The Highest Temperature RV Destinations This Summer (2024)

Embarking on an RV adventure this summer? We’ve compiled a list of the hottest RV destinations across the United States, complete with a “Vibin’ Heat Scale,” summer high temperatures, and preparation tips.

Whether you’re seeking the stunning landscapes of national parks or the serene beaches of the coast, this guide has you covered.

Fear not, though; we included places to seek reprieve from the heat at each location!

1. Arches National Park, Utah

Vibin’ Heat Scale: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Summer High Temp: 110°F (43°C)
Address: Arches National Park, Moab, UT 84532
Heat Reprieve: Moab Recreation & Aquatic Center.

Arches National Park is famous for its more than 2,000 natural stone arches, making it a photographer’s paradise. Early morning or late evening visits allow for cooler temperatures and dramatic lighting. The park’s easy-to-reach landmarks, like Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch, provide stunning views without requiring strenuous hikes.

For a break from the heat, the nearby town of Moab offers various amenities, including restaurants, shops, and guided tours.

The Colorado River also provides opportunities for rafting and cooling off. Moab’s proximity to both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks makes it an ideal base for exploring the region.

2. Zion National Park, Utah

Vibin’ Heat Scale: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Summer High Temp: 109°F (43°C)
Address: Zion National Park, Springdale, UT 84767
Heat Reprieve: The Narrows hike through cool river water.

Zion’s unique sandstone cliffs and narrow canyons create a dramatic landscape that draws visitors from around the world. While summer temperatures can be intense, the park’s many shaded trails and the Virgin River offer natural cooling options.

The Narrows, a hike through the river, is particularly popular for its cool water and stunning canyon walls.

Beyond hiking, Zion offers activities such as rock climbing and canyoneering. The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive provides easy access to some of the park’s most beautiful viewpoints, and the shuttle system helps reduce traffic and environmental impact.

The nearby town of Springdale offers charming dining and lodging options, providing a convenient base for exploring the park.

3. Big Bend National Park, Texas

Vibin’ Heat Scale: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Summer High Temp: 109°F (43°C)
Address: Big Bend National Park, TX 79834
Heat Reprieve: Hot Springs Historic District for shaded soaks.

Big Bend National Park’s vast desert landscapes and rugged mountains offer a sense of solitude and adventure. The park’s higher elevations, such as the Chisos Basin, provide cooler temperatures and stunning views.

Hiking trails like the Lost Mine Trail and the South Rim Trail offer rewarding panoramas and diverse flora and fauna.

The Rio Grande River runs along the park’s southern boundary, providing opportunities for rafting, kayaking, and swimming. The nearby town of Terlingua offers quirky accommodations, local cuisine, and a chance to experience the unique culture of West Texas.

4. Joshua Tree National Park, California

Vibin’ Heat Scale: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Summer High Temp: 109°F (43°C)
Address: Joshua Tree National Park, CA 92277
Heat Reprieve: Joshua Tree Coffee Company for iced beverages.

Joshua Tree’s unique desert landscape, with its iconic Joshua trees and rugged rock formations, makes it a popular destination despite the heat. Visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon allows for cooler temperatures and the chance to see the park’s wildlife.

Rock climbing and bouldering are popular activities, with areas like Hidden Valley offering shaded spots to take a break.

The nearby town of Joshua Tree provides a variety of amenities, including cafes, art galleries, and shops. The Joshua Tree Coffee Company is a favorite spot for cooling off with an iced drink. Additionally, the park’s clear night skies make it a premier location for stargazing.

5. Grand Canyon, Arizona

Vibin’ Heat Scale: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Summer High Temp: 111°F (44°C)
Address: Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Heat Reprieve: Hopi House for air-conditioned shopping and cultural exhibits.

Despite soaring temperatures, the Grand Canyon remains an awe-inspiring destination. The sheer magnitude of the canyon, with its layers of red rock revealing millions of years of geological history, is a sight to behold.

Visitors can take advantage of the early morning or late afternoon hours to hike popular trails like Bright Angel or South Kaibab, avoiding the midday heat while experiencing the canyon’s breathtaking vistas.

6. Sedona, Arizona

Vibin’ Heat Scale: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Summer High Temp: 103°F (39°C)
Address: Sedona, AZ 86336
Heat Reprieve: Oak Creek for cool water activities.

Sedona’s red rock formations and spiritual energy draw visitors year-round. Despite high summer temperatures, early morning hikes on trails like Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock offer breathtaking views and cooler air.

The town’s numerous art galleries, shops, and spas provide indoor activities to escape the midday heat.

The Oak Creek Canyon area offers shaded picnic spots and swimming holes, perfect for cooling off. Sedona’s vibrant cultural scene includes music festivals, outdoor concerts, and art shows, ensuring there’s always something to do, regardless of the temperature.

7. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico

Vibin’ Heat Scale: 🔥🔥🔥
Summer High Temp: 103°F (39°C)
Address: Carlsbad, NM 88220
Heat Reprieve: Cavern tours for underground coolness.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park offers an escape from the scorching surface temperatures with its extensive network of underground caves. The main cavern, with its stunning stalactites and stalagmites, maintains a cool and constant temperature year-round, making it an ideal retreat from the summer heat.

