Memorial Day Weekend marks the unofficial start of summer—and there’s no better way to celebrate than hitting the road in your RV. Whether you're craving mountain views, beachside camping, or cultural festivals, these top RV destinations around key cities such as Tucson, Chicago, Denver, and more offer something for everyone.
Let’s dive into some of the best long-weekend RV trips you can take near Outrig locations across the U.S.!
Escape the Heat: RV Destinations Near Tucson, AZ
1. Mount Lemmon: Cool Pines & Mountain Breezes
Distance from Tucson: ~1 hour 30 minutes
Why Go: Mount Lemmon offers a quick escape from the desert heat, with pine forests, cool temperatures, and stunning overlooks. The scenic Catalina Highway is an experience in itself.
Top Campground: Rose Canyon Lake Campground
- Lakeside setting
- Great trout fishing and hiking trails
- Stargazing-friendly skies
What to Pack: Warm layers (it can get chilly), s'mores supplies, and your camera.
2. Patagonia Lake State Park: Family-Friendly Fun
Distance from Tucson: ~1 hour 45 minutes
Why Go: Enjoy a relaxing lakeside setting perfect for families and water lovers.
Top Campground: Patagonia Lake State Park Campground
- Kayaking, swimming, and boating
- Birdwatching opportunities (especially in spring)
- Picnic tables and electric hookups
Pro Tip: Book early; this park fills up quickly on holiday weekends. It's one of the top RV destinations in the US for a reason!
Coastal Charm: RV Escapes from Oakley, CA
3. Big Basin Redwoods State Park: Towering Trees and Peaceful Trails
Distance from Oakley: ~2.5 hours
Why Go: Walk among some of the oldest redwoods in California. Perfect for those wanting a quiet, nature-centric escape.
Top Campground: Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort
- River access
- Shaded sites under redwoods
- Pet-friendly
4. Half Moon Bay: Ocean Breezes & Cliffside Views
Distance from Oakley: ~2 hours
Why Go: Sleep near the Pacific Ocean and wake up to salty breezes and scenic coastal cliffs.
Top Campground: Half Moon Bay RV Park
- Minutes from tide pools and beaches
- Coastal trail biking and hiking
- Close to seafood restaurants
Pro Tip: Pack binoculars for whale watching!
Wine Country & Water Views: RV Getaways from Simi Valley, CA
5. Lake Casitas Recreation Area: Relaxed Lakeside Living
Distance from Simi Valley: ~1 hour 15 minutes
Why Go: Enjoy peaceful lake views, fishing, and canoeing.
Top Campground: Lake Casitas Recreation Area Campground
- Boat rentals and splash park
- Ideal for families
- Spacious, tree-covered sites
6. Santa Barbara Wine Country: Sip and Stay
Distance from Simi Valley: ~2 hours
Why Go: Sample local wines, explore quaint towns, and enjoy luxury-level RV resorts.
Top Campground: Flying Flags RV Resort (Buellton)
- Resort-style amenities
- Pool, general store, wine bar
- Nearby wine tasting rooms
Pro Tip: Designate a driver or take a wine shuttle for tastings.
Mountains or Coast? RV Spots Near West Sacramento, CA
7. Lake Tahoe: Alpine Adventure
Distance from West Sacramento: ~2 hours
Why Go: Perfect mix of lake activities and mountain exploration. Great for active families.
Top Campground: Camp Richardson Resort
- Lakeside beach access
- Hiking and biking trails
- Historic ice cream parlor
What to Do: Hike Emerald Bay, rent a paddleboard, or just relax by the fire.
8. Bodega Bay: Coastal Cool-Down
Distance: ~2.5 hours
Why Go: A charming fishing town offering seafood, beaches, and dramatic views.
Top Campground: Bodega Bay RV Park
- Pet-friendly
- Walking distance to local restaurants
- Whale watching and kite flying nearby
Pro Tip: Stop for clam chowder at Spud Point Crab Company!
Mile-High Magic: Memorial Day Escapes from Denver, CO
9. Estes Park & Rocky Mountain National Park
Distance: ~1.5 hours
Why Go: Wildlife, mountain air, and endless trails await. A nature lover’s dream.
