After traveling through 48 US states in my camper van, here are my top 10 picks.

Embarking on a journey in a camper van is one of the most personal and exhilarating ways to explore the USA.

That's exactly what my husband, dog, and I did when we set off on a two-year road trip in 2017. We camped across 48 states, hiked numerous national parks, dined in charming local towns, and traveled from coast to coast in our vintage 1996 camper van.

Throughout our journey, we discovered that some states were particularly appealing to van campers. The Southwest, for instance, offers a rich variety of landscapes within its free public lands. Meanwhile, the East Coast captivated us with breathtaking fall foliage and historic towns that we had only read about before.

While every state contributed uniquely to our experience, a select few truly stood out. After crossing the entire continental United States, we’re excited to share our picks for the 10 best states for your next camper or RV adventure.

Discover the top US national parks perfect for RV campers this summer

1. Maine

Stunning pine forests and rugged coastlines

Entering Maine from the northwest reveals towering pine trees, narrow roads, and stretches of land with no cell phone reception. This felt like a scene from a Stephen King novel, and for us West Coast travelers, it was an exhilarating experience in unfamiliar territory. In northern Maine, the air is infused with the scent of Christmas trees. (A fellow camper informed us that balsam fir from Maine supplies the majority of Christmas wreaths in the U.S.) As we headed toward the coast, we arrived at Acadia National Park, where mountains embrace the ocean. We were thrilled to discover it's one of the most dog-friendly parks in the country, allowing us to bring our furry companion on many trails.

The top 10 parks in Maine for hiking, snowshoeing, or swimming

2. New York

Leave the city behind and explore upstate

Choosing to include New York State on our top-10 list was a challenging decision, as it shares many appealing features with Vermont and New Hampshire, particularly their stunning fall colors. However, New York stands out due to its unexpectedly diverse geography. From Eternal Flame Falls in the far west to wineries in the Finger Lakes and scenic watchtower hikes in the Adirondacks, we struggled to fit everything on our must-visit list into our schedule. Not to mention the iconic Lake Placid Olympic sites, Niagara Falls, and Letchworth State Park. The hiking trails throughout the state also left us thoroughly impressed. Having experienced a taste of what the state offers, it's now at the top of our list for future road trips.

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3. Tennessee

The Great Smoky Mountains shine brightest in autumn

Great Smoky Mountains National Park holds the title of the most popular national park in the United States, and it’s easy to see why. During our fall visit to Tennessee, we were captivated by the rolling hills and cascading waterfalls that enhance the scenery, discovering delightful surprises at every turn along the winding back roads.

As camper van travelers, we constantly seek budget-friendly activities. The charming town of Gatlinburg serves as an ideal launch point for exploring the park's many free trails. Most of our time was spent hiking through vibrant forests and ascending fire towers for breathtaking views.

Celebrating Dolly Parton in Tennessee

4. California

Experience a taste of everything

If we had to choose one state that offers a bit of everything, it would undoubtedly be California. Its diverse ecosystems mean you don’t have to drive far to discover something new; in fact, the state's sheer size and variety make it feel like more than just one state. Despite its fame, the vast expanses of public land made locating campsites effortless. Over just a few days, we camped beneath towering redwoods, enjoyed picnics by the sea, wandered through the cacti of Death Valley National Park, rock climbed in Joshua Tree National Park, swam in Lake Tahoe, and hiked the rugged terrain of Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Essential tips for your upcoming trip to California

5. Pennsylvania

A cornerstone of American history

Pennsylvania proved to be one of the highlights of our travels, thanks to its significant place in American history. We dedicated a whole day to driving through Gettysburg National Military Park, and witnessing the battlefields firsthand made the history we studied come alive. Other unexpected stops included Eastern State Penitentiary and Valley Forge National Historic Park. Although federal public lands are limited here, Pennsylvania boasts many state parks that provide free and accessible camping options.

The top 5 road trips in the Poconos

6. Michigan

Beautiful Great Lakes and unspoiled beaches

Stretching from the south to the Upper Peninsula, Michigan boasts numerous unspoiled beaches that remain less crowded than those we encountered in California. One of my fondest memories is camping by the shores of Lake Superior, enjoying dinner on a pebble beach after a few days exploring Great Lakes lighthouses.

We discovered camping spots all the way up to the UP, savoring whitefish and pasties (savory meat pies) along our journey. During summer, bushes overflow with fresh berries ready for picking, and farmers markets are brimming with produce.

11 must-see destinations in Michigan

7. Minnesota

Catch the northern lights on a clear fall evening

We absolutely adored Minnesota, a state often overlooked for road trips in the USA. Famous for its 10,000 lakes, Minnesota offers plenty of fishing spots and tranquil campsites by the water. We ventured all the way north to the Canadian border and enjoyed a canoe trip in the Boundary Waters. While winters can be brutally cold, fall brings a beautiful atmosphere, and clear nights provide excellent chances to see the northern lights.

The best – and often underrated – state parks in Minnesota

8. Arizona

A paradise of natural wonders; off-grid adventurers are welcome

For outdoor lovers who enjoy mountain biking, rock climbing, and stunning hikes, Arizona is a true treasure. While many people associate the state with the Grand Canyon, there's adventure to be found everywhere. Scattered free campsites in the forests near Sedona, Flagstaff, and southern Arizona make it an incredibly budget-friendly destination year-round.

We appreciated Arizona's warmth and welcoming nature towards adventurers from all over. The state is indeed a hub for those drawn to off-grid living. Each February, Quartzsite transforms to host nearly 2 million visitors who arrive in camper vans, RVs, and converted school buses. Workshops and community events on the town's outskirts offer insights into van life, assistance with solar-panel setups, and opportunities for travelers to exchange road trip tips. This supportive network, combined with the pleasant weather, makes Arizona an ideal starting point for an unforgettable road trip.

An introduction to Arizona’s national parks and monuments

9. New Mexico

Are you a fan of red or green chile?

Starry skies. Predictable (albeit cool) temperatures. Minimal bugs. What’s not to enjoy about desert camping? When it comes to breathtaking desert landscapes, New Mexico stands out uniquely. Endless trails wind through towering hoodoo rock formations, while the sparse trees in the north offer superb visibility of the landscape and some of the most stunning sunsets we’ve experienced. It’s also home to our favorite cave system, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, located on the state’s southern edge.

The camping logistics in New Mexico are attractive as well. Vast areas managed by the Bureau of Land Management provide opportunities for free camping, and the state often remains underappreciated, leading to less crowded spots even in picturesque locations. Plus, we savored vibrant, affordable cuisine throughout the state—an underrated culinary gem. Red or green chile? We happily choose both.

Your guide to a perfect spring-break road trip through New Mexico

10. Utah

Experience all five national parks.

With five national parks, Utah may just be the most breathtaking state we've explored. Our mission? To visit all of the Mighty 5: Capitol Reef National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Zion National Park. A crucial tip we learned: arrive at the national parks early. Following this advice allowed us to dodge the crowds, often making it feel like we had the parks to ourselves. Climbing Angels Landing in Zion was a long-time dream of mine, but the trail can become crowded by 10 am. Getting there early truly changed the experience, showcasing the benefits of camper van travel.

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