8 Road Trip Ideas to Celebrate the 4th of July
With an unlimited miles RV rental, experience true holiday freedom.
This year, celebrate 4th of July camping the roadsurfer way—with a long weekend, open roads, and unlimited miles RV rental that lets you roam as far and wide as you want. From alpine lakes to desert fireworks, we’ve mapped out eight unforgettable loop routes—one from every U.S. roadsurfer station.
Road Trip Loop Starting Points
Because Independence Shouldn’t Have a Limit
Unlimited Miles RV Rental
Honestly, what says “freedom” more than a road trip with zero limits? That’s the magic of roadsurfer’s unlimited miles RV rental—you get to chase every whim, take that scenic detour, or say yes to just one more small-town parade without ever worrying about a mileage cap. This is the kind of 4th of July where you don’t have to settle for the nearest fireworks show; you can follow the adventure wherever it leads, whether it’s sunrise in the mountains, a lazy afternoon on the lake, or a star-lit night in the wild. It’s about reclaiming that classic American dream—your own path, your own pace, and the open road wide open in front of you. Isn’t that the best way to celebrate independence?
4-day Itinerary
Seattle, WA
Seattle ➤ North Cascades ➤ Leavenworth ➤ Lake Chelan ➤ Seattle
This is the kind of summer loop that makes you forget to check your phone. Pick up your RV at the Seattle roadsurfer station and head into the kind of wild that resets your brain. One moment, you’re hiking through glacier-carved wilderness in the North Cascades. The next, you’re in Leavenworth eating bratwurst beneath a sky full of fireworks. By the time you hit Lake Chelan, the vibe shifts again—warm sun, clear water, and space to breathe before looping back toward the city. One road trip. Three moods. Zero mileage limits holding you back.
Why It’s Perfect for the 4th of July
- Leavenworth’s Americana vibe: Patriotic concert, family games, and a firework finale in a Bavarian-style mountain town
- Lake Chelan showstopper: Fireworks over the lake, best viewed from your paddleboard, picnic blanket, or RV
- North Cascades reset: No fireworks allowed = quiet skies, dark nights, and a haven for pets and sensory-sensitive travelers
- True emotional loop: Wild → festive → laid-back, all in one long weekend
RV Camping Tips
- North Cascades: Remote, quiet, RV-accessible spots like Colonial Creek with vault toilets and bear lockers
- Leavenworth: Full-hookup RV parks near town with shuttles to the parade and fireworks
- Lake Chelan: Lakeside state park sites with hookups, beach access, and sunset views
- Plan ahead: Fire bans are common in July—check local alerts. Dogs are welcome in campgrounds, but not on most national park trails
- Recommended Base: Leavenworth
- Day 1: Drive from Seattle to Leavenworth (about 2 hours). Settle in at a nearby camping spot. Enjoy the 4th of July parade, local food, and evening fireworks in town.
- Overnight: Stay in Leavenworth.
- Day 2: Enjoy a morning stroll in town or a short hike, then drive back to Seattle in the afternoon.
4-day Itinerary
Denver, CO
Denver ➤ Estes Park ➤ Rocky Mountain National Park ➤ Denver
Craving mountain air, parades, and more stargazing than screen time? Pick up your RV at the Denver roadsurfer station and watch the city fade in your rearview. You’re heading straight into the Rockies, where rodeo energy meets alpine chill and every small town is ready for a Fourth of July celebration. Let’s see how high a holiday weekend can take you.
4th of July Camping Highlights
- Estes Park area: Full-hookup RV parks near town with shuttle access to 4th of July events and Lake Estes
- Inside the park: Rustic but stunning camping at Moraine Park or Glacier Basin—expect basic amenities, elk sightings, and wide-open night skies
- Fire rules: Fire bans are likely in July—check before you light up
- Traveling with dogs: Leashed dogs are allowed in camping spots and on paved paths, but not on national park trails—save those for the early mornings while the fog still hugs the meadow
RV Camping Tips
- North Cascades: Remote, quiet, RV-accessible spots like Colonial Creek with vault toilets and bear lockers
- Leavenworth: Full-hookup RV parks near town with shuttles to the parade and fireworks
- Lake Chelan: Lakeside state park sites with hookups, beach access, and sunset views
- Plan ahead: Fire bans are common in July—check local alerts. Dogs are welcome in campgrounds, but not on most national park trails
- Recommended Base: Estes Park
- Day 1: Head from Denver to Estes Park (1.5–2 hours). Spend the day hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park or enjoying Estes Park’s small-town 4th of July celebrations.