Top Campground: Estes Park KOA
- Full hookups and Wi-Fi
- Easy access to RMNP
- Shuttle service to town
What to Bring: Bear-safe food containers, hiking boots, and layers.
10. Great Sand Dunes National Park: A Desert Surprise
Distance: ~4 hours
Why Go: The tallest dunes in North America! Unique and photogenic.
Top Campground: Piñon Flats Campground
- Nestled next to dunes
- Stargazing and sand sledding
- No hookups; dry camping only
Pro Tip: Arrive early to grab a shaded spot.
Midwestern Retreats: RV Ideas Around Chicago, IL
11. Indiana Dunes National Park
Distance: ~1.5 hours
Why Go: Beachfront camping near Lake Michigan.
Top Campground: Dunewood Campground
- 66 sites, some with electric
- Close to trails and sand dunes
- Accessible to public transportation
12. Starved Rock State Park: Waterfalls & Woodlands
Distance: ~2 hours
Why Go: Famous for canyons, waterfalls, and scenic hikes.
Top Campground: Starved Rock Campground
- Electric hookups
- Adjacent to trails
- Fishing nearby
What to Do: Hike to LaSalle Canyon, or take a guided river cruise.
Lakeside Michigan: RV Adventures from Detroit, MI
13. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Distance: ~4.5 hours
Why Go: Dune climbs, crystal-clear lakes, and scenic drives.
Top Campground: Indigo Bluffs RV Park
- Full hookups
- Resort amenities
- Close to Glen Arbor
14. Port Crescent State Park
Distance: ~2.5 hours
Why Go: Beachfront camping and dark skies perfect for stargazing. One of those ideal RV destinations.
Top Campground: Port Crescent Campground
- Electric and modern restrooms
- On Lake Huron
- Great for kayaking and sunset views
Pro Tip: Explore the Thumb Coast Lighthouse Trail.
Midwest BBQ & Trails: Kansas City RV Spots
15. Lake of the Ozarks State Park
Distance: ~2.5 hours
Why Go: One of Missouri's most beloved RV destinations.
Top Campground: Lake of the Ozarks Campground
- Waterfront sites
- Boat rentals and swimming
- Nearby caves and trails
16. Clinton State Park (Kansas)
Distance: ~1 hour 30 minutes
Why Go: Less crowded than the Ozarks, but equally beautiful.
Top Campground: Clinton State Park Campground
- Over 350 sites
- Trails for hiking, biking, equestrian use
- Near Lawrence, KS
Blues & Backroads: RV Trips from Memphis, TN
17. Village Creek State Park
Distance: ~1 hour 15 minutes
Why Go: Serene, wooded park great for all ages.
Top Campground: Village Creek Campground
- Modern restrooms and electric sites
- Golf, fishing, and hiking
- Interpretive nature programs
18. Natchez Trace Parkway
Distance: ~2 hours
Why Go: Scenic byway with historic stops and beautiful drives.
Top Campground: Natchez Trace RV Campground
- Nature trails and water access
- Peaceful forest setting
- Clubhouse and picnic areas
Pro Tip: Take time to explore Civil War history sites along the route.
Bonus: Prep Tips for Your Memorial Day RV Trip
- Book Early: Holiday weekends fill fast
- Check Fire Restrictions: Especially in desert or forested areas
- Bring Backups: Extra propane, chargers, and first-aid kits
- Prep Your RV: Check tire pressure, water levels, and engine fluids
Need Secure RV Storage Before or After Your Trip?
Outrig offers secure, easy-access RV storage in:
Whether you’re prepping for a trip or coming home from one, we’ve got you covered with covered, uncovered, and fully enclosed storage solutions.
Hit the Road This Memorial Day Weekend
From serene lakes and cool mountain getaways to iconic coastal cliffs and national parks, Memorial Day Weekend is the perfect opportunity to recharge and reconnect with nature. So pack up your RV, stock your cooler, and start summer with the trip of a lifetime.
Need help getting your RV road-ready? Reach out to your local Outrig team for expert RV service, repair, and storage solutions.
Happy camping!