The guided tours and self-guided walks provide a fascinating glimpse into the subterranean world.

Above ground, the park’s rugged landscape and diverse wildlife are also worth exploring. Evening bat flight programs, where thousands of bats emerge from the cave to forage, offer a unique and mesmerizing spectacle.

The nearby town of Carlsbad provides additional amenities and attractions, including restaurants and museums.

8. White Sands National Park, New Mexico

Vibin’ Heat Scale: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Summer High Temp: 105°F (40°C)
Address: White Sands, NM 88310
Heat Reprieve: Interdune Boardwalk for shaded strolls.

White Sands National Park is renowned for its vast expanse of dazzling white gypsum sand dunes. Despite the high temperatures, the early morning and late evening provide more bearable conditions for exploring this unique landscape.

The dunes, constantly shifting and changing, create a mesmerizing environment for photography and sand sledding.

The park’s visitor center offers educational exhibits and a place to cool off. Ranger-led programs provide insights into the area’s natural history and geology.

For those looking to escape the midday sun, the nearby town of Alamogordo offers various dining and shopping options, as well as the fascinating New Mexico Museum of Space History.

9. Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

Vibin’ Heat Scale: 🔥🔥🔥
Summer High Temp: 102°F (39°C)
Address: Hot Springs, AR 71901
Heat Reprieve: Bathhouse Row for relaxing soaks.

Hot Springs National Park is famous for its thermal springs, which have been attracting visitors for centuries. Despite the summer heat, the shaded trails and lush forested areas provide a pleasant environment for hiking.

The park’s historic Bathhouse Row offers a unique opportunity to soak in the thermal waters, with several bathhouses still in operation.

The town of Hot Springs is full of charm and history, with numerous shops, galleries, and restaurants. The Mountain Tower offers panoramic views of the surrounding Ouachita Mountains, and the nearby lakes provide additional recreational opportunities such as boating and fishing.

10. Florida Keys, Florida

Vibin’ Heat Scale: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Summer High Temp: 100°F (38°C)
Address: Key West, FL 33040
Heat Reprieve: Bahia Honda State Park for swimming and snorkeling.

The Florida Keys offer a tropical paradise with crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life. Despite high summer temperatures, the ocean provides a constant opportunity to cool off.

Snorkeling, diving, and boating are popular, with locations like John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park offering some of the best underwater experiences.

Key West, the southernmost point in the continental U.S., is known for its lively atmosphere, historic sites, and vibrant nightlife. The nearby Bahia Honda State Park provides beautiful beaches and shaded picnic areas, making it a perfect spot to relax and escape the heat.

11. Gulf Shores, Alabama

Vibin’ Heat Scale: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Summer High Temp: 100°F (38°C)
Address: Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Heat Reprieve: Waterville USA for water park fun.

Gulf Shores is a beach lover’s paradise with its white sandy beaches and warm Gulf waters. Despite the high summer temperatures, the coastal breezes and the inviting ocean make it a pleasant destination.

The Gulf State Park offers various outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, and bird-watching, while its spacious beaches provide ample room for sunbathing and swimming.

For those looking to escape the heat, Waterville USA offers an exciting day of water slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools.

The nearby town of Foley boasts the OWA amusem*nt park and entertainment complex, which features rides, restaurants, and live performances, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

12. Outer Banks, North Carolina

Vibin’ Heat Scale: 🔥🔥🔥
Summer High Temp: 95°F (35°C)
Address: Outer Banks, NC 27954
Heat Reprieve: Jennette’s Pier for ocean breezes and fishing.

The Outer Banks are a string of barrier islands offering beautiful beaches, historic sites, and outdoor activities. The ocean breezes help keep temperatures more comfortable, and early morning walks on the beach provide a serene experience.

Visitors can explore the Wright Brothers National Memorial, climb the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, or take a wild horse tour to see the famous Corolla wild horses.

The Outer Banks also offer excellent opportunities for water sports such as kayaking, surfing, and paddleboarding. Jennette’s Pier provides a perfect spot for fishing and enjoying the ocean views.

With charming seaside towns, delicious seafood, and a laid-back atmosphere, the Outer Banks remain a delightful summer destination.

13. Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida

Vibin’ Heat Scale: 🔥🔥🔥
Summer High Temp: 98°F (37°C)
Address: Big Cypress, FL 34141
Heat Reprieve: Oasis Visitor Center for cool exhibits.

Big Cypress National Preserve offers a diverse and lush landscape, home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered Florida panther. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to explore the preserve, with shaded trails and boardwalks providing some relief from the heat.

The scenic drives offer beautiful views of the swamp and opportunities to spot alligators and wading birds.

The Oasis Visitor Center offers air-conditioned exhibits and educational displays, providing a cool retreat from the outdoors. The nearby Turner River offers kayaking and canoeing opportunities, allowing visitors to experience the beauty of the preserve from the water.

14. Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

Vibin’ Heat Scale: 🔥🔥
Summer High Temp: 93°F (34°C)
Address: Mammoth Cave, KY 42259
Heat Reprieve: Cave tours for natural coolness.

Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the world’s longest known cave system, offering a fascinating underground adventure. Despite the summer heat, the cave’s constant cool temperature provides a refreshing escape. Guided tours take visitors through impressive caverns, with opportunities to see unique formations and learn about the cave’s history and geology.

Above ground, the park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic drives through the surrounding forest.

The nearby Green River provides opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, making it a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts looking to cool off.

15. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN/NC

Vibin’ Heat Scale: 🔥🔥🔥
Summer High Temp: 93°F (34°C)
Address: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Heat Reprieve: Cades Cove for shaded picnics and cool streams.

The Great Smoky Mountains offer lush greenery, mist-covered peaks, and an abundance of wildlife, making it a picturesque escape. The park’s numerous streams and rivers provide opportunities for cooling off, whether through fishing, swimming, or simply relaxing by the water.

Cades Cove is a popular destination for its scenic loop road and abundant wildlife viewing.

Visitors can also explore the park’s rich cultural history at sites like the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, which offers exhibits on the region’s early settlers. The nearby town of Gatlinburg provides additional attractions, including the Ober Gatlinburg amusem*nt park and ski area, offering year-round entertainment.

16. Yosemite National Park, California

Vibin’ Heat Scale: 🔥🔥🔥
Summer High Temp: 99°F (37°C)
Address: Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
Heat Reprieve: Mist Trail for a refreshing hike by waterfalls.

Yosemite is renowned for its towering granite cliffs, giant sequoias, and stunning waterfalls. Even with high summer temperatures, the park’s high-altitude areas remain relatively cool. Hiking trails such as the Mist Trail provide refreshing spray from waterfalls, making for a more pleasant experience in the heat.

The Yosemite Valley is home to some of the most famous landmarks, including El Capitan and Half Dome. Visitors can enjoy ranger-led programs, scenic drives, and photography sessions at these iconic spots.

For a break from the heat, the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias offers shaded walks among some of the oldest trees on the planet.

17. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Vibin’ Heat Scale: 🔥🔥🔥
Summer High Temp: 95°F (35°C)
Address: Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
Heat Reprieve: Old Faithful Inn for cool interiors and refreshments.

Yellowstone’s diverse ecosystems and geothermal wonders make it a must-visit, even in the heat of summer. The park’s vast landscape includes forests, alpine rivers, and dramatic canyons, offering endless exploration opportunities.

Early risers can enjoy cooler temperatures while watching the iconic geysers like Old Faithful erupt in the crisp morning air.

In the heat of the day, visitors can cool off in the park’s many lakes and rivers. Yellowstone Lake, the largest high-altitude lake in North America, is perfect for boating and fishing. Alternatively, the Lamar Valley is a great spot for wildlife viewing, where bison, elk, and even grizzly bears can be seen against a backdrop of stunning mountain scenery.

18. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Vibin’ Heat Scale: 🔥🔥🔥
Summer High Temp: 92°F (33°C)
Address: Bryce Canyon National Park, UT 84764
Heat Reprieve: Bryce Canyon Lodge for cool interiors and dining.

Bryce Canyon’s otherworldly hoodoos and vibrant colors make it a captivating destination. Visitors can enjoy the park’s unique geology by hiking the Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop trails, which offer cooler morning temperatures and stunning sunrise views.

The park’s high elevation also means slightly cooler temperatures compared to other desert parks.

For those looking to escape the heat, Bryce Canyon Lodge provides a historic and comfortable retreat. Stargazing is another highlight, as the park’s remote location offers some of the darkest skies in North America. Ranger-led astronomy programs are a great way to learn about the constellations and enjoy the night sky.

19. Blue Ridge Parkway, VA/NC

Vibin’ Heat Scale: 🔥🔥🔥
Summer High Temp: 90°F (32°C)
Address: Blue Ridge Parkway, NC 28711
Heat Reprieve: Craggy Gardens Visitor Center for cool mountain breezes.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is renowned for its scenic beauty and winding roads through the Appalachian Mountains. Cooler temperatures at higher elevations make summer visits comfortable. The parkway’s numerous overlooks and picnic areas provide perfect spots to enjoy the views and take a break from driving.

Hiking trails such as the Humpback Rocks Trail and the Craggy Gardens Trail offer access to stunning vistas and wildflower-covered meadows. The nearby towns of Asheville, North Carolina, and Roanoke, Virginia, offer additional attractions, including breweries, museums, and live music venues.

Tips for Preparing Your RV for Summer Heat:

Check Your AC: Ensure your air conditioning unit is in top shape.
Insulate: Add extra insulation to windows and doors to keep cool air in.
Shade Matters: Park in shaded areas whenever possible.
Hydrate: Carry plenty of water and hydrate frequently.
Ventilation: Use roof vents and fans to improve air circulation.
Cool Down: Use reflective sunshades on windows to deflect heat.
Maintenance: Regularly check tire pressure, fluids, and batteries.

Prepare well, stay cool, and enjoy your summer RV adventure to the fullest! Safe travels and happy camping!

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