- Overnight: Book a camping spot near Estes Park or within the park.
- Day 2: Wake up to mountain views, take an easy morning hike or explore town, then return to Denver.
4-day Itinerary
Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas ➤ Zion National Park ➤ St. George, UT ➤ Las Vegas
Forget the slot machines—July 4th is your ticket to red-rock canyons, lazy rivers, and fireworks that echo off Utah cliffs. Swing by the Las Vegas roadsurfer station and drive until neon turns to nature. This is the kind of loop where the nights are quiet, the parades are local, and you’ll come home with more sand and stories than you started with.
4th of July Camping Highlights
- Zion National Park reset: No fireworks allowed inside the park = quiet nights, dark skies, and a canyon that humbles you
- St. George celebration: Morning parade, food trucks, a huge community party, and fireworks launched from Greater Zion Stadium
- The best of both: Spend your day waist-deep in a river, your night under a lit-up desert sky
- Built for contrast: Wild mornings, festive evenings, and total flexibility the whole way through
RV Camping Tips
- Zion National Park: South and Watchman Campgrounds both accommodate RVs; expect basic hookups, scenic views, and high demand—book early
- Outside the park: Plenty of RV camping spots near Springdale or along UT-9 with showers, shaded picnic tables, and shuttle access to Zion
- Fire safety: Utah summers are dry—assume burn bans and plan for propane cooking
- Dog policy: Zion has one pet-friendly trail (Pa’rus Trail), but dogs are allowed in campgrounds and on BLM land just outside the park—go early to beat the heat
- Recommended Base: Zion National Park or St. George
- Day 1: Drive to St. George (about 2 hours) or directly to Zion (2.5 hours). Enjoy the St. George 4th of July parade and fireworks, or explore Zion’s accessible scenic spots.
- Overnight: Camp in St. George or just outside Zion.
- Day 2: Take a morning hike or stroll, then head back to Las Vegas.
4-day Itinerary
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles ➤ Mammoth Lakes ➤ Eastern Sierra ➤ Los Angeles
When the L.A. sun gets intense, why not let the mountains do the heavy lifting? Pick up your RV at the Los Angeles roadsurfer station and take off for the Eastern Sierra. This loop is all cool lakes, starry nights, and holiday vibes—fireworks over the water and paddleboards instead of palm trees. Trust us, the drive is half the magic.
4th of July Camping Highlights
- Mammoth’s mountain-town parade: Locals on decorated bikes, dogs in stars-and-stripes bandanas, and ski instructors tossing candy from floats
- Fireworks over Crowley Lake: A high-elevation show that lights up the Sierra sky—cold air, warm jacket, perfect view
- Peaceful escapes nearby: Skip the crowds and camp further out for a firework-free night under the Milky Way
- Roadside detours built in: This stretch of 395 is full of wild stops—ghost towns, lava domes, and hot springs right off the road
RV Camping Tips
- In town: Mammoth Lakes has several RV parks with full hookups, showers, and walkable access to the parade and shops
- National forest land: Inyo National Forest offers rustic camping near alpine lakes and trails—less crowded, more stars
- Fire safety: Fire restrictions are almost guaranteed—use designated rings and propane setups only
- Dog-friendly tips: Most forest trails allow dogs on leash, and shuttle buses to Reds Meadow (Devils Postpile) are dog-approved too
- Recommended Base: Mammoth Lakes
- Day 1: Early morning drive from LA to Mammoth Lakes (5–6 hours; possible with an early start). Join the parade and town festivities, then relax by the lake.
- Overnight: Camp near Mammoth Lakes.
- Day 2: Enjoy the lakes or a short hike, then make your way back to LA after lunch.
4-day Itinerary
Miami, FL
Miami ➤ Marathon ➤ Bahia Honda ➤ Miami
If you’re dreaming of ocean breezes, beach barbecues, and fireworks over the water, the Miami roadsurfer station is your starting line. Grab your unlimited miles RV rental and hit the Overseas Highway—each bridge a promise of another beach, another sunset, and a whole new way to celebrate the Fourth.
4th of July Camping Highlights
- Marathon beach bash: Patriotic parade, food trucks, live music, and a full-scale fireworks show at Sombrero Beach
- Oceanfront fireworks: Watch from the sand or your RV site—palm trees swaying, ocean glowing
- Quiet camp options: Bahia Honda and Long Key State Parks ban personal fireworks, so it stays peaceful after the show
- Tropical contrast: Loud and festive one night, silent shoreline the next
RV Camping Tips
- Bahia Honda State Park: Oceanfront camping spots with water + electric hookups, bathhouses, and unbeatable views
- Nearby options: Curry Hammock and Long Key State Parks also offer RV camping with basic amenities and access to kayak launches
- Fire rules: Personal fireworks are banned across most of the Keys—great for pets and wildlife
- Dogs in the Keys: Leashed dogs are welcome at many beaches (like Anne’s Beach), and most state parks allow dogs in camping areas
- Recommended Base: Marathon
- Day 1: Drive down the Overseas Highway from Miami to Marathon (2.5–3 hours). Join the Marathon 4th of July beach party and fireworks at Sombrero Beach.
- Overnight: Book a camping spot at Bahia Honda or Curry Hammock State Park.
- Day 2: Morning beach time or quick snorkeling, then head back up to Miami in the afternoon.
4-day Itinerary
Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix ➤ Page ➤ Lake Powell ➤ Phoenix
This is the summer you swap hot city pavement for red-rock canyons and lakeside fireworks. Start at the Phoenix roadsurfer station and point your RV toward Page and Lake Powell. With unlimited miles, there’s no rush—just wide skies, cool water, and plenty of detours to make it your own.
4th of July Camping Highlights
- Page celebration: Small-town parade, classic BBQ, and a firework show over Lake Powell that echoes off the canyon walls
- Lake life energy: Cool water, wide skies, and boats pulled up to watch fireworks from the water
- Firework-free zones nearby: Camp outside town for a quiet night under the stars—perfect for pets or low-sensory travel
- More than just a detour: Page isn’t a stop—it’s a launchpad into Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and some of the wildest scenery in Arizona
Camping Tips
- Lone Rock Beach: Park right on the sand, steps from the water—no hookups, but unbeatable views and direct lake access
- Wahweap Campground: Full-hookup sites near marinas with showers, picnic tables, and space to breathe
- Fire rules: Fireworks are banned across Glen Canyon National Recreation Area—expect calm nights and wide-open skies
- Traveling with dogs: Lake Powell’s shoreline is pet-friendly, and early morning walks to Horseshoe Bend are shaded enough to enjoy safely—just bring extra water and avoid hot midday pavement
- Recommended Base: Page
- Day 1: Early drive from Phoenix to Page (4.5 hours). Explore Antelope Canyon or relax by Lake Powell. Enjoy the parade and fireworks in the evening.
- Overnight: Camp at Wahweap or Lone Rock Beach.
- Day 2: Morning lake fun, then drive back to Phoenix.
4-day Itinerary
Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake City ➤ Jackson Hole ➤ Grand Teton NP ➤ Salt Lake City
Looking for cowboy parades, alpine lakes, and a Fourth of July that feels like a movie montage? The Salt Lake City roadsurfer station is your launchpad. Cruise north to Jackson and the Tetons—where wild valleys, rodeo lights, and stargazing in Grand Teton National Park make every mile feel like freedom.
4th of July Camping Highlights
- Jackson’s Western-style 4th: Parade, live music, a real rodeo, and fireworks launched from both Snow King Mountain and Teton Village
- Two shows, one town: Watch bursts over the mountains from just about anywhere—lawns, parking lots, or your RV door
- Peaceful camping options: Fireworks are banned inside Grand Teton NP, so camp there if you’re traveling with pets or just want quiet after the party
- Perfect pacing: Rowdy in town, wild and still in the park—it’s a full-circle kind of weekend
RV Camping Tips
- Jackson area: Book early—local campgrounds with hookups fill up fast over the holiday
- Inside Grand Teton NP: Colter Bay and Gros Ventre campgrounds offer stunning views, basic amenities, and plenty of wildlife sightings
- Fire rules: No fireworks or campfires outside designated areas—pack a propane setup and enjoy the night sky
- Dog access: Leashed dogs are welcome in developed areas and campgrounds, but not on national park trails—stick to forest roads and shoreline walks outside park boundaries
- Recommended Base: Jackson
- Day 1: Drive from Salt Lake City to Jackson (5 hours). Enjoy the parade, rodeo, and fireworks over the Tetons.
