These Are the Top Trending RV Destinations for Summer 2024 | Hipcamp Journal (2024)

Want to know where fellow RVers are camping this summer? We looked at Hipcamp search data to name the most popular RV camping destinations for 2024.

So you’ve de-winterized your rig and are ready to start planning your RV camping trips, but you’re in need of some inspiration. Take a look at this summer’s hot spots for RV campers—but book your campgrounds soon! These destinations are trending for a reason.

Unsurprisingly, many of the trending camping spots are set near beaches, national parks, or other scenic regions, but a few areas did surprise us—check out the list below.

1. Cape San Blas, Florida

The most popular destination for RV camping this summer is along Florida’s Panhandle near Port Saint Joe and about an hour away from Panama City. Of course, the beaches are the star of the show here with emerald waters and opportunities for kayaking, snorkeling, diving, and even scalloping in the summer months. Set up camp at a beachfront campground and head to one of the area’s public parks like Salinas Park, St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge, and T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park.

Where to camp: RV on 30E

2. Ocean Shores, Washington

This small coastal destination is set right along the Pacific Ocean, on the opposite side of Westport, Washington. If you’re looking for a moody Pacific Northwest location to visit this summer, you’ll find RV sites with ocean and bay views here, plus it’s only one hour from Olympic National Park if you’re looking to stay outside of the popular park. In Ocean Shores though, campers have plenty of opportunities to see the local landscape, including at the Oyhut Wildlife Recreation Area and on the pet-friendly Weatherwax Trail.

Where to camp: Coastal Family Hideaway

3. Homestead, Florida

Thanks to its location near two of the state’s national parks—Everglades and Biscayne—as well as its status as a convenient access point to the Florida Keys, it’s no wonder that Homestead is a trending RV destination for travelers wanting action-packed, weeks-long summer RV trips. It’s also possible to stay local at a Homestead RV park to visit the Southern Glades Wildlife and Environmental Area or John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.

Where to camp: Gate to the Keys

4. Central Florida

Despite its inland location and lack of beaches, Central Florida—including the cities of Dunnellon, hom*osassa Springs, and Clermont—offers other ways to cool off at springs and lakes surrounded by tropical landscapes. Hike or take a wildlife boat tour at Ellie Schiller hom*osassa Springs Wildlife State Park; swim at Rainbow Springs State Park or tube down the Rainbow River near Dunnellon; or paddle or rent a boat at one of the many lakes around Clermont, including at the RV-friendly Lake Louisa State Park.

Where to camp: hom*osassa Springs RV Site

5. Haleiwa, Hawaii

RVers and campers in Hawaii will enjoy towns like Haleiwa, on Oahu’s quieter North Shore. There’s no shortage of beaches, waterfalls, and mountain trails in the area, with camping options at farms, on the beach, and along rivers. You’ll likely want to rent a campervan or car camp, as traditional RV camping is harder to come by in Hawaii. Plus, it’ll be easier to navigate the area’s scenic roadways.

Where to camp: Mangrove Lounge

6. Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale and neighboring Mesa, Arizona, have a lot to offer RVers, like hiking at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Usery Mountain Regional Park, and Pinnacle Peak Park. But extreme heat can be an issue come summer, so you’ll likely want to camp near the water in areas like Lake Pleasant Regional Park and the Salt River. Make sure to check out the area’s local farms—we recommend Schnepf Farms, to pick up seasonal produce during your travels.

Where to camp: Cave Creek Quiet Homestead

7. Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier National Park and the surrounding areas of Whitefish, Montana, attract nearly 3 million visitors each summer, so you might want to look for camping away from the most popular areas like West Glacier. RVers can see similar landscapes nearby in and around Kalispell at West Shore/Flathead Lake State Park and the Flathead National Forest, both of which are RV-friendly.

Where to camp: The Lazy Loon

8. Astoria, Oregon

Often referred to as “little San Francisco,” Astoria, Oregon, and its neighbor across the Columbia River, Long Beach, Washington, make ideal summer RV vacation spots. On the Oregon side, see a shipwreck and hit the beach trails at Forest Stevens State Park or learn more about the western expansion at the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park. Across the Astoria-Megler Bridge, check out the lighthouses at Cape Disappointment State Park and go birdwatching at the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge.

Where to camp: Riverberry Retreat Camp

9. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

There’s no better time to experience Mount Rainier National Park, and the gateway town of Yelm, Washington, than in summer, when trails and roads are open, waterfalls are flowing, and meadows are blooming.

If you choose to camp near the Paradise area of the park, popular day hikes include ​​the Bench & Snow Lakes Trail. For campers in the Sunrise area, check out Glacier Basin Trail for epic wildflower scenery. And if in the Ohanapecosh Area, try the Box Canyon Loop Trail or Silver Falls Loop.

