I love exploring state capitols. Smaller state capitols offer easy‑going charm, shorter lines on guided tours, and the kind of hometown hospitality that makes you feel like part of the neighborhood.
In smaller state capitols, you’ll find grand architecture without the crowds. You’ll enjoy locally owned cafés serving regional specialties just blocks from the rotunda. You may even discover hidden gems, from riverside bike paths to artisan markets.
Many of these capitols are surrounded by scenic byways and family‑friendly campgrounds. RVers have the freedom to mingle history, culture, and the open road in one seamless adventure.
Treats in the East
The smaller state capitols in the Eastern region of the U.S. combine history, amazing architecture, and local charm. Here are just a few state capitols to consider as you plot out your next RV trip.
Richmond, Virginia
Capitol highlights and grounds
• Classical Revival architecture: Designed by Thomas Jefferson (inspired by France’s Maison Carrée), Virginia’s Capitol was built 1785–1788.
• Rotunda and Jefferson Room: Admire the grand rotunda’s Corinthian columns and the George Catlin portrait of Thomas Jefferson.
• Capitol Square: Stroll tree‑lined paths past historic statues and the adjacent Governor’s Mansion.
Nearby activities
• Museum of the Confederacy and White House of the Confederacy on East Clay Street
• St. John’s Church: Site of “Give me liberty…” speech
• Carytown and canal walk: Eclectic shops, cafés, and riverside art
Top RV campgrounds
• Americamps RV Resort – 184 full‑hookup sites, pull‑throughs, fenced dog park, pool, laundry, free Wi‑Fi and cable
• Richmond North / Kings Dominion KOA Holiday – Pull‑throughs, KOA Patios™, pool, camp store, dog wash
• DLA MWR Campground – $35/night, 30/50 A hookups, water, dump station, fire pits, picnic tables, gazebo
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Capitol highlights and grounds
• Beaux‑Arts “Palace of Art”: Architect Joseph M. Huston’s gilded dome topped by Perry’s “Commonwealth” statue; opulent murals and sculptures throughout
• Grand Rotunda and dome murals: Medallions and handcrