Spring is slowly creeping into the air — and it’s definitely the exact right time to get to planning your springtime RV trip! (For starters, who can resist ideating about future sunny travels while Jack Frost does his worst?
In this article, we’ll walk you through the best RV trips in spring — March, April, and May — across the entire country. We’ll also discuss why spring is one of the best times of the entire year to take an RV trip, how to choose the best RV rental vehicle for the journey, travel tips, and more.
Why Spring Is One of the Best Times for an RV Trip
“Summer” is basically synonymous with “road trip,” it’s true. But spring is a surprisingly underrated season for RV travel.
For starters, spring offers the beginning of more mild weather across most regions. In some areas, you’ll even be greeted by blooming wildflowers, gushing waterfalls, and other offerings of new growth. And the sun feels even better when it’s coming right after winter’s chill.
Plus, spring travelers will be faced with fewer crowds than those who travel in peak summer season, which makes everything from driving to reserving a campsite to getting a stranger-free Instagram photo easier. There are also plenty of festivals that take place in the springtime, giving you an event around which to orient your travels. (And in many cases, shoulder season will make the journey more affordable, even if you’re going to a destination with lots of fun action going on.)
Each month of the spring season has its own benefits for RV travelers. March is great for those who can handle cooler temperatures in exchange for even fewer crowds, and maybe even a snow day or two. April, on the other hand, brings more new growth and increasing wildflower blooms, while May is the closest to summertime without the drawbacks of summer travel (i.e., traffic and crowds).
Convinced yet? Cool — because next, we’re going to get into the where as well as the why.
Best RV Trips in the Southwest (March–May)
Looking to get away from it all in the desert? Springtime is actually the perfect time to explore America’s most otherworldly landscapes.
Why Spring Is Ideal for RV Travel in the Southwest
Whether you’re visiting in March, April, or May, a desert trip in the southwest means:
- Cooler temperatures, which is important in parts of the country that can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summertime
- Peak hiking and sightseeing conditions, including desert wildflower blooms and more
- Access to the southwest’s many national parks before summer heat and crowds (though you’ll still want to reserve any on-site national park campsites early)
Top Spring RV Trips in the Southwest
We’ll be real with you: It’s pretty hard to go wrong with a southwest road trip, no matter which corners you start and end in. Still, we know you come here for travel inspiration — so here are our top spring RV trip ideas in the desert southwest.
Grand Canyon & Northern Arizona Loop
There is perhaps no U.S. national park more famous than the Grand Canyon — and for good reason. This stunning geological icon of a canyon is truly something that has to be experienced to be believed. (And the national park itself is one of the best-appointed for RV travelers, including a year-round campground with hookups.)
But there’s a lot more in northern Arizona that reaches that level of intrigue, including Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon (both outside of Page, Arizona), Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, and the quaint college town of Flagstaff — which will be quietly bustling and offer plenty of fun to-dos in the springtime. (There are also plenty of very nice nearby Flagstaff-area campgrounds.)
Utah Might 5 National Parks Road Trip
Utah bears the distinction of being among the most national-park-dense states in the union, especially in the lower 48. (Alaska, obviously, crowds it out — but still, five in one state ain’t bad!)
A loop among all of the Mighty 5 could be done in as little as a week or 10 days, though many travelers will want to linger longer to fully explore each of these unique and frankly unbelievable alien landscapes. The parks include:
Keep in mind that there are even more incredible preserved wildernesses in this state, such as Fishlake National Forest and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. It may be easier to see as much as possible if you take a one-way RV rental!
Sedona & Red Rock Scenic Byway
If you’re looking for a shorter desert trip that still packs a big experiential punch, our top tip would be to head to Sedona. A stunning city in its own right with world-class hiking opportunities just minutes from the center of town, it’s also easy to add on the Red Rock Scenic Byway, a 7.5-mile, nationally designated All American Road that connects Sedona to the Village of Oak Creek, offering, as its name implies, rippling red-rock views and even more outdoor recreation opportunities along the way.
