7 Campervan Road Trips Perfect for Spring Break

White Sands National Monument, New Mexico

At our first destination, you’ll be reminded of quintessential spring break beach escapes – but butter. White Sands is home to the world’s largest gypsum dune field, with 275 square miles of desert, and it is absolutely breathtaking to behold.

Outdoor activities focus around (you guessed it) the sand. From climbing the dunes, racing down on sleds, or taking a photography hike, you will be guaranteed a stunning view of the enormous dunes against clear blue skies.

To get directly to the heart of the dune field, take Dunes Drive, an 8-mile (13 km) scenic drive leading from the visitor center. The 16-mile round-trip drive takes approximately 45 minutes and is a great way to see the sights. Take some time to learn about the natural and cultural history of White Sands too.

During your visit, be sure to protect yourself against the relentless sun as there are no trees or shade. The brilliant sand also reflects a lot of light!

There aren’t many camping options in the national monument, but there are several RV parks at a convenient distance. Boot Hill RV Resort is very close and well-reviewed, and they’ve got all the amenities for a campervan stay, including full hookups, WiFi, and laundry.

Lake Havasu, Arizona

Lake Havasu is a popular destination among spring breakers. Boating, jet-skiing, and beach-front opportunities are aplenty so you can soak up the warming weather. If you enjoy a vibrant nightlife, Lake Havasu is a perfect place to party. In fact, it’s often referred to as the Cancun or Daytona Beach of the West coast.

It’s easy to find central accommodation here as there are several easily accessible RV parks like BeachComber Estates or Campbell Cove RV Resort.

And there’s no limit to your springtime exploration at Lake Havasu as there are three other state parks along the Colorado River.

If you’re looking for a quieter escape, Cattail Cove State Park is an idyllic place to get away. Just 25 minutes downriver from Lake Havasu, Cattail Cove has plenty of camping and RV spots, great hiking trails, and beautiful white sand beaches for obligatory lounging. As the sun goes down, you’ll be able to experience gorgeous sunsets and crystal clear night skies for stargazing.

Steamboat Springs, Colorado

If you’re excited for spring but not quite ready to let go of winter, Steamboat Springs, Colorado is perfect. Thanks to its location at the mountains’ foot, visitors can still ski and snowboard in early spring. Plus, après-ski will take your spring break parting to a whole new level!

While enjoying lots of mountain sunshine and warmth that springtime brings, another source of warmth would be the area’s natural hot springs. Take a dip in the mineral-rich waters at Strawberry Park or Old Town.

At the same time, the lower elevations mean that traditional outdoor activities like hiking and horseriding become available early in the lush Steamboat valleys. You will know it’s really springtime when you see the greenery, wildflowers and hear the chirping birds.

You’ll find a KOA located in town, or stay at Eagle Soaring RV Park to get an incredible view of the Rocky Mountains.

Olympic National Park, Washington

This national park is known for its beauty throughout the year; however, springtime is especially optimal for spotting wildlife. In the spring, grey whales and numerous birds embark on their annual migration to Olympic National Park. The increased rainfall means even tiny creatures from banana slugs to frogs become much more active, popping up on hiking trails.

Some other possible encounters include deer, bobcats, mountain lions, bald eagles, and elk. Don’t forget bears are coming out of hibernation too.  Enjoy these magical sights but remember to keep a safe distance and leave nothing but footprints.

During your visit, you can stay right in the national park which these animals call home. Sol Duc Hot Springs RV & Campground offers easy access to dining options as well as to the resort’s hot spring pools.

Seaside, Oregon

Looking for a twist on a typical beach spring break getaway? Well, an abundance of recreation awaits you on the Oregon Coast. With plentiful paths in the gorgeous scenery, visitors can easily go hiking and biking. Otherwise, the sea is always available for whale watching, salt-water fishing, and swimming. You’ll also be able to get a fill of culture at the Air Museum, Seaside Aquarium, and Lewis & Clark historical sites.

If you love birdwatching, you’ll find many feathered friends in Seaside. All the open space, ocean access, ponds, wetlands, grassy dunes, and stands of evergreens provide ample habitats for over 300 species of birds that call Seaside home. Spring offers particularly unique opportunities for sightings of unusual visitors passing through.

Camp conveniently in your motorhome at Seaside RV Campground, the ideal location to make your base as you explore Seaside’s many activities. From basics like hookups to tennis courts and WiFi, all your needs will be taken care of.

Yosemite National Park, California

Rising temperatures and spring thaw means rapidly melting snow, fueling Yosemite National Park’s peak waterfall season. By April, the park’s most iconic waterfalls are thundering, and the smallest creeks are not any less active. Mirror Lake fills to the top, delivering a stunning reflection of Half Dome only visible at this time of year. Have your cameras (or phones) ready!

April and May is also the ideal time to see delicate pink and white dogwood blossoms dot the trees all around the park. The mild weather is perfect for taking a wildflower or birdwatching hike as well.

For even more activity, it’s also a perfect time to try out white water rafting in the Merced River, thanks to the abundance of freshwater.

There are 10 national campgrounds in the park that can accommodate RVs for dry camping. However,  Yosemite Pines nearby provides a suite of amenities, including a swimming pool, volleyball court, and even a small petting zoo should you need a few more creature comforts.

Zion National Park, Utah

Cooler spring temperatures make hiking along with the dramatic and beautiful Zion National Park landscapes even more enjoyable. Families with younger kids can take a stroll to the Emerald Pools while more advanced hikers can explore Angels Landing’s precarious paths. Both of which are must-dos with rewarding views of the canyon.

In addition to smaller crowds, the park also features plenty of flowing waterfalls and rare glimpses of budding green against the bronzed orange rock this time of year.

Should you be looking for something a little more adventurous, the canyon walls are a good temperature for rock climbing and canyoning. There are also many scenic horseriding trails to enjoy.

Zion Canyon Campground in nearby Springdale is a great spot for you and your campervan to stay during the visit. It is just 0.5 miles from the South entrance of Zion National Park and has great amenities. A bonus includes perfect vantage points for watching the sunset after dinner.

Wherever you decide to visit this spring, find the campervan that will take you there at any one of Travellers Autobarn’s convenient locations in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, or San Francisco. Our cost-effective campervan rentals with unlimited miles are perfect for first-time or seasoned renters who want a fuss-free adventure.