Family road trips are a classic American tradition, offering families the chance to explore new places, create lasting memories, and enjoy quality time together on the open road. A family road trip is a vacation where families travel together by car, choosing a destination and creating a detailed itinerary to make the most of their time. Whether you’re planning your first adventure or are seasoned road trippers, this guide is designed for families planning road trips who want to make their journeys as memorable and stress-free as possible, and as unlike road trips are in the movies as possible!
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll spotlight 10 RJourney campgrounds across the United States that are absolutely worth the drive, plus provide practical planning tips to help your family road trip run smoothly from start to finish. You’ll also find advice on choosing accommodations, budgeting, and keeping everyone entertained on the road.
Why does this topic matter? Family road trips can create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds, turning ordinary vacations into lifelong stories. With the right planning, you can minimize stress, maximize fun, and ensure that every mile brings your family closer together. And help you contend with whatever the road throws at you.
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls in New York, stargazing over Utah’s red rock country, or casting a line into a glassy Texas lake, a family road trip is one of the best ways to experience America’s incredible diversity, especially when you have awesome destinations and experiences waiting at the end of the drive, like a great campground where you can meet other intrepid travelers.
RJourney operates a growing network of campgrounds and RV resorts across the United States, each one selected for its location, amenities, and ability to serve as a home base for family adventure. Chicago, for example, is a popular central hub and starting point for family road trips to explore nearby attractions or embark on longer journeys. In this guide, we spotlight 10 RJourney campgrounds that are absolutely worth the drive. Plus practical tips for planning family road trips that run smoothly from start to finish.
Fact | Statistic |
|---|---|
The average American family road trip covers a round trip of | approximately 500–700 miles (AAA) |
Road trips account for | 22% of all U.S. leisure travel |
Average time spent at campgrounds or on road trip activities | 2–3 days |
Families using a “home base” campground strategy report | less stress and lower overall trip costs |
RJourney operates | 38+ campgrounds and RV resorts in more than a dozen states |
Family road trips are more than a way to get from Point A to Point B; they’re a bonding experience that no flight or cruise can replicate. Kids learn geography in real time, families share unscripted moments at roadside attractions, and everyone gets to unplug from daily routines. The idea of disconnecting from routines and technology is often a key inspiration for planning family road trips, allowing everyone to focus on creating lasting memories together.
A well-planned family road trip combines the freedom of the open road with the comfort of knowing where you’ll sleep each night. Road trips can be even more memorable when shared with friends or when families meet new friends along the way, adding to the adventure and social connections. That’s where choosing the right campground makes all the difference. The best family campgrounds offer full-hookup RV sites, tent-friendly options, clean restrooms, on-site recreation, and proximity to the attractions you actually want to visit.
Let’s hit the road.
Planning a summer family road trip is a big deal, especially when you want to make every vacation hour count without overspending. The good news? With a little strategy, you can save money on accommodations and still enjoy an amazing adventure with your family. Instead of booking a hotel room right in the heart of San Francisco, near the Grand Canyon, or steps from the Santa Monica Pier, look for options in nearby towns like Pismo Beach or just outside major attractions. These spots often offer better rates, more availability, and a quieter night’s sleep. Plus, you’ll still be close enough to hit all the bucket list destinations on your route.
When traveling with little kids, choosing kid friendly accommodations is key. Look for hotels or vacation rentals with pools, game rooms, or outdoor play areas to keep children entertained after a long day in the car. If you’re camping, pick sites with amenities like flush toilets, showers, and easy access to hiking trails or beaches—think Lake Michigan or the breathtaking views along Big Sur. For families with older kids, vacation rentals with separate bedrooms and living spaces can make a long road trip feel more like a fun family road trip and less like a squeeze: “Moo-ooommm, he’s looking at me again!”
