Where to Travel in the U.S. After Buying Your First Camper (Beginner’s Guide to Your First Trip)

You’ve just made the big leap — the keys to your camper are in hand, and your mind is already buzzing with possibilities. Whether you’re the proud new owner of a camper van, truck camper, small to mid-sized travel trailer, or even a lovingly converted skoolie, your first trip is a milestone.

To help you start strong, we’ve put together two things:

A list of the best U.S. destinations for first-timers.
A practical guide to what you need to know before hitting the road.

Best First-Time Camper Destinations in the U.S.

When planning your first trip, think about ease of driving, availability of campsites, and proximity to services. You’ll want locations with beginner-friendly roads, plenty of pull-offs, and campgrounds that are easy to navigate.

1. Blue Ridge Parkway – North Carolina & Virginia

Why it’s great for beginners: Smooth, scenic driving with numerous campgrounds and pull-outs for short stops.
Must-see: The Linn Cove Viaduct, Mabry Mill, and endless mountain overlooks.
Best for: Camper vans, small trailers, and truck campers (larger skoolies may need to watch height restrictions).

2. Glacier National Park – Montana

Why it’s great for beginners: Well-marked campgrounds, easy access to hikes, and breathtaking scenery that doesn’t require extensive off-road driving.
Must-see: Going-to-the-Sun Road (check vehicle length restrictions).
Best for: Vans, truck campers, and mid-sized travel trailers.

3. Florida Keys Overseas Highway – Florida

Why it’s great for beginners: Straightforward driving with stunning ocean views on both sides.
Must-see: Bahia Honda State Park and Key West sunsets.
Best for: Any small to mid-sized camper; book campgrounds far in advance.

4. Black Hills & Badlands – South Dakota

Why it’s great for beginners: Wide roads, manageable traffic, and a variety of attractions.
Must-see: Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, Badlands National Park.
Best for: All listed camper types — lots of RV-friendly spots.

5. Pacific Coast Highway – California

Why it’s great for beginners: Unforgettable coastal views with numerous campgrounds and state parks.
Must-see: Big Sur, Point Reyes, Redwoods.
Best for: Vans, small trailers, and truck campers (tight turns can be tricky for bigger rigs).

6. Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Tennessee & North Carolina

Why it’s great for beginners: Paved roads, family-friendly campgrounds, and a wide range of short hikes.
Must-see: Cades Cove, Clingmans Dome.
Best for: All small to mid-sized campers.

First-Time Camper Owner’s Guide: Preparing for Your Trip

Buying a camper is just step one — traveling confidently means knowing a few basics.

1. Practice Before the Big Trip

Drive locally to get used to your camper’s size, mirrors, braking distance, and turning radius.
Practice backing up — especially if you have a trailer.

2. Plan Short Distances

For your first trip, aim for 3–5 hours of driving per day.
Avoid overly complex routes or steep mountain passes until you’re comfortable.

3. Choose Easy Campgrounds

Look for pull-through sites to avoid tricky backing.
Stay at campgrounds with full hookups (water, electricity, and sewer) if you’re still learning your systems.

4. Know Your Camper’s Limits

Check height, weight, and length restrictions before choosing roads or campgrounds.
For skoolies and larger campers, some roads (like parts of Going-to-the-Sun Road) are off-limits.

5. Pack Smart — Don’t Overload

Essentials: leveling blocks, water hose, sewer hose, extension cords, wheel chocks.
Keep gear light and organized. You’ll learn quickly what you actually use.

6. Learn Your Systems Before You Go

Test your propane, water pump, electrical hookups, and lights at home.
Know how to dump your tanks — before you need to.

7. Have a Backup Plan

Book campsites in advance, but also note nearby alternatives in case of changes.
Download offline maps (cell service can vanish in rural areas).

The First Trip Mindset

Your first camper trip is about learning and enjoying, not perfection. Expect small hiccups — that’s part of the journey. Keep your route flexible, take your time, and don’t be afraid to ask fellow campers for tips.

Find the Right Camper and Start Your Adventure

If you haven’t bought yet or want to see what’s out there, browse our listings map to find available campers near you.
Already know what you’re looking for? Head to our camper search page and filter by camper type, size, and location.

Final Word

Owning a camper — whether it’s a nimble van, a rugged truck camper, a cozy travel trailer, or a creative skoolie — opens a door to endless adventure. Start simple, choose beginner-friendly destinations, and you’ll be building road trip confidence in no time.

And when you’re ready to upgrade, rent out, or sell your camper, Camperly is here to help you connect with the right buyers and renters.