Las Vegas to Southern Utah National Parks
For a trip that truly offers something for everything — even if you’ve got some city slickers onboard — start in Las Vegas to enjoy the bright lights and big buildings before heading east toward the Southern Utah national parks (i.e. Zion and Bryce Canyon). This is another one where a one-way RV rental might fit just fine, not to mention expand your opportunities to explore deeply along the way.
Best Months to Visit
So, now that you have some ideas in mind, when should you plan this incredible desert road trip? Any spring month will do, though they each offer their own unique benefits.
- March means desert wildflowers and mild temps
- April is prime hiking weather in most of the American southwest
- By May, higher elevations open up for those interested in more serious hiking or mountaineering — and you’ll also enjoy warmer temperatures, especially during the daytime
Best RV Trips in California & the West Coast (March–May)
Find anyone who lives there, and you’ll hear that the West Coast is the Best Coast. Here’s where and when to visit if you’re planning a trip to the Golden State this spring.
Why Spring Is Perfect for the West Coast
You may think a summer trip down the Pacific Coast Highway is the only way to do it — and to be sure, it’s one way to do it (and an excellent one at that). But springtime in California also means:
- Coastal fog is lighter, so you can actually enjoy those sea- and bayside views
- Wildflowers bloom across California, making for unforgettable memories and photo ops
- Ideal temperatures make coastal and mountain drives even more enjoyable — windows down, music up!
Top Spring RV Trips on the West Coast
Now for the fun part: Exactly where to?
Pacific Coast Highway (Southern & Central California)
Truly, you basically can’t go wrong if you’re driving the Pacific Coast Highway. There’s a reason it’s such a legendary route. It’s literally one of the most beautiful in the entire world, let alone the U.S.
But springtime unlocks a special magic here, one marked by clear blue skies over the endless Pacific blue, fewer crowds, and easier-to-make reservations, even at highly sought-after destinations like Esalen. If you have enough time to truly slow down and soak it all in, this drive gives you equal opportunities to experience southern California’s sophisticated, urban vibes along with some of the most truly breathtaking natural landscapes it’s possible to see on earth, including opportunities to get truly away from it all in preserved wildernesses like Mendocino National Forest or the Redwood National and State Parks. (In fact, the California State Parks system in general will be a great resource for you as you navigate this route; plenty have RV campgrounds with hookups.)
San Francisco to Big Sur RV Trip
Want all the beauty and dynamism of the Pacific Coast Highway, but only have a long weekend to spend? You can get a lot of bang for your buck even if you dramatically shorten the route, starting in San Francisco (yes, there are RV-friendly campgrounds even in this urban megaplex!) and heading south toward Big Sur.
Along the way, you’ll pass through Monterey, well-known for its world-class aquarium and Cannery Row (which actually has RV-friendly parking right on site), as well as alongside preserved wildernesses like Fort Ord Dunes State Park, Fremont Peak State Park, Henry W. Coe State Park, Big Basin Redwoods State Park and even more. It’s truly the best kind of choose-your-own-adventure, where no matter what you choose, you’ll have an adventure worth remembering.
Yosemite National Park
What can we even say? Many people consider Yosemite National Park to be the most beautiful valley on the entire face of the planet. It’s also a legendary locale in the world of outdoor recreation, and particularly climbing. (You’ll likely remember that pro climber Alex Honnold was the first in the world to free solo, or ascend without a rope, the massive granite rock face El Capitan back in 2017 — or even if you don’t remember, you’ll appreciate it more once you see the rock for yourself.)
Traveling to Yosemite in spring means fewer crowds, more opportunities to explore in peace, and potentially even lower prices. Still, this is one of the most popular national parks in the entire system, so make reservations early. (And keep in mind that some parts of the park may still be snow-bound depending on when you show up!)
California Wine Country Wandering RV Trip
What better way to celebrate spring break than with a slightly boozy trip through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country? The best thing about doing a California wine country loop is that it can be as limited or as extensive as you want; almost the entire state is involved in wine-growing to some extent.
