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Every great trip starts with good information — and a little inspiration.
At RV Vacation Planner (RVP), we combine firsthand travel experience with smart planning tools to help you get the most out of every mile.
From route ideas and safety guides to insider tips, campground reviews and gear guides, everything here is designed to make your journey smoother, safer, and more memorable.
Join the RVP Community!!!
Hit the road smarter, not harder.
Every week, our RV Vacation Planner team (and Ronnie the RVing Raccoon, when he’s not raiding the snack bin) send out “Ronnie’s Road Notes” — your quick read for the open road.
🗺️ Route ideas under the 100-mile rule
🔥 Campground and gear recommendations
💰 Exclusive member-only discounts
😂 Occasional raccoon wisdom you didn’t ask for but probably needed
Whether you’re planning your first weekend getaway or your next cross-country trek, our community keeps you inspired, equipped, and laughing along the way.
Weekly RV tips, trip ideas, and Ronnie Approved gear picks — straight to your inbox.
Whether you crave mountain air, coastal breezes, or forest solitude, RV Vacation Planner helps you find destinations that fit your style of adventure.
Our guides highlight scenic routes, must-see parks, and local favorites loved by real travelers — so you can plan less and explore more.
Discover the Beauty Beyond the Highway
Rustic charm, national treasures, and off-the-grid gems — all in one place.
For Mountain Lovers
The Best RV Routes Through the Appalachians
There's something magnetic about the mountains — that intoxicating mix of cool mist rolling through valleys at dawn and the crackle of campfire warmth under star-filled skies that every RV traveler dreams about. The Appalachians aren't just a destination; they're a revelation, offering some of the most spectacular RV mountain routes in North America where every curve reveals another jaw-dropping vista.
The Crown Jewel: Blue Ridge Parkway RV Adventure
If your next adventure takes you to the Appalachians, start with the legendary Blue Ridge Parkway — a 469-mile ribbon of asphalt that winds through what many consider America's most scenic drive. This isn't your typical highway rush. Here, the speed limit maxes out at 45 mph by design, encouraging you to slow down, breathe deep, and truly absorb the layered ridges fading into the horizon like watercolor brushstrokes.
The Blue Ridge Parkway RV journey begins in Virginia's Shenandoah National Park and meanders southwest into North Carolina's Great Smoky Mountains. Along the way, you'll discover why this route consistently tops "best scenic RV drives" lists. Milepost markers guide you to hidden waterfalls, folk art centers showcasing Appalachian heritage, and overlooks where autumn transforms the landscape into an explosion of amber, crimson, and gold.
Strategic Base Camps for Appalachian RV Travel
Smart planning makes all the difference on RV mountain routes. Julian Price Memorial Park Campground (Milepost 297) offers pull-through sites with easy big-rig access, nestled beside a tranquil lake perfect for morning kayaking. Further south, Mount Pisgah Campground (Milepost 408.6) puts you steps away from trails leading to 5,721-foot summit views that'll make your Instagram followers weep with envy.
For those seeking full hookups, Asheville East KOA serves as an ideal hub for exploring the Parkway's southern sections. From here, day trips to the Biltmore Estate or downtown Asheville's craft brewery scene are effortlessly within reach, giving you the perfect blend of mountain solitude and urban culture.
Beyond the Parkway: Hidden Appalachian Gems
While the Blue Ridge Parkway rightfully claims fame, seasoned RVers know the surrounding Appalachian RV travel opportunities are equally rewarding. Virginia's Skyline Drive offers 105 miles of elevated perspectives through Shenandoah National Park. The Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway in South Carolina showcases cascading waterfalls and historic textile towns frozen in time.
Don't overlook the cultural richness woven into these mountains. Roadside produce stands sell apple butter made from century-old recipes. Bluegrass music drifts from front porches. Local storytellers at campground fire rings share legends passed down through generations. This is travel that feeds the soul, not just the wanderlust.
Practical Tips for Your Mountain Journey
Appalachian weather can shift dramatically with elevation — pack layers even in summer. Check tunnel clearances before committing to routes; the Parkway has several low-clearance tunnels. Brake carefully on descents to protect your transmission, and fill up on fuel in towns; mountain services can be sparse.
Click here for detailed travel maps: DETAILED MAPS
Most importantly, give yourself time. These best RV mountain routes reward lingering, not rushing. That unmarked trail, that handwritten "Fresh Apple Cider" sign, that sunset vista you almost passed — these unplanned moments become the memories you'll treasure most.
Ready to plan your mountain getaway?
Explore detailed RV route guides, campground listings with real traveler reviews, and insider tips that transform good trips into unforgettable adventures.
Gear Up for the Journey
Essentials and upgrades that make every mile more comfortable
Every great adventure starts with a little preparation — and the right gear can turn a good trip into an unforgettable one.
At RV Vacation Planner, we test, review, and recommend products trusted by real travelers. From campsite comforts to smart tech upgrades, these essentials make life on the road easier, safer, and a lot more fun.
Whether you’re a weekend wanderer or a full-time RVer, we’ve gathered the must-haves that keep your journey running smoothly: reliable power, organized storage, cozy nights, and reliable connectivity wherever the road leads.
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*As an Amazon Associate RV Vacation Planner earns from qualifying purchases. **Affiliate Links below may result in RVP earning a small commission if you complete a purchase.
Join the RVP Community!!!
Hit the road smarter, not harder.
Every week, our RV Vacation Planner team (and Ronnie the RVing Raccoon, when he’s not raiding the snack bin) send out “Ronnie’s Road Notes” — your quick read for the open road.
🗺️ Route ideas under the 100-mile rule
🔥 Campground and gear recommendations
💰 Exclusive member-only discounts
😂 Occasional raccoon wisdom you didn’t ask for but probably needed
Whether you’re planning your first weekend getaway or your next cross-country trek, our community keeps you inspired, equipped, and laughing along the way.
Weekly RV tips, trip ideas, and Ronnie Approved gear picks — straight to your inbox.