This East Coast National Park Is the Next Big RV Destination in 2025 — With RV-friendly Campgrounds, 27 Miles of Historic Roads, and Plenty of Wildlife
02.01.2025 - 21:53
/ travelandleisure.com
There's nothing like hitting the open road, but there's nothing quite like being at home either. Thankfully, when you travel by RV, you can get the best of both worlds — and the ability to change your plans without having to worry about hotel or plane rescheduling fees.
According to RVshare's Travel Trends 2025 report, which was recently obtained by Travel + Leisure, RV enthusiasts are hungry to explore new locales at their own pace, free from the pressure of a packed itinerary or a long list of to-dos. And topping the list of new destinations RVshares predicts travelers will flock to in the coming year? Acadia National Park.
Known as the “Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast," Acadia is one of the most popular parks in the U.S. and encompasses more than 50,00 acres. The park is home to a rich diversity of animals, including moose, seals, and peregrine falcons, making it a perfect destination for wildlife spotting. For stunning sunrise views, plan an early morning trip to the top of Cadillac Mountain, which is said to be the first place in the country where the sun's rays touch land. But, if you're hungry for a bit of civilization, head to nearby Bar Harbor for plentiful brewery and restaurant options.
Acadia is open year-round, but since some areas of the park close in the winter, summer is the best (and busiest) time to visit since you’ll have full access to the park’s full 64 miles of coastline, more than 150 miles of hiking trails, and 27 miles of historic roads. Three campgrounds at Acadia allow RVs (Schoodic Woods, Blackwoods, and Seawall), and they all have amenities like flush toilets, running water, and dump stations. However, they are only available from May through October. And, as you plan your Acadian RV adventure, keep in mind that certain areas and roads prohibit large vehicles.
All Acadia National Park campsite reservations must be made before you arrive. About 90 percent of campsites are released online six months in advance on the first day of each month at 10 a.m. EST. The remaining 10 percent of campsites are released 14 days ahead of a desired arrival date on a rolling basis. Entry into Acadia National Park is $35 per private vehicle.
As for other destinations RVshare predicts will attract more travelers in 2025, Niagara Falls, New York; Oshkosh, Wisconsin; Gorge Amphitheatre Campground in George, Washington; and Redwood National and State Parks near Crescent City, California round out the top five.