Last Updated on March 18, 2023 by Jessica Lauren Vine
You’ve only got so much time on vacation, so finding the best RV trips for families is a must. It can be difficult to find something that makes everyone happy—but it is possible.
We RVed for 2.5 years with kids that had 4 year age gaps, so we got really good at figuring out where we could go that would allow everyone to have an enjoyable time while RVing. Continue reading this article for stress-free planning help for your next family fun RV trip.
1. Florida Keys
Buckle up for a long ride over the 7-mile bridge. If you don’t like bridges or it’s a windy day driving your ride—hold on.
Kid-Friendly Activities in the Florida Keys
Bahia Honda State Park
This beautiful park experienced a serious beating when hurricane Irma came, but it’s still an amazing place to take the kids, and it’s coming back nicely.
You have great access to the beach there, the ability to kayak, snorkel, and we even got to play with a bunch of hermit crabs when we were there. You can see stingrays and other cool fish all over the place.
Fishing
There are so many awesome places to go fishing in the Florida keys when you’re on the best RV trips for families.
Check out spots in Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine Key, and Key Largo for some great catches.
Good Couple Activities in the Florida Keys
Scuba Diving
Scuba diving in the keys is mind-blowing, may be one of the best RV trips, and you can help the environment as well. When you’re under the water, pick up some junk off the bottom of the ocean floor or help catch invasive species that are wreaking havoc on the area.
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Visit Old Town Rodeo
A cool little spot down in Key West, Flordia, is the Old Town Rodeo. You can feel like you’re in the wild wild west at the farthest south part of America.
You can ride a mechanical bull or sit on a stationary saddle for a cool picture.
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Places to Stay in the Florida Keys
Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina
I enjoyed staying at the Sunshine Key RV resort and marina because of its cool location. It was off on its own little island on the road and had a gas station right nearby so you could grab Gatorade late at night when thirst hit hard after a long day of fun.
There is a private beach which made it easy to get some swimming in, and you could kayak right from there. They had some pretty awesome right-on-the-beach RV spots available, but we were one row in.
A lot of people love the marina and that they have a bait shop right there at the RV park.
The pier was a great spot for breathtaking sunsets and plenty of good fishing. One of our good friends hooked a huge shark.
If you don’t have your own RV, you could even rent one there instead.
Grassy Key RV Park & Resort
The website might immediately freak you out by saying it welcomes self-contained RVs, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have full hookups. They do have them, and you can enjoy a nice time at this RV park.
There are spots for even the biggest of rigs, so bring your class A down or tow your little R-pod down for a good time.
Whether you want to enjoy the water by the pool or go in the ocean, you’re got great options for either.
Tips for Visiting the Florida Keys
Don’t forget to bring your big rim hats and SPF 50 because it’s burning hot a lot of the year.
Also, keep an eye out for random wildlife like deer, chickens, and lots of iguanas.
2. Acadia National Park in Maine
Prepare yourself for some of the most breathtaking views and cool wildlife. This is one of my all-time favorite places we visited.
Kid-Friendly Activities in Acadia National Park
Thunder Hole
Thunder Hole is a cool spot in Acadia National Park where you can hear the water rushing into the hole, and at the right time of day, it sounds and feels like thunder. It’s one of the coolest best RV trips.
If you go when it isn’t going wild, it’s a little underwhelming, but it’s still cool to look at all of the cliffs.
Trolley Ride
Driving through the park is cool, but the driver won’t be able to look around, so we did the trolley ride, which was so amazing. They knew all of the histories of the different stops, which made it even more fun.
Good Couple Activities In & Around Acadia National Park
Cadillac Mountain
When you go up to Cadillac Mountain, you feel like you’re on top of the world. The elevation of the mountain is 1,529′, and the water and trees look amazing from up above.
Parking can be insane up there, so prepare to practice your patience once you get up top.
Union River Lobster Pot
So, this little spot is not in Acadia National Park, but it’s near the RV park we stayed at in Ellsworth, Maine, and worth every penny we paid to eat there. Yum.
There is a river right behind it, and you can go sit in chairs while you wait to be seated, or you can take a walk after you fill yourself with some insanely good seafood.
Places to Stay in Acadia National Park
Patten Pond Camping Resort
Our spot, you see right here, was only two minutes walk down to the “pond,” which was actually a huge body of water. People were kayaking all over, and the swimming spot was so amazing.
The staff was really nice, and it was about an hour from Acadia National Park. The drive was great, though, so it didn’t bother us at all.
