. After decades of saving, weekend camping, and planning, we finally rented a fully-equipped RV through RVshare, using an RVshare coupon code we found online to save money on our long-term rental.

With one vehicle, one route, and a shared goal—to visit the best RV-friendly campground in every U.S. state—we set off on a journey that would not only change how we traveled, but how we saw the country itself.

From the Atlantic Coast to the Pacific Northwest

We started in the charming coastal town of Bar Harbor, Maine. Waking up to ocean fog rolling over the cliffs at Bar Harbor Campground felt cinematic. Early mornings included fresh blueberry pancakes on the skillet, and evenings were spent watching lobster boats drift along the water.

Next was New Hampshire’s White Lake State Park, where the reflection of the trees on the calm water felt like something from a postcard. Then came Vermont's Little River State Park, nestled in the Green Mountains, offering hiking trails that wrapped around a tranquil reservoir.

Down in North Carolina, we spent nights under the stars in Davidson River Campground, where we waded through creeks and enjoyed late-night stories around the fire. Each site offered something special, from wild ponies in Assateague Island, Maryland, to hot springs in Arkansas' Gulpha Gorge.

Discovering the Heartland

The Midwest was full of surprises. We caught sunsets on Lake Michigan at Platte River Campground, roasted marshmallows with strangers in Indiana’s Chain O’Lakes State Park, and listened to the rustle of prairie grass in Nebraska’s Niobrara State Park.

Every site had its quirks: Ohio’s East Harbor State Park offered amazing birdwatching, while Missouri’s Johnson’s Shut-Ins had natural rock water slides that took us right back to childhood. Our RVshare rental felt more like a trusted travel companion at that point, stocked with everything we needed—from cookware to outdoor chairs.

It was during this stretch that we started boondocking a bit more, using RV apps and advice from fellow travelers. Having used that RVshare coupon code earlier allowed us to stretch our budget and explore longer, without feeling rushed or worried about expenses.

The Southwest & Mountain West

No region humbled us more than the Southwest. The vibrant sunsets at New Mexico’s City of Rocks, the quiet silence of Arizona’s Lost Dutchman State Park, and the jaw-dropping cliffs surrounding Utah’s Watchman Campground in Zion all made us feel small—in the best way.

At Colorado’s Golden Gate Canyon State Park, we even woke up to snowfall in September. Our propane heater clicked on automatically and we brewed coffee as pine trees sparkled just outside the window. That morning was magic.

The West Coast Wonders

By the time we reached California, we were full-time road veterans. We snagged a premium oceanfront RV site at Morro Bay State Park, where the view of the massive Morro Rock and endless waves made us pause and stay an extra night.

Oregon’s Cape Lookout State Park stunned us with rugged cliffs and tide pools, while Washington’s Deception Pass showed us the Pacific Northwest in all its wild glory. Towering evergreens, rocky beaches, and early morning fog made for some of the most serene moments of our trip.

The Last Frontier and the Island State

We knew we had to find a way to include Alaska and Hawaii, and RVshare made it possible. In Alaska, we rented a compact RV for a week and stayed at Riley Creek Campground in Denali National Park. Moose wandered near our site, and we even spotted the elusive Denali peak on a rare clear day.

For Hawaii, we flew in and rented a campervan on Oahu, staying at Malaekahana Beach Campground. Falling asleep to the sound of crashing waves under palm trees was the perfect ending to our cross-country RV dream.

RVshare Made It All Possible

Every leg of our trip came with its own set of challenges—weather, long driving days, campground availability—but RVshare gave us the flexibility and comfort we needed. Their platform made it easy to choose different RV models based on our location and needs. Best of all, using an RVshare coupon code early on saved us hundreds of dollars, which we used for park entrance fees, fuel, and, yes, more s’mores supplies.

FAQ

1. What is RVshare?

RVshare is a peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace that connects RV owners with travelers looking for temporary RV rentals. Think of it as Airbnb for RVs—choose from a wide range of motorhomes, trailers, and campervans.

2. How do I use an RVshare coupon code?

At checkout, you’ll have the option to enter a promo or coupon code. These codes can be found on travel blogs, email newsletters, or RVshare’s promotional campaigns. Applying a valid RVshare coupon code instantly reduces your total rental cost.

3. Do I need a special license to drive an RV?

In most states, a standard driver’s license is enough for RVs under 26,000 lbs. RVshare listings include vehicle specs, so you’ll know what you're signing up for.

4. Can I rent RVs in places like Alaska or Hawaii?

Yes! RVshare offers listings in both Alaska and Hawaii. You can fly in and pick up a camper from a local host, just like we did.

5. What’s the best way to find campgrounds on the road?

We used apps like Campendium, The Dyrt, and ReserveAmerica to book our campgrounds. Talking to fellow travelers also led us to hidden gems we wouldn’t have found otherwise.

Conclusion: A Trip of a Lifetime, One Campsite at a Time

Traveling the U.S. by RV gave us something hotels, flights, and cruises never could: total freedom. We discovered forgotten trails, unexpected friendships, and sunrises that brought tears to our eyes. Whether you’re a seasoned road warrior or a first-time traveler, planning your journey with RVshare opens a door to adventure—and with an RVshare coupon code, it’s more accessible than ever.

So if you're dreaming about that once-in-a-lifetime RV trip, stop waiting. The open road is calling, and your perfect RV is just a few clicks away.