Budgeting for your trip goes beyond just where you sleep. Plan your itinerary to include free or low-cost outdoor activities, like exploring national parks, hiking in Muir Woods, or spending a morning at the beach. Pack snacks, sandwiches, and drinks to avoid overspending on food, and consider cooking simple meals in your RV or rental kitchen. This not only saves money but also gives you more flexibility with picky eaters or late-night cravings. Don’t forget to budget for gas, entrance fees to attractions like Mount Rushmore or the Hollywood Sign, and a little extra for souvenirs, because those “first time” moments are worth remembering.
To make the most of your vacation time, prioritize spending based on your family’s interests. If your kids love outdoor activities, invest in national park passes or gear for hiking trails. If theme parks or big city attractions are on your list, plan ahead for ticket costs and set aside a souvenir fund.
For those long drives between stops, keep the whole crew happy with kid friendly podcasts like Circle Round, Greeking Out, or Six Minutes. Audiobooks—think Harry Potter or classic adventures—are also a great way to turn screen time into shared family fun as you explore the world from your car. Classic car games like ‘I Spy’, ‘The Alphabet Game’, and ’20 Questions’ are popular choices for family road trips, helping to pass the time and keep everyone engaged. These activities not only entertain but also encourage interaction and laughter, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination.
With a little planning and these practical tips, your next family road trip can be both budget-friendly and unforgettable. Whether you’re headed to California beaches, the middle of South Dakota, or the bright lights of Las Vegas, smart choices on accommodations and spending mean more fun, less stress, and memories that last long after you’ve arrived home.
Best for: Families who want a waterpark and wilderness in one trip.
Nestled in the rolling hills of northern Pennsylvania, Splash Magic RV Resort lives up to its name with waterslides, splash pads, and a swimming pool that keep kids entertained for hours. Beyond the resort, families can explore nearby state forests, go fishing in local streams, or take a scenic drive through Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon at Pine Creek Gorge. For those interested in broader camping areas in Pennsylvania, there are numerous RV parks and campgrounds across the state.
Splash Magic RV Resort is one of the few campgrounds in the northeastern United States that combines full RV hookup sites with on-site waterpark-style attractions, making it a destination in itself rather than just a place to sleep.
Best for: National park road trips through Utah’s “Mighty Five.”
Utah’s national parks are among the most sought-after road trip destinations in America, and Bryce Canyon RV Resort puts your family right in the heart of the action. Bryce Canyon National Park’s famous hoodoo rock formations are just minutes away, and you can easily day-trip to Zion National Park (approximately 80 miles south) and Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument.
Pro Tip: Combine Bryce Canyon RV Resort with a stay at Cedar City RV Resort or Dixie Forest RV Resort to create the ultimate multi-park Utah road trip loop, and explore more RV campgrounds in Utah.
Best for: Water-loving families exploring the Texas Hill Country corridor.
Lake Conroe RV Campground sits on the shores of one of Southeast Texas’s most popular recreational lakes. Families enjoy swimming, kayaking, fishing, and boating right from the campground, while day trips to Houston (about 50 miles south) open up world-class museums like the Space Center Houston and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. For those looking to explore further, even more camping adventures just across the state line RV campgrounds in Louisiana.
Lake Conroe covers approximately 21,000 acres of surface water, making it one of the largest lakes in the greater Houston region and a premier destination for family water recreation.
Best for: Families exploring the historic Northeast and Catskills region.
Located in the scenic Mohawk Valley of upstate New York, Blue Haven Campground offers a peaceful, shaded retreat that’s perfectly positioned for exploring some of America’s most historically rich territory. The Erie Canal, Saratoga Springs, and the southern Adirondack foothills are all within easy driving distance.
For families who love Hudson River history, combine a stay at Blue Haven with visits to nearby Shady Shores Campground or Interlake RV Resort to experience different corners of New York’s stunning countryside.
Best for: Budget-friendly lake vacations in America’s heartland.
