When temperatures soar across much of the South and Southwest, many Workampers point their rigs north in search of cooler weather, stunning scenery and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Summer is the perfect season to explore America’s northern and Midwestern states, where comfortable daytime temperatures, long hours of daylight and abundant natural beauty create ideal conditions for RV travel.
Whether you’re looking for seasonal Workamping opportunities or simply searching for your next summer adventure, these 13 destinations deserve a spot on your RV travel itinerary.
In this guide you’ll discover destinations featuring:
- Cooler summer temperatures
- Spectacular mountain, lake and coastal scenery
- Hiking, fishing, kayaking and wildlife viewing
- Charming small towns and scenic byways
- Seasonal Workamping opportunities
Be sure to check out our Summer Workamping Guide for more great insights!
Northeast RV Destinations
1. Maine’s Rugged Coast and Acadia National Park
Typical summer highs: 70–75°F
Few places capture the magic of a northern summer like Maine’s rugged coastline. Acadia National Park combines dramatic ocean vistas, granite peaks and dense forests into one unforgettable destination.
Spend your days hiking Cadillac Mountain, biking historic carriage roads or exploring charming coastal towns like Bar Harbor. Lobster shacks, lighthouses and cool ocean breezes create an atmosphere that feels distinctly New England.
If you like lobster, you will LOVE Maine. Fresh-from-the-ocean lobsters are sold at roadside stands where some vendors will even steam them for you. Lobster rolls are a big favorite, too.
Comfortable summer temperatures make outdoor adventures enjoyable all day long, while the busy tourist season creates numerous Workamping opportunities at campgrounds, resorts and local attractions.
Check out our comprehensive guide to Workamping in Maine to discover more about this popular RVer destination.
Best for: Coastal scenery, hiking, seafood, and lighthouse lovers.
2. Vermont’s Green Mountains
Typical summer highs: 75–80°F
Cool mountain air, rolling hills, covered bridges and picturesque villages make Vermont one of New England’s most inviting summer destinations. Scenic byways wind through family farms, historic towns and lush mountain valleys.
The Green Mountains offer outstanding hiking opportunities, while local farmers markets, festivals and artisan shops showcase the state’s unique culture.
Visitors can tour the famous Trapp Family Lodge near Stowe, founded by the family whose story inspired The Sound of Music, sample handcrafted ice cream at the Ben & Jerry’s Factory, or watch award-winning cheddar being made at the Cabot Creamery Visitors Center.
Best for: Scenic drives, local food, small towns, and relaxed summer travel.
3. New Hampshire’s White Mountains
Typical summer highs: 70–78°F
The White Mountains offer classic New England scenery with rugged peaks, waterfalls and dense forests. Ride historic railroads, hike mountain trails or drive the famous Kancamagus Highway, one of America’s most scenic roads.
Cool summer weather makes the region ideal for active travelers, while charming mountain towns provide plenty of dining and shopping opportunities.
Best for: Mountain hiking, waterfalls, and scenic drives.
Great Lakes Region RV Destinations
4. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Typical summer highs: 70–75°F
For RVers seeking cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is hard to beat.
Surrounded by Lakes Superior, Michigan and Huron, the region offers dramatic shorelines, waterfalls and dense forests. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore dazzles visitors with colorful sandstone cliffs rising above crystal-clear waters.
Explore Tahquamenon Falls, kayak along the shores of Lake Superior, discover historic mining communities, or watch massive freighters pass through the Soo Locks carrying iron ore, coal and grain between the Great Lakes.
Be sure to visit historic Mackinac Island, where visitors travel by horse-drawn carriage, bicycle or on foot, and cross the iconic Mackinac Bridge, one of the world’s longest suspension bridges.
The area’s abundance of public lands and outdoor recreation opportunities make it a favorite destination for nature lovers.
Best for: Waterfalls, Great Lakes scenery, and outdoor recreation.
5. Door County, Wisconsin
Typical summer highs: 72–77°F
Located between Green Bay and Lake Michigan, Door County combines small-town charm with stunning waterfront scenery.
The peninsula features more than 300 miles of shoreline, picturesque harbors, cherry orchards and historic lighthouses. Peninsula State Park offers excellent hiking, biking and camping opportunities, while nearby communities provide shopping, dining and entertainment. No visit is complete without experiencing one of Door County’s famous traditional fish boils.
Summer temperatures are moderated by the surrounding water, creating ideal conditions for outdoor exploration. Discover what Wisconsin offers in our guide to Workamping in Wisconsin.
Best for: Waterfront villages, boating and relaxing summer vacations.
6. Northern Minnesota’s Lake Country
Typical summer highs: 70–75°F
Minnesota truly earns its nickname as the Land of 10,000 Lakes during summer.
The North Shore of Lake Superior boasts spectacular waterfalls, rocky shorelines, scenic state parks, and countless opportunities for fishing, kayaking and hiking. Cool evenings around a campfire provide the perfect ending to active days outdoors.
History and literature buffs can explore the deep North Woods that inspired Nobel Prize-winning author Sinclair Lewis or follow the historic logging and fur-trading waterways once traveled by early voyageurs.
The area’s busy tourism season also creates excellent seasonal Workamping opportunities throughout campgrounds, resorts and hospitality businesses.
Best for: Lake adventures, fishing, and peaceful camping.
Mountain West RV Destinations
7. The Black Hills of South Dakota
Typical summer highs: 75–82°F
The Black Hills offer a welcome escape from summer heat while delivering a remarkable blend of history and outdoor adventure.
