If you own a camper van and are craving a quick escape from city life, you’re in for a treat. We’ve rounded up some of the best long weekend road trip destinations within 3-5 hours of major metro areas—each offering the perfect mix of nature, adventure, and relaxation. Whether you’re based in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Dallas, Chicago, Nashville, Atlanta, Orlando, North Carolina, Virginia, Boston, New York City, or Pennsylvania, there’s a stunning getaway waiting for you.
And if you don’t own a camper van but want to experience the freedom of the open road, you can rent one at LV Van Life!
West Coast Getaways
From Los Angeles, CA: Joshua Tree National Park (2.5 Hours)
Trade city lights for starry skies at Joshua Tree, where otherworldly rock formations and desert landscapes make for an unforgettable camping experience. Stay at Hidden Valley Campground or Jumbo Rocks for epic sunrise views.
From San Francisco, CA: Big Sur (3 Hours)
Take a scenic drive down Highway 1 to Big Sur, where rugged cliffs meet the Pacific Ocean. Park your van at Kirk Creek Campground or Plaskett Creek Campground and soak in the stunning coastal views.
From Portland, OR: Olympic National Park, WA (3.5 Hours)
A dream destination for nature lovers, Olympic National Park offers rainforests, hot springs, and breathtaking coastal views. Camp at Hoh Rainforest Campground or Kalaloch Campground.
From Seattle, WA: North Cascades National Park (3 Hours)
One of the most underrated national parks in the U.S., North Cascades is a paradise for vanlifers seeking alpine lakes and mountain trails. Stay at Colonial Creek Campground on Diablo Lake for unforgettable scenery.
Southwest Getaways
From Las Vegas, NV: Zion National Park, UT (2.5 Hours)
One of the most awe-inspiring national parks in the country, Zion’s towering sandstone cliffs and scenic hiking trails make it a must-visit. Park your van at Watchman Campground for easy access to the park’s best trails.
From Phoenix, AZ: Sedona, AZ (2 Hours)
A quick drive north lands you in Sedona, where red rock formations, vortex energy, and breathtaking hikes await. Camp at Manzanita Campground or Cave Springs Campground to be close to the action.
South & Central U.S. Getaways
From Dallas, TX: Ouachita National Forest, AR (4.5 Hours)
Escape to rolling mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and endless hiking trails. Check out Lake Ouachita State Park for fantastic lakeside camping.
From Chicago, IL: Sleeping Bear Dunes, MI (4.5 Hours)
Explore massive sand dunes and pristine beaches along Lake Michigan. Camp at Platte River Campground or D.H. Day Campground.
From Nashville, TN: Great Smoky Mountains National Park (3.5 Hours)
Drive east to the Smokies for misty mountain views, waterfalls, and wildlife encounters. Stay at Elkmont Campground or Cades Cove Campground.
From Atlanta, GA: Blue Ridge Mountains (2.5 Hours)
Hike, chase waterfalls, and enjoy the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Camp at Morganton Point Campground or Vogel State Park.
East Coast Getaways
From Orlando, FL: Ocala National Forest (2 Hours)
Paddle through crystal-clear springs and hike through Florida’s lush pine forests. Camp at Juniper Springs Recreation Area or Alexander Springs Campground.
From North Carolina: Shenandoah National Park, VA (4.5 Hours)
Take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway to Shenandoah, where you’ll find stunning overlooks and peaceful camping at Big Meadows Campground.
From Virginia: Assateague Island National Seashore, MD (3.5 Hours)
Wake up to the sound of waves and watch wild horses roam the beach. Stay at the Assateague Island Campgrounds for a one-of-a-kind experience.
From Boston, MA: White Mountains, NH (2.5 Hours)
Perfect for a fall getaway, the White Mountains offer scenic hikes and peaceful campsites like Jigger Johnson Campground.
From New York City: Catskill Mountains, NY (2.5 Hours)
Escape the city for fresh air, waterfalls, and hiking trails in the Catskills. Stay at North-South Lake Campground.
From Pennsylvania: Allegheny National Forest (3.5 Hours)
For a peaceful weekend of lake views and hiking, head to Allegheny National Forest and camp at Dewdrop Campground or Buckaloons Campground.
Final Thoughts
A long weekend road trip in a camper van is one of the best ways to recharge, explore nature, and break free from the daily grind. Whether you’re drawn to deserts, mountains, forests, or beaches, there’s an incredible destination just a short drive away.
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