- Overnight: Camp in or near Jackson.
- Day 2: Take a scenic drive into Grand Teton National Park or a quick paddle on Jenny Lake, then return to Salt Lake City.
4-day Itinerary
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco ➤ Mendocino ➤ Fort Bragg ➤ San Francisco
City feeling crowded? Trade the buzz for coastal air and redwoods older than the Declaration itself. Your road trip starts at the San Francisco roadsurfer station. Follow Highway 1 into Mendocino and Fort Bragg, where Fourth of July parades feature more llamas and kazoo bands than you ever thought possible—and fireworks light up the Pacific, not just the sky.
4th of July Camping Highlights
- Mendocino’s offbeat parade: Think llamas in hats, marching kazoo bands, and handmade floats—small-town creativity at its best
- Fort Bragg fireworks: Oceanfront display over the Pacific, with viewing spots along the coastal bluffs and beaches
- No chaos, no problem: Mendocino County bans personal fireworks, which means quiet forests and stress-free nights for pets and travelers who’d rather skip the noise
- Feel-good rhythm: A weekend that’s more coastal stillness than city chaos—exactly the break July calls for
RV Camping Tips
- Near Mendocino: Camp under redwoods at Van Damme or Russian Gulch State Parks—basic amenities, big trees, and close to the parade route
- Around Fort Bragg: More open RV sites with hookups near MacKerricher State Park, Glass Beach, and the Skunk Train
- Fire restrictions: This region stays fire-conscious year-round—check local guidelines before lighting up
- Dog-friendly coastline: Leashed dogs are welcome on many beaches and trails; Navarro Beach and Big River Beach are perfect for mellow walks after the fireworks
- Recommended Base: Mendocino
- Day 1: Morning drive to Mendocino (about 4 hours). Watch the quirky parade, stroll through town, and picnic by the coast. In the evening, catch Fort Bragg fireworks.
- Overnight: Camp at a state park near Mendocino.
- Day 2: Explore redwood trails or tide pools in the morning, then head back to San Francisco.
4th of July RV Camping FAQs
Unlimited mileage means you won’t be charged for the distance you drive. With roadsurfer, you can explore freely—whether you’re heading to a 4th of July campground in the mountains, along the coast, or across state lines. No mileage caps. No surprise fees. Just drive as far as your weekend takes you.
Now. Most 4th of July camping spots on recreation.gov (federal campgrounds booking site)—especially in U.S. national parks (official park system site) or near fireworks events—fill up fast. The earlier you book (think: 2–4 months out), the more likely you are to grab a spot near the action or far away from the noise if you’re seeking quiet. Some first-come, first-served U.S. Forest Service campgrounds do exist, but they’re risky on holiday weekends.
Yes. Many national and state parks ban fireworks, which makes them ideal if you’re traveling with dogs or want a low-sensory experience. Great examples include:
- Rocky Mountain National Park (CO)
- Zion National Park (UT)
- North Cascades National Park (WA)
- Bahia Honda State Park (FL)
For official alerts and fire ban updates, check the NPS Current Conditions page before you go.
Most RV campgrounds and state parks allow leashed dogs in camping areas, picnic zones, and on paved trails. However, dogs are generally not allowed on national park trails. Check each park’s pet policy in advance, and plan around leash rules and July heat—especially in desert areas like Arizona or Utah.
If campgrounds near major firework shows are booked, look for regions with more flexible or dispersed options:
- Inyo National Forest (CA) dispersed camping
- Lone Rock Beach at Lake Powell (AZ/UT)
- Van Damme State Park on the Mendocino Coast (CA)
For real-time openings, try recreation.gov for late cancellations or first-come, first-served spots.
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