Visitors can explore Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial and Custer State Park while enjoying scenic drives through pine-covered mountains. Keep an eye out for bison, elk, mountain goats and the Black Hills’ famous prairie dog towns, where hundreds of these entertaining little animals delight visitors of all ages.
Nearby attractions include Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument and the historic town of Deadwood. Motorcyclists flock to Sturgis every August for one of the world’s largest motorcycle rallies.
The region’s popularity creates abundant seasonal opportunities for Workampers throughout the summer months. Check out our South Dakota Worakmping guide for more great info.
Best for: History, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing.
8. Glacier National Park and Northwest Montana
Typical summer highs: 70–75°F
Known as the Crown of the Continent, Glacier National Park delivers some of the most spectacular scenery in North America.
Towering peaks, turquoise lakes and abundant wildlife create unforgettable experiences for visitors. The Going-to-the-Sun Road ranks among America’s most scenic drives and provides access to some of the park’s most breathtaking viewpoints.
Nearby communities such as Whitefish and Kalispell offer additional recreation, dining and seasonal employment opportunities. Even during summer, cool mountain air keeps temperatures comfortable.
Best for: Iconic mountain scenery and hiking.
9. Colorado’s High Country
Typical summer highs: 65–78°F (depending on elevation)
While lower elevations can become warm, Colorado’s mountain towns provide refreshingly cool summer weather. Communities like Estes Park, Buena Vista and Leadville sit between 7,000 and 10,000 feet above sea level, keeping temperatures comfortable even during midsummer.
Rocky Mountain National Park, alpine lakes, wildflower displays and abundant wildlife make this one of America’s premier summer RV destinations.
Many campgrounds, resorts and visitor attractions hire Workampers throughout the busy summer season.
Best for: Alpine scenery, hiking, and mountain adventures.
10. Northern Idaho’s Lake Country
Typical summer highs: 75–82°F
Northern Idaho remains one of the West’s hidden gems.
Lake Coeur d’Alene, Sandpoint and nearby mountain communities offer beautiful scenery, abundant outdoor recreation and a slower pace than many of the West’s more heavily visited destinations.
Boating, fishing, hiking and biking opportunities abound throughout the region and the combination of clear lakes, forested mountains and pleasant weather makes Northern Idaho an excellent place to spend an extended summer stay.
Workampers often find seasonal positions in campgrounds, marinas and tourism-related businesses.
Best for: Crystal-clear lakes, boating and peaceful mountain escapes.
Pacific Northwest RV Destinations
11. Washington’s Olympic Peninsula
Typical summer highs: 65–75°F
Few places offer as much variety as Washington’s Olympic Peninsula.
Within a single day, visitors can explore dramatic Pacific beaches, temperate rainforests and snow-capped mountain peaks. Olympic National Park protects nearly one million acres of wilderness and offers endless opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing and photography.
The region’s mild summer climate appeals to RVers seeking comfortable temperatures and lush scenery. Small coastal communities add charm and character to the experience.
Before or after visiting the peninsula, consider taking one of Washington’s scenic ferry routes for spectacular views of Puget Sound, Seattle’s skyline and, if you’re lucky, migrating whales.
Best for: Diverse landscapes and outdoor adventure.
12. Oregon’s Cascade Mountains
Typical summer highs: 75–85°F
Central Oregon combines mountain scenery, crystal-clear lakes and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. The city of Bend serves as the gateway to the Cascade Mountains, where visitors can explore volcanic landscapes, alpine lakes and dense forests.
Nearby Crater Lake National Park, home to the deepest lake in the United States, is famous for its intensely blue water and breathtaking views. The nearby Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway winds past dozens of pristine mountain lakes, offering easy access to hiking trails, fishing spots, campgrounds and breathtaking viewpoints.
No trip to Oregon is complete without driving the iconic Highway 101 along the Oregon Coast, where dramatic sea stacks, rocky headlands, picturesque lighthouses and charming seaside towns create one of America’s most memorable coastal drives.
Best for: Mountains, volcanoes, and scenic road trips.
The Last Frontier of RV Destinations
13. Alaska
Typical summer highs: 60–70°F
For many RVers, Alaska is the ultimate summer destination.
Long daylight hours, snow-capped mountains, massive glaciers and incredible wildlife make it unlike anywhere else in North America. Visitors can explore Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and countless fishing villages while spotting bears, moose, caribou and bald eagles along the way.
Alaska also offers one of the country’s richest selections of seasonal Workamping opportunities. Campgrounds, fishing lodges, tour operators, visitor attractions and hospitality businesses hire thousands of seasonal workers every summer, making it an ideal destination for combining adventure with income.
If Alaska is on your bucket list, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide to planning an Alaska Workamping adventure.
Best for: Bucket-list RV travel, incredible mountains, and ample wildlife.
Making the Most of Your Summer RV Travels
The best summer RV destination depends on what you’re looking for. Some travelers seek cool mountain air and alpine scenery, while others prefer majestic coastlines, sparkling lakes or charming small towns rich in history and culture.
Many of these destinations become extremely popular during peak summer months, so reserving campsites early is essential. If you’re interested in spending an entire season in one location, consider applying for Workamping positions well in advance. Employers in many of these regions begin hiring months before the summer travel season begins.
Workamper News members receive new Workamping opportunities in their email inbox every weekday afternoon, making it easy to find seasonal jobs in some of the country’s most beautiful summer destinations.
Become a Workamper member today and start planning your summer Workamping get-away!
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