Summer is the ultimate season for road-tripping across North America. With warm weather and longer days, many of the continent’s most stunning landscapes come to life with wildflowers, wildlife, and wanderlust. 

Whether you’re chasing cool mountain air, coastal breezes, or epic national park views, there’s no better way to explore the best places to travel in the summer than in an RV. Domestic and international trips in North America are the way to go for your summer travel plans. 

As travelers make their summer vacation plans, many are rethinking how much they want to spend due to rising prices and ongoing economic concerns. While some are adjusting their summer travel to fit tighter budgets, others are seeking popular destinations and hot spots that offer memorable outdoor activities and great value.

There’s a growing trend among summer travelers to choose getaways within driving distance, making it easier for families to enjoy summer vacations without the stress of long-haul travel or high costs.

From the misty peaks of Banff to the beautiful beaches of California, here are the best summer vacation spots to visit with a Cruise America RV rental—and tips to make your journey unforgettable.

1. Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

Why it’s great in summer: Banff is Canada’s crown jewel—and in summer, its alpine lakes turn brilliant shades of turquoise, hiking trails open up, and wildlife like elk and mountain goats roam freely. The park’s famous Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are at their most photogenic between June and August.

Top things to do:

• Hike to the Plain of Six Glaciers or Johnston Canyon
  
  

• Paddle a canoe on Lake Louise
  
  

• Soak in Banff Upper Hot Springs
  
  

• Drive the Icefields Parkway to Jasper

RV advantage: Camping in Banff means waking up surrounded by jaw-dropping scenery—without needing to book pricey mountain lodges. Your Cruise America RV gives you the freedom to hop between lakes, hot springs, and trailheads with comfort and ease.

Tip: Visit in early June or late August to avoid peak crowds and find more available RV sites.

2. California Coast (Highway 1 Road Trip)

Why it’s great in summer: California’s iconic Pacific Coast Highway is a dream in warmer weather. From foggy redwood forests up north to sun-soaked beaches in the south, Highway 1 serves up ocean views, coastal cliffs, and charming towns all along the way.

Top stops:

• Redwood National and State Parks
  
  

• Monterey & Big Sur
  
  

• San Luis Obispo wine country
  
  

• Santa Barbara & Malibu beaches

RV advantage: With your own kitchen and comfy bed on wheels, you can stay in beachfront RV parks, avoid overpriced hotels, and picnic with a view at every scenic pull-off. RVs easily accommodate younger travelers so the whole family can enjoy group trips!

Tip: Make campground reservations in advance—spots along the coast fill quickly during summer months.

3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina

Why it’s great in summer: Lush greenery, waterfalls, and panoramic views make the Smokies a must in summer. With over 800 miles of trails and a diverse mix of Appalachian wildlife, this park is one of the most visited in the U.S. for good reason.

Top things to do:

• Hike Clingmans Dome or Alum Cave Trail
  
  

• Visit Cades Cove for wildlife viewing
  
  

• Drive the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway

RV advantage: Park your RV in one of the national park’s campgrounds or nearby private parks to stay close to nature—and stay cool at higher altitudes.

Tip: Arrive early at popular trailheads to beat both the heat and the crowds.

4. Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Why it’s great in summer: Summer is when Cape Cod truly shines. Think sandy beaches, lobster rolls, quaint New England towns, and refreshing Atlantic breezes. Cape Cod National Seashore is a serene coastal escape with trails, lighthouses, and uncrowded beaches, as well as pristine beaches that showcase the area's natural beauty.

Top activities:

• Bike the Cape Cod Rail Trail

• Kayak in Salt Pond Bay

• Explore Provincetown or take a whale watching tour

• Visit charming towns like Chatham and Falmouth

RV advantage: Summer rentals on Cape Cod can get expensive fast. Your RV lets you stay mobile, skip overpriced inns, and enjoy the seaside charm from your own cozy setup.

Tip: Book well in advance if visiting during mid-July or early August, or go in mid-June or late August for fewer tourists.

5. Canadian Rockies: Jasper + Yoho National Parks

Why it’s great in summer: While Banff gets a lot of love, Jasper and Yoho offer equally stunning scenery with fewer crowds. Summer opens up access to glaciers, waterfalls, and backcountry trails. The great outdoors await!

Top sights:

• Athabasca Glacier
  
  

• Emerald Lake
  
  

• Takakkaw Falls
  
  

• Maligne Lake & Spirit Island

RV advantage: Boondocking is legal in many areas of Canada’s public lands, giving RV travelers more flexibility and affordability than hotel stays.

Tip: Bring bear spray and bug spray—wildlife encounters are part of the experience!

6. Glacier National Park, Montana

Why it’s great in summer: With Going-to-the-Sun Road fully open from late June through mid-September—typically first accessible to visitors in early July—Glacier becomes one of the most jaw-dropping drives in North America. Waterfalls surge, wildflowers bloom, and alpine lakes sparkle in the summer sun.

Must-see stops:

• Logan Pass

• Lake McDonald

• Many Glacier area

• Hidden Lake Overlook

RV advantage: Glacier’s campgrounds allow you to stay deep within nature, but be sure to check length restrictions—some roads and sites have tight turns or size limits.

Tip: Go early or late in the day to get parking at Logan Pass and other popular areas.

7. Nova Scotia & Cape Breton Island, Canada

Why it’s great in summer: For RVers seeking maritime beauty and slower-paced travel, Nova Scotia delivers. The Cabot Trail, especially, is a spectacular summer drive that rivals the Pacific Coast Highway.

Best things to do:

• Drive the Cabot Trail
  
  

• Visit Cape Breton Highlands National Park
  
  

• Explore Lunenburg’s colorful harbor
  
  

• Watch the Bay of Fundy tides

RV advantage: RV campgrounds dot the coastline, offering oceanfront views, fresh seafood, and friendly local communities along the way.

Tip: July and August offer the best weather, but pack layers—it can still get breezy near the water.

8. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho

Why it’s great in summer: Yellowstone is a geothermal wonderland—and summer is the best time to explore its full range of wildlife, geysers, and canyons. From bison to bears, the park is teeming with life in warmer months.

Highlights include:

• Old Faithful & Grand Prismatic Spring

• Yellowstone Lake

• Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

• Lamar Valley wildlife watching

RV advantage: Staying inside the park in an RV allows for early access to popular attractions without driving in from outside the park each day. Booking other accommodations, such as camping sites, well in advance is also important to ensure a stress-free experience during peak summer visits.

Tip: Yellowstone is extremely popular in July—go in early June or late August for fewer crowds and milder temps.

9. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada

Why it’s great in summer: Lake Tahoe transforms into an alpine beach paradise in summer. Clear blue waters, mountain peaks, and forested trails offer the perfect blend of outdoor fun and lakeside relaxation.

Top things to do:

• Kayak or paddleboard on the lake
  
  

• Hike Eagle Lake Trail or the Tahoe Rim Trail
  
  

• Enjoy beach days at Sand Harbor or Pope Beach

RV advantage: Campgrounds near the lake provide lakeside serenity at a fraction of hotel costs. Plus, your RV’s built-in AC makes it easy to cool down after a sunny beach day.

Tip: Arrive midweek to avoid weekend crowds.

10. Olympic National Park, Washington

Why it’s great in summer: Olympic is a park of contrasts—lush rainforests, alpine peaks, and rugged coastline all within reach. Summer offers the most accessible weather to explore its diverse ecosystems.

Things to explore:

• Hoh Rainforest and Hall of Mosses
  
  

• Hurricane Ridge scenic drive
  
  

• Tide pools at Rialto or Ruby Beach

RV advantage: With a wide range of campgrounds, you can base yourself near the ocean one night and near the mountains the next—no need to repack or move hotels.

Tip: Bring rain gear—despite summer, occasional drizzles still occur.

11. Zion National Park, Utah

Why it’s great in summer: Towering red cliffs, emerald pools, and narrow slot canyons make Zion a spectacular summer destination. While temperatures can soar, early mornings and shaded hikes offer unforgettable adventure.

Top things to do:

• Hike The Narrows through the Virgin River
  
  

• Challenge yourself on Angel’s Landing (permit required)
  
  

• Take the scenic shuttle drive through Zion Canyon

RV advantage: Zion has multiple campgrounds that accommodate RVs, letting you stay close to trailheads without booking faraway hotels. Built-in air conditioning in your RV also offers a cool retreat after a hot day outdoors.

Tip: Start hikes early (before 9 a.m.) to beat the heat and crowds. Wear water shoes for The Narrows hike.

12. Door County, Wisconsin

Why it’s great in summer: Known as the “Cape Cod of the Midwest,” Door County offers charming lakefront towns and small town destinations with a relaxed, scenic vibe, cherry orchards, and 300 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. It’s a peaceful, scenic escape for families or couples.

Top activities:

• Kayak the sea caves of Cave Point County Park

• Visit Peninsula State Park for biking and hiking

• Enjoy fish boils, farmers markets, and local art galleries

RV advantage: Door County is dotted with RV-friendly campgrounds—many just steps from the lake. Skip the inns and stay right by the water in your own cozy space.

