World’s Top 12 Best RV Trips for Outdoor Lovers!
Updated: Sep 4
The best RV destinations boast well-appointed campgrounds situated in idyllic spots. Some overlook the ocean, convenient for paradisiacal beaches and cliff-top walks. Others sit in the heart of the breathtaking countryside, with views so exquisite that you find yourself wondering how you’re ever going to leave.
If you’re coming to Iceland, we’ll set you up with the perfect campervan for your travels. For further inspiration, why not point your vehicle in the direction of the very best RV trips?
The very best RV trips in the world!
Let's discover the top places around the world where outdoors enthusiasts should travel to:
1. New Zealand’s dramatic South Island
Without question, New Zealand is one of the best places for RV camping trips anywhere on the planet. There are over 200 campsites in New Zealand for campers to enjoy!
Safe, well-maintained roads link to extraordinarily beautiful landscapes in this island nation. Leaving one remarkable place is made considerably easier when you know that the next place is even more breathtaking: Arthur’s Pass, Franz Josef Glacier, Milford Sound and Aoraki/Mount Cook all attempt to outdo each other with their jaw-dropping sceneries.
Kiwis love to get out in the fresh air, whether it’s for winter skiing in the Southern Alps or for bungee jumping off bridges. The bottom line: don’t spend all your time in your van or you’ll be missing out.
Spend at least a night in Punakaiki Beach Camp, where you fall asleep to the sound of the waves and wake up surrounded by limestone cliffs cloaked in lush vegetation.
2. Historic New Mexico, USA
What’s special about it? The USA is home to some of the world’s best RV trips, with wide roads, generous parking spaces and a well-established vanlife culture. Travel off the beaten track with a road trip through New Mexico.
In the state capital of Santa Fe, in nearby Taos and in Albuquerque’s Old Town, centuries-old adobe structures in warm shades of terracotta look fabulous against cerulean skies. Park up and browse owner-run art galleries and boutiques, or detour to Bandelier National Monument to explore the alcoves cut into the rock by the Ancestral Puebloans who resided there in the distant past.
Spend at least a night in Angel Fire RV Resort, situated midway along the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, with a spectacular view over the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
3. Pretty Puglia, Italy
Puglia is, broadly speaking, the heel to Italy’s boot. Save for trulli-filled Alberobello, this rural backwater barely registers with international visitors. But, as charming as they are, these conical stone houses aren’t the area’s only attraction.
This area boasts mile upon mile of spectacular coastline, while inland you’ll encounter endless whitewashed houses and mansions that can’t quite conceal the grandeur of the past.
Detour to Lecce, nicknamed the ‘Florence of the south’ for Baroque architecture, and then to Gallipoli for a history lesson. Eat out when you can, not least to try creamy burrata with sliced ripe tomatoes.
Spend at least a night in Agricampeggio Malapezza, surrounded by olive, pine and poplar trees yet still within walking distance of the coast.
4. The Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Like a supermodel, Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula has good bones. Lush tropical forest overlays a layer of limestone. Over the years, as water has percolated down through the rock, it’s created underground flooded caverns. In the heat of summer, these cenotes are ideal for a cooling swim, as is the warm water of the Caribbean Sea which laps the peninsula’s coastline.
Littered throughout are the ruins of ancient Mayan temples, observatories, ball courts and more. Some, like Tulum, boast extraordinary cliff top locations, while others such as the UNESCO-listed Chichen Itza are nestled partially concealed within the trees. No wonder why it is one of the Best RV trips in the world!
Spend at least a night in Izamal Camping, located between the petty colonial towns of Merida and Valladolid.
5. Cape Town and its hinterland, South Africa
Few of the world’s cities have as spectacular of a setting as Cape Town. Iconic Table Mountain National Park provides a glorious backdrop, its imposing flat-topped plateau home to mongooses and cute little dassies. Down below, you’ll find the colorful homes of Bo Kaap, the beachfront cafés of upscale Camps Bay and the tourist hub of the V&A Waterfront.
