There’s nothing like a family road trip. Hitting the road is a wonderful way to spend quality time together, whether you’re sticking close to home or driving cross-country. Traveling in an RV is even more ideal for families. It’s easy to keep everyone comfortable, and you’re in control of everything from the itinerary to the budget.

But deciding to go is the easy part. Actually planning RV trips with kids is another story. There’s packing to do, decisions to make — the list goes on! And, of course, not all RV trips with kids are created equal. Some destinations, and even RV parks, are more kid-friendly than others. To help you plan an RV trip with kids, we’ve put together some of our top tips and route suggestions. 

Tips on Traveling With Kids in an RV

• Stick to a routine. Children really do thrive on routine and, let’s face it, so do adults. Establishing a routine will help things run smoothly. 
• Bring some comfort items. Having a favorite pillow or toy can help soothe nerves in an unfamiliar place. 
• Get organized. As soon as you pick up your RV, designate spots for everything. Getting organized will help keep things neat and — hopefully — chaos-free.

Best RV Trips With Kids

Even if you’re a road trip veteran, RV trips with kids are a whole different ball game. So to help your trip run smoothly, here are our top picks for the best RV trips with kids.

Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks

Itinerary: Whether you have a week or a weekend, these two national parks make one of the best RV trips with kids. Yellowstone and Grand Teton are just 31 miles from one another, so it’s easy to visit both. If possible, dedicate at least two days to Yellowstone and one to Grand Teton.

Sights to see: Yellowstone’s iconic Old Faithful is an absolute must-see. Everyone in the family will also enjoy watching the bison and other wildlife roam around. Both parks offer several easy to moderate hiking trails. Rafting down the Snake River in the Tetons is something your family will never forget. 

Kid-friendly RV parks: Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park is loaded with family-friendly amenities. If you want a place that’s closer to the Tetons, check out Jackson Hole Campground. It’s centrally-located and open year-round.

Disneyland & California Adventure

Itinerary: There is no family vacation destination more iconic than the original Disneyland in California. Depending on your children’s ages, you’ll want at least one to two full days in the park. Spend an entire day in Disneyland and consider another in Disney California Adventure. Don’t forget to set aside beach time!

Sights to see: Fantasyland is a great starting point with lots of attractions close together. Pirates of the Caribbean and It’s a Small World are can’t-miss classics. Make sure you allow plenty of time to eat all the tasty Disney treats! There are also dozens of beaches within a 30-minute drive.

Kid-friendly RV parks: Anaheim Harbor RV Park is uber-close to Disneyland. You could also stay beachfront at Newport Dunes RV Resort and drive into the park. 

Disney World

Itinerary: Disney World is comprised of four individual parks — six, including the waterparks. Because of that, it deserves more time to really be one of the best RV trips with kids. If you can dedicate four days, one to each park, that’s ideal. Don’t forget Universal Studios and SeaWorld are nearby!

Sights to see: Magic Kingdom is one of the most popular Disney World parks for a good reason. Families can spend a full day (or more) here. Thrillseekers won’t want to miss the Tower of Terror or Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios. 

Kid-friendly RV parks: It’s hard to top Fort Wilderness with its long list of amenities and activities. Thousand Trails Orlando is another wonderful option. It features sandy beaches and a natural lake.

The Great River Road

Itinerary: This road trip spans 3,000+ miles and 10 states. It follows the Mighty Mississippi between Minnesota and Louisiana. You can cover as much or little as you want, depending on how much time you have.  

Sights to see: Near Minneapolis, don’t miss the Mall of America. St. Louis’ Gateway Arch and City Museum will entertain the entire family. You can immerse yourself in nature at many points along the way. Don’t miss exploring the Ozarks in Arkansas or Mines of Spain State Park in Dubuque, Iowa.

Kid-friendly RV parks: Tom Sawyer’s RV Park just outside Memphis is on the Mississippi. Jellystone Park Resort near St. Louis caters specifically to families. This resort even offers Six Flags ticket packages.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Itinerary: America’s most visited national park, Great Smoky Mountains Park, is easily accessible thanks to its central location and free entry! Spend at least two days exploring. Base yourself in Gatlinburg, Tennessee or Cherokee, North Carolina for convenient access.

Sights to see: Simply driving through the Smokies is memorable. But don’t miss some of the hikes and waterfalls. Clingman’s Dome, the park’s highest point, is a must, as is Laurel Falls. Make time to visit Gatlinburg. This town caters to visiting families with a dizzying number of dining and entertainment options, like Dollywood. You can also drive the Blue Ridge Parkway, starting at the park’s North Carolina entrance.

Kid-friendly RV parks: If you’re comfortable boondocking, stay inside the park. If not, Greenbrier Campground in Gatlinburg has every amenity you could want, including a private beach!

Extra Fun Family Trip in a Rental RV

Few things can top family RV trips. You can create lifelong memories with your little — or not-so-little — ones from the comfort of a Cruise America RV rental! With several RV options and loads of amenities, it’s simple to ensure a fun, smooth RV trips with kids. Contact us today to select the perfect RV for your family trip!