There’s nothing quite like the freedom of a cross country camping road trip—waking up to breathtaking landscapes, cooking under the stars, and exploring nature on your own terms. Whether you’re hitting the open road in an RV, campervan, or tent camping along the way, this kind of adventure is all about flexibility, discovery, and unforgettable experiences.
But cross-country camping takes planning! From choosing the best route to packing the right gear and finding top campgrounds, a little preparation goes a long way in making sure your trip is smooth, safe, and fun.
In this ultimate camping road trip guide, we’ll cover:
✅ How to plan your route & top scenic drives 🗺️
✅ Best national parks & campgrounds to visit ⛺🏞️
✅ Must-have camping gear & road trip essentials 🎒
✅ Budgeting tips & ways to save on gas & campsites ⛽💰
Get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime, where the journey is just as amazing as the destination! 🚗🔥🏕️
1. Planning Your Cross-Country Camping Road Trip 🗺️
Step 1: Choose Your Route
Your route depends on your interests, travel time, and season.
✔️ U.S. Routes:
- Pacific Coast Highway (California to Washington) – Coastal cliffs & beaches.
- Route 66 (Chicago to L.A.) – The classic American road trip.
- Great Northern Route (Maine to Washington State) – Beautiful national parks.
- Southern Route (Florida to California) – Desert landscapes & warm weather.
✔️ Canada Routes:
- Trans-Canada Highway – The best way to cross Canada.
- Icefields Parkway (Alberta) – Glacier-fed lakes & mountains.
✔️ Europe Routes:
- Scotland’s North Coast 500 – Remote beaches & castles.
- Alps to the Mediterranean (France, Switzerland, Italy) – Mountains & sea.
💡 Tip: Use Google Maps & Roadtrippers to plan stops, campgrounds, and fuel stations.
2. Must-Have Camping & Road Trip Gear 🎒
Camping Essentials
✔️ Tent & ground tarp
✔️ Sleeping bag & pillow
✔️ Camping stove & fuel
✔️ Cooking utensils & dishes
✔️ Lantern & flashlight
✔️ First-aid kit
Road Trip Essentials
✔️ Car registration, license, and insurance
✔️ Spare tire & tire repair kit
✔️ Jumper cables & tool kit
✔️ GPS & offline maps
✔️ Power bank & chargers
Food & Water
✔️ Cooler & ice packs
✔️ Reusable water bottles
✔️ Canned & dried foods
✔️ Snacks (granola bars, nuts, jerky)
💡 Tip: Bring a portable power station to charge phones, laptops, and cameras.
3. Best Campgrounds & Camping Styles 🏕️
Types of Campgrounds
✔️ National & State Parks – Beautiful landscapes but book early.
✔️ Private Campgrounds (KOA, Hipcamp) – Often have showers & laundry.
✔️ Boondocking (Dispersed Camping) – Free camping on public land.
✔️ RV Parks – Full hookups for road trippers with RVs or campervans.
💡 Tip: Use Campendium, iOverlander, and The Dyrt to find campsites.
4. Cooking & Meal Planning for Camping 🍽️
✔️ Breakfast: Instant oatmeal, eggs, pancakes.
✔️ Lunch: Sandwiches, wraps, canned tuna.
✔️ Dinner: Pasta, grilled meats, foil-pack veggies.
✔️ Snacks: Trail mix, granola bars, fruit.
✔️ Drinks: Coffee, tea, electrolyte packets.
💡 Tip: Prep ingredients at home to save time at camp.
5. Road Trip Safety & Emergency Tips 🚦
✔️ Check your car before leaving – Tires, brakes, oil, and fluids.
✔️ Tell someone your route – Especially if camping in remote areas.
✔️ Carry extra fuel & water – Gas stations may be far apart.
✔️ Avoid driving at night in wildlife-heavy areas – Watch for deer & elk.
✔️ Stay aware of weather changes – Storms & wildfires can affect routes.
💡 Tip: Download offline maps & emergency contacts in case of no signal.
6. Fun Road Trip Activities & Entertainment 🎶
✔️ Create a road trip playlist – Music makes long drives fun.
✔️ Listen to podcasts & audiobooks – Great for learning or entertainment.
✔️ Photography challenges – Capture road signs, wildlife, and landscapes.
✔️ Car games – 20 Questions, Name That Tune, License Plate Game.
✔️ Journaling – Write about your adventure and memories.
💡 Tip: Limit daily driving to 4-6 hours to avoid exhaustion.
7. Best Cross-Country Road Trip Destinations 🌍
🏞️ USA National Parks Road Trip
✔️ Yellowstone (Wyoming) – Geysers & wildlife.
✔️ Yosemite (California) – Granite cliffs & waterfalls.
✔️ Grand Canyon (Arizona) – One of the Seven Wonders of the World.
✔️ Great Smoky Mountains (Tennessee/North Carolina) – Misty mountains & trails.
🍁 Canada’s Best Stops
✔️ Banff & Jasper National Parks – Stunning Rocky Mountains.
✔️ Prince Edward Island – Coastal charm & red sand beaches.
✔️ Vancouver Island – Rainforests & whale watching.
🇪🇺 Europe Road Trip Highlights
✔️ Norway’s Fjords – Dramatic coastlines & mountains.
✔️ Swiss Alps – Beautiful roads through high-altitude landscapes.
✔️ French Riviera – Coastal drives with Mediterranean views.
💡 Tip: Visit national parks in the off-season to avoid crowds.
8. Common Road Trip Mistakes to Avoid ❌
✔️ Not checking the weather – Always check before setting up camp.
✔️ Overpacking the car – Leave room for comfort.
✔️ Ignoring gas station stops – Fuel up when possible in remote areas.
✔️ Not booking campgrounds in advance – National parks fill up fast.
✔️ Skipping car maintenance – A breakdown in the middle of nowhere is no fun!
💡 Tip: Carry a basic repair kit and learn how to change a tire before you go.
FAQs
1. How long should a cross-country road trip be?
📆 2-4 weeks is ideal, but shorter trips work too!
2. Can I camp for free on a road trip?
🏕️ Yes! Many places allow boondocking (BLM land, National Forests, some rest stops).
3. What’s the best road trip vehicle?
🚙 SUVs & campervans are best for comfort; trucks with rooftop tents work too.
4. How do I shower on a camping road trip?
🚿 Campground showers, truck stops, portable showers, or lakes/rivers.
5. What’s the best way to stay safe while camping?
🔦 Lock doors, carry bear spray, tell someone your location, & avoid isolated areas at night.
6. How much money do I need for a cross-country road trip?
💰 Budget $50-$100/day for gas, food, and camp fees.
7. Can I road trip with a dog?
🐶 Yes! Bring food, water, a leash, & check pet-friendly campgrounds.
8. How do I keep food cold while camping?
❄️ Use a high-quality cooler or 12V car fridge.
9. What should I do if my car breaks down?
📞 Call roadside assistance, use hazard lights, and stay with your vehicle.
10. What’s the best way to find campgrounds?
📲 Use Campendium, iOverlander, FreeCampsites.net, or The Dyrt.