Smuggler’s Den Campground
If you want to stay closer to Acadia National Park, this is a good option. The RV park actually borders it, and it’s only 25 minutes from Bar Habor.
Smuggler’s Den Campground is a pretty decent-sized RV park, but you should still make reservations well in advance to make sure you don’t miss out.
Tips for Visiting Acadia National Park
Love seafood, and don’t EVER eat at the place that says Texas BBQ. They are too far from Texas and very confused.
3. Williamsburg, Virginia
This is a really quiet and enjoyable place to visit—especially if you love history.
Kid-Friendly Activities in Williamsburg, Virginia
Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park
Honestly, my boys aren’t this adventurous, and I didn’t know about it when we were there, but one of my favorite families went, and it looks like a lot of fun. I might have to go do it myself. lol
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Colonial Williamsburg
If your kids don’t care about history, this is a cool way to get them to pay attention. You feel like you’re stepping back in time, and you can even dress up yourself if you want to.
We grabbed some ice cream near the beach one day too. Perfect after a hot day in the Virginia sunshine.
Good Couple Activities in Williamsburg, Virginia
The Fat Canary
Want to have some fancy fixin’s? The Fat Canary can definitely help you loosen a few notches on your belt. Not only that, the food is absolutely gorgeous.
Opus 9 Steakhouse
Steak anyone? Another great date night option for when you’re able to get some free time away from the kids.
Keep in mind that their steak does come at a premium, so get ready to shell out some cash.
Places to Stay in Williamsburg, Virginia
Williamsburg RV & Camping Resort
This RV campground isn’t super updated, but it worked out well for us—for the most part. It did rain insanely one night and washed down the mountain and took some of our stuff down a few RVs, but that wasn’t their fault.
I liked having all of the trees around, and the indoor and outdoor pool was a nice touch.
You can get to all of the fun attractions in Williamsburg pretty quickly from here, but be ready to level your RV because the will be super uneven.
American Heritage RV Park
If you want to go to a little bit of a fancier RV park for RV camping, then you should check out American Heritage RV Park. They have a nicely taken care of playground, and their sites are gorgeous. You likely won’t have to do too much leveling while there.
Tips for Visiting Williamsburg, Virginia
There are some other cool spots not too far away if you want to road trip to do something other than check out history in the city. There are plenty of beaches, so just type it in your GPS and see which one looks best to you.
4. Orlando, Florida
There is a reason Orlando, Florida, is a popular tourist destination, and people there a lot. The only complaint I have is the insane traffic.
Kid-Friendly Activities in Orlando, Florida
Gatorland
We had a great time at Gatorland. Usually, the kids complain that they’re tired or something, but it has plenty of places to rest and lots of shows to keep them entertained.
There are some pretty huge gators there, and you can get pretty close without having to fear for your life.
Fun Spot
This little theme park is like a fair and is good for kids of all ages. They’ve got some pretty tasty food there, and there are pretty many spots to take a seat.
While we were there, they had a hot rod night, which was pretty cool. Keep an eye out and see if they’re having any events when you go.
Good Couple Activities in Orlando, Florida
Leu Gardens
You can go through 50-acres of beauty at Leu Gardens. A lot of people marry there and have other events, but this is a great date night location.
Kayaking in Winter Park
Winter Park sunset kayaking is a favorite for many couples and sets you up for amazing views.
Places to Stay in Orlando, Florida
Orlando RV Resort
We stayed at Orland RV Resort in Clermont, which is not far at all from Disney World, and you can hear the fireworks some nights. It’s a pretty large park, but only one area of it has a lot of shade, so if you need it—make sure to ask.
They’ve got a good swimming pool, a nice pier for fishing, and a dog park for your furry pals on one of the best RV trips.
Fort Wilderness RV Park
Fort Wilderness RV Park is one of those blow-your-mind places you visit that make you feel like you’re in another land. Keep in mind that you’re going to have the price tag to go with that feeling.
Tips for Visiting Orlando Florida
Pace yourself. Picking one theme park alone can be enough to make you feel like you’ve been through the wringer. It’s fun but also draining.
Plan your days with a long refreshing lunch break or pool time.
5. Washington D.C.
There are a lot of free things to do in Washington D.C., so if you’re on a budget, this might be a good place to check out.
Kid-Friendly Activities in Washington D.C.
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
You can see a lot of cool airplanes and things about space here, but the thing I liked was going into the huge IMAX theater. I always love those when we take a .