One of the best views of the city can be had from Bloubergstrand, a dune-backed strip of sand around an hour’s drive from downtown. But for the most scenic road of all, follow Chapman’s Peak Drive and keep your sights set on the Cape of Good Hope, passing the penguins of Boulders Beach along the way.
Spend at least a night in Miller’s Point Resort, close to Simons Town, which perches on the cliff edge overlooking the ocean.
6. Coastal Norway
A succession of bridges and ferry crossings makes the west coast of Norway one of the best RV trips for campervanners.
Follow the sea from historic Bergen in the south all the way to the Arctic Circle. Along the way, you’ll pass through the bucolic countryside dotted with villages boasting waterside dwellings painted in traditional russet red paint.
Nature is at her most dramatic here, with snow-capped mountains, dazzling fjords and grassy, flower-strewn meadows. Don’t miss the chance to drive over the Atlantic Road. Connecting Averøy with the mainland, it’s one of Norway’s great feats of engineering.
Here you can spend at least a night anywhere - the ancient law of allemannsretten gives Norwegians and their visitors the right to roam, so long as they respect landowners’ property and do no harm to the natural environment.
7. The Icefields Parkway, Canada
If wide-open spaces, wonderful scenery and abundant wildlife sound like your perfect vacation, then head to Canada.
The scenic Icefields Parkway links Lake Louise and Jasper in the magnificent Canadian Rockies. In summer, the roads are crowded with visitors who are attracted to the area’s tumbling waterfalls, emerald lakes, forests of larch and pine trees, rock spires and glaciers.
Watch out for any elk and bighorn sheep that have strayed onto the road. The route is just as doable in the winter, when snow-covered mountains, frozen lakes and wildlife await those who will consider driving their campervan during the colder months.
Spend at least a night in David Thompson Resort, a short detour from the road beside Abraham Lake; in season, bubbles of methane are trapped in this frozen lake and can be viewed from the surface.
8. Northumberland, England
Because of its distance from London, Northumberland, one of England’s northernmost counties, is often overlooked by visitors to the UK. But this fabulous county is packed full of ruined castles, wide sandy beaches and Roman forts.
Among the many highlights are the castles at Dunstanburgh and Bamburgh, which both occupy sites overlooking the North Sea. Follow Hadrian’s Wall inland, hiking between forts to iconic Sycamore Gap.
Wildlife viewing is another draw, particularly boat trips to the Farne Islands (park your campervan in Seahouses while you’re on the water) to see the puffins which nest there during the summer months.
Spend at least one night in River Breamish Club Campsite, handy for the Cheviot Hills and Alnwick with its impressive castle and Poison Garden.
9. Australia’s Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s epic drives, heading west from Melbourne in the direction of Adelaide on the country’s south coast. Though tour agencies package this as a rushed one-day excursion, you’ll be able to slow down the pace thanks to your campervan. Don’t hesitate, this is for sure among the most amazing RV camping trips.
Behind the wheel, you’ll appreciate how jaw-droppingly beautiful this coastline is. Make sure you stop to see the iconic 12 Apostles sea stacks and hike to Erskine Falls in Otway National Park. Surf at Apollo Bay or Torquay.
At Anglesea, check out the kangaroos that hang out on the golf course at sunset. You might also want to meander inland to Ballarat, where you can learn about the town’s gold mining heritage.
Spend at least a night in Bimbi Park; share your campsite with the koalas that live in the tall manna gum trees and fall asleep to a soothing soundtrack of birdsong.
10. Iceland’s Ring Road
What’s not to love? In as little as a week, though preferably double that, you can loop Iceland’s Ring Road. Buck the trend and drive clockwise, diving off to loop both the Snæfellsnes peninsula and the Golden Circle before puttering up to North Iceland’s delightful coastline.
Plan a boat trip from Húsavík for whale watching and afterwards, keep your eye on Skjálfandi Bay from the luxurious surroundings of GeoSea thermal baths. Continue on to East Iceland; the minute you set eyes on Studlagil canyon in all its colorful splendor you’ll know you were right to tackle the gravel road that brought you there.
