
Whatโs better than a camping trip? A
camping trip with a scenic ride to get there! Whether you're driving an RV, towing a camper, or bringing along an eBike for exploring, the
journey can be just as incredible as the destination.
From winding coastal highways to breathtaking mountain roads, here are some of the
best scenic routes to pair with your next camping adventure.
๐๏ธ 1. Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana)
๐ Best for: RVs, Motorcycles, and Adventure Seekers
๐
Where: Glacier National Park
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Distance: 50 miles
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Best Time to Visit: Late June โ September
This legendary
high-alpine route through
Glacier National Park offers jaw-dropping views of
glaciers, waterfalls, and mountain peaks.
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Camping Nearby:
- Apgar Campground (inside Glacier NP, near Lake McDonald)
- Fish Creek Campground (scenic and spacious)
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Must-See Stops:
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Logan Pass (the highest point, with epic views)
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Hidden Lake Overlook Trail
โ
St. Mary Falls for an easy but stunning hike
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Pro Tip: RVs
longer than 21 feet are
not allowed beyond Avalanche Campgroundโso plan accordingly.
๐ 2. Pacific Coast Highway (California)
๐ Best for: Road Trippers, RVers, and Coastal Lovers
๐
Where: Californiaโs Highway 1
๐
Distance: 656 miles (but you can choose a shorter section)
๐
Best Time to Visit: Spring or Fall (less traffic, better weather)
Few drives are as
iconic as Highway 1 along Californiaโs stunning coastline. From
rugged cliffs to golden beaches, this ride is a dream for nature lovers.
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Camping Nearby:
- Big Sur Campground & Cabins (nestled in the redwoods)
- Morro Bay State Park (great coastal views & kayaking)
- Kirk Creek Campground (epic oceanfront camping)
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Must-See Stops:
โ
Bixby Bridge (one of the most photographed bridges in the U.S.)
โ
McWay Falls (a waterfall that flows
directly into the ocean)
โ
Pfeiffer Beach (a hidden purple-sand beach!)
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Pro Tip: Avoid summer weekendsโtraffic can be brutal.
๐ 3. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia & North Carolina)
๐ Best for: Slow-Paced Scenic Drives and Fall Foliage
๐
Where: Shenandoah National Park (VA) to Great Smoky Mountains (NC)
๐
Distance: 469 miles
๐
Best Time to Visit: September โ November (for peak fall colors ๐)
Known as โAmericaโs Favorite Drive,โ this scenic route
winds through the Appalachian Mountains, offering some of the most
incredible fall foliage views in the country.
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Camping Nearby:
- Julian Price Campground (by a peaceful lake, perfect for kayaking)
- Pisgah National Forest Campgrounds (secluded and scenic)
๐ฅ
Must-See Stops:
โ
Linn Cove Viaduct (the most famous curve on the parkway)
โ
Craggy Gardens (best spot for wildflowers & panoramic views)
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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Pro Tip: This road has
strict speed limits (45 mph max)โperfect for soaking in the views.
๐ฆ
4. Beartooth Highway (Montana & Wyoming)
๐ Best for: High-Mountain Pass Lovers & Yellowstone Visitors
๐
Where: Red Lodge, Montana to Yellowstone National Park
๐
Distance: 68 miles
๐
Best Time to Visit: June โ September (closed in winter due to snow)
This
thrilling mountain drive climbs over
11,000 feet, with panoramic views of
glaciers, alpine lakes, and rocky peaks. Itโs often called
โthe most beautiful drive in America.โ
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Camping Nearby:
- Yellowstoneโs Pebble Creek Campground (for a wild, remote experience)
- Beartooth Lake Campground (serene lake views)
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Must-See Stops:
โ
Beartooth Pass Summit (breathtaking 360ยฐ views)
โ
Crazy Creek Falls (a hidden gem waterfall)
โ
Pilot Peak Overlook
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Pro Tip: This drive has
steep switchbacksโnot ideal for very large RVs.
๐๏ธ 5. Scenic Byway 12 (Utah)
๐ Best for: Desert Lovers & National Park Hoppers
๐
Where: Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef National Park
๐
Distance: 122 miles
๐
Best Time to Visit: Spring or Fall (cooler temps, fewer crowds)
A
bucket-list road trip through
red rock country, Scenic Byway 12 is surrounded by
canyons, rock spires, and jaw-dropping landscapes.
๐ป
Camping Nearby:
- Kodachrome Basin State Park (colorful rock formations!)
- Calf Creek Campground (near a beautiful waterfall hike)
๐ฅ
Must-See Stops:
โ
Bryce Canyonโs
Inspiration Point
โ
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
โ
Capitol Reefโs
Scenic Drive
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Pro Tip: Bring
extra waterโUtahโs high desert can be dry and remote.
๐ฒ 6. North Cascades Highway (Washington)
๐ Best for: Lake Views & Snow-Capped Peaks
๐
Where: Highway 20 through North Cascades National Park
๐
Distance: 140 miles
๐
Best Time to Visit: July โ September (when all passes are open)
This
serene mountain drive winds through
glacier-covered peaks, deep forests, and turquoise lakes. Itโs
less crowded than other national parks, making it a hidden gem.
๐ป
Camping Nearby:
- Colonial Creek Campground (right next to Diablo Lake)
- Newhalem Creek Campground (peaceful forest setting)
๐ฅ
Must-See Stops:
โ
Diablo Lake Overlook (bright blue waters, unreal views)
โ
Ross Lake (great for kayaking & fishing)
โ
Rainy Pass (stunning alpine scenery)
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Pro Tip: Thereโs
no cell service hereโplan ahead!
๐๏ธ 7. The Million Dollar Highway (Colorado)
๐ Best for: Thrill-Seekers & Mountain Explorers
๐
Where: Silverton to Ouray, Colorado
๐
Distance: 25 miles (but packed with excitement!)
๐
Best Time to Visit: Late Spring โ Early Fall
This famous
mountain pass road is known for its
steep drop-offs and heart-pounding curves. No guardrails, just
breathtaking Rocky Mountain views.
๐ป
Camping Nearby:
- Amphitheater Campground (above the town of Ouray)
- Molas Lake Campground (gorgeous lakeside camping)
๐ฅ
Must-See Stops:
โ
Red Mountain Pass (dramatic mountain views)
โ
Bear Creek Falls (a stunning roadside waterfall)
โ
The town of Ouray (nicknamed the โSwitzerland of Americaโ)
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Pro Tip: Not recommended for
nervous drivers or oversized RVs!
Final Thoughts
Pairing a
scenic ride with your camping trip turns an already great trip into an
unforgettable adventure. Whether youโre driving along the
coast, through deserts, or up into the mountains, these routes guarantee
breathtaking views, epic campsites, and memories to last a lifetime.