Smithsonian National Zoological Park
The Smithsonian National Zoological Park is one of the oldest zoos you’ll visit in America, and it doesn’t charge admission.
Imagine getting to see a beautiful Panda without even having to pay. Your kids will love it.
Good Couple Activities in Washington D.C.
Yards Park
Take a romantic walk through Yards Park near the Anacostia River. You can watch people playing in the water or jump in and splash each other a little bit. Have some fun and enjoy one of the best RV trips.
U.S. National Arboretum
This is another free spot with some beautiful views when you’re in Washington, D.C. They have some mind-blowing collections and gardens.
Places to Stay in Washington D.C.
Cherry Hill Park
Cherry Hill Park is the closest campground to Washington D.C., and has been family-owned and operated since 1921. It has full hookups and is open all year, so you can camp whenever you want.
Millersville, Maryland KOA
This RV Park is almost an hour from Washington D.C., but you get the quality you’ve grown to expect from camping at KOA.
Tips for Visiting Washington D.C.
Check out all the free activities available. There are tons of cool things to do. It’s one of the great spots for the best RV trips.
6. Hershey, Pennsylvania
The kids always talk about when they went here. I thought it might be a little gimmicky, but the chocolate making was awesome.
Kid-Friendly Activities in Hershey, Pennsylvania
Hershey Park
If you love Hershey candy and amusement parks, then this is the perfect place for you. Have high-flying fun while costumed chocolate characters hang out with you.
There are more than 70 rides at Hershey Park, and 14 of them are coasters, so you can have plenty of fun.
If you’re like me and you like a little bit more of a slow-paced activity, then you can head over to our next recommendation since it’s next door.
Hershey’s Chocolate World for the Best RV Trips
You can eat your weight in candy when you go to Hershey’s Chocolate World, but the most fun part is making your own candy bar. You get to customize the candy bar as well as the wrapper.
You can see it as it goes down the assembly line, so that makes it fun for the whole family.
Good Couple Activities in Hershey, Pennsylvania
Hershey Gardens
When Milton Hershey said to create a nice garden of roses, the people definitely did that, and then some. Since 1937, the garden has really grown into something beautiful.
If you want to enjoy a serene environment full of beauty, then this is a great spot to hang out.
Hershey Theatre
Love performing arts? Check out Hershey Theatre with its wide selection of shows that will knock your socks off. Everything from singers to broadway shows—you’ve got it there.
Places to Stay in Hershey, Pennsylvania
Hershey RV & Camping Resort
I enjoyed the time our family spent at Hershey RV & Camping Resort. We weren’t too far from some of our family, and we had a lot of fun at the pool and at the fishing spot there.
My son and husband rented a boat and went out on the water, but fishing from the dock was just as good.
The RV spots were nice and level and big enough that no one was annoying their neighbors.
Hershey Park Camping Resort
There are plenty of RV spots at Hershey Park Camping Resort with some offering full hookups and others only partial hookups.
The RV sites are a good size, and there are trees for some good shade.
Tips for Visiting Hershey, Pennsylvania for the Best RV Trips
Prepare yourself for a sweet experience. There is a lot of history here, and you’ll find plenty of things to do that are up your alley.
Planning the Best RV Trips for Families
If you’re the one tasked with planning the best RV trips for families, you’ve got a lot of great ideas now so you can make sure everyone has fun. For me, it’s very fulfilling knowing everyone enjoyed themselves after I put in some hard work to plan everything.
Best RV Trips for Families FAQ
Best RV Trips for Families Frequently Asked Questions
How much money should I budget for a week-long family RV trip?
You can do a week-long RV trip on a budget and easily keep it below $1,000, but if you want to do a lot really live it up that week, you should calculate the cost for all of the attractions and food before heading out, or you might be surprised at how pricey things can be.
Is it cheaper to RV or stay in hotels?
It depends on what type of RV you’re in and what type of hotel you want to stay in. There are ways to cut down on costs for either of these. It really comes down to which accommodations you like best. A small RV can allow you to spend less money than going to a nice hotel.
The Bottom Line on the Best RV Trips for Families
It’s totally worth it to plan out the best RV trips for families. Every time a memory pops up on Facebook, I have to take time to laugh and remember those times. We’re planning more fun too, so maybe we will see you on the road.
When Jessica was older and had a family, she took her crew on the road for 2.5 years. They lived in 2 different RVs during that time. One 18 foot long and one 28 foot long. Both pull-behind RVs.
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