Oklahoma’s Grand Lake is a hidden gem that savvy road-tripping families return to year after year. Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees RV Resort offers lakefront access, spacious sites, and a laid-back atmosphere that lets families slow down and actually relax. If your travels take you out west, Klamath Falls RV Resort in Oregon provides convenient, pet-friendly RV camping near Upper Klamath Lake. Fishing, boating, swimming, and hiking are all on the daily menu here.
Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees stretches over 46,500 surface acres with more than 1,300 miles of shoreline, offering families one of the largest lake recreation areas in the south-central United States.
Best for: Families who want theme parks and nature rolled into one.
Baraboo RV Resort is the ultimate Wisconsin family destination. It sits just minutes from the Wisconsin Dells, known as the “Waterpark Capital of the World” — and close to Devil’s Lake State Park, the state’s most-visited park with towering bluffs and crystal-clear water. Families looking for a place to stay can explore RV campgrounds in Wisconsin. Circus World Museum in downtown Baraboo adds a uniquely fun cultural stop that kids love.
Best for: Music, history, and gateway access to the Great Smoky Mountains.
Middle Tennessee is a family road trip powerhouse, and Clarksville RV Resort makes an ideal base camp. Nashville’s live music scene, the Johnny Cash Museum, and the Nashville Zoo are all about 45 minutes southeast. Families heading to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park — the most visited national park in America with over 12.1 million visitors in 2023 — can use Clarksville as a comfortable first or last stop on a Tennessee loop.
Best for: Families on a Northern California or Delta road trip.
Snug Harbor RV Park offers something rare in California: waterfront camping in California in a serene, uncrowded setting. Located along the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta, this park is a paradise for fishing, boating, and wildlife watching. It’s also a smart base for day trips to Sacramento, Napa Valley wine country (fun for the parents, scenic for the kids), and the Sierra Nevada foothills.
The Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta encompasses over 1,000 miles of navigable waterways, making it one of the largest estuary systems on the West Coast and a prime destination for family boating and fishing adventures.
Best for: Classic lakefront family vacations in the Upper Midwest.
Canary Beach Resort delivers the quintessential Minnesota lake experience. Sandy beaches, warm summer water, fishing docks, and towering pine trees make this a place where families genuinely unplug. Detroit Lakes itself is a charming small town with ice cream shops, mini golf, and community events all summer long.
The Detroit Lakes area of west-central Minnesota features more than 400 lakes within a 25-mile radius, earning it a reputation as one of the most lake-dense vacation regions in the entire United States.
Best for: Coastal family road trips along the Texas Gulf.
Rockport RV Resort brings the beach vacation vibes without the beach vacation price tag. This charming coastal town is famous for birding (it’s home to the Hummingbird Celebration every September), fresh seafood, and easy access to Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, where families can spot endangered whooping cranes in winter. Combine it with a stay at Willow Beach RV Park or Sugar Valley RV Resort for an extended Texas coastal road trip.
Planning a successful family road trip requires balancing structure with flexibility. Here are some key strategies and tips to help your journey go smoothly:
Rather than packing up and moving every single day, experienced road trip families recommend the “home base” approach: pick a well-located campground and take day trips to surrounding attractions. This reduces daily setup and teardown, gives kids a sense of stability, and lets you explore a region more deeply.
Popular family campgrounds fill up fast. For peak summer travel (June through August) and holiday weekends, booking at least 2–3 months in advance is strongly recommended. Many RJourney parks offer online reservations so you can lock in your preferred dates and site type with ease.
Weather and kids are equally unpredictable. Pack layers, rain gear, and backup indoor activities (card games, coloring books, audiobooks) for every trip. A well-stocked cooler also saves money and reduces the stress of finding kid-friendly restaurants on the road.
Giving children a role in trip planning — choosing one attraction, picking a restaurant, or navigating with a paper map — increases their engagement and reduces backseat complaints. Even young kids can circle destinations on a map or vote on which state park to visit. Involving children in the planning process can minimize meltdowns during family road trips.
