America’s Top Three Cities to Explore Via RV

A photo of the coastline with palm tress, taken by Bailey and Nicole Damberg.
Bailey and Nicole Damberg
Bailey and Nicole Damberg

BAILEY & NICOLE DAMBERG

THOR Ambassadors

Bailey and Nicole are an adventure-seeking couple from Florida who started their RV journey in 2021 as newbies. After a couple of years of exploring over 30 states and counting, they have earned their “RV wings” and love the RV lifestyle. They currently travel in a Dutchmen Astoria Fifth Wheel with their two dogs, Amelia and Olive, as well as their two rescue cats, Archie and Daisy.

Traveling in an RV can bring you to the most secluded, breathtaking locations you have ever been. It may also take you to the hustle and bustle of a busy city, with loads of excursions, good food, and interesting subcultures that the United States has to offer. 

My wife Nicole and I appreciate both sides of these RVing extremes. After traveling as frequently as possible in our RV for the past three years, we have learned that it is sometimes a major city where adventure awaits. Not only that, but many major American cities can offer the best of both worlds; a place to camp in an RV and experience the outdoors, as well as museums, zoos, theme parks, and great food.

Our Top Three Favorite Cities To Visit In Our RV

  1. Austin, TX

    Tucked outside of Austin’s metropolis is the Austin East KOA Holiday. Nicole and I have stayed here twice now throughout our travels, including an extended stay earlier this year where we enjoyed Austin for more than two weeks. The campground where we stayed was only 20-25 minutes from Downtown Austin. From incredible southern cuisine to rodeos and the state capital, Austin has endless adventures to offer.

    While there we saw the Austin Rodeo, a multi-week event in March that features top cowboys and cowgirls from around the country. We ate at Terry Black’s BBQ, a staple of the delicious southern food that Austin has to offer. We got outside on the Lady Bird Lake Trail, 10 miles of trail around Lady Bird Lake that takes you through the heart of Austin’s city center.

    A photo of the Austin, Texas city skyline, along the river. Taken by Bailey and Nicole Damberg.

  2. San Diego, CA

    For those looking for the draw of a city, including amazing food and a plethora of museums, as well as the beauty of the West Coast’s beaches, look no further than San Diego.

    We were surprised by this unexpected RVer’s paradise. Only about 15 minutes from downtown is the San Diego Metro KOA Resort. Experience the luxury of an onsite restaurant, resort-style pool, and many family-friendly amenities right in the heart of the city. 

    Twenty minutes from the campground is Coronado, CA with beautiful beaches stretching miles along the coast. We experienced a classic West Coast sunset from Sunset Cliffs near the north side of the city, a 25-minute drive from our campground. On a gorgeous sunny afternoon, we drove to La Jolla, at the very tip of San Diego but still only 30 minutes from our campsite, and did a kayak tour into the Pacific Ocean, where we experienced the La Jolla Caves, a kelp forest and wild sea lions.

    For your pick of museums, gardens, or the world-famous San Diego Zoo, you can head into Balboa Park. There are 16 museums and miles of paths through parks and gardens. We spent a Sunday at the San Diego Zoo where you can see everything from koalas to hippos and elephants to lions. Our mid-May visit was perfect as we enjoyed cool 70-degree weather and the arrival of many baby animals to the zoo including tiny monkeys and little capybara.

    Bailey Damberg next to the San Diego Zoo sign.

  3. Orlando, FL

    In a city bustling with hotels, most full and if not, very expensive, it’s a pro-tip to experience Orlando, FL by RV. You will find a plethora of campgrounds in the area including many Thousand Trails, Disney’s own Campsites at Fort Wilderness, and one of our favorites, the Orlando/Kissimmee KOA Holiday. The KOA is only 15 minutes from Disney World and about 35 minutes from downtown Orlando.

    Disney World is a great place to spend all day in a theme park or visit Disney properties such as Disney Springs for free while still experiencing some Disney magic. You may also enjoy restaurants at the Disney resorts without needing to be a guest at the resort. As a frequent RVer, this can allow you the best of both worlds. 

    If you are a Disney fan you can bring your RV to Disney property. The Campsites at Fort Wilderness offer RV accommodations and Disney accommodations all in one. There is also a lot of holiday fun at this campground. Nicole and I have spent two Halloweens at Fort Wilderness and enjoy seeing how every RV site decorates for the holiday all throughout September and October.

    The Disney Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground sign, taken by Bailey and Nicole Damberg.

How to Book Campsites in Cities  

 

When it comes to booking campsites near cities, take into consideration the time of year and local events. Being in Austin for the rodeo meant sharing the campground with many rodeo goers and performers alike. With any location, we recommend planning at least a month out. 

To enjoy smaller crowds, try booking your campsite during the week. For a full campsite with lots of events enjoy a weekend stay, but book in advance to guarantee those Friday and Saturday night spots.

Want to explore Bailey and Nicole's fifth wheel?

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A bonfire with camp chairs at a campground, taken by Bailey and Nicole Damberg.
Bailey and Nicole Damberg's Dutchmen Astoria fifth wheel.
Bailey and Nicole Damberg at a rodio.

The Benefits of City Camping

There are so many benefits to city camping. 

Being near grocery stores and wanting to enjoy local cuisine allows for less packing, as you can ensure that you’ll have places to go for food that aren’t multiple miles or hours away. 

There is less worry about the weather, for a rainy day in a National Park may throw off your whole itinerary, whereas a rainy day in the city may open up your options to learn about history at a museum, experience beauty at an art gallery or get to know the local culture through small shops and boutiques. 

A personal favorite of ours on a rainy day is going to as many antique stores as we can. Each city has small differences in their antiques. Perhaps you can find old sports gear from the local area, or postcards to send to family that date back to the 1940s or 50s. There’s nothing like bringing home a piece of your trip through antique artwork or oddities.

RV travel is the ultimate choose-your-own adventure. Your RV becomes a hotel on wheels and taking it to the big city might just be your next best trip ever.

Fifth Wheels

This camping trailer affectionately nicknamed a “Fiver” is a favorite of many, especially those taking extended trips or traveling full time in their RV. The prominent overhang resting above the tow truck bed is frequently employed as a bedroom suite, or, more recently, a living room or even a kitchen.  

Dutchmen Astoria

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