Not sure where to go or how to spend Memorial Day Weekend? Look no further than an RV road trip in one of the adventure-ready rigs on Outdoorsy!
There’s only one week left before you get to fire up the grill, slather on copious amounts of sunscreen, and spend the day cooling off next to a refreshing body of water. With Memorial Day Weekend just around the corner, Outdoorsy wanted to know — where were the majority of Americans traveling?
Here are the findings from our Outdoorsy MDW travel report*:
RVs For Rent Near You
Top Memorial Day Weekend RV Destinations
1. Denver, CO
With Rocky Mountain National Park as a backdrop, there’s no shortage of outdoor opportunities in the Mile High City. But for a weekend getaway full of fresh air and fresher hops, head to the Boulder Mountains for a day hike—Bear Peak has some of the best views in town—then reward yourself with a libation from one of the city’s many award-winning breweries, like Twisted Pine or Mountain Sun Pub and Brewery.
2. Sacramento, CA
Bring the bikes and take a leisurely ride on the American River Bike Trail. This 32-mile jaunt runs from Discovery Park in Old Sacramento to Beal’s Point with plenty of eateries and stopping points along the way. If you’re feeling more adventurous, spend the day rafting the river from Folsom into Sacramento and stop at one of the riverbank beaches (or islands) for a scenic picnic.
3. Austin, TX
After gorging on some of the tastiest tacos in the country, head to the pink-granite wonderland of Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Less than two hours from town, this outdoor paradise is brimming with hiking trails, rock climbing routes, and primitive backpacking campsites for those looking for a quieter overnight retreat or weekend getaway.
4. Las Vegas, NV
Ditch the holiday weekend casino crowds for a fresh boost of endorphins hiking in Valley of Fire State Park. Just 60 minutes northeast of the strip, this pristine desert landscape offers plenty of tourist-free trails and bizarre rock formations. And if you’re lucky, maybe even a glimpse of some ancient Native American petroglyphs.
5. Salt Lake City, UT
Crisscrossing above the city just Northeast of downtown, Bonneville Shoreline Trail is a 100-mile trail system with a little something for everyone. Choose from moderate 10-mile hiking treks, family-friendly loop trails, challenging trail runs, and rocky mountain bike excursions. Whatever you choose, the rolling mountain vistas and skyline views won’t disappoint.
6. Los Angeles, CA
Head 90 minutes east to Buckhorn Campground in Angeles National Forest. This spectacular stretch of wilderness offers rugged hiking and trail running opportunities that connect local trails with beautiful sections of the Pacific Crest Trail. If you’re tight on time, Runyon Canyon Park Trail in Hollywood Hills offers unmatched views of the L.A. skyline and possibly a few celebrities.
Best Last-Minute Destinations to Book Your RV Travel
1. Las Vegas, NV
Drive through the rust-colored mountains of Red Rock Canyon or make the trip to the colorful Seven Magic Mountains. Las Vegas is the perfect combination of nature and nighttime activities. Once you had your fill of wandering the Nevada desert, hit the slots at the Vegas Strip or ride the SlotZilla zipline.
2. Mesa, AZ
Surrounded by the vibrant outdoor playground of the Sonoran Desert, adventurous travelers can kayak calm rivers, paddleboard across remote canyon lakes, or cycle scenic byways to their heart’s (and quad’s) content. Entertaining the whole family? Mesa has that too. Escape the heat with cool waterparks and pools, or kick back and take in the sights from the basket of a hot air balloon.
3. Los Angeles, CA
Spend the day among the San Bernardino Mountains and make the trek to Big Bear Lake. The day trip opportunities are endless from Los Angeles. From Laguna Beach to Joshua Tree National Park, you can see it all.
4. Portland, OR
Outdoor opportunities abound in the Pacific Northwest. Kayak through downtown to experience the sights and sounds from an interesting vantage point or head east to the Columbia River Gorge for dense forests, expansive mountain-top views, and quad-burning switchbacks that are worth every step.
5. San Diego, CA
Skip the heavily traveled hiking staples like Potato Chip Rock and Cowles Mountain and drive a little further to Borrego Hot Springs—an area known for colorful spring blooms even in dry years. For a closer destination, make a day trip to Julian for a quant mountain town vibe with plenty of trails and tasty wineries.
Plan your Memorial Day Weekend
Start your search for the perfect 3-day weekend road trip today. There are plenty of RVs, scenic drives, and Memorial Day memories to be made near you!
*Methodology: Outdoorsy’s Memorial Day Weekend travel report is based off bookings from Outdoorsy’s online/mobile platform for the upcoming holiday weekend this past year.