Underrated Spring RV Destinations Across the U.S. 

I absolutely love springtime RV travel. That said, some of the more popular destinations can get a little too crowded for my taste. Fortunately, we have been able to find some lesser-known, underrated RV destinations during our travels. Visiting these hidden gems when we need a break from the crowds is always lovely, and if you’re looking for a less crowded spring getaway, these might just be the perfect destinations for you as well!

Why Spring Is Perfect for RV Travel

Before diving into specific destinations, it’s worth understanding why RVers like myself enjoy spring travel so very much. For one thing, temperatures in spring tend to be comfortable, especially in the southern region. While popular spots can get a little bit crowded, crowd levels are still much lighter than they will be once summer rolls around.

Additionally, campground fees tend to be lower during the shoulder season. Finally, it is worth mentioning the gorgeous wildflowers, powerful waterfalls, and amazing wildlife activity that put on a show during the springtime.

Now let’s discuss those spring RV locales!

Palo Duro Canyon

The Grand Canyon is amazing, but it’s also incredibly crowded even in the spring. If you’re looking for a quieter canyon experience, I recommend Palo Duro Canyon in Texas. This is the second-largest canyon in the United States, and in spring, the canyon floor fills with gorgeous wildflowers. Spring also boasts daytime temps that are perfect for hiking, something we very much appreciated during our visit.

Camping is available in the park and the views from the onsite campsites are gorgeous. Make sure to step outside of your RV and watch the stunning sunsets during your stay!

Texas Hill Country

Another Texas destination, Texas Hill Country is well worth checking out, especially if you are able to visit during the spring. During the spring months, bluebonnets and other wildflowers blanket the rolling hills, creating an absolutely beautiful scene. The weather is warm and lovely, and the mix of scenic drives, small towns, wineries, and natural areas found in the region mean you’ll never be bored during your stay. 

There are a number of RV parks in this area. Pedernales Falls State Park is a great homebase for RVers. We also really like the Medina Lake Thousand Trails and have stayed there multiple times. 

Outer Banks

We also really loved our springtime visit to Outer Banks, North Carolina. In the summer, this area is super busy, but we found that the spring time was actually very laid back. I loved the mix of history and gorgeous shoreline, and we even got to see some wild horses at Cape Lookout National Seashore. Make sure to check out a lighthouse or two while you’re there!

As far as RV camping goes, I have to recommend staying at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. This is a beautiful park with plenty of lovely beaches to play on. 

Valley of Fire State Park

Somehow, I still haven’t been to Valley of Fire State Park, but it’s been on my must-see list for years. This park is located just about an hour outside of Las Vegas and looks absolutely amazing. From what I understand, spring is the time to visit thanks to the comfortable hiking temperatures. Visiting during this time allows you to hike to the natural arches and through the narrow slot canyons without dealing with the intense heat that comes with summer in this area. 

Camping is available in the park and the campsites are set among the amazing rock formations that call the park home. 

Congaree National Park

I don’t really understand why, but for some reason, Congaree National Park in South Carolina is one of the least visited national parks in the country. This is too bad, because it’s a seriously beautiful place—and spring is easily the best time to visit. The park features a vast floodplain, which plays host to lots and lots of bald cypress trees. During the spring, we also found lots of lovely wildflowers growing along the boardwalk trails. 

There is no RV camping in the national park and we actually stayed pretty far away at the Oaks at South Point Thousand Trails. Really, I’d recommend finding a nearby RV park such as Magnolia Campground. 

Anastasia State Park

Florida is one of my favorite places to be in early spring, and Anastasia State Park is one of my favorite places to be in Florida. This is a lovely state park set right outside of St. Augustine. It plays host to a gorgeous beach with oddly orange sand, as well as some nice walking trails where we spotted plenty of birds and other critters. 

There is camping in the state park, meaning you can camp right in the middle of all the fun. If you get bored in the park itself, head into St. Augustine to see all the amazing things the city has to offer. 

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Yet another Texas destination, Guadalupe Mountains National Park definitely deserves a spot on this list. Because it’s so remote, it took us a while to get to this park, but we didn’t regret the trip. We really enjoyed hiking in the mountains and found lots of blooming desert plants along the trail. 

We boondocked near the park and there seemed to be quite a lot of free dry camping in the area. It’s also worth noting that Carlsbad Caverns National Park isn’t too far away, meaning there’s plenty to see and do nearby.

Capitol Reef National Park

We got to every other Utah national park pretty early in our travels, but somehow it took us years to get to Capitol Reef. Funnily enough, this park turned out to be my favorite of the Utah parks. I absolutely adore how remote it is, and the rock formations and history here are so super cool. We particularly enjoyed a hike along a small river, which led to a tiny waterfall and swimming hole. 

There is camping available in the park. That said, we boondocked right outside of the park and I think I preferred the totally free camping. 

Natchez Trace Parkway

We spent a little bit of one spring exploring a stretch of the Natchez Trace Parkway and found it to be a lovely spot. I especially loved the many hiking trails found along the road, as well as the many historic sites. In the spring, everything is lush and green and we even found some waterfalls along the way. 

I appreciate that the speed limit on the Natchez Trace Parkway is low, meaning you have to take it slow. There are also a lot of campgrounds along the route—including some free options—as well as Thousand Trails Natchez Trace, where we stayed. 

Hot Springs National Park

We just got back this week from a springtime visit to Hot Springs National Park. Unfortunately, a cold front came through right as we got there, but even so, I find spring to be a great time to visit. The weather was warm enough to be enjoyable without being miserably hot. We really enjoyed learning about the history of the hot springs in the visitor center, and then we had fun feeling the water from the springs and hiking up the steep hill behind the visitor center.

There is RV camping available in the park at Gulpha Gorge Campground, and this is where I recommend staying for sure. 

Tips for Planning a Spring RV Trip

Choosing where to go on your spring trip is important, but it isn’t the only thing to consider. Here are some of my top tips for making sure your spring RV travels go as smoothly as possible. 

Watch the Weather

Spring can be unpredictable. I like to make sure I keep an eye on the forecasts and I allow push notifications on my weather apps so I will be notified of unexpected storms. 

Prepare for Mud Season

Melting snow and lots of rain means that spring is mud season in many areas of the country. Carrying leveling blocks and traction aids will help ensure you are ready for the muddiest of sites. 

Embrace Flexibility

Having a loose plan and some backup options is always a good idea. That said, it’s also important to learn to go with the flow. Some of my favorite RV experiences happened on a whim. 

Frequently Asked Questions: Spring RV Destinations Across the U.S.