While summer may be the obvious choice for an RV vacation, spring can be an equally memorable time for a getaway. Not only are the kids off from school for spring break, but in many parts of the country, the flowers are in full bloom and the weather becomes more inviting by the day. What’s more, depending on where you visit, the crowds will be much smaller than in summer. So whether you’re thinking of renting an RV or getting your RV ready for the road, here are more than two prime choices for a spring getaway around the country. (Always check ahead for availability and event dates)
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Cody, Wyoming
Northwest Wyoming’s Cody is home to one of the five entrances into Yellowstone National Park. Not only is the legendary park awakening from its winter hibernation in late spring (think very late April through May), it’s also a good time to spot baby animals, including bison. There are a variety of RV parks in the area, including Parkway RV Campground and the Cody KOA.
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Cody: What to Do
Cody offers a variety of entertainment beyond Yellowstone (in case the weather is still chilly). Among the top choices is the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, which includes five museums focused on the legendary hunter and showman. The Plains Indian Museum is another notable choice, as are the Whitney Western Art Museum and the Old Trail Town, a re-created frontier town with 1800s log cabins and a saloon.
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Chincoteague Island, Virginia
On Virginia’s eastern shore region, Chincoteague Island is a picturesque and serene retreat. In addition to its mild year-round temperature, the island is known for its oyster beds and clam shoals, and for being the gateway to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Nearby Assateague Island is home to a wildlife refuge with famed wild Chincoteague ponies. The waterfront Jellystone Park has a water park and jumping pillow along with other amenities.
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Chincoteague Island: What to Do
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge features miles of hiking and biking trails and an abundance of nature to take in along the way. Another popular spring time activity is beachcombing. Foodies, meanwhile, will want to sample Chincoteague’s famed salt oysters.
Buellton, California
Immerse yourself in small-town California in Buellton, featured in the movie “Sideways.” The Santa Barbara County community offers year-round sunshine and a temperate climate. The warm days and cool nights are the secret behind world-class pinot noir and chardonnay production. The Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground is a destination unto itself, offering two pools, a general store, fitness center, bocce ball, horseshoes, a playground, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
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Buellton: What to Do
In addition to the robust wine-making community (there are tasting rooms throughout the town), Buellton is known for its buzzing craft beer scene. Beer aficionado favorites Firestone and Figueroa Mountain Brewing call the area home. Those with children in tow may want to spend some time at Ostrichland USA, where visitors can feed ostriches and emus.
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is awash in its own wildflower display come spring time — from rhododendrons to black-eyed Susans, says Megan Buemi, senior manager of customer experience for RVshare. The park is home to about 1,500 varieties of flowering plants. There’s also diverse animal life and well-preserved remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture. Smoky Mountain Premier RV Resort is one of the few options in the park that can accommodate large RVs and trailers.
Great Smoky Mountains: What to Do
The Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage (April 26-29) is one of the top activities at the park. The annual event includes professionally guided walks to explore the region’s natural and cultural resources.
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Hocking Hills, Ohio
A southeastern Ohio state park, Hocking Hills is unforgettable in the spring when nature’s carpet of wildflowers are in bloom, Buemi says. The region is also less crowded this time of year. Hocking Hills State Park Campground offers nearly 200 sites, many with electric hookups.
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Hocking Hills: What to Do
There are seven hiking areas within Hocking Hills State Park, as well as naturalist programs and special hiking events such as the Wildflowers and Waterfalls Hike. The park is also close to the quaint college town of Athens, where you’ll find live entertainment, thrift shopping, and great food, Buemi says.
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American Prairie Reserve, Montana
The innovative American Prairie Reserve plans to stitch together some 3.5 million acres of protected nature, beginning with a base of more than 405,000 acres collected since 2004. Already open to the public, the reserve supports animals that historically called the Great Plains home, including bison, wolves, bears, elk, and deer. This picturesque destination includes a few campgrounds with RV sites, such as Buffalo Camp.
American Prairie Reserve: What to Do
Wildlife viewing, hiking, biking, and night-sky viewing are just some of the choices at the reserve. The area is home to a herd of about 800 bison, and calves typically appear in late April, with new additions arriving into early summer. Bird-watching is another popular pastime. More than 150 species have been spotted here, including birds of prey, upland game birds, and waterfowl. There are also miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
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White Sands National Monument, New Mexico
If you don’t mind separating the sand from the sea, White Sands National Monument makes for yet another memorable getaway that has “the largest field of gypsum sand dunes in the world … you’ll enjoy taking in this southwest wonder, including enjoying the simple fun of sledding down the steep slopes [of sand] all around you,” Buemi says. The Alamogordo/White Sands KOA in Tularosa Basin provides an ideal location to explore the monument and the other attractions of southern New Mexico.
