Popular U.S. destinations for Canadian RVers

RV-ing is very popular among retired, Canadian snowbirds, who flock to the U.S. to escape the winter doldrums.  

In a survey of more than a million snowbirds in 2023, 85% report heading to sunbelt states in the U.S. The most popular destinations are Florida, Arizona, California and Texas. And nearly 15 million households in Canada and the U.S. boarded an RV to explore the outdoors at least once the year after the pandemic.  

RV travel is booming due ease of planning, cost savings and more. Here are the benefits of RV travel, the top RV destinations in the U.S. for Canadians and some tips to ensure your next RV trip is as rewarding, fun and safe as possible.  

RV travel has numerous advantages and is ideal if you plan on travelling frequently as a retiree. Even with the expense of owning an RV, which can include taxes, storage, and maintenance, travelling in an RV can be a lot cheaper than staying in hotels along your route. If you prefer to prepare your own food, instead of eating out, you can save even more.  

RVers who take their pets along for the ride also save on pet sitting or boarding costs.  RV camping also grants easy access to iconic natural areas such as Yellowstone National Park and the Rocky Mountains. 

Florida 

If you want to escape Canada’s icy winters to enjoy white sand beaches, history and Orlando amusement parks, the Sunshine State should be on your go-to list. And thanks to its location in the southern U.S., you can plan any number of interesting stops along the way.   

As you drive south, make one of your first stops Saint Augustine on the northeast coast of Florida. A gem for history buffs, the city is the oldest continuous occupied city in the U.S. by Europeans in African Americans since its founding 1565. Visit the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, a fortification built by the Spanish to defend Spanish trade interests.  

The clear, blue water beaches of the Florida Keys are some of the most beautiful in the U.S. If you love snorkeling, head to Fort Zachary Taylor State Park and Beach, known for its striking coral and colorful fish. If you didn’t make room in your RV for your kayak and paddleboard, you can rent either at Higgs Beach, known for recreation and calm waters. Rest Beach will help you start and end your day right with some of the area’s most striking sunrises and sunsets. 

Texas Gulf Coast

Go beach hopping on several beautiful barrier islands off the Texas Gulf Coast — Galveston, Mustang and South Padre. These sunny locations also offer history, nightlife, seafood, arts and culture.  

Stroll through the Downtown Cultural Arts District in Galveston to see unique architecture, galleries and boutiques. Mustang Island State Park offers 18-miles of beaches, and the best camping and kayaking. Go birding on the bay of South Padre Island to watch the more than 200 species of migrating birds that visit every spring and fall.     

Utah’s National Parks 

Drive across southern Utah’s stunning Red Rock Country to explore the state’s Mighty Five national parks. “The total driving time only takes about six-and-a-half hours, but of course you’ll want to spend a few hours at each one to marvel over the deep narrow canyons, natural arches, towering buttes and cliffs,” writes Do it Yourself RV. 

Zion, Utah’s first national park, is known for its diverse landscape including red, sandstone cliffs and part of the Mojave Desert. Marvel at the otherworldly landscape of Bryce Canyon National Park, which has a landscape of hoodoos, or red rock pillars, often described as mars-like. View ancient petroglyphs and hike through deep and narrow canyons at Capitol Reef National Park

Arizona

Due to its millions of miles of Bureau of Land Management land, this far southwestern state is a haven for RV campers who enjoy solitude and off-grid adventures.  

Of course, there is the majestic Grand Canyon, but you should also check out the state’s other unique natural areas. And Lake Havasu City is a desert oasis that offers water recreation, gambling, city amenities and desert trail access. If you love gazing at clear, starry skies, visit Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff. Take a drive down the iconic Route 66. 

Plan a solid route. The sort of rig you’re driving should be a major factor in determining the overall distance of your route and the number of stops. Consider gas, campground fees and groceries. Roadtrippers puts it this way

“Don’t expect to take the scenic route and play your campground stops by ear in a 40-foot Class A motorhome. On the other hand, you may not be able to stock up on groceries and prepare your own gourmet meals in a 16-foot Class B van.” 

Make sure you consider roads and geography while planning your route. Low clearances and steep switchbacks aren’t navigable in an RV. And if you’re travelling in a state with a lot of restrictions on RV camping, make your camping reservations months in advance, due to often limited site availability.  

Travel insurance is essential for any RV trip. You should know that any time you travel outside of your home province, you may not be fully protected by your government health insurance plan. Emergency medical treatment and transportation benefits by Allianz Global Assistance may help you fill protection gaps.  

If you are bringing high value items along, such as recreation equipment, a travel insurance policy with baggage protection in the event of loss, theft or damage may save you money.  

Trip cancellation and interruption benefits by Allianz Global Assistance reimburse non-refundable expenses if your trip is cancelled for covered reasons before you leave, or if you must go home early.  

Let’s say you are diagnosed with the flu the day before you are scheduled to leave, but you paid expensive admission fees to a few destinations before your RV trip. Trip cancellation benefits are the difference between losing money and postponing for a better day.  

Prepare your RV for any scenario. If you’re driving south for the winter, you still have Canada’s snowy climes to get through first. Or maybe you’re embracing the cold and travelling domestically. Either way, get your RV weather ready with snow tires. You can also purchase snow chains for additional traction on icy roads.  

Consider purchasing insulation upgrades, windbreakers and a generator for the harshest conditions. Keep an emergency kit on hand with flares, jumper cable, a bag of salt or ice melt, ice scrappers, extra blankets and a power bank. Keep a stock of vehicle fluids, such as antifreeze.  
 

As a world leader in travel protection, we help millions of Canadians annually answer the call of adventure with confidence every year. Let us be there for you, too

Travel insurance is underwritten by CUMIS General Insurance Company, a member of The Co-operators Group of Companies, administered by Allianz Global Assistance, which is a registered business name of AZGA Service Canada Inc.

Travel protected with Allianz Global Assistance
Or call us at 1-844-310-1578 
to speak with one of our agents.
Get great travel tips, updates and news straight to your inbox with our monthly eNewsletter.

Warning - The E-Mail Address configured for this form is either unverified or invalid. Please verify the E-Mail Address and try again later.

A verification E-Mail was sent to the following E-Mail addresses:

Kindly check the corresponding inbox for a verification E-Mail and verify it.

Click the "Submit" button to sign up for this eNewsletter - you can unsubscribe at any time.

Enter the text from the box. 60 seconds remaining. Can't read the text?