Where to camp: The Healing Farm

10. Tucson, Arizona

Tucson is a popular destination for RVers due to its proximity to Arizona’s often-overlooked Saguaro National Park. Saguaro is an awesome national park for RVers thanks to plenty of unique camping options nearby with mountain and desert views.

The city sits between the park’s two sides, dividing it between the East and West Districts. While the summer heat might be too uncomfortable for hiking, the park’s two scenic drives offer the chance to see blooming cacti by tow vehicle or bike.

Where to camp: Wild Burro Desert Retreat

11. Port Townsend, Washington

This seaside town near Sequim, Washington, gives summer visitors endless options for activities, from beaches and trails to historic streets and island hopping. The mild Pacific Northwest temperatures provide the ideal setting for a summer RV trip with options to park the RV at nearby farms and state parks. Olympic National Park is also only an hour away for a day trip or an extended summer vacation.

Where to camp: Shallow Springs Ranch

12. Paso Robles, California

If you’re looking for a wine-centric vacation along California’s Central Coast, then Paso Robles is a must-visit. The Paso Robles wine country is home to more than 250 vineyards and tasting rooms, with camping options at farms, ranches, and vineyards. And if you’re not imbibing, the town’s secluded setting and relaxed vibe still make for an enjoyable RV vacation. Leave time for an olive oil tasting and a dip in the local mineral springs as well.

Where to camp: Twisted Branch

13. Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston and the surrounding areas of Mount Pleasant, Isle of Palms, and Sullivans Island offer RVers a balance between fine dining and history in the city with beaches and outdoor recreation close by. James Island County Park is popular among RVers as a base camp for visiting the surrounding areas. And come summer, don’t miss a RiverDogs home game—the minor league baseball team for the Tampa Bay Rays.

Where to camp: Sanctuary

14. Hilo, Hawaii

Hilo and neighboring Pahoa are set on the Big Island’s coastline near black-sand beaches, rainforests, waterfalls, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. You’ll mostly find glamping and tent camping options nearby, but renting a campervan is also an option.

Don’t miss Waiānuenue (also known as Rainbow Falls) or the Boiling Pots lava formation in Wailuku River State Park right in Hilo. And of course, no trip to the area would be complete without seeing the active Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes.

Where to camp: Wild Blue Water Ranch

15. Cle Elum, Washington

Cle Elum and nearby Roslyn give RVers plenty of outdoor activity options thanks to area lakes, rivers, mountain peaks, and forests. Dozens of hiking trails line the landscape, and on a clear night, stargazing opportunities are abundant at area ranches and wineries, some of which offer RV camping. Otherwise, park the rig at lakeside or riverfront Cle Elum RV campgrounds.

Where to camp: Humbug Ranch

16. Hendersonville, North Carolina

In the Blue Ridge Mountains, south of Asheville, the mountain towns of Hendersonville and Saluda are popular spots for RVers this summer. The cooler temps and fresh mountain air provide a reprise from the traditionally hot and humid summer found elsewhere in the South.

Hendersonville is closest to Milepost 393.6 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, an ideal scenic drive to take in the summer with plentiful hiking options. Hendersonville itself offers a friendly and quaint downtown, plus wineries and cideries nearby.

Where to camp: Pisgah Forest Mountain Meadows

17. Delaware Valley, Pennsylvania

The Delaware Valley, which encompasses the surrounding area of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Wilmington, Delaware, is a popular area for RVers looking to camp in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast this summer. The region features a balance of city life and history with options to camp in quiet suburbs near many state parks. Valley Forge National Historical Park makes for a great day trip, and kids love the nearby Elmwood Park Zoo.

Where to camp: Pine Creek

18. Northeast Illinois

Chicago and neighboring Evanston are popular summer destinations thanks to their festivals, sunny weather, endless dining options, and lakeside locations. RVers can also check Indiana Dunes National Park off their national park bucket list, as it’s an easy day trip from Chicago. Further north, Illinois Beach State Park is another RV-friendly beach option.

Where to camp: Willowthorne

19. Fort Collins, Colorado

For RVers headed to Colorado this summer, Fort Collins and nearby Loveland are popular for their proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park. But if you’re looking to avoid the crowds at Rocky Mountain, there are plenty of other hiking options in and around Fort Collins—try Horsetooth Mountain, Lory State Park, and Devil’s Backbone Open Space.

Where to camp: Shady Grove at OwlTree Farm

20. Greater Houston, Texas

Maybe it’s Cowboy Carter, or maybe it’s the lake and ranch life attracting RVers to the Greater Houston area this summer. Regardless, RV campers can beat the heat in areas like Sugar Land, Cullinan Park, Lago Mar Crystal Clear Lagoon, and Big Rivers Water Park.

The Space Center Houston is the best way to keep kids entertained indoors, but otherwise, you’ll want to take the RV to the Gulf Shore in Galveston for a traditional beach summer vacation.

Where to camp: Rustic Creek

Ready to hit the road?

Whether you want a hot spot or are looking to get away from the crowds, Hipcamp has the very best RV campsites in the country.