Josh Schukman
by Josh Schukman
Posted December 13, 2022

It’s shocking to say it aloud, but 2023 is right upon us. Matter of fact — we’re already seeing a large increase in RV rental bookings for 2023 compared to this same time period in 2021 and 2022. 

What that says to us is it’s time to start sharing some of the most popular RVing destinations for 2023 because we wouldn’t want you missing the boat here 🙂

And what better way to ring in the New Year than by taking a little tour of these top 13 destinations where we’re seeing folks rent RVs. Check these spots out to get your 2023 vacay planning on the move: 

Top 13 RV Destinations In 2023

1. Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ Metro Area 

Whether you crave the red rocks of Sedona, the sunny days of Tucson, or easy access to the whole Southwest, Phoenix is the place to launch an RV vacation. That’s why it was little wonder to us when we saw this spot rank at the top for 2023 RV trips. 

Phoenix skyline

Where to camp? 

Sun-Soaked RV spots — The Phoenix area is an RVing mecca because of its mild winter climate. The place is literally known as The Valley Of The Sun because of all the sunshine it gets.

Mesa/Apache Junction KOA — Easy access to the area and views of the Superstition Mountains from your campsite make this the place to be for RVers in the Phoenix metro.

National Forest camping — Be it the Tonto National Forest, Prescott National Forest, The Coconino National Forest, or a slew of others, Phoenix puts these free/low-cost RV spots right at your fingertips. And you’ll have epic hikes and stunning vistas just out your front door.  

RV camping near Sedona — Be it the iconic red rocks, the haunted mountain town of Jerome, AZ, or the eclectic city of Flagstaff, AZ, the Sedona region is truly a magical place to park your RV. 

What to drive? 

Our owners have some of the best RVs on the planet on tap in Phoenix. Here are a few examples of RVs for rent near Phoenix:

  • The Chateau Arvé Class C — This newly remodeled rig lets you roll around with a luxury-retro look. It’s also a nimble, self-contained camper that’ll get you deep into the Arizona wilderness.
Retro Class C camper

2. Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV Metro Area

You’ve heard of Las Vegas as the gambling capital of the world, but it’s also one of the outdoor capitals of the U.S. because of the access it provides to some of the nation’s best outdoor amenities.

Fabulous Las Vegas sign

Where to camp? 

Hilltop Campground — This RV camp spot set in the Spring Mountains National Rec. Area features more than 60 miles of hiking and horseback trails along with mountain biking, rock climbing, and an abundance of scenic drives.

Red Rock Canyon Campground — Imagine tucking your rig into a canyonside campsite that’s a short 20-minute drive from the Vegas Strip and you’ll have an idea of what makes this place so special. 

Las Vegas KOA at Sam’s Town — All the KOA amenities you’ve come to know and love in a location that’s central to Vegas entertainment and outdoor attractions. 

What to drive?

  • This truck camper will get you anywhere — Truck bed campers are an underrated RV type that’ll get you into virtually any tight spot with cozy, home-like amenities.
  • Tow this travel trailer (or have it delivered) — Travel trailers pack a serious punch in terms of amenities and space as you enjoy the Vegas area. 
  • Custom Vegas campervan — The thing about custom campervans is that the owner has (usually) lovingly built it out with all the amenities you could want — and that’s definitely the case with this rig.  
Custom campervan interior

3. Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI Metro Area

While you can’t road trip to Hawaii, you can most certainly road trip around it. And a Hawaii RVing road trip is something that should be on everyone’s bucket list. This ‘metro’ is on Maui Island — one of the chillest in the HI chain. Kahului is a popular jumping-off point for RV adventures to some of Hawaii’s most secluded spots. 

Shore near Kahului Hawaii

Where to camp? 

Hosmer Grove Campground — A popular spot on a mountainside that’ll put you in the middle of Haleakalā National Park. It’s tailored toward tent campers, so is best for campervan-style RVs. 