This is also an excellent opportunity, if you haven’t yet, to try out Harvest Hosts, a program that allows you to stay overnight on participating vineyards, farmlands, and other agricultural sites. The owners are often happy to offer you a wine tasting during your stay, making it a two-for-one bonus.
Best Months to Visit
Yet again, you can’t go wrong — but here’s what to expect, depending on which spring month you visit.
- Thanks to its mild climes, March is often best for coastal drives and desert regions
- April is, contrary to the popular nursery rhyme, when wildflower season peaks
- Those who want to get high might wait until May to make their move, as that’s when mountain access improves
Best RV Trips in the Southeast (March–May)
Want to get some real sunshine? Let’s head southeast, where the weather trends warmer and the pace trends molasses slow.
Why Spring Is a Sweet Spot in the Southeast
Looking for warm, but not hot? Looking for sunny, but not instant-sunburn-sunny? The southeast in springtime has you covered. Enjoy:
- Warm, but not hot and humid, weather
- Spring festivals and coastal events
- Lush greenery and blooming landscapes that will make you forget that winter is even a thing
Top Spring RV Trips in the Southeast
Here are our top trips for enjoying spring in the southeast.
Blue Ridge Parkway & Great Smoky Mountains
The Appalachian Mountains may not be as tall as the Rockies, but that’s because they’re older — and, for many biologists and geologists, therefore more interesting. And no matter your depth of interest or knowledge, there’s no doubt that the chain of mountains conserved inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park (and visible on the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway) are absolutely stunning.
A weeklong trip will give you a good chance to see a lot of the national park, and the Blue Ridge Parkway is an easy add-on, especially for campers who may have accessibility concerns when it comes to steep hiking trails. We also recommend adding on a night or two in community centers like Asheville, NC or Pigeon Forge, TN to get a sense of the local flavor and enjoy fun, non-outdoorsy things to do with the family.
Florida Gulf Coast RV Road Trip
Yes, Florida’s east-coast beaches are world-class. They’re also often crowded. For a slower pace, warmer water temperatures, and less wake, we recommend heading to the west coast of the state. If you’re really ambitious, you could start all the way south in Everglades National Park — one of the very best dark sky locations east of the Mississippi for stargazers and astronomy nerds — and meander all the way north through Naples, Ft. Myers, St. Pete, Tampa, and beyond. (If you make it all the way to the panhandle beaches, you’ll see why that area’s called the Emerald Coast.)
Along the way, you’ll have lots more to see and experience than beaches and cityscapes. Though they’re sometimes a bit off the beaten path, Florida’s Gulf Coast actually has a lot to offer in the way of preserved wildernesses and state parks. A few not to miss include Big Cypress National Preserve, Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park, Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge, and, of course, Weeki Wachi Springs State Park, world-famous for its mermaid shows.
Charleston to Savannah Coastal Route
Florida may get all the glory when it comes to southeast beaches, but the truth is, there are other, equally beautiful coastal views to see and enjoy. The route between Charleston and Savannah is only about two hours of driving, but there’s so much history and wilderness here that you could easily turn it into a long weekend or even a week-long journey. We also love this option as a good mix of urban (or at least provincial) adventures and more truly out-there landscapes.
Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive
Want all the majesty of the Smokies with fewer crowds and an opportunity to see it all without ever stepping foot outside of your vehicle? Take your spring getaway to Shenandoah National Park, a parcel of preserved United States landscape including blue-toned mountain ridges and epic waterfalls. Skyline Drive is a great way to see it all from the comfort of your RV, though there are, of course, also plenty of opportunities to get out, up close, and personal.
Best Months to Visit
Here’s how the benefits break down depending on which spring month you plan your trip.
- March offers the mildest temperatures along with early spring blooms
- April is when to visit for peak wildflower action, as well as prime hiking in many of the Appalachian foothills
- May is the official beginning of beach weather — and also snow-free ascents if you’re scaling the taller peaks inside the southeast’s national parks
Best RV Trips in the Mountain West & Rockies (April–May)
You’ll learn quickly why John Denver called it the Colorado Rocky Mountain high no matter what time of year you visit — but we have to say, springtime is among the best times to head to the highest mountains in the lower 48. Here’s why.