On the south coast, call in at gorgeous Jökulsárlón and the icebergs of adjacent Diamond Beach before calling in at Vík y Mýrdal to visit the infamous Reynisfjara Beach. Make one last stop with your RV or campervan rental at Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls en route to Reykjavik.
Spend at least a night at the campsite in Mánárbakki, 66.12 North, conveniently located just 20 minutes’ drive north of Húsavík. It overlooks the ocean so you can witness extraordinary sunsets.
11. California
If you want to guarantee yourself fantastic hot weather, then California is your ultimate RV destination. Despite having a population of around 39 million people, there is still plenty of open space. With some of the most famous beaches and national parks on earth, it’s well-suited for those who love the outdoors.
Renting an RV in California is simple, and you’ll have no trouble finding places to park, sleep and eat. Just make sure you don’t accidentally pull into a homeless camp, as there are plenty in the big cities.
California has more than enough to explore, but it’s still easy to pass from one state to another. If you want to drive across the whole country in an RV, from California to New York for example, then the US has a little bit of everything when it comes to ecosystems, weather patterns, forests, and wildlife. A road trip through multiple states would be incredibly enriching.
12. Hawaii
Hawaii is a particularly unique state in the US. With its active volcanoes, palm trees, and black sand beaches, it’s viewed by many as a paradise destination. Of the many islands in the chain, several are suitable for road trips. This RV destination has one of the most famous driving routes: the Road to Hana, on the island of Maui.
This route is perfect for an RV adventure, with multiple places to stop along the way. The road travels along the north coast of the island, passing waterfalls, botanical gardens, and other wonderful landmarks. Hana, the small town at the journey’s end, offers accommodation and restaurants to cater to visitors. This is truly the road trip of a lifetime.
The Big Island and Oahu also provide some great road trip opportunities, with each one having a slightly different vibe. You can even take ferries to transport you between the islands.
What is an RV trip?
An RV trip is a vacation where you travel in a recreational vehicle (RV). RVs can be either towable trailers or motorized vehicles. They come in all shapes and sizes, so you can find one that fits your needs and budget.
RV journeys offer the ultimate road trip experience. Traveling in an RV allows you to explore vast stretches or specific regions while ensuring a cozy, customized overnight stay amidst nature's beauty.
What are the benefits of taking an RV trip?
There are many benefits to taking an RV trip. RVs offer a sense of freedom and flexibility that you can't get with other types of travel. You can go wherever you want, whenever you want, and stay as long as you want. RVs also provide a comfortable and convenient way to travel, with all the amenities you need to relax and enjoy your vacation.
What are some of the most popular RV trip destinations in USA?
Some of the most popular RV trip destinations iin USA include:
The National Parks: The United States has many national parks that are perfect for RV travel. These parks offer stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and plenty of activities to enjoy.
The West Coast: The West Coast is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States. You can drive along the Pacific Coast Highway, visit wine country, or explore the redwood forests.
The Southwest: The Southwest is known for its desert landscapes, Native American culture, and historical sites. You can visit ancient ruins, hike in the Grand Canyon, or relax at a hot springs resort.
The Southeast:
The Southeast is home to many historical sites, charming towns, and beautiful beaches. You can visit Civil War battlefields, explore antebellum mansions, or swim in the Gulf of Mexico.
What are some tips for planning an RV trip?
Here are some tips for planning an RV trip:
Do your research: Before you hit the road, make sure you do your research and choose a destination that is right for you. Consider the time of year you want to travel, the activities you want to do, and your budget.
Pack light: When packing for your RV trip, be sure to pack light and pack only the essentials. You'll also need to pack gear for any activities you plan on doing.
Be prepared for anything: RV travel can be unpredictable, so it's important to be prepared for anything. Pack a first-aid kit, snacks, and plenty of water.
Enjoy the journey: RV travel is all about the journey, so make sure you take your time and enjoy the scenery. Stop often to explore and have fun.
Jaw-dropping RV road trips
There are few more rewarding feelings than spending your holidays in an idyllic location relaxing and shaking the stress away. The world really is your oyster if you have the keys to an RV. We know just how appealing it is to explore the planet’s best RV road trips, so why not rent an RV with us in Iceland and take it for a spin?