Whatโ€™s 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.

๐Ÿ”๏ธ 1. Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana)

๐Ÿš Best for: RVs, Motorcycles, and Adventure Seekers

๐Ÿ“ Where: Glacier National Park ๐Ÿ“ Distance: 50 miles ๐Ÿ“… 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. ๐Ÿ›ป Camping Nearby:
  • Apgar Campground (inside Glacier NP, near Lake McDonald)
  • Fish Creek Campground (scenic and spacious)
๐Ÿ”ฅ Must-See Stops: โœ… Logan Pass (the highest point, with epic views) โœ… Hidden Lake Overlook Trail โœ… St. Mary Falls for an easy but stunning hike ๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tip: RVs longer than 21 feet are not allowed beyond Avalanche Campgroundโ€”so plan accordingly.

๐ŸŒŠ 2. Pacific Coast Highway (California)

๐Ÿš Best for: Road Trippers, RVers, and Coastal Lovers

๐Ÿ“ Where: Californiaโ€™s Highway 1 ๐Ÿ“ Distance: 656 miles (but you can choose a shorter section) ๐Ÿ“… Best Time to Visit: Spring or Fall (less traffic, better weather) Few drives are as iconic as Highway 1 along Californiaโ€™s stunning coastline. From rugged cliffs to golden beaches, this ride is a dream for nature lovers. ๐Ÿ›ป Camping Nearby:
  • Big Sur Campground & Cabins (nestled in the redwoods)
  • Morro Bay State Park (great coastal views & kayaking)
  • Kirk Creek Campground (epic oceanfront camping)
๐Ÿ”ฅ Must-See Stops: โœ… Bixby Bridge (one of the most photographed bridges in the U.S.) โœ… McWay Falls (a waterfall that flows directly into the ocean) โœ… Pfeiffer Beach (a hidden purple-sand beach!) ๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tip: Avoid summer weekendsโ€”traffic can be brutal.

๐ŸŒ„ 3. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia & North Carolina)

๐Ÿš Best for: Slow-Paced Scenic Drives and Fall Foliage

๐Ÿ“ Where: Shenandoah National Park (VA) to Great Smoky Mountains (NC) ๐Ÿ“ Distance: 469 miles ๐Ÿ“… Best Time to Visit: September โ€“ November (for peak fall colors ๐Ÿ‚) Known as โ€œAmericaโ€™s Favorite Drive,โ€ this scenic route winds through the Appalachian Mountains, offering some of the most incredible fall foliage views in the country. ๐Ÿ›ป Camping Nearby:
  • Julian Price Campground (by a peaceful lake, perfect for kayaking)
  • Pisgah National Forest Campgrounds (secluded and scenic)
๐Ÿ”ฅ Must-See Stops: โœ… Linn Cove Viaduct (the most famous curve on the parkway) โœ… Craggy Gardens (best spot for wildflowers & panoramic views) โœ… Great Smoky Mountains National Park ๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tip: This road has strict speed limits (45 mph max)โ€”perfect for soaking in the views.

๐Ÿฆ… 4. Beartooth Highway (Montana & Wyoming)

๐Ÿš Best for: High-Mountain Pass Lovers & Yellowstone Visitors

๐Ÿ“ Where: Red Lodge, Montana to Yellowstone National Park ๐Ÿ“ Distance: 68 miles ๐Ÿ“… 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. Itโ€™s often called โ€œthe most beautiful drive in America.โ€ ๐Ÿ›ป Camping Nearby:
  • Yellowstoneโ€™s Pebble Creek Campground (for a wild, remote experience)
  • Beartooth Lake Campground (serene lake views)
๐Ÿ”ฅ Must-See Stops: โœ… Beartooth Pass Summit (breathtaking 360ยฐ views) โœ… Crazy Creek Falls (a hidden gem waterfall) โœ… Pilot Peak Overlook ๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tip: This drive has steep switchbacksโ€”not ideal for very large RVs.

๐Ÿœ๏ธ 5. Scenic Byway 12 (Utah)

๐Ÿš Best for: Desert Lovers & National Park Hoppers

๐Ÿ“ Where: Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef National Park ๐Ÿ“ Distance: 122 miles ๐Ÿ“… 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. ๐Ÿ›ป Camping Nearby:
  • Kodachrome Basin State Park (colorful rock formations!)
  • Calf Creek Campground (near a beautiful waterfall hike)
๐Ÿ”ฅ Must-See Stops: โœ… Bryce Canyonโ€™s Inspiration Point โœ… Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument โœ… Capitol Reefโ€™s Scenic Drive ๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tip: Bring extra waterโ€”Utahโ€™s high desert can be dry and remote.

๐ŸŒฒ 6. North Cascades Highway (Washington)

๐Ÿš Best for: Lake Views & Snow-Capped Peaks

๐Ÿ“ Where: Highway 20 through North Cascades National Park ๐Ÿ“ Distance: 140 miles ๐Ÿ“… 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. Itโ€™s less crowded than other national parks, making it a hidden gem. ๐Ÿ›ป Camping Nearby:
  • Colonial Creek Campground (right next to Diablo Lake)
  • Newhalem Creek Campground (peaceful forest setting)
๐Ÿ”ฅ Must-See Stops: โœ… Diablo Lake Overlook (bright blue waters, unreal views) โœ… Ross Lake (great for kayaking & fishing) โœ… Rainy Pass (stunning alpine scenery) ๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tip: Thereโ€™s no cell service hereโ€”plan ahead!

๐Ÿž๏ธ 7. The Million Dollar Highway (Colorado)

๐Ÿš Best for: Thrill-Seekers & Mountain Explorers

๐Ÿ“ Where: Silverton to Ouray, Colorado ๐Ÿ“ Distance: 25 miles (but packed with excitement!) ๐Ÿ“… 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. ๐Ÿ›ป Camping Nearby:
  • Amphitheater Campground (above the town of Ouray)
  • Molas Lake Campground (gorgeous lakeside camping)
๐Ÿ”ฅ Must-See Stops: โœ… Red Mountain Pass (dramatic mountain views) โœ… Bear Creek Falls (a stunning roadside waterfall) โœ… The town of Ouray (nicknamed the โ€œSwitzerland of Americaโ€) ๐Ÿ’ก 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 youโ€™re driving along the coast, through deserts, or up into the mountains, these routes guarantee breathtaking views, epic campsites, and memories to last a lifetime.