Pāpalaua State Wayside Park — This coastal park has its own sandy beach where you can camp right next to crashing waves. 

What to drive?

Nissan Xterra with roof tent

4. Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Metro Area

The Pacific Northwest is an RVers dream come true that features mountains, forests, and abundant public lands. The Seattle Metro is a major hub for Outdoorsy exploration of the PNW and one of our favorite places to rent an RV.

Seattle skyline

Where to camp?

Beckler River Campground — This spot is situated along the Beckler River in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and offers some of the best scenery in the Northern Cascade Range. Enjoy spacious campsites tucked into a dense old-growth forest. 

Seattle / Tacoma KOA — This spot is a peaceful campground that’s tucked right in the middle of an urban oasis. Enjoy excellent RV park amenities and easy access to the fun stuff that Seattle has to offer. 

Lakeside RV Park in Everett, WA features over 200 RV spots and is right by the Puget Sounds for easy exploration.

And if the three campsite ideas aren’t enough for you, you’re in luck because our team compiled this exhaustive list of RV camping near the Seattle area.

What to drive?

  • Steve the campervan — People love Steve for his creative use of space and the amenities (like a bathroom) that he offers for your trip. 
Campervan for rent near Seattle
Steve, the campervan
  • This teardrop camper can be towed by most any vehicle and still comes packed with amenities like an AC, furnace, wet bath, kitchen, and more. 
     
  • A class C RV like this Sunseeker gives you ample space as you roll around the mountains and forests of NW Washington.

5. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA Metro Area

Though one of the largest metros in the U.S., the LA area is also a gateway to some of the most beautiful and popular outdoor destinations in the world. Places like Joshua Tree National Park and Coastal Highway 1 are just a sliver of the RVing meccas you can access from here.

Palm lined street in Los Angeles

Where to camp?

Cachuma Lake Campground is a splendid escape from the city that’s still not too far away. You can camp on the shores of Jackson Lake as you prep for journeys further afield.

Los Angeles / Pomona / Fairplex KOA — This is the ultimate campground if you want to experience the best of Hollywood, Los Angeles, and Southern California. Start your day with a cup of coffee or tea, or enjoy the complimentary continental breakfast. After that, venture out and explore the city or stay at the campground and relax in the large swimming pool.

If you’re rolling in a big rig, Valencia Travel Village is the place for you because it has 361 campsites that can accommodate and keep you close to all the LA action. 

Need more? Check out this list of all our favorite Los Angeles RV parks.

What to drive?

Teardrop camper for rent near LA

6. Anchorage, AK Metro Area 

If you’re a truly adventurous traveler, you could take your RV from the continental U.S. and trace The Alaska Highway from the Northwest through Canada and up to The Land of the Midnight Sun.

If you’d prefer a less roundabout way, you can join the ranks of many of our renters who fly up to Alaska and rent an RV for epic journeys. 

Anchorage, Alaska

Where to camp?

The Russian River Campground is a slick spot nestled between the Russian and Kenai Rivers in south-central Alaska. It lies within driving distance of two main population centers, 110 miles south of Anchorage and 40 miles east of Soldotna, surrounded by the Chugach National Forest and the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.

Williwaw Campground sits beside Williwaw Creek near the town of Girdwood, Alaska. The campground boasts prime fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching all within the Portage Valley.

Last Chance Campground — beyond having a super fun name, this campground is located in the Ward Lake Recreation Area, 9 miles north of downtown Ketchikan and about 4 miles north of the State ferry terminal. This campground straddles Last Chance Creek and lies next to Ward Creek with easy access to fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing.

Want more Alaska RV parks? Check out this full list we put together

What to drive?

Motorhome for rent in Alaska
  • Truck campers like The Roaming Wolf will get you just about wherever you want to go and keep you toasty at the same time.  

7. Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL Metro Area

No list like this would be complete without a Florida RVing destination or two (or three). That’s because Florida opens the door to warm and sunny winter weather, white sand beaches, and tons of fun towns. This metro on Florida’s west-central coast packs a serious punch when it comes to RVing friendliness. 

Tampa Bay skyline

Where to camp?

Clearwater / Lake Tarpon KOA — This spot is ideal if you’re looking to experience white sand beaches, palm trees, and beautiful natural surroundings. Clearwater/Lake Tarpon KOA is perfect for motorhome camping and offers lots of on-site activities, including a playground, swimming pool, and table tennis. Set yourself up for a day of exploring with a complimentary breakfast of donuts, waffles, and bagels at the clubhouse.

St. Petersburg / Madeira Beach KOA — This spot gives you all the amenities you need for camping in an RV with gorgeous beach surroundings that you won’t soon forget. This campground is family-friendly and pet-friendly and offers 50 maximum amp service, as well as a maximum length of 60 feet for RV parking.

Hillsborough River Campground — The Hillsborough River Campground is located in the stunning Hillsborough River State Park, which is a huge, lush park located northeast of Tampa, Florida. RV camping here allows you to explore Florida’s lush beauty while still having the convenience of being close to a big city. In addition to being about a half-hour drive from Orlando.

Want more RV parks in the Tampa area? See our full list here

What to drive?

  • Take delivery of this travel trailer to have your home away from home set up for you at your Tampa area RV park of choice.
  • This 2022 Winnebago Solis is a luxury campervan that’ll take you deep into Florida’s natural beauty.
  • This luxury Class A sleeps up to ten people if you’re wanting a Florida family-venture.
Luxury Class A fir rent (interior)

8. Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA Metro Area

Southern California hits our list again — and with good reason. This region offers a wide variety of RV rental options and close proximity to beaches, mountains, national parks, vibrant city life, and so much more. 

Downtown Southern California

Where to camp?

Buttercup Group Camp — Buttercup Group Camp is an outdoor oasis nestled in Southern California’s pine-covered mountains. Big Bear Lake is nearby, a popular destination for a variety of recreational activities. The campground offers a great escape from city life and it is one of the best locales for group camping.

San Bernardino RV Park — The beautifully manicured RV park offers a natural oasis within urban surroundings. It’s big-rig friendly, gated, and offers amenities like laundry and free WiFi. 

Barton Flats Campground — The Barton Flats Campground provides a taste of just about everything the San Bernardino National Forest has to offer. In addition to a nearby lake and river access, a variety of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails can be accessed from the campground. 

There’s no shortage of RV campgrounds near San Bernardino — check out our full list here.

What to drive?

Campervan for rent by the beach

9. San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA Metro Area

With SoCal’s sunny skies, easy weather, and chill beaches, it’s little wonder that San Diego marks our third entry from that region. The San Diego metro is one of the most popular RVing destinations in the U.S. because it offers a slate of amenities that RVers seek — like favorable weather and modern RV parks.

San Diego Skyline

Where to camp?

Mission Bay RV Resort — What could be better than an RV park with its own private beach? That’s what you’ll find at this spot that also provides easy access to the city. 

Wooded Hill Group Campground — Wooded Hill Group Campground is a great mountain getaway for groups of up to 110 people to take a retreat from the city. Just one hour east of the city, the campground offers cooler temperatures, unique natural areas, and an extensive trail system.

Observatory Campground, CA — This camp spot is right by the Palomar Observatory, a world-class place to view the stars. The campground is only two miles from the telescope so you can enjoy the outdoors by day and epic galaxies at night.  

What to drive?

Off-road campervan for rent
  • This teardrop comes with built-in Christmas lights — and can be towed by many everyday SUVs and trucks. 
San Diego teardrop for rent
  • Nimble and affordable Class Cs like this guy will get you extra space in a package that’ll still get into tight spots. 

10. Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL Metro Area

Disney World, the ocean, The Kennedy Space Center, and so much more are all at your fingertips in this metro area. Florida is also a very RV-friendly place, making Florida camping trips a breeze. 

