Ask ten different people their favorite RV destination, and you’ll likely get ten different answers. But what if you had to choose just one? There’s a lot to consider when it comes to picking the absolute, definitive best RV city in the U.S. — and we’ve got the perfect answer that ticks all the boxes.
The number-one criterion for our number-one RV city is that it has to have something for everyone. One family’s Shangri-La might be another family’s dusty city in the mountains. Las Vegas, for example, is a world-renowned hotspot but has only one thing going for it: a big party vibe. Similarly, the Grand Canyon is one of the Seven Natural Wonders; but if you’re not into nature, you just ain’t gonna get it.
Our pick for RV City U.S.A. will also have to satisfy the three As: Affordable, as the RV lifestyle at its best is accessible to all; quintessentially American, because, well, U.S.A. is right there in the name; and, uh, “At least a little bit driveable,” because while Manhattan is the greatest city in the world, it’s hard enough to walk through, never mind drive. That’s how we arrived at…
Washington, D.C. is RV City U.S.A. — and Here’s Why
Washington, D.C., has everything you could possibly want in an RV city (with one exception that we’ll address). It’s one of the most affordable big cities to visit in the world, because it has an almost endless list of free activities, including world-class museums, monuments, and national parks. And it boasts a spectacular array of entertainment — ranging from the family-friendly and cheap to the grown-up and fancy. It has dining. Pro sports. Concerts. Nature. Art. Science. It has impressive architecture and art. And there’s definitely no place more American.
The one thing it doesn’t have is a convenient location. For West Coasters, you’re looking at a four-day haul assuming ten hours of daily driving. Still, it’s not not doable. It’s a city that every American should visit at least once in their life and it’s well worth the trek. Plus, the single biggest reason not to visit — the enormous cost to stay there — is mitigated for the RVer.
So there’s just no way around it: Washington, D.C., is RV City U.S.A.
High Cost of Living, Low Cost to Visit
One of the biggest knocks on D.C. as a city is its high cost, which is undeniable. Rent is ridiculous, mortgages outrageous, and hotels increasingly ludicrous. While RV parks might also skew expensive, they’re a fraction of the cost of hotels.
And D.C. is very doable on a budget. Each of the Smithsonian Museums in the D.C. area boasts world-class exhibits, and every one of them is free. Monuments are likewise free to visit, and many boast a jam-packed schedule of events. And D.C. is one of the most greenery-filled big cities in the world, with plenty of natural beauty on display everywhere you look.
Getting Around
To qualify as RV City U.S.A., D.C. has to be RV-friendly, of course; and it hits the mark, well, just about. Cherry Hill Park is a great option, with plenty of room, great amenities, and perfectly suited to trips into the City. There are plenty of options within an hour’s drive, from the Capitol KOA just outside the city limits on the northeast side, to the Greenbelt Park campground inside it, or Louise F. Cosca Regional Park just outside of Alexandria. And if you’re in a smaller rig, there are overnight parking options in the city too, like the oversized parking lot at Union City (as always, check local regulations before you arrive).
You’ll want to avoid the office rush, with D.C. boasting some famously bad commuter traffic. But in off-peak hours, and with many attractions outside of the most congested areas, getting around is straightforward, if not exactly a breeze.
Still, it’s worth considering the strength of a smaller RV for trips like these. For a recommendation, check out our review of the Grech RV Strada-ion Lounge, or take a peek at our Class Bs for sale. Class Bs shine in this environment, where their nimble driving and their ability to fit into regular parking spaces makes getting around town much more manageable.
RV City U.S.A.
Washington, D.C., is the ultimate American destination. It’s packed with monuments and museums centered around our nation’s cultural heritage and scientific discoveries. It’s filled with politicians, sure, but don’t hold that against it, because it also overflows with natural beauty. Altogether it is the perfect representative of the very best that RVing in the United States of America has to offer. And that’s what makes it RV City U.S.A.