What to Expect in Spring in the Mountains
Why explore the Rockies in the springtime? Well:
- Snow will still be present at higher elevations, lending an additional touch of magic for those who don’t have their heart set on scaling the tallest peaks (and an additional edge of adventure for those who do)
- Shoulder season pricing means more opportunities to enjoy and explore for less money
- Fewer crowds give you the chance to really enjoy gateway towns like Estes Park at a reasonable pace
Top Spring RV Trips in the Mountain West
In Colorful Colorado and beyond, here’s where to navigate for an incredible springtime RV road trip adventure.
Colorado National Parks and Scenic Byways
You already know about Rocky Mountain National Park. But Colorado is also quietly home to a lot of other national parks, too, including:
Colorado is also home to 13 designated America’s Byways, which is more than any other state in the union, and includes 10 National Forest Scenic Byways. All of which is to say: No matter what corner of the state you choose, there’s endless outdoor adventure of all varieties to be had in Colorado. It’s all right there for the taking, especially in springtime.
Utah Desert Parks (Before Summer Heat)
Yes, Utah is technically part of the mountain west — and yes, we’re going to plug your opportunity to explore the Mighty 5 again in the same article because they’re just that special. Along with the national parks, consider Utah’s many incredible state parks (we’d especially like to highlight Natural Bridges National Monument, an undersung alternative to often-crowded Arches). You just can’t go wrong.
Wyoming & Montana Lower-Elevation Routes
It’s true that if you try to travel to, say, Glacier National Park or parts of the Grand Tetons in the springtime, you’re likely to be met by disappointment. Wyoming and Montana’s highest elevations are often snowed in and inaccessible until high summer.
But the springtime is still a great time to visit these states’ lower-elevation gems, including Jackson Hole, Flathead Lake, and Missoula. You can even shelter from the cold underground in Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park.
Denver to Moab RV Road Trip
Why not connect two of the most iconic (but totally different) cities in the Mountain West? On this route, you’ll start in the urban bustle of the Mile-High City (which, don’t worry, does have an RV-friendly campground or two to choose from). You’ll then venture southwest through some of the densest areas of preserved wildness and beauty in the entire U.S. — we’re talking Rocky Mountain National Park, yes, but also White River National Forest, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, i.e., total hidden gems preserving the San Juans, which are arguably even more beautiful than the Front Range.
Finally, you’ll end up in the otherworldly red-rock swirl of southeastern Utah, where you’ll be well positioned from Moab to explore Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, or if you’re truly ambitious, both. This is a truly unforgettable road trip for outdoor explorers and urban adventurers alike.
Best Months to Visit
Truth time: In most of these areas, you probably don’t want to visit in March. It’ll just still be too darn cold and snowy. Still, that means two of the springtime months are wide open:
- In April, lower elevations become accessible (while the surrounding mountains maintain their powdered-donut look)
- In May, even more roads and campgrounds open — but you’ll still beat the thick of the crowds
Best RV Trips in the Pacific Northwest (April–May)
Take it from someone who lives there: The Pacific Northwest is just the best. And while March might still usually be too rainy for most out-of-towners to enjoy the area, April and May are actually excellent times to visit the northwestern corner of the country.
Why Spring Works Well in the Pacific Northwest
Why spring in the Pacific Northwest? Well, for starters:
- Waterfalls are at peak flow, bulked up by freeze and snowfall
- Fewer crowds than during our peak travel season in the summer
- Wildflowers begin to bloom at lower elevations (i.e., the ones most accessible to untrained hikers)
Top Spring RV Trips in the Pacific Northwest
While, again, you can’t go wrong anywhere in the PNW (at any time, if you ask me), here are some of our top hits for spring RV road trips in the Pacific Northwest.