Space X launch from Kennedy Space Center

Where to camp?

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground — The beauty of rolling in your own home on wheels is that you can often stay in primo locations for a fraction of what hotels would cost. This is definitely true when it comes to this RV park where you can save big over Disney World hotels and still be right in Magic Kingdom. 

DeLand / St. Johns River KOA, FL — This park offers a wide variety of recreational activities to keep all ages entertained while being on the doorstep of the De Leon Springs State Park. This KOA has an attractive selection of back-in and pull-through full hookup sites, with 30 or 50-amp electrical connections and the space for big rigs up to 80 feet in length.

Wekiwa Springs Campground, FL — This campground is nestled in a Florida state park of the same name. By staying here, you’ll have easy access to state park amenities like hiking trails, a spring, horseback riding, and more. 

What to drive?

  • We love A-Frame pop-ups like this because they look cool and pack a bunch of extra space into a small, easily towable package. 
A Frame pop-up for rent near Orlando

11. Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA Metro Area

As a gateway to The Oregon Coast and much of the Northwest, it’s little wonder that this metro made our list as one of the top RV destinations for 2023. From world-class rivers to pristine mountains to sandy ocean beaches with beautiful rock formations — there’s something for everyone ‘round here. 

Where to camp?

Trillium Campground — Trillium Lake Campground is a beautiful and popular campground not far from the quaint town of Government Camp. It provides spectacular views of majestic Mt. Hood, Oregon’s highest point. The campground is well-known for its scenery and abundant recreational opportunities.

Reeder Beach RV Park — Located on an island and featuring its own private sandy beach, this RV park is a peaceful spot that still puts you close to the city. 

Check out the full list of our favorite Portland RV parks.

What to drive?

Jeep Compass roof tent for rent

12. Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, FL Metro Area

South Florida is a gateway to The Florida Keys, pristine beaches, and the happening Miami-Fort Lauderdale Metro. All these ingredients combine to make it one of our top 13 RV destinations for 2023. 

Miami Beach

Where to camp?

Long Pine Key Campground — Operated by Everglades National Park, this RV park puts you smack dab in the middle of the action in a hub of biodiversity. 

Davie / Ft. Lauderdale KOA — This spot is perfectly located to give you easy access to the metro area and the natural opportunities that abound in Everglades National Park.

Check out the rest of our favorite RV campgrounds around Miami

What to drive?

Luxury campervan rental
  • This Winnebago blends the best of a campervan with the best of a Class C.

13. Kapaa, HI Micro Area

On the Hawaiin island of Kauai, a few miles north of Hanamaulu, sits the city of Kapaa. It’s right on Highway 56 — which goes around the entire island — so you can easily rent an RV here and launch your epic Hawaii road trip. 

Hawaiin highway

Where to camp?

Kumu Camp: Anahola Beach Retreat — RV camping right on a Hawaiian beach? Yes, please. 

Lydgate Beach State Park — This pristine state park also features primitive camp spots that are a great fit for smaller pop-ups and campervans. 

What to drive?

Hawaii luxury campervan for rent
  • Or — if you just need a stop along the journey — check out this stationary camper rental for a tiny-home-like stay. 

2023 is upon us and we may as well jump into it with both feet. What better way to ring in the new year than by planning out a camping vacay to one of these top 13 RVing destinations?

Check out our rigs for rent and get the new year rolling right.

Josh Schukman

Josh is half of the husband+wife duo behind OutofNorm.al - where their mantra is "life, unwasted". Josh and his wife gallivanted all over the country in an '88 Airstream for 4+ years. They now run a glamping property in Montana by Glacier National Park. They keep up their RVing love by renting out vintage Airstreams and other RVs to travelers hitting Montana.

 

Ready to get started.

Be the first to get doses of destination inspiration, and discount codes.

We care about the protection of your data. Read our privacy policy