From towering mountains and red rock deserts to rugged coastlines and legendary national parks, these western RV destinations belong on every camper’s bucket list.
Exploring the Best RV Destinations West of the Mississippi
Last week we shared some of our favorite RV trips east of the Mississippi River. If you missed that article, here’s a little background that explains why this companion piece means so much to us.
Growing up in Michigan, our family vacations rarely ventured beyond the neighboring states. Looking back, I realize that’s one of the reasons I appreciate Michigan as much as I do today. Home was always beautiful because it was all I really knew.
One childhood memory has stayed with me for decades. While visiting my Aunt Joann near Show Low, Arizona, my younger sister Chere and I spent the better part of a day helping a neighboring rancher exercise his horses. We rode for miles without seeing a single fence. For a kid from Michigan, that kind of wide-open country felt almost unbelievable.
Outside of two family trips to visit my grandmother in Albuquerque, New Mexico, I honestly knew very little about what lay west of the Mississippi River.
Everything changed after joining the United States Marine Corps.
Military assignments allowed Vicky and me to experience parts of America we never imagined we’d call home. During one assignment in Millington, Tennessee, we often spent weekends sitting along the banks of the mighty Mississippi River. Watching barges slowly make their way downstream, I found myself thinking about all the stories I’d read growing up—Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn suddenly seemed much more real.
One afternoon I remember asking myself:
“If this river is this incredible…what else have we been missing?”
That simple question eventually led to thousands of miles behind the wheel of an RV.
Today, after more than 50 years of camping, we’ve discovered that the western United States offers some of the most breathtaking scenery anywhere in North America. Some destinations are world famous. Others surprised us completely. Every one of them gave us memories we’ll never forget.
If you’re planning your next RV vacation, these are eleven destinations west of the Mississippi that deserve a spot on your travel bucket list.
- Arches National Park, Utah
If you’ve never seen more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches gathered in one place, Arches National Park will leave you speechless.
Delicate Arch may be the park’s superstar, but it’s only one of countless incredible formations scattered throughout the landscape. Even if strenuous hikes aren’t your style, the scenic drive alone makes the trip worthwhile. Nearly every overlook feels like another desktop wallpaper waiting to happen.
Moab also happens to be one of America’s premier outdoor adventure towns. Jeep trails, mountain biking, rafting, restaurants, and plenty of RV parks make it an ideal home base for several days.
Don’t miss:
- Delicate Arch
- Balanced Rock
- Landscape Arch
- Scenic Drive
- Dead Horse Point State Park
- Galveston, Texas
Sometimes the best RV trips don’t involve mountains.
Galveston combines Gulf Coast beaches, seafood, history, and family attractions into one easy destination. Spend the morning collecting seashells, the afternoon exploring Moody Gardens, then finish the evening watching the sunset over the Gulf with fresh shrimp on your plate.
Whether you enjoy fishing, birdwatching, museums, or simply relaxing beside the water, Galveston offers a little bit of everything.
- Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs
This may be one of the best free attractions anywhere in America.
Towering red sandstone formations rise dramatically against the backdrop of snow-capped Pikes Peak. Every turn seems to reveal another incredible photo opportunity.
While you’re there, treat yourself to a ride aboard the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. Watching Colorado unfold below you from over 14,000 feet is something you’ll remember for years.
- Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier feels wild in the very best sense.
Crystal-clear lakes, towering peaks, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife combine to create one of America’s greatest national parks.
Driving Going-to-the-Sun Road ranks among the finest scenic drives we’ve ever experienced. Keep your camera ready—you never know when mountain goats, bighorn sheep, or even bears may appear.
Reservations and campground availability change frequently, so planning ahead is essential.
- Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
No photograph truly prepares you for standing at the rim of the Grand Canyon.
The sheer size, depth, and endless layers of colorful rock are impossible to appreciate until you’re looking across them in person.
Whether you hike a short trail, attend a ranger program, or simply watch sunrise paint the canyon walls, you’ll quickly understand why millions visit every year.
Book RV sites well in advance if you’re planning a South Rim visit.
- Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
Many RV travelers drive right past Missouri.
That’s a mistake.
Lake of the Ozarks combines boating, fishing, hiking, wineries, caves, golf courses, and some outstanding waterfront restaurants. Add Ha Ha Tonka State Park with its castle ruins overlooking the lake, and you’ve got an easy destination for a relaxing week of camping.
- Mustang Island, Texas
There’s something special about waking up with the Gulf of Mexico just steps away.
Mustang Island State Park allows RVers to experience beachfront camping that’s becoming harder to find across the country.
Spend the day fishing, kayaking, birdwatching, shell collecting, or simply listening to the waves. If your visit lines up with Texas SandFest, you’ll see incredible works of art created entirely from sand.
- Redwood National and State Parks, California
Walking among the world’s tallest trees has a way of making everything else seem smaller.
The giant coastal redwoods have stood here for centuries, quietly watching history unfold.
Drive the Avenue of the Giants, stop often, and don’t rush through. The peaceful atmosphere is every bit as memorable as the trees themselves.
Keep an eye out for Roosevelt elk grazing nearby.
- Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone never disappoints.
Old Faithful may draw the crowds, but that’s only the beginning.
Colorful hot springs, roaring waterfalls, bubbling mud pots, vast valleys filled with bison, wolves, elk, and bears make every day feel different.
Fishing Bridge RV Park remains the only campground inside the park offering full hookups, making reservations highly competitive.
- Yosemite National Park, California
Few places inspire photographers quite like Yosemite.
Granite cliffs rise thousands of feet above lush valleys while waterfalls tumble over sheer rock faces. Whether you’re viewing El Capitan, Half Dome, or Bridalveil Fall, the scenery seems almost too perfect to be real.
If you’re visiting during spring, the waterfalls are especially spectacular.
- Zion National Park, Utah
Zion is one of those parks that surprises you from the moment you enter.
Massive canyon walls surround every roadway, creating scenery unlike anywhere else we’ve traveled.
The park shuttle makes getting around simple during the busy season, allowing you to leave your truck at the campground while you explore.
If you’re an experienced hiker, Angel’s Landing is unforgettable. If heights aren’t your thing, don’t worry—there are dozens of beautiful hikes suitable for every ability level.
Every RVer’s Bucket List Looks Different
One of the wonderful things about RV travel is that no two bucket lists are ever the same.
Since originally writing this article, we’ve continued exploring the western United States and have added many incredible destinations to our own favorites. That’s part of the fun. Every trip introduces another place worth returning to.
Now we’d love to hear from you.
Which RV destination west of the Mississippi keeps calling you back?
Leave a comment and tell us where we should point our Silverado and fifth wheel next. Some of our favorite places have come from recommendations shared by fellow campers.
Final Thoughts
The western United States has a way of making you feel both incredibly small and incredibly fortunate at the same time.
Whether you’re watching Old Faithful erupt, standing beneath towering redwoods, gazing into the Grand Canyon, or winding through Glacier’s mountain roads, each destination reminds us why we chose this RV lifestyle.
The memories aren’t created because the drive was perfect or the weather cooperated every day.
They’re created because we slowed down long enough to experience places that most people only see in photographs.
Here’s hoping one of these destinations becomes the highlight of your next adventure.
Until then, keep the fuel tank full, the camera handy, and never stop exploring.
Happy travels,
The Cooper Shortcut Camping Journey Trio 😊 PlusOne!
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