What to See

There are great places to see and visit all through the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Fortunately, most of them are in areas where there are plenty of places for RV travelers to stay. (See the Appendix for a guide to some of the many parks and campgrounds that welcome RVs throughout the United States and southern Canada.)

According to the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association, there are great destinations for RV travelers to visit nationwide. You may find a wonderful destination an easy day's drive from your home. The following destinations have a wide variety of activities and sights for all the members of your family.

Cooperstown/Otsego County, New York

In Cooperstown, you will find the home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, National Soccer Hall of Fame, and Corvette-Americana Hall of Fame — plenty to keep the sports fans and car buffs busy and entertained. Nearby Otsego Lake boasts swimming, fishing, and boating. For those interested in educational opportunities, Fenimore House and Farmers' Museum give a glimpse into the early days of a young United States. There are approximately 1,200 campsites close by to accommodate almost any kind of RV.

Nashville/Brown County, Indiana

With over 300 arts and crafts shops, Nashville is a great place to browse and shop. Nashville also boasts 700 campsites within four miles. For those who enjoy outdoor recreation, Hoosier National Forest, Brown County State Park, and Monroe Lake beckon. Music fans of all persuasions will enjoy the Little Nashville Opry.

San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio is the favorite Texas destination for travelers looking for a place where history and fun come together. You can remember the Alamo, enjoy the thrill rides and entertainment of Sea World and Fiesta Texas theme parks, and pick up a bit of south of the border culture. Generally mild winter temperatures make it a great destination for snowbirds trying to flee the cold.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

The Myrtle Beach area boasts more than 7,000 campsites along with miles of white sand beaches for family fun. It is also a golfers' haven with seventy championship golf courses and mild weather for year-round enjoyment.

Sandusky, Ohio

Home of Cedar Point Amusement Park, known for having more roller coasters than any other park, Sandusky is a great destination for the late spring and summer months. As it sits right on Lake Erie, there are many opportunities for beach fun.

Wind Cave National Park/ Badlands National Park, South Dakota

This is a great destination for travelers who want to mix the great outdoors with some great sightseeing. This area boasts Mount Rushmore, Jewel Cave National Monument, Crazy Horse Monument, and Wall Drug Store, along with some great opportunities for cave exploring. There are a wide variety of campgrounds available for all.

Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

From shopping to country music to water sports, the Gatlinburg area is a great destination for the whole family. The area boasts more than 300 shops featuring arts and crafts produced by local artisans. Dollywood is a celebration of the music, history, and culture of the Tennessee hills, and local lakes provide opportunities for water sports of all kinds.

North Carolina's Outer Banks

Visitors to this area can see where the Wright brothers achieved their dream of man in flight. There are also several fine museums and exhibits that celebrate early settlement and history. For the outdoors enthusiast, the mild weather and beaches are a bonus.

Cheyenne, Wyoming: Frontier Days Celebration

Frontier Days is a nine-day celebration of the Old West. One of the finest rodeos in the country is held annually in the summer. After the rodeo, enjoy the lakes and nearby mountains.

Pennsylvania Dutch Country/ Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

This area is known for its Amish and Mennonite communities with their unique lifestyles that hearken back to a simpler time. You'll be able to enjoy shopping for unique items and enjoy some of the best food in the country. For dessert, visit Hershey, Pennsylvania, the chocolate capital of the world. Get off the main roads and enjoy some unique museums and farmers' markets.

Alaska

Visiting Alaska is a once-in-a-lifetime dream for most of those who enjoy RV travel. Because of the distances involved, this trip is best planned for travelers who can devote more than three weeks to a trip. Enjoy rugged landscapes, Native American culture, Denali National Park, panning for gold, big-game hunting, salmon fishing, and much more.

ESSENTIAL

Most travelers forget the adventures that are available in their own backyards. Contact your state (or nearby state) department of tourism for information on attractions. Many states have publications that highlight different attractions and seasonal activities. These publications can be a great resource for travel planning.

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