With moderate winters, warm summers, and plenty of coastline, the Southeast US is a great RV destination most of the year.
From the Atlantic coast to the Smoky Mountains, this part of the country has a little something for everyone. Spend a few days on the beach, take a lazy float down a Florida river, or hike a section of the Appalachian Trail … it’s up to you.
Read on for a closer look at some of the best RV destinations in the Southeast US.
Outer Banks, North Carolina: Camp Hatteras RV Resort and Campground
If you’re thinking of taking a trip to the southeast US, be sure to consider the Outer Banks in North Carolina.
These barrier islands located just off the coast of North Carolina have some of the most beautiful beaches in the US. They’re also home to historical sites like the Orville brothers first flight and the first English settlement in the US: Roanoke Island.
Camp Hatteras RV Resort and Campground is one of the nicest places to bring your RV on the Outer Banks. This park actually stretches from one side of the island to the other, giving campers access to both The Atlantic Ocean and Pamlico Sound.
400 campsites are available with level concrete pads and full hookups. Relax on the beach, check out one of the three pools, play miniature golf, rent a bike, and more at this spacious park.
Florida: Big Pine Key
For those looking to escape the winters of the Northern U.S. there are few places better than the Florida Keys. The weather is warm, there are plenty of things to do, and the campgrounds are top notch.
One of our favorite destinations is the Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge. They offer both tent and RV camping and even offer a small hotel if you have guests that want to visit while you’re there.
Rates for full electric start as low as $74 per night if you’re staying for week. But the real bargains start when you decide to spend the whole season. The park is full of regular tenants that spend their winters fishing and relaxing in the warm Florida sun.
Even if you decide to go with a rustic campsite you won’t be disappointed. The bathroom and shower facilities are plentiful, spacious, and they’re kept meticulously clean.
Florida: Ocala National Forest
Just north of Orlando, this large national forest is home to rivers, lakes, natural springs, and large swaths of pine scrub forest. The forest is filled with hiking and biking trails and the many waterways make for great canoeing and kayaking.
And since this area is so close to Orlando, campers can easily drive down to the metro area and check out any of the attractions in the region.
RVers can camp in a number of campgrounds in the national forest for very low fees. Electric and water hookups are available at a few of the campgrounds, but you’ll have to look elsewhere if you want a sewer connection.
Dump stations can be found in all of the developed campgrounds along with bathrooms and showers.
Kentucky: Mammoth Cave National Park
Another must-see spot if you’re headed down south is Mammoth Cave National Park. Home to Mammoth Cave, the longest known cave system in the world, this park is a wonder for both young and old to explore.
Numerous trails can also be found throughout the park as well as the Green River and its tributary, the Nolin River.
Camp right inside the park at the park’s only developed campground: Mammoth Cave Campground. This camping area has 111 total sites, most of which do not have any hookups although several VIP sites are available with full hookups.
A dump station is available along with access to water and bathrooms with hot showers.
North Carolina and Tennessee: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains are a national treasure. Not only are these mountains uniquely beautiful and full of great hiking and outdoor fun, but this area is also rich with history.
This park sits on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. Encompassing more than 500,000 acres, it is one of the largest federally protected areas east of the Mississippi.
Great camping is available for RVs right inside in the park at eight different developed campgrounds. While there are no hookups at the campgrounds within the park, dump stations and clean bathrooms with showers are available.
If you have a bigger trailer or motorhome, you’ll want to stay in the Cade’s Cove, Elkmont, or Smokemont campgrounds. These campgrounds are the only areas that can accommodate bigger rigs.
Georgia: Stone Mountain Campground
Just East of Atlanta in the small town of Stone Mountain Georgia sits a huge monolithic rock called Stone Mountain. With an elevation of just 1,600 feet, this mountain pales in comparison to the Rockies or the Cascades but its striking appearance has made it a prime attraction for the area.
Climb to the top of Georgia’s most visited attraction or take a cable car ride to the top and survey Stone Mountain Lake and the area below.
While Stone Mountain and the surrounding area is owned by the state of Georgia, one of the area’s biggest and most highly rated RV parks sits on the eastern side of the mountain. Stone Mountain Campground is a big, well-maintained park with paved sites and full hookups.
Many of Stone Mountain Campground’s sites even include cable TV and WiFi access. Check out the pool, playground, or other onsite amenities.
Since this park is so close to Stone Mountain, a lake, and Atlanta, it’s a great place to stay while exploring this interesting region.
Gulf Shores, Alabama: Sugar Sands RV Resort
If you want to hit the beach but avoid the heavy crowds that flood parts of Florida and other areas, consider visiting Gulf Shores Alabama. Gulf Shores sits right on the Gulf of Mexico just west of Pensacola Florida.
Along with clean sandy beaches, Gulf State Park is nearby if you want to take a hike and explore the dunes.
With over 70 full hookup sites, the Sugar Sands RV Resort is one of the nicest RV destinations in the area. This park also has a pool, playground, laundry facilities, and a nice rec room. Pull through sites are available or back in sites with plenty of space for maneuvering.
Sugar Sands RV Resort is located in a quiet area just minutes from the beach and many of Gulf Shores other attractions.
Florida: Blue Spring State Park
Blue Spring State Park is another must-visit spot in Florida. While the St. Johns River is a prime spot for canoeing, kayaking, and scuba diving year-round, this park is a great spot to check out in the winter as hundreds of manatees flock upriver for the winter.
Blue Spring State Park also has hiking trails and is a great bird watching location. Fishing in the river and surrounding areas is also very good.
The state park’s campground has over 50 sites, all with water and electric hookups. Big rigs are welcome too with most sites being large enough for RVs up to 40 feet long.
Though there are no sewer hookups, a dump station is available to campers along with two new bathroom and shower facilities.
With good weather year round and the manatees arriving in the winter months, this park does stay busy throughout the year. Be sure to make your reservations early through the Florida State Parks website.
Alabama: DeSoto State Park
Set on historic Lookout Mountain in picturesque northeast Alabama, DeSoto State Park is home to hiking trails, unique waterfalls, and—of course—Lookout Mountain itself. This park has a little of everything for outdoor enthusiasts and anyone interested in this area’s rich history.
Camping can be found in a few different locations throughout the park with varying levels of convenience. For RVers, 94 generously sized sites are available with full hookups in the park’s Improved Campground. The Improved Campground also has restrooms, showers, and a coin-operated laundry facility.
With prices at just $37 per night, this place is a steal.
Other Great RV Destinations
While the weather in the Southeast is pretty moderate most of the year, the heat and humidity can be stifling in some areas during the summer. If you’re coming from somewhere cooler, keep these weather conditions in mind and plan accordingly.
If you’re renting from one of our favorite RV rental companies, be sure you test the air conditioning system before starting your trip.
If you’re looking for warm and dry conditions, you’ll be better off checking out our picks for the best RV destinations in the Southwest U.S.
You can also check out our articles on the best spots in the Northeast here and the Northwest US here.
Now it’s your turn! Get started planning your next RV adventure today.