Hidden Gem RVing Destinations to Inspire Your Next Road Trip

Hidden Gem RVing Destinations to Inspire Your Next Road Trip
Get ideas for where to go next from the RV There Yet? show!

For five seasons, Patrice and Kevin McCabe have been sharing their love for RVing on the RV There Yet? show by traveling to inspiring destinations across America—with a focus on hidden gem state parks great for RV camping!

Winnebago has partnered with the McCabes for multiple years and is excited for their viewers to see what life in a Winnebago motorhome is really like! In season five, you can check out why they enjoy traveling in a Winnebago Sunstar.

In celebration of their most recent season finale, we are sharing some of their top RV road trip ideas that highlight lesser-visited states. While they also love to showcase more popular RVing destinations on the show, they really have a knack for finding fun activities and interesting places in destinations you may not have had on your RVing bucket list (yet!).

The list below is just a small sample of some of the destinations they have highlighted on the show over the years. To see all of their videos, head over to their YouTube Channel!

[Note: All photos provided by Patrice and Kevin McCabe.]

1. The Pennsylvania Wilds 

The McCabes enjoyed their time in Pennsylvania so much that this state is featured in two episodes of Season Five of RV There Yet?.

Cook Forest State Park 

This designated National Natural Landmark is a great base for RV camping and exploring the Pennsylvania wilds. It is also an easy drive from Philadelphia and has some awesome opportunities for nature and history lovers! (Did you know this is where John Cook became the first permanent American settler?)

To see wildlife, the Elk Country Visitor Center is a can’t-miss stop to experience these majestic creatures in a natural setting. There are also educational exhibits to learn more about the elk and their habitat. While in the area, the McCabes also recommend visiting the Cook Forest Sawmill Center for the Arts!

Get more insights for an RV trip to Leeper, PA, in this video.

Bald Eagle State Park 

The Centre County area of Pennsylvania is another wonderful destination for being immersed in beautiful views and opportunities to connect with nature. The McCabes parked their Winnebago at the White Pine Loop campground and set out to explore this unique area of the state. Highlights included:

• Fishing at the docks from a pier at a nearby lake (just make sure to get a license!).
• Learning from park rangers with hands-on activities and historical stories.
• Exploring the underground wonders of Penn’s Cave in Centre Hall, PA.
• Enjoying ice cream at Penn State’s historic Berkey Creamery.

Get more insights for an RV trip to Howard, PA, in this video.

2. Virginia Camping Near D.C.

Another season five highlight, and a favorite destination of the McCabes, Prince William County, VA, is not just an ideal option for history lovers wanting to find a relaxing base near the nation’s capital. This area also offers quaint towns, scenic farms, outdoor activities like hiking and paddleboarding, and some fun breweries to relax in. 

It is also home to Jiffy Lube LIVE—an outdoor amphitheater offering a fun opportunity to enjoy music in an open-air venue. For another unique entertainment opportunity, don’t miss Repeal Speakeasy for jazz music and unique cocktails in a prohibition-themed bar. 

While exploring this area, Prince William Forest RV Campground is a great place to base yourself, with plenty of places to take scenic walks nearby. Plus, you are close enough to Washington D.C. for a day trip, if you are craving some time in a city! 

Nearby, you can also visit the National Museum of the Marine Corps and Manassas Battlefield. (Learn more here.)

Get more insights for an RV trip to Prince William County, VA, in this video.

3. Nebraska Nature-Lovers Tour

Patrice is from Nebraska and loves getting to show others how much there is to enjoy there. Her home state has been featured in multiple seasons of the show, so you could put together an awesome Nebraska RV road trip based on all of their wonderful recommendations!

Top RV Camping Bases in Nebraska:

• Fort Robinson State Park offers a relaxing place to park your RV with hiking and Jeep ride options to take in the views above and below the iconic buttes. The campground also has large buildings that can be rented, making it a popular option for family reunions. See more in this video.
• Niobrara State Park offers a wonderful view of the Niagara River, with the lodge being an ideal place to watch sunset. There are also plenty of opportunities to hike, view wildlife, and enjoy the river. You can even enjoy a horseback riding experience directly from the campground! Check out this area here.
• Chadron State Park offers an outdoor swimming pool, a pond for fishing, hiking trails, and horseback riding. Plus, it has outstanding views of the nearby buttes. See more.
• Ponca State Park is home to the unique Towers of Time natural monument, hiking, and other opportunities to enjoy the local scenery. The McCabes stayed at Turkey Ridge Campground, and it worked great as their base for the week! Learn more in this video.
• Platte River State Park has an open RV campground with level spots and fun areas for kids, as well as mountain biking, hiking, and more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. See more.

Other Fun Outdoor Activities in Nebraska to Consider:

• Chadron State Park offers hiking to scenic overlooks, water activities, and more!
• Arbor Lodge State Historical Park is the birthplace of Arbor Day, the holiday dedicated to tree planting!  
• Fishing at Danish Alps State Recreation Area.
• Bicycling across the Outlaw Trail in Valentin for epic views from above the river.
• Carhenge roadside attraction in Alliance, NE.
• Hiking to the state’s highest waterfall at Smith Falls State Park.
• Wildcat Hills Nature Center for family-friendly learning opportunities and fun activities like archery.
• Experiencing living history at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park.
• Rainbow trout fishing in Grable Ponds in Crawford, NE.

Bonus: Just a short drive over the border into South Dakota is Wind Cave National Park – offering cave tours, wildlife viewing, and hiking.

4. Kentucky Foliage & Fun

While Kentucky is always a great time for enjoying bourbon and bluegrass, visiting in autumn offers an extra perk of getting to take in the beautiful fall foliage. The McCabes loved their October visit to this beautiful sate!

Greenbo Lake State Park is an ideal place to base yourself since it is rich in both history and nature activities. You can head to the lake to paddle, fish off a pontoon boat, or even scuba dive in it! The RV campground is very close to the marina, making it extra convenient to enjoy. They even host bluegrass concerts at the on-site amphitheater!

Nearby Carter Caves State Resort Park offers interesting tours and even movies in the caves, and there is an amazing natural bridge to admire. See more in this video.

Green River Lake State Park in Central Kentucky offers camping around a lake that is more than 8,000 acres! Many sites offer direct views of the lake, and there are multiple nice ways to enjoy the beauty of this park. Learn more here.

Other top activities in Kentucky that the McCabes recommend are: 

• Augusta Distillery off the Ohio River offers bourbon tasting in the quaint historic town of Greenup.
• Golfing at Grayson Lake State Park.
• My Old Kentucky Home State Park to tour the historic Federal Hill mansion and take a mint julep master class in the Magnolia Room.
• Learning about American sports car history at the National Corvette Museum. 

Don’t forget to check out the RV There Yet? YouTube Channel for more trip ideas!

What are your favorite hidden gem destinations for RV camping in the United States? Please share in the comments!