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White Sands: What to Do
Yakima Valley, Washington
With more than 120 wineries and six American Viticulture Areas, the Yakima Valley produces more than half of Washington State’s wine grapes. During the spring, the valley’s wineries participate in a Spring Barrel Tasting, which allows for sampling vintages straight from the source. There are several RV campgrounds in the area, including Circle ‘H’ RV Park and Sunnyside RV Park.
Yakima Valley: What to Do
The Yakima Valley is also the “Hop Capital of the World,” and home to a thriving craft beer industry. The valley usually hosts a spring celebration of craft beverages with its Roots and Vines Festival, which traditionally features nationally touring Americana, folk, and bluegrass bands. The event has been canceled in recent years due to COVID-19, but plans for this year are currently under review. Spring is also a good time to enjoy the area farmers markets or visit a U-pick farm with the family.
Grand Canyon National Park
For those who want to experience the beauty of the Grand Canyon’s landscape without the crowds, there is no better time than spring — another RVshare recommendation. Temperatures at the canyon are also much more bearable in spring than summer. As for where to stay, Buemi suggests Trailer Village RV Park, the only in-park RV campground with full hookups and easy access to the canyon’s rim.
Grand Canyon: What to Do
Come spring, the canyon bursts with new life, making it an ideal time to simply take a walk below the rim. The park is home to hundreds of flowering plants, including evening primrose, baby white aster, white violet, ground cherry, and Rocky Mountain iris. Spring also provides good photo opportunities, including for capturing images of blooming cactuses, and many of the animals that call the Grand Canyon home mate in the fall, so you’ll have a chance to see fawns or elk calves in the spring.
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Borrego Springs, California
The desert oasis town of Borrego Springs is legendary for its spring wildflowers, and 2023 is shaping up to be another super bloom year. Local officials say. Borrego is also home to award-winning RV resorts including The Springs at Borrego RV Resort.
Borrego Springs: What to Do
While wildflowers might be the main attraction, they aren’t the only reason to visit Borrego. Popular activities include stargazing with Night Sky Tours (Borrego Springs is California’s first and only official International Dark Sky Community) and exploring Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. The Borrego Art Institute, meanwhile, showcases desert artists and sculptors.
Related: See the Stars: Dark Sky Destinations Across America
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Family travel blogger Pam Whyte says Myrtle Beach is a small slice of heaven for RV travelers thanks to its campgrounds along the ocean. “It’s as if they reserved the oceanfront properties just for campgrounds,” says Whyte, creator of FamilyFunJoy. The temperature is also a big attraction in the spring. By April, it’s already in the 70s and low 80s. The beachfront city’s many attractions (golf courses, amusement parks, arcades) tend to open as well, except the lines are shorter and the crowds thinner. Briarcliffe RV Resort and Pirateland Family Camping Resort are two of the many options here.
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Myrtle Beach: What to Do
Popular Myrtle Beach attractions include Alligator Adventure (which allows visitors to get up close and personal with the animals), and Brookgreen Gardens, a National Historic Landmark where you can explore spring blooms and sculptures.
Cedar Key, Florida
Cedar Key, an island off Florida’s northwest coast about an hour south of Gainesville, is an old-fashioned vacation spot featuring charming beaches, abundant fishing and lush natural preserves. It’s also where you’ll find few traffic lights and plenty of opportunity for relaxation, all making it one of RVshare’s top spring destination choices. “While any spot along Florida’s endless shoreline will be a winner, we love this west coast island, which is home to miles of hiking trails and unique wildlife,” says Buemi, who recommends Cedar Key RV Resort when visiting.
Cedar Key: What to Do
Cedar Key National Wildlife Refuge is a popular attraction offering trails to explore and rich birdlife. There’s also Cedar Key Museum State Park, which showcases artifacts depicting the history of the island. In addition, the Cedar Key Historical Museum explores the town’s past through photos, documents, and Civil War items.
