George Washington led the fight for American independence and was elected as our country’s first president. He has become an almost mythological figure in the history of the nation, but his life is actually well-documented and accessible for anyone with a desire to learn. For RVers, many of the most important sites in his story have campgrounds nearby. If you are interested in an educational and historical adventure, pack up your family and hit the road to explore these amazing sites!
Mount Vernon Estate, Mount Vernon, Virginia
Mount Vernon is the estate developed and maintained by George Washington from 1754 until his death in 1799. Washington inherited the Potomac River-adjacent grounds from his half-brother and expanded the original farmhouse into a 21-room mansion. Tour the rooms where Washington lived, slept, entertained and worked. Explore working farms and gardens which feature many of the same crops and animals that Washington would have cultivated in his life. The estate also features an educational museum and reconstructed slave quarters.
Nearest campground:
Pohick Bay Regional Park, Lorton VA. Distance to attraction: 14 miles. 100 RV sites with 30-amp electric. Water and 50 amp hookup also available. Rates start at $31/night.
Yorktown Battlefield, Yorktown, VA
Yorktown, VA was the site of the battle that won American independence. Backed by French reinforcements, Washington and his troops secured the surrender of British General Charles Cornwallis. Today, the site features battlefield tours, artillery firing demonstrations, fife and drum performances, and more. The battlefield is part of the Colonial National Historical Park, which also includes Historic Jamestown, England’s first permanent colony in the US. Together, the sites offer a window into almost 175 years of early American history.
Nearest campground:
Newport News Park, Newport News, VA. Distance to attraction: 7.5 miles. 188 sites with a variety of hookup options, including electrical and water. Rates for hookup sites start at $33.50/night.
Berkeley Springs, West Virginia
The town of Berkeley Springs, WV, was one of Washington’s favorite vacation retreats. The town features natural warm springs that bubble at a constant 74 degrees Fahrenheit. The clean, naturally filtered water is infused with minerals, and generations of Americans, including the country’s first president, have enjoyed its therapeutic qualities. Take the Washington Heritage Tour for a scenic and historic drive through the local countryside, and explore the galleries and studios of the renowned local artist community.
Nearest campground:
Cox Camping, Great Cacapon, WV. Distance to attraction: 13 miles. 35 sites with water and electric hookups. Free dump stations for guests. RV rates start at $35/night.
Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
Mount Rushmore is one of the country’s most iconic presidential memorials. Completed in 1941, the massive mountain-side sculpture celebrates Washington, as well as his fellow presidents Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt. The park offers a half-mile, 422-step Presidential Trail to view the sculpture, as well as educational programing on the construction of the monument, the history of the presidents, and a discussion of the local Native American tribes who have inhabited the area for thousands of years. Continue your adventure by exploring the surrounding Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota.
Nearest campground
Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch, Hill City, SD. Distance to attraction: 6 miles. Options include Deluxe RV sites; full hookups; electric/water hookups. Contact campground for rates.
Looking for more road trip inspiration? Download our free guide to 6 Epic US Road Trips!