Oregon Coast RV Road Trip
Ask any Portlander where their favorite quick getaway is, and they’re going to say the coast. (But do be prepared: This is less a “sunbathing” kind of beach trip and more a “deeply moody and introspective” kind of beach trip.)
You can’t go wrong, but big highlights include Astoria (especially for fans of The Goonies, Lewis and Clark National Historical Park for American history buffs, Fort Stevens State Park (don’t miss the ancient shipwreck), and, of course, Seaside, which is the kind of place where a not-insignificant share of the economy runs on saltwater taffy. Further south, Cannon Beach and its famous Haystack Rock, Manzanita and Nehalem Bay State Park, and Yachats (this writer’s personal favorite) await.
Columbia River Gorge Scenic Drive
The Columbia River is considered one of the most treacherous in the entire country, especially where it spits out into the Pacific Ocean. But if you’re navigating by the roads rather than steering a ship in the river itself, it becomes a lot less stressful and a lot more scenic. We recommend starting in Astoria and winding your way eastward, perhaps all the way to Tri-Cities, Washington.
Along the way, you’ll pass through and alongside endless outdoor recreation and hiking opportunities, including Clatsop State Forest, Benson State Recreation Area, Beacon Rock State Park, and so many more. Although you’d do well even just driving, we highly recommend stopping off at one of the many visitor centers (like the one at Oregon’s Multnomah Falls, just thirty minutes east of Portland) to learn more about the hiking and recreating opportunities along the way.
Washington’s Olympic Peninsula
You could wander around Washington’s Olympic Peninsula for a lifetime and still not see it all. Heck, you could keep yourself just to the confines of Olympic National Park and not see it all. Still, it’s well worth trying to see whatever you can in this part of the country that looks like it’s falling off the map and into the water. The Hoh Rain Forest in particular is one that most travelers don’t forget, but we also recommend making the trek out to La Push, whose many beaches are perfect for tidepooling and sight-seeing.
Seattle to Portland RV trip
One-way RV rental alert: This trip is perfect for a one-way journey! Both of the terminal cities are easy to fly into and out of (Portland’s airport was just redone, even), and both cities offer endless urban to-dos with some of the most incredible landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities in, truly, the entire world strung between them. Just a few of these include:
But truly, if you can slow down enough to take it all in, this three-to-five-hour stretch of I-5 could take you a lifetime — especially if you also add in a trip or two out towards the coast. Enjoy!
Best Months to Visit
Again, this region might be slightly too rainy for many in March. But in the two later springtime months, you can look forward to:
- In April, snow-boosted waterfalls and coastal drives beckon
- May, on the other hand, brings drier weather and longer days
Best RV Trips in the Midwest & Great Lakes (April–May)
We see you, midwesterners. Don’t get it twisted; we would never forget the heart of our country!
Why Late Spring Is Best for the Midwest
While March can still be a little meh in the midwest as far as weather is concerned, by April and May, the area opens up for spring travel thanks to:
- Winter thaw making roads and parks accessible
- Mild temperatures for easy and comfortable sightseeing
- Spring festivals and lakefront towns that put winter firmly in the rearview
Top Spring RV Trips in the Midwest
Here’s the very best for spring travel in the midwest.
Great Lakes Shoreline Drive
While the full extent of the Great Lakes Shoreline Drive meanders some 6,500 miles (!!) around all five lakes, you can definitely make a shorter (and still extremely sweet) spring RV road trip by navigating any segment. The southern shore of Lake Superior may still be pretty icy even in April and May, but the lakes further south, like MIchigan and Eerie, offer stunning sightseeing alongside nearby urban population centers. It’s a best-of-both worlds kind of scenario — and with so many cities and lakesides to choose from, you can really customize this trip precisely to your own travel desires.
Indiana Dunes National Park
One of the newest in the roster, Indiana Dunes National Park was officially designated just a few years ago in 2019. As you’ll recall, some fairly major world history happened shortly thereafter, so there’s a good chance you haven’t had the opportunity to explore this stunning landscape quite yet.