For drives over four hours, plan a midpoint stop at a park, rest area with a playground, or interesting roadside attraction. A 20-minute stretch break can reset everyone’s mood. Key strategies for a successful family road trip include limiting daily driving to 3–7 hours and stopping every 2–3 hours for activity.
Keeping everyone happy on the road is essential for a successful family road trip. Here are some tried-and-true activities and entertainment ideas:
Route Name | RJourney Stops | Region | Key Attractions |
|---|---|---|---|
Utah National Parks Loop | Southwest | Bryce Canyon, Zion, Cedar Breaks | |
Texas Gulf Coast Run | Gulf Coast | Beaches, birding, Houston museums | |
New York Countryside Tour | Northeast | Erie Canal, Catskills, Adirondacks | |
Wyoming Western Adventure | Mountain West | Frontier Days, Medicine Bow, trails | |
Colorado Rockies Escape | Rocky Mountain | Mesa Verde, Denver, river recreation |
Share your favorite family road trip routes or tips in a post on social media or your blog, and check out other posts for more inspiration and ideas.
Late spring (May–June) and early fall (September–October) are widely considered the best seasons for family road trips because campgrounds are less crowded than peak summer, weather is mild in most regions, and many parks offer lower rates. However, summer remains the most popular season for families with school-age children. For southern destinations like Texas and Louisiana, spring and fall offer more comfortable temperatures.
For families new to road trip camping, RV camping offers more convenience — including climate control, a private bathroom, and a kitchen. Tent camping costs less upfront and provides a more immersive outdoor experience. Many RJourney parks accommodate both RVs and tents, so you can choose the style that fits your family’s comfort level and budget.
For peak travel periods (summer weekends, holiday weeks), aim to book 60–90 days in advance to secure your preferred campsite. Midweek stays and shoulder-season travel (spring and fall) are easier to book on shorter notice, and you’ll often find better site availability and pricing.
Yes. RJourney campgrounds are designed to be family-friendly, with amenities that vary by location but often include playgrounds, swimming pools, fishing access, game rooms, and spacious sites that give families room to spread out. Many parks also offer laundry facilities and camp stores for added convenience.
Essentials include bedding or sleeping bags, weather-appropriate clothing in layers, sunscreen, insect repellent, a first-aid kit, reusable water bottles, flashlights, camp chairs, and outdoor games. If you’re tent camping, bring a quality tent with a rain fly. For RV travelers, stock your kitchen with easy-to-cook meals and snacks to minimize restaurant stops.
Popular activities for family road trips include classic car games like ‘I Spy’, ‘The Alphabet Game’, and ’20 Questions’, which keep everyone engaged and entertained. Podcasts are a great way to engage kids during family road trips without resorting to screen time, while audiobooks are a good choice for long family road trips as they provide longer storytelling sessions. Involving children in the planning process can also minimize meltdowns and keep everyone invested in the journey.
The best family road trips aren’t about covering the most miles — they’re about making the most memories. With campgrounds and RV resorts in more than a dozen states, RJourney makes it easy to find a welcoming, well-equipped home base no matter which direction your family heads.
Browse all RJourney parks and resorts at rjourney.com to find the perfect campground for your next family adventure, deals and discounts, or contact us. Book early, pack smart, and get ready to build the kind of stories your kids will tell their own children someday.
Happy trails from the RJourney family to yours!
Family road trips are at their best when the drive leads to a campground that feels easy, comfortable, and close to the experiences you came for. From waterpark fun in Pennsylvania and iconic Utah national parks to lake days in Minnesota and coastal exploring in Texas, these 10 RJourney destinations help you turn travel time into shared time. Use a home-base strategy, book early for peak dates, and build in flexible plans so the whole crew stays happy on the road. Ready to map out your next route? Visit rjourney.com to explore RJourney campgrounds, compare locations, and reserve the right site for your family’s next adventure.
