As America celebrates its 250th birthday in 2026, there is no better time to explore the country’s incredible coastlines in a Winnebago or Newmar Freedom Aire motorhome. From the rocky shores of Maine and the dramatic cliffs of Oregon to the white-sand beaches of the Gulf Coast, each destination offers an opportunity to experience the natural beauty, history and freedom that make traveling across the United States so special.
There is something unforgettable about waking up to the sound of crashing waves, enjoying your morning coffee with an ocean view and ending the day with a colorful coastal sunset. Traveling in a Winnebago or Newmar Freedom Aire motorhome gives you the freedom to discover America at your own pace while bringing the convenience and comfort of home along for the journey.
Below you will find out more about select coastal destinations:
1. THE OREGON COAST
Best for: Rugged cliffs, dramatic scenery and outdoor adventure
Stretching for more than 360 miles, the Oregon Coast is one of the most scenic motorhome routes in the country. Highway 101 connects charming seaside towns, forested state parks, rocky overlooks and wide stretches of beach.
Popular stops include Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock, Cape Perpetua, Newport, the Oregon Dunes and the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor.
Campgrounds to Consider
Fort Stevens State Park
Hammond, Oregon
Website: stateparks.oregon.gov/
Located near the mouth of the Columbia River in northwest Oregon, Fort Stevens State Park offers year-round camping, beachcombing, freshwater recreation, trails, wildlife viewing and access to the historic Peter Iredale shipwreck. It is one of the nation’s largest public campgrounds.
Beverly Beach State Park
Newport, Oregon
Website: stateparks.oregon.gov/
Beverly Beach State Park is located between Cape Foulweather and Yaquina Head. Its forested year-round campground is just steps from the beach and provides convenient access to Newport, the Oregon Coast Aquarium, whale-watching viewpoints and nearby tide pools.
Harris Beach State Park
Brookings, Oregon
Website: stateparks.oregon.gov/
Situated along Oregon’s southern coast, Harris Beach State Park has year-round camping and features sandy beaches, rocky outcroppings, sea stacks, walking trails and opportunities to view whales, seals, sea lions and seabirds. From here you can see Bird Island (also called Goat Island) which is a National Wildlife Sanctuary and breeding site for such rare birds as the tufted puffin.
2. CALIFORNIA’S PACIFIC COAST
Best for: Iconic road trips, coastal communities and unforgettable ocean views
California’s coastline offers an incredible variety of scenery. Motorhome travelers can explore Northern California’s forests and rocky shoreline, the famous views around Big Sur, the relaxed communities of the Central Coast and the sunny beaches of Southern California.
Because portions of Highway 1 can include sharp curves, narrow lanes and temporary closures, check road conditions and campground length restrictions before traveling in a larger motorhome.
Campgrounds to Consider
Francis Beach Campground at Half Moon Bay State Beach
Half Moon Bay, California
Website: parks.ca.gov/?page_id=531
Francis Beach Campground provides access to four miles of sandy coastline along the San Mateo County coast. The campground includes 53 developed campsites, with electrical hookups available at many of the sites. It can accommodate RVs up 40’ in length.
San Elijo State Beach Campground
Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California
Website: parks.ca.gov/?page_id=662
Located north of San Diego, San Elijo State Beach offers bluff-top camping near a beach that is popular for swimming, surfing, snorkeling and diving. Restaurants and shops are also available within walking distance in Cardiff-by-the-Sea. It can accommodate RVs up 35’ in length.
Moro Campground at Crystal Cove State Park
Laguna Beach, California
Website: parks.ca.gov/?page_id=644
Moro Campground sits on the coastal bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach. It provides a convenient base for exploring Crystal Cove’s beaches, coastal trails and preserved historic district. The campground is located above the beach rather than directly on the sand.
3. OLYMPIC PENINSULA, WASHINGTON
Best for: Beaches, rainforests, mountains and wildlife
Washington’s Olympic Peninsula brings together several dramatically different landscapes. During one trip, you can explore rugged beaches, old-growth forests, alpine viewpoints, waterfalls and peaceful lakes.
Must-see destinations include Rialto Beach, Ruby Beach, the Hoh Rain Forest, Lake Crescent and Hurricane Ridge.
Campgrounds to Consider
Kalaloch Campground
Olympic National Park near Forks, Washington
Website: https://bit.ly/44ERf5p
Kalaloch Campground is located along the Pacific Coast, with some campsites overlooking the ocean. It is open throughout the year, although reservations are required during the primary summer travel season. Sites accommodate smaller motorhomes, with a limited number available for RVs up to approximately 35 feet.
Mora Campground
Olympic National Park near Forks, Washington
Website: https://bit.ly/4vNNxl5
Mora Campground is located approximately two miles from Rialto Beach. It is a convenient option for travelers who want to explore sea stacks, tide pools and the wilderness coastline near the mouth of the Quillayute River.
4. ACADIA NATIONAL PARK, MAINE
Best for: New England charm, rocky shorelines and fall color
Acadia National Park combines mountain scenery with the rocky Atlantic coastline. Visitors can drive Park Loop Road, watch the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain, walk the carriage roads, visit Jordan Pond and explore the restaurants and shops of nearby Bar Harbor.
Late summer and early fall are especially popular as cooler temperatures and colorful foliage transform the landscape.
Campgrounds to Consider
Blackwoods Campground
Seal Harbor, Maine
Website: https://bit.ly/4hwo2kq
Blackwoods Campground is located on the eastern side of Mount Desert Island, approximately five miles south of Bar Harbor. The wooded campground is within a short walk of the ocean and includes sites that can accommodate RV travelers.
Seawall Campground
Southwest Harbor, Maine
Website: https://bit.ly/4yFS8bI
Seawall Campground is located on the quieter western side of Mount Desert Island near Southwest Harbor. It is a good option for travelers looking for a more peaceful camping experience near the rocky coastline. However, the campground can not accommodate RVs longer than 35’ in length.
Schoodic Woods Campground
Winter Harbor, Maine
Email: https://bit.ly/4fKuqDv
Schoodic Woods Campground is located on the Schoodic Peninsula, approximately 1.5 miles from Winter Harbor. This less-traveled section of Acadia is known for dramatic granite headlands, ocean views and a quieter atmosphere than Mount Desert Island.
Blackwoods, Seawall and Schoodic Woods accept advance reservations, and Acadia National Park entrance fees are separate from campground fees.
5. The Outer Banks, North Carolina
Best for: Historic lighthouses, barrier islands and expansive beaches
The Outer Banks stretches along North Carolina’s Atlantic Coast and offers miles of beaches, historic villages, maritime attractions and iconic lighthouses.
Highlights include Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Bodie Island Lighthouse, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Jockey’s Ridge State Park and Ocracoke Island.
Campgrounds to Consider
Oregon Inlet Campground
Nags Head, North Carolina
Website: nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm
Located on Bodie Island near Oregon Inlet, this campground provides convenient access to beaches, fishing opportunities, Bodie Island Lighthouse and the northern section of Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Frisco Campground
Frisco, North Carolina
Website: nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm
Located among the dunes of Hatteras Island, Frisco Campground offers elevated campsites and access to nearby beaches, hiking areas and the villages of Frisco and Hatteras.
Ocracoke Campground
Ocracoke, North Carolina
Website: nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm
Ocracoke Campground is located a few miles outside Ocracoke Village and provides easy access to undeveloped beaches. This campground is accessible by an RV by a ferry only and is located on the ocean side, separated from the beach by barrier dunes.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore operates Oregon Inlet, Frisco and Ocracoke campgrounds. All three offer sites for RVs and reservations are made through Recreation.gov.
6. THE FLORIDA KEYS
Best for: Tropical weather, water activities and island hopping
The Florida Keys provide turquoise water, warm temperatures and a relaxed island atmosphere. The Overseas Highway carries travelers from Key Largo to Key West across a series of bridges and islands, making the drive part of the adventure.
Popular activities include snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, boating and visiting the restaurants, attractions and historic sites of Key West.
Campgrounds to Consider
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Key Largo, Florida
Website: floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/john-pennekamp-coral-reef-state-park
Located in Key Largo, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is known as America’s first undersea park. Visitors can take snorkeling, scuba-diving and glass-bottom boat excursions to explore the offshore coral reef. Canoeing, kayaking and fishing throughout the park’s waters are also popular activities.
