The Northeast probably isn’t the first place that comes to mind when planning an RV trip.
The truth is, this area has plenty of interesting stops for RVers. Unlike the Pacific Northwest, it can be tough to find big, wide open spaces in this crowded corner of the country, but there are plenty of national and state parks, fun beaches on the coast, and other attractions for campers of all ages.
We’ve put in the work and found some the best RV destinations in Northeast. Keep reading to find your next vacation spot!
New Hampshire: White Mountain National Forest
Spanning more than 750,000 acres, the White Mountain National Forest is situated in northeastern New Hampshire. The national forest covers a portion of its namesake, the White Mountains.
Around 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail can be found in the forest along with many other hiking trails and outdoor activities. This area is a popular New England camping spot in the summer and a great skiing location when winter sets in.
If you want to rough it, camping can be found in 23 campgrounds throughout the national forest. While none of these campgrounds have hookups a few do have dump stations and running water. Because of the lack of facilities, fees are generally very low with most sites coming to about $20 per night.
Be sure to plan ahead though. Since this is a busy area, expect crowds and packed campgrounds.
Pennsylvania: Allegheny National Forest
The Allegheny National Forest is another large national forest in the northeast with lots to do for RVers. Within the 500,000 plus acre forest, you’ll find a large section of the Allegheny River and the Allegheny Reservoir. These waterways are great for fishing, boating, and other water sports activities.
Unlike many national forest campgrounds, the Allegheny National Forest actually has a few campgrounds with water and electric hookups like the Willow Bay Recreation Area campground. Sewer hookups are not available, but dump stations can be accessed in many of the more developed campgrounds.
Stay right on the river at the Buckaloons Recreation Area campground or on the lake at the Willow Bay Recreation Area campground. Both have electric hookups available and prices are around $23 for a site with hookups.
Virginia, Shenandoah Valley: Harrisonburg/ Shenandoah Valley KOA
Tucked away in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park, and the surrounding area is a real gem. Tranquil mountain settings and the easy flowing Shenandoah River define the area. Take a scenic drive on Skyline Drive or a lazy float down the river.
Camping is available in the national park, but if you’re looking for a slightly more comfortable stay, check out the Harrisonburg/ Shenandoah Valley KOA. Just a short drive from Shenandoah National Park and the area’s many attractions, this family-friendly RV park has generous pull thru sites, full hookups, a pool, and other amenities.
A pet playground is available for your four-legged family members along with a well-stocked camp store. This park also has tent-only sites and cabins if you’re bringing other guests along.
Vermont: Little River State Park
Wedged between New York and New Hampshire, Vermont probably isn’t the first place you think of when planning an RV trip but this sparsely populated, heavily forested state is home to many camping and outdoor destinations.
Hike the oldest long-distance trail in the US—aptly named the Long Trail—or fish some of this state’s trophy-winning waters.
In northern Vermont, you’ll find the Little River State Park nestled on the shores of Waterbury Reservoir. This park is a popular spot for fishing and fun on the lake. Hiking and mountain bike trails can also be found in the park and are very popular with visitors.
Little River State Park has over 80 sites available for both tents and RVs. No hookups available here but fresh water and a dump station are available. Restrooms and hot showers can also be found within the park.
Maine: Acadia National Park
Although it’s a little out of the way for most of the country, Maine has long been known as a prime vacation location—particularly for residents of the huge metro areas just south of the state.
Mostly rural, the state is heavily forested, fairly rugged, and home to a beautiful coastline, the epic finish line of the Appalachian Trail, and many other outdoor and historical attractions.
If you’re headed to this area of the country, Acadia National Park is a must see location. Located on Mount Desert Island and several smaller surrounding islands, this park preserves nearly 50,000 acres of New England coastline.
While there is plenty of lodging and camping available nearby, the national park is home to several nicely maintained campgrounds that provide both water and electric hookups. Dump stations and bathrooms can also be found in the campgrounds.
Fees are reasonable at around $30 per night for RV sites. Make your reservations early through the National Park Service website.
New York, The Finger Lakes: Hickory Hill Family Camping Resort
The Finger Lakes area of New York is a very unique region with a lot more to offer than the typical camping experience. Though this area does have lots of great hiking, boating, fishing, and other outdoor stuff to do, it’s also known for its wine and—more recently—its breweries.
Near Keuka Lake, the Hickory Hill Family Camping Resort is a great RV destination that’s a good fit for the whole family. This park sits in the heart of the Finger Lakes wine country while still being very close to the lakes and many of the area trails and state parks.
This park has over 200 full hookup sites that start at around $50 per night. Weekly and monthly rates are available too for those that would like to stay a little longer.
Guests also have access to two pools, mini and regular golf, a dog park, and more.
Connecticut: Rocky Neck State Park
There is so much to do along the Atlantic coast, it can be tough to narrow it down to just one destination. Unfortunately, many of the more popular areas tend to get crowded fairly quickly during the busy summer months.
Just east of New Haven on the Atlantic coast, you’ll find Rocky Neck State Park. This scenic state park has 160 campsites, some with partial hookups. A dump station and several restrooms with showers can be found in the park as well.
Campers can enjoy beautiful beaches in this state park or simply relax at camp in the shade offered by this generously wooded area. Hiking and biking trails can be found within the park as well.
Maine: Sebago Lake State Park
Another great place to visit in Maine, Sebago Lake is the state’s deepest inland body of water at over 300 feet in depth. This lake has nice sandy beaches and is a great spot for fishing and boats of all sizes—includes canoes, kayaks, and stand up paddle boards.
With a river running through the park and numerous ponds and bogs to find in the woods, this park is a good spot for kids to play and explore.
Lake Sebago is also centrally located in the southern part of the state, putting you within driving distance of the Atlantic and many of Maine’s other attractions.
This clean park has both water and electric hookups with a dump station available for its 250 campsites. Showers and restrooms are available also at several locations throughout the park.
Other Great RV Destinations
Whether you live on the east coast or haven’t spent much time at all in this historic region, don’t rule this area out when planning your next RV trip.
If you’re looking for a way to escape the cold Northeast winters be sure to check out our picks for the best RV destinations in the Southeast and Southwest US.
Make sure to check out our tips on renting an RV too!