Long Beach Peninsula, Washington
With its abundance of fresh seafood, endless stretches of beach and northwest rainforests, Washington’s Long Beach Peninsula provides another compelling springtime choice. In the southwest corner of the state, this oceanfront region is much quiet in spring, local officials say. There are also numerous RV parks in the region including Andersen’s Oceanside RV Park & Cottages (the closest to the beach of any of the RV parks) and Mermaid Inn & RV Park.
Long Beach Peninsula: What to Do
The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center is among the notable highlights here, as is exploring the community’s two landmark lighthouses, strolling along the half-mile dunes boardwalk, or biking along the 8.5-mile Discovery Trail. And not to be overlooked, the World Kite Museum showcases the most complete collection of Japanese kites outside of Japan.
Texas Hill Country River Region, Uvalde County
A hidden gem in southwest Texas, the River Region of the Texas Hill Country is a place of simple pleasures. Best known for three rivers that run through the area — the Frio, Nueces, and Sabinal — and recreational activities tied to those rivers, the region also includes plenty of scenic trails to explore and spectacular wildflower displays. Parkview Riverside RV Resort offers a scenic location in the middle of Texas Hill Country.
Texas Hill Country River Region: What to Do
Float down the lazy Frio River on an inner tube or head to one of the other rivers to fish, kayak, or canoe the day away. Golfing, bird-watching, and bat flight tours are still more options here.
Point Mugu State Park, California
Nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains just outside Los Angeles, look for Point Mugu State Park to return to offering affordable camping accommodations for moderately sized motorhomes and travel trailers (up to 31 feet) The park also showcases California’s natural beauty, including 5 miles of stunning ocean shoreline, bluffs, sand dunes, and rugged hills, not to mention two river canyons, Buemi says.
Point Mugu: What to Do
With more than 70 miles of trails, hiking is among the primary activities here. Those who make the effort will be rewarded with unforgettable views of the iconic California coastline. For those who come prepared with a wetsuit, there’s also swimming and body surfing, and surf fishing is yet another option.
Lake Powell, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
With its 2,000 miles of shoreline, 96 major side canyons, sapphire blue water, and red sandstone cliffs, it’s no wonder Lake Powell is a popular destination. Come spring, the warm, sunny weather makes it an even more appealing place to be. As a bonus, the lake is still quiet in early spring (the hordes of tourists have not yet arrived) and new fish are spawning, making an opportune time for avid fisherman. Wahweap RV & Campground is about one-quarter mile from the shores of Lake Powell.
Lake Powell: What to Do
Lake Powell is all about the outdoor activities including kayaking, fishing, waterskiing, rafting, hiking, golfing, or simply relaxing on the shore. Don’t miss taking in Rainbow Bridge National Monument, on the edge of Lake Powell and the largest natural bridge in the world at 290 feet. Visitors will want to monitor conditions at Lake Powell before heading out, as drought has currently affected water levels.
Prince William Forest National Park, Virginia
The largest green space in northern Virginia, Prince William Forest National Park is a 16,000-acre preserve that includes more than 40 miles of hiking and biking trails to enjoy in the spring as well as fishing ponds and several campgrounds that include cabins and RV spaces.
Prince William Forest: What to Do
Just 30 miles outside of Washington, D.C., the park provides a convenient location to explore the nation’s capital for the National Cherry Blossom Festival (March 20-April 16) or, more locally, spend a day at Burnside Farms enjoying its annual Festival of Spring tulip extravaganza. The farm includes more than 8 acres of colorful blooms, with family activities and games.
Siskiyou, California
A dramatic outdoor destination offering breathtaking views of Mount Shasta, Siskiyou is in Northern California in a region that includes 50 rivers, 270 lakes, lava caves, and waterfalls. There are also plenty of RV park options in the area, including Stateline RV Park and Mountain Village RV Park.
Siskiyou: What to Do
Explore caves created by flows of smooth lava 10,500 to 65,000 years ago at Lava Beds National Monument. Take a hike up to the secret Hedge Creek Falls, or explore the trio of waterfalls at McCloud Falls. The region is also home to Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge, established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908 as the nation’s first waterfowl refuge.
Reno-Tahoe, Nevada
Visitors to Reno can both ski or golf, paddleboard or snowshoe — a mix you won’t find many places. The region’s trees and flowers are also starting to bloom, making it a pleasant time to explore the city’s riverfront or go hiking. And one more reason to set up camp in spring: It’s the start of event season, typically marked by a variety of festivals. Shamrock RV Park is just a few minutes outside downtown Reno, providing a convenient base for exploring.
