5 Places You Should Absolutely NEVER Take Your RV.
While it might be tempting to take your trailer or RV everywhere you want to go there are a few places in our country you will want to steer clear of.
These can include crowded parks, congested highways, crazy streets or steep, winding roads. While some of these places might be better during some parts of the year (or day), if you want to see them, leave the RV at home.
1. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park
The main road through beautiful Glacier National Park is Going-to-the-Sun Road—named after a Blackfeet Nation god. Trailers are not allowed up this steep, winding road that goes over the 6,646 Logan Pass, and park rangers will stop you along the way if your vehicle is longer than 21 feet.
In addition, the road is closed a majority of the year due to heavy snow. The best way to see the stunning views from this road is to park your RV in one of the lower elevation campgrounds and explore in a smaller vehicle or via the park’s public transportation.
2. Downtown San Francisco, California
One of the most beautiful cities in the U.S. is also one of the most frustrating for drivers. While the traffic on the outskirts of San Francisco is excruciating on a good day, the hilly and crowded streets inside the city are worse.
Do not attempt to take your trailer or RV onto streets like Filbert Street for its views of San Francisco Bay or Coit Tower (and its 31.5% grade). Also, stay far, far away from crooked Lombard Street. In fact, it might be a good idea to keep your camper out of San Francisco altogether.
3. Tuweep, Grand Canyon
One of the best and most famous views of the Grand Canyon is shot from the Toroweap Overlook near the Tuweep Campground. This rugged part of the park is also a bad place to take an RV or to tow a camper. While there is a small campground, you will need to get a reservation permit before you go.
The 60-mile road to the overlook requires a high clearance vehicle and anything longer than 22 feet is prohibited. In addition, the campground doesn’t have any water, and should you have any vehicle issues, tow services can hit $2,000.
4. New York City, New York
Not too many people want to go camping in the Big Apple, but the bright light and many sights might tempt some RVers to head into the city. New York’s streets, bridges, and tunnels (particularly Queens and Manhattan) are crowded, frustrating, and you may spend many hours cursing out other drivers.
If you want to visit the city, stay safe and park your RV in nearby New Jersey and take the train.
5. State Route 1, California
One of the most beautiful roads in the U.S. is also one of the most frustrating, especially in an RV. State Route 1 runs along most of California’s coastline above steep cliffs that drop precariously down to the Pacific Ocean. RV’s are much more difficult to maneuver and this road is a dangerous place where an unwanted accident could be fatal.
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Though these destinations are popular travel hot-spots, you may want to consider finding a different way of transportation instead of an RV. Though RVing gives us the freedom to roam, remember to roam responsibly. Try to avoid any difficult travel situations that will put yourself or others in harm's way.
Where will you NEVER take your RV again? Tell us in the comments!
See you on the road!
Bruce Anderson on
Drove thru Jerome AZ with a 2004 F350 Dually Diesel towing a 33 ft 5th wheel. It can be done, but I certainly don’t recommend it.
Sheri on
Other places in California, especially those HOT hiking and mountain biking spots are really tough roads nearby. Rent a car to get to them!!