5 RV Destinations You Should Visit in 2026
A desert landsacape in Kanab, UT | Leo Visions for Unsplash
Picks and tips for hitting these wishlist spots during the next big season on the road.
As America gears up to celebrate 250 years of independence, there’s no better way to mark the anniversary than by enjoying the freedoms of the open road. And whether you’ve traveled in an RV for years or are new to the lifestyle, 2026 marks a perfect opportunity to discover an off-the-beaten-path destination. Here, we detail five trips that you might not have considered, but that are certainly worth adding to your itinerary this year.
Kanab, UT
This sleepy Southwestern town may be the ultimate base camp for an RV tour of Utah’s Grand Circle of national parks. While Kanab itself offers breathtaking scenery and access to some of the most popular hiking trails in America (including The Wave and Belly Of The Dragon), its proximity to other outdoor destinations and coveted national parks sets the stage for an action-packed RV trip. The small town itself has a diverting history—many Hollywood Westerns filmed here—and some glowed-up cultural destinations. Willow Canyon Outdoor is a beloved stop for smart regional books and top-notch gear; Sego and Wild Thyme pack out for dinner.
Within an hour and a half from Kanab, you can explore Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and the world-famous Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona. With so much to experience in one area, it’s easy to camp in Kanab and check a number of world-class destinations off the bucket list.
Where To Stay:
North Cascades National Park
Most travelers have never heard of North Cascades, and yet it’s been a national park since 1968. And no, it’s not located in some obscure, hard-to-reach area or on an island.
North Cascades National Park, located in Northern Washington, is America’s least visited national park in the lower 48. With no entrance fee and more than three times as many glaciers as Glacier National Park, the star of this park is the unreal water color found in Diablo Lake (you’ll want to grab a ticket in advance for the North Cascades Institute’s boat tour).
Many people refer to the North Cascades as the Swiss Alps of America, and they’re right. One look at the jagged peaks and glacial lakes and you’ll know you’ve discovered a hidden gem RV destination.
Where To Stay:
Door County, WI
Northeast of Green Bay is one of the Midwest’s best-kept travel secrets, Door County. Known as the Cape Cod of the Midwest, the peninsula surrounded by Lake Michigan is home to quaint coastal towns, many miles of hiking trails, lighthouses, and stunning waterfront views.
Door County is packed with pick-your-own cherry orchards, which thrive in the area’s shallow, rocky soil. And you can therefore purchase a myriad of cherry-flavored food and beverages from the local shops—including an unexpected favorite, Wisconsin cherry cheese.
For a unique culinary experience, Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant offers excellent Scandinavian food, with the main attraction found outside: live goats grazing atop the restaurant’s sod roof. For more on the region, see Wildsam’s field guide to the Lake Michigan Coast.
Where To Stay:
Acadia National Park
Most people don’t realize Acadia National Park is divided into two park sections about an hour apart from each other. While the Schoodic Peninsula is easily reached by car or by passenger ferry from Bar Harbor, fewer than 10% of visitors make the trek. The quiet side of the park is every bit as scenic as the main section.
The peninsula is accessed by the one-way six-mile scenic Schoodic Loop Drive, which also serves as a popular bike route. The most stunning stop is Schoodic Point, where roaring waves blast into the air after colliding with rocks at high tide and sea creatures collect in tide pools at low tide.
Most visitors drive right by the Schoodic Institute and miss one of the park’s hidden gems: a free natural history museum offering Junior Ranger activities for kids. The Institute’s Sundew Trail, which begins at the upper parking lot and ends at a secluded cliffside with Schoodic Point views, is a perfect place to watch the sunset.
Where To Stay:
Ocala, Florida
When RVers imagine a trip to Florida, beaches and theme parks typically come to mind. However, the tourists who visited Florida in ages past came for a different attraction: crystal-clear natural springs.
Located between Gainesville and Orlando, Silver Springs State Park is the home of the original Glass Bottom Boat Tour and has been the filming location of numerous movies, including all six “Tarzan” films and “Creature From the Black Lagoon.”
The state park and surrounding community offer visitors a taste of Old Florida, but the natural amenities are unforgettable. You can stroll along the banks of the Silver River, but the best way to take in the exceptional water clarity and wildlife is by paddling or taking a boat tour. The abundance of aquatic life makes visitors feel like they are floating in an aquarium.
In addition to keeping an eye out for turtles, manatees, and alligators, you may even spot statues hidden at the bottom of the headspring—television props left over from the 1960s show, “I Spy.”
Where To Stay:
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Check out the full February 2026 Digital Issue of Wildsam Magazine.