If that’s true, there’s no time like the present — especially for those who live in Chicago or other nearby cities. (P.S., Chicago itself is a great addition to this road trip if you live further afield, and there are a surprising number of RV-friendly campgrounds in The Windy City.) The national park also offers RV-friendly camping, though it doesn’t have electricity hookups. Also, keep a look out for seasonal road closures, which may still be in effect earlier in springtime.
Door County, Wisconsin
The finger stretching up north into Lake Michigan, just north of Green Bay, Door County, Wisconsin is one of the most underrated road trip destinations in the U.S., especially in spring. For a relatively small amount of land, it packs in a huge amount of wildness, including several state parks — Newport State Park, Peninsula State Park, Whitefish Dunes State Park and Potawatomi State Park, for starters — many of which offer cushy-yet-affordable RV camping opportunities.
Truly intrepid travelers can also make their way all the way out to Rock Island State Park, which is accessible only by ferry and offers a truly primitive experience of this part of the world. (Again, double-check the ferry schedule and park hours, as seasonal closures may still be in effect too early in the season.)
Michigan Coastal Road Trips
Finally, we can’t not vouch for any trip around the perimeter of Michigan, ringed as it is by epic lakeside views. On the west side, consider starting out in Grand Rapids before heading coastward, or go all the way north and add Mackinac Island to your list of checked travel boxes. (There’s no vehicular traffic on the island, which these days is truly a relief.) On the east side of the state, it’s Lake Huron you’ll be looking at, with landscapes like Thunder Bay River State Forest ripe for exploring.
This is another trip you could easily throttle up or down in length and intensity depending on how much time and energy you have. No matter what, enjoy the springtime blooms, including, perhaps, the Tulip Time Festival that draws crowds to the tiny town of Holland in early May!
Best Months to Visit
Again, you might want to skip most of the midwest in March — it’s just not her best look. But later in the season, you’ll be greeted with:
- April travelers are getting an early spring escape that may still be a little chilly, but definitely less crowded (and likely less costly)
- May is truly prime-time prime weather — but still safely before summer crowds arrive
How to Choose the Best Spring RV Trip for You
Golly — that’s a lot of options! How do you choose the best spring RV trip for you and your family? Here are some considerations to keep in mind:
- Climate and temperature preferences. Do you chill easily, or do you enjoy the opportunity to bundle up a bit? These can help direct both your where and your when.
- What kind of outdoor activities are you into (or not)? Maybe you’re looking to check national parks off your list, or you’d rather a relaxed coastal drive with an urban campground.
- Your availability for driving distance and trip length. Some of the trips we’ve outlined above are truly epic in scope, while others easily lend themselves to a long weekend.
- One-way vs round-trip RV travel. One-way travel truly opens so many doors for road trippers, since you don’t have to save time and money to go back where you came from — but it also usually requires flying into and out of your terminal cities, which can, for some travelers, be a bit of a headache.
Spring RV Travel Tips (March–May)
Here are our top tips for spring RV travel so you can take to the road like a pro (i.e., not have to learn the same things we did the hard way!)
- Expect the unexpected when it comes to the weather. Spring is well-known to be a bit “bipolar” as far as what the sky is doing at any given moment, and the general patterns also vary a lot depending on where you’re going. To be safe, prepare for multiple eventualities by bringing layers, including rain protection.
- Plan your camping early. Campground availability can be dicey during shoulder season, since some campgrounds just close until the high-demand summer months.
- Consider road closures and elevation changes ahead of time. Even smaller RVs can be more challenging than the typical vehicle, and that’s before you’re on a mountain road in snowy weather.
- Make a packing list. It’s just a fact of life that you’re going to forget something. (Psst: We actually already made one for you.)
Plan Your Perfect Spring RV Road Trip
As you can see from all of the adventures on offer above, March, April and May are ideal for RV travel, offering their own special magic that’s perhaps even better than high summer’s big sunshiney days, for some. With so many options across the United States, it’s easy to find a region where the weather, the activities, and the distance all match your personal travel goals. And in an RVshare vehicle, getting there isn’t just easy — it’s part of the fun.
