All aboard! If you love trains, you’ll love these railroad gems! They are the best in the Eastern United States. Plan your RV railroad trip today.
Medina Railroad Museum (Medina, NY)
Nestled between Buffalo and Rochester, this museum features one of Western New York’s largest model-train layouts (204 ft. × 14 ft.), along with full-size locomotives and passenger cars. Seasonal train excursions are also offered, with schedules and pricing varying by event.
The museum’s living history excursions depart from 530 West Avenue, offering a firsthand glimpse of 19th and 20th century railroading in Western New York. Learn more here.
Nearby RV park: Wildwood Lake / Medina KOA Holiday
- Location: 2711 County Line Rd., Medina, NY 14103
- Amenities: Full hookups (water, electric, sewer), Wi-Fi, two pools, splash pad, playground, game room, fishing pond, winery on-site
- Nearby attractions: Medina’s historic Erie Canal Lock 29, Niagara Falls (40 mi.), and local wineries
B&O Railroad Museum (Baltimore, MD)
Celebrating America’s oldest common-carrier railroad, the B&O Railroad Museum houses more than 250 historic objects. Among them is the inaugural “Tom Thumb” locomotive replica, within its landmark 1884 roundhouse.
Highlights include the “Rebuilding the Cathedral of American Railroading” tour and the restoration of the American Freedom Train.
Nearby RV park: Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina (Abingdon, MD)
- Location: 4228 Rocky Point Road, Abingdon, MD (≈ 25 mi. south of Baltimore)
- Amenities: Full hookups, waterfront sites, swimming pool, fishing pier, dog park, laundry, showers, free Wi-Fi
- Nearby attractions: Baltimore Inner Harbor, National Aquarium, Fort McHenry
Adirondack Railroad (Utica – Tupper Lake, NY)
Operated by the Adirondack Railway Preservation Society, this year-round scenic line winds through the Adirondack Park. It offers a variety of themed excursions through stunning vistas. Departures from historic Union Station in Utica include narrated tours that blend history and wilderness scenery.
Nearby RV park: Adirondack Gateway Campground (Cold Brook, NY)
- Location: 244 Burt Rd., Cold Brook, NY (≈ 25 mi. northeast of Utica)
- Amenities: Full hookups (20/30/50 amp), Wi-Fi, hiking trails, fishing ponds, canoe/kayak rentals, cabins
- Nearby attractions: Delta Lake State Park, Cooperstown museums, Glimmerglass State Park
Strasburg Rail Road (Lancaster, PA)
As the nation’s oldest continuously operating railroad (since 1832), Strasburg Rail Road delights with authentic steam train journeys. Visitors will ride through Amish farmlands, with first class dining and open-air coach options.
On-site exhibits display restored cabooses, passenger cars, and working shops where craftsmen maintain live-steam engines.
Nearby RV park: Lancaster County / KOA Journey (New Holland, PA)
- Location: 354 Springville Road, New Holland, PA (≈ 6 mi. from Strasburg)
- Amenities: Pull-through/back-in sites up to 90 ft., cabin rentals, playground, mini-golf, pool, Wi-Fi, showers, laundry
- Nearby attractions: Sight & Sound Theatre, Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, Amish farm tours
You should go!
Immerse yourself in railroad history and culture. Plan an RV trip to see the best Eastern U.S. railroad destinations soon.
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RVT1257
Another would be STEAMTOWN NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE in Scranton, Pa where there is also a Trolley Museum. About a half hour or less you can camp at Lackawanna State Park, Tobyhanna State Park or Promised Land State Park.
We stayed at Promised Land last summer. Very nice state park…just don’t forget your leveling blocks!
Big upgrades have arrived at Promised Land State Park’s Northwoods Campground. They’ve completed work on 18 newly rehabilitated full-hookup campsites, to bring added comfort and convenience to your stay in one of PA’s most beloved forest escapes.
Oh yeah! If you don’t know I’m a huge rail fan and we’ve found that many tourist railroads will actually let you boondock on their property. I’ve stayed at a number of them and a few even have some form of hook-up for RVers.
Just to add, the Strasburg Museum is FAR more than just some restored cabooses and passenger cars. It’s HUGE with many, many engines from steam to diesel electric to full electric. Also numerous other exhibits. If you are going to do a ride and see the museum I suggest a full day. DW and I split it into two half days.
We camped at Gifford Pinchot State Park between Harrisburg and York for ten days. This puts you right in the middle of lots of historic sites in South-Central PA.