Bahia Honda State Park
Big Pine Key, Florida
Website: floridastateparks.org/BahiaHonda
Bahia Honda State Park is known for clear water, sandy beaches, snorkeling and views from the historic Bahia Honda Bridge. Buttonwood Campground and Sandspur Campground, each located within the park, best accommodate motorhome travelers. Birding, boating and bicycling are all popular activities within the park.
Boyd’s Key West Campground
Key West, Florida
Website: boydscampground.com/
Located on Stock Island, Boyd’s Key West Campground offers RV sites within a short drive of downtown Key West. It is a convenient choice for travelers who want to explore Duval Street, Mallory Square and the island’s historic attractions.
Florida’s state park campgrounds are extremely popular, particularly during the winter. Reservations should be made well in advance, and travelers should verify the maximum motorhome length accepted at each park.
7. GULF SHORES AND ORANGE BEACH, ALABAMA
Best for: White-sand beaches, bike trails and family vacations
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer white-sand beaches, restaurants, family attractions, fishing and opportunities to kayak or paddle along the Alabama Gulf Coast.
Campgrounds to Consider
Gulf State Park Campground
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Website: alapark.com/parks/gulf-state-park
Gulf State Park Campground is located along Middle Lake, approximately 1.5 miles from the beach. It includes 496 full-hookup campsites with paved pads, along with convenient access to trails, lakes, beaches and other recreation. Flexible accommodations include nightly, weekly and monthly camping options to fit your travel plans.
Gulf State Park RV Resort
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Website: alapark.com/parks/gulf-state-park
The newer RV Resort at Gulf State Park caters to those wanting an elevated camping experience. The RV Resort includes 104 full-hookup campsites with concrete pads, paved patios, fire pits, grills and picnic tables. Resort amenities include a pool, playground, and direct access to the Back Country Trail for biking and birding.
Luxury RV Resort
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Website: 30aluxuryrvresort.com/
Located near downtown Gulf Shores, this privately operated RV resort places visitors within walking or biking distance of the beach, restaurants and shopping. Guests have access to the clubhouse, playground, pool and beach shuttle service.
Tips for Coastal Motorhome Camping
Before heading toward the coast in your Winnebago or Newmar Freedom Aire motorhome, keep these travel tips in mind:
- Reserve your campsite early, especially for summer weekends, holidays and winter stays in Florida.
- Confirm maximum RV lengths, hookup availability and road-clearance restrictions before arriving.
- Check coastal road, ferry, weather and campground conditions before each travel day.
- Be prepared for wind, fog, rain and rapidly changing temperatures.
- Avoid parking or driving in soft beach sand unless the area is specifically approved for your motorhome.
- Rinse your motorhome after extended exposure to salt air and coastal roads.
- Arrive with adequate fresh water and empty holding tanks when staying at campgrounds without hookups.
Explore America’s Coastlines in a Winnebago Motorhome
One of the greatest advantages of traveling in a motorhome is having the flexibility to follow the shoreline wherever it leads. From the rugged Pacific Northwest to the tropical Florida Keys, these coastal camping destinations offer memorable scenery, outdoor recreation and campgrounds where you can settle in and enjoy the view.
At Lichtsinn RV, we are proud to help travelers find the Winnebago or Newmar Freedom Aire motorhome that fits their lifestyle and travel plans. Whether you are preparing for your first coastal camping trip or mapping out a cross-country journey, our factory-trained team is here to help you begin your adventure with confidence.
Celebrate 250 years of freedom by discovering more of America from the comfort of your Winnebago or Newmar Freedom Aire motorhome. The coastline is calling, and your next great American adventure awaits!
Winnebago & Newmar Motorhomes For Sale
Experience the Best® at Lichtsinn RV, we have been recognized as the #1 Winnebago Dealer in North America each year since 2015 by Winnebago Industries. Lichtsinn RV is located 1 mile north of the Winnebago Motorhome Factory in Forest City, IA and we proudly sell new Winnebago and Newmar Freedom Aire motorhomes and pre-owned RVs from various manufacturers. While at Lichtsinn RV, you can expect a complimentary half-day educational orientation of your RV, excellent guest reviews, an assigned support team from sales, parts, service and the business office, superior accommodations, no-hassle pricing and competitive financing. See our extensive new and used inventory here.
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