Tip: July is cherry-picking season—plan a visit around local harvest festivals!

13. Whistler, British Columbia

Why it’s great in summer: While famous for skiing, Whistler transforms into a summer adventure haven. For those seeking cooler climates during the hot summer months, Whistler offers refreshing mountain air and comfortable temperatures. Expect alpine hiking, mountain biking, ziplining, and glacier-fed lakes, all set against the dramatic Coast Mountains.

Top things to do:

• Ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola

• Hike to Garibaldi Lake

• Explore Whistler Village and its local eateries

• Paddle or swim in Lost Lake

RV advantage: Campgrounds near Whistler provide easy access to nature and the village without the resort price tag. Your RV also gives you flexibility to explore nearby parks like Garibaldi or even Squamish.

Tip: Visit in late June through August for the best weather and trail access—but bring a jacket for chilly mountain nights.

14. Acadia National Park, Maine

Why it’s great in summer: Acadia offers one of the most unique blends of ocean and mountains in the U.S. Summer brings mild weather, blooming wildflowers, and incredible views of the Atlantic from rocky cliffs and forested trails.

Top things to do:

• Watch sunrise from Cadillac Mountain
  
  

• Hike the Beehive Trail or Jordan Pond Path
  
  

• Stroll through Bar Harbor and enjoy fresh lobster
  
  

• Explore the Park Loop Road for scenic views
  
  

RV advantage: Staying in or near Acadia with a Cruise America RV means you can rise early for sunrise hikes or enjoy peaceful, starlit evenings without commuting from distant hotels. Plus, you’ll avoid Maine’s pricey seasonal lodging.

Tip: Make campground reservations well in advance, and consider visiting in late August to miss peak tourist season.

15. Niagara Falls, Ontario/New York

Why it’s great in summer: Few natural wonders are as iconic as Niagara Falls, and summer is the perfect time to take in its thunderous roar, misty boat rides, and surrounding attractions. Whether you visit from the Canadian or U.S. side, the views are unforgettable.

Top attractions:

• Ride the Maid of the Mist or Hornblower boat tours

• Walk behind the falls at Journey Behind the Falls (Canada side)

• Explore Niagara Falls State Park

• Visit nearby wineries or take a scenic drive through Niagara-on-the-Lake

RV advantage: RV parks on both sides of the border allow you to stay close to the falls without paying steep hotel rates. You’ll also have the convenience of your own space to relax after a full day of sightseeing. Many travelers find that three nights is the perfect amount of time to experience Niagara Falls and its surrounding attractions.

Tip: Arrive early in the day to avoid crowds, and bring a poncho—the mist is part of the experience!

Tips for Summer RV Travel

No matter where your summer travel plans take you, these tips will help ensure a smooth and memorable RV trip:

• Check your RV’s systems and tires before hitting the road on your next vacation.

• Pack light, but don’t forget the essentials.

• Plan your route and make campground reservations in advance.

• Stay hydrated and keep plenty of snacks on hand.

• Prepare for changing weather conditions.

• Plan ahead to ensure a stress-free summer RV trip.

When to Go

• Early June and late August are ideal for avoiding peak-season crowds.

• Midweek stays are usually quieter than weekends.

• Researching the best time to visit each destination can help you enjoy favorable weather, special events, and fewer crowds.

What to Pack

• Lightweight clothing + layers (mountains and coasts can be chilly)

• Reusable water bottles

• Sunscreen and bug spray

• Hiking shoes and flip-flops

• National Parks Pass if visiting multiple parks

How to Beat the Crowds

• Start your day early—many popular parks fill up by 9 a.m.

• Choose lesser-known park areas or scenic byways.

• Make campground reservations in advance.

Why Summer RV Travel is the Way to Go

RV travel during the summer opens doors that traditional travel can’t. With your Cruise America RV:

• You save money on hotels and restaurants

• You don’t need to book hotels, giving you more flexibility and convenience for spontaneous trips

• You set your own pace and change your plans on the fly

• You get to stay close to nature—without sacrificing comfort

• You avoid overbooked accommodations in high-demand destinations

• You always have AC, a kitchen, and a bathroom—anywhere you go

Plus, there’s nothing quite like watching the sun rise over a mountain lake from the window of your own home-on-wheels.

Book Your Cruise America RV Rental Today

Ready to hit the road on a summer trip? The best places to travel in the summer are calling—and the open highway is waiting. Whether you're venturing to Canada’s national parks or America’s coasts and mountains, a Cruise America RV rental puts the adventure in your hands.

Start planning your summer road trip today with Cruise America. Your bucket-list journey starts with four wheels, an open map, and the freedom to explore on your terms.