Photography by Ashley Sullivan | Hair and makeup by Lauren O’Leary
Many of us have fond childhood memories of RV road trips taken with our families. Mine tended to revolve around family reunions. The campsites we stayed at most often were the definition of simple: basically dirt parking spots with some spotty electricity. There were no fancy showers or bathrooms, no on-site grocery stores. We spent our days tubing down lazy rivers, fishing and cooking over campfires. There were laughs, smiles, a few sunburns, and, on an extra-fun day, an egg toss or water-balloon competition.
A classic RV road trip is a quintessential American thing to do. Each summer, millions of us load up our families and pets and hit the road, headed for iconic destinations, whether that’s historical sites, national parks, the countryside or charming small towns. Traveling via RV gives us mobility and the freedom to roam the plains or explore a famous highway route while enjoying (at least some of) the comforts of home.
In our post-pandemic world, RV life is more popular than ever. During lockdown and the subsequent mass societal shift to remote working, it became easy for people to take their lives on the road — even when they were working. According to the Dyrt’s 2024 Camping Report, RVing is the fastest-growing type of camping; in 2023, 50% of RV properties expanded.
As demand for RV travel has increased, so has the appetite for amenities. Rising to that challenge, today’s high-end RV parks are far from rustic. In fact, the amenities offered at some of these destinations rival those of your favorite five-star luxury resort. One thing to keep in mind: Many of these top-of-the-line RV resorts only allow luxury motorcoaches to book a spot there so make sure you know the rules of engagement before putting down your credit card.
Photography provided by Motorcoach Country Club
Motorcoach Country Club
Set on 80 acres with the stunning mountains of Palm Springs as its scenic backdrop, the Motorcoach Club was voted 2021’s “No.1 Best Luxury RV Resort” by readers of USA Today. This gated property is tastefully landscaped with pristine grounds and palm tree–lined streets. Class A RVs have the option to hook up at luxury casitas featuring luxe living rooms, individual pools, fireplaces and beautiful kitchens. Guests can choose from a dizzying array of outdoor and indoor activities, thanks to the on-site fitness facility, pickleball courts, tennis courts, swimming pools, and a 14-hole executive-style golf course with water hazards, along with kayaks, canoes and paddleboards. In the evening, take a sunset cruise on the resort’s gorgeous waterways before hitting the on-site fine dining restaurant, Top of the Falls, for their signature wagyu beef Motorcoach Burger.
Photography provided by Bluewater Key RV Resort
Bluewater Key RV Resort
Nestled between Big Pine and Key West and surrounded by sparkling turquoise water, blooming bougainvilla and tiki huts, this palm tree-dotted paradise allows you to experience miles of unobstructed bay views straight from your RV. In addition to a clubhouse for social gatherings, this resort offers 25-foot boat slip rentals and horseshoes, along with on-site laundry facilities. While many RV parks are notorious for being so crowded you can practically touch your neighbors, Bluewater’s spacious hook-up sites have plenty of privacy, including individualized tiki huts. Traveling with your pup? There’s also a dog park where your canine companion can meet some new four-legged friends.
Photography provided by Mountain Falls Luxury Motorcoach Resort
Mountain Falls Luxury Motorcoach Resort
Perched 3,200 feet above sea level in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, Mountain Falls is a nature lover’s playground. From waterfall hikes to whitewater rafting, fly-fishing to horseback riding, there is something for every kind of outdoor enthusiast in the area. On-site amenities include eight pickleball courts, a nine-hole executive golf course, two pools, a fitness center, a hot spa and laundry facilities. Each hook-up space comes with your own private casita and indoor/outdoor living areas. With iconic travel destinations such as the city of Asheville nearby, there’s plenty to do, even for non-sporty types. I highly recommend exploring the historic Biltmore House in Asheville or taking a guided tour of the mountain locations where The Hunger Games was filmed.
Photography provided by Polson Motorcoach Resort
Polson Motorcoach Resort
Overlooking Flathead Lake with scenic views of the Mission Mountains, this upscale resort is your gateway to Glacier National Park, a bucket list destination marked by glacier-carved peaks and valleys with more than 700 hiking trails. Think of the resort as a luxury basecamp, with live music, gas fireplaces, a community grill and barbecue area, a fenced-in dog park, free Wi-Fi, a laundry facility, and luxury restrooms and showers with granite countertops. While the amenities are top tier, the real draw is the majestic setting. There’s nothing quite as awe-inspiring as staring up at the stars at night in Big Sky Country.
Photography provided by Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina
Set on a gorgeous, mile-long stretch of bay front with easy access to Disneyland, Balboa Island, Crystal Cove State Park and Fashion Island, this family-friendly RV resort offers guests luxury SoCal living at a fraction of the normal cost. Take the family boating, kayaking or go swimming in the lagoon. Watch movies on the beach or spend the day at the spa and the evening listening to live music at the Back Bay Bistro. Pro tip: With popular events held year-round, it’s a good idea to reserve your stay here well in advance, as this resort books up fast.
Laura Schara is a lifelong outdoor enthusiast and cohost of the television series Minnesota Bound.