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Reno-Tahoe: What to Do
Explore colorful street art and murals and don’t miss stopping for a drink at The Eddy, an outdoor container park that opens at the beginning of spring.
Lake Quinault, Washington
If you’re looking to skip the beach and reconnect with the wilderness, Buemi suggests Lake Quinault as a picturesque spring getaway in the Olympic Peninsula’s glacial-carved Quinault Valley. Visitors will find beautiful waterfalls and a variety of wildlife, as the region is at the back door of the Olympic National Park. There are two campgrounds within Olympic National Park & Forest that accommodate RVs, but Buemi also suggests dry camping (camping in an RV without using hookups) in this region and truly enjoying the great outdoors.
Lake Quinault: What to Do
Hiking and biking are great ways to explore the region’s temperate rainforest in spring, Buemi says. But don’t miss driving around the picturesque Lake Quinault via the Quinault Rain Forest Loop Drive, a 31-mile excursion that also passes along the Quinault River and into Olympic National Park. There are waterfalls and wildlife all along the way.
Williamsburg, Virginia
For those in search of an educational, family-oriented spring break getaway, eastern Virginia is a good option, Buemi says. Williamsburg played a major role in the American Revolution and is part of the “Historic Triangle” with Jamestown and Yorktown. The Anvil Campground is a top-rated campground for RV travelers.
Williamsburg: What to Do
Families won’t want to miss Colonial Williamsburg, a historic district and living-history museum where actors in period costumes depict daily colonial life in the streets, stores, and workshops. The Governor’s Palace is another top stop, a regal building that was home to seven royal governors and the first two elected governors in Virginia.
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Tualatin Valley, Oregon
Come spring, the Tualatin Valley features lush countryside awash in clover and wildflowers. Between Portland and the Oregon coast, the Tualatin Valley is a good home base for RV travelers who want to explore the northwestern portion of the state. The valley is also home to acclaimed restaurants and is a gateway to Oregon wine country. RV park options include Roamers Rest RV Park and L.L. Stub Stewart State Park.
Tualatin Valley: What to Do
Tualatin Valley is home to more than 30 wine tasting rooms. Spring is a particularly good time to visit, as the wineries often release new wines and tasting rooms are not crowded, giving guests a more intimate experience. The season also typically brings one of the valley’s signature wine events, a Memorial Day Wine Weekend. Craft beer tasting is another popular activity, as there are more than two dozen breweries.
St. Augustine, Florida
Offering warm weather without the spring break crowds, St. Augustine is another top Florida choice. The nation’s oldest city is known for its laid-back atmosphere (even during the height of spring break), as well as its Spanish colonial architecture. The St. Augustine Beach KOA, on Anastasia Island, provides a convenient base to explore the historic city.
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St. Augustine: What to Do
Boating, hiking, lighthouse tours, and even eco-tours that allow for getting up close with marine life are among the options in St. Augustine. The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, a 15-acre waterfront historical attraction, delves into the history of the Spanish settlers who arrived in the area in the 1600s.
Sedona, Arizona
Surrounded by red-rock buttes, steep canyon walls, and pine forests, Sedona is an unforgettable destination; spring is a good time to visit to explore its natural beauty, with the average spring temperature between 60 and 80 and summer heat always on the oppressive side. Rancho Sedona RV Park offers year-round camping in the shade of sycamore and cottonwood trees.
Sedona: What to Do
Hiking and jeep tours are some of the best ways to take in Sedona’s beauty, and fishing, horseback riding, and whitewater rafting are still more popular activity options. There are also photography and painting workshops; as a region known for spiritual healing, it also offers activities such as as energy balancing massage or having your aura read.
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San Diego
“America’s finest city” is a beautiful place to park your RV for an extended visit in the spring and enjoy the Southern California lifestyle. The city is known for its outdoor living, beautiful beaches, and variety of family-friendly activities. There are also numerous RV parks, including Mission Bay RV Resort, which puts you in the heart of the most picturesque part of the city.
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San Diego: What to Do
San Diego offers endless activity, from exploring the San Diego Zoo to taking in its sister facility, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Spring is a good time to visit the slightly inland safari park as temperatures are cooler and more pleasant. Surfing, hiking, biking, and checking out downtown San Diego’s thriving culinary scene are still more options. And while in the city, don’t miss visiting Coronado Island, home to one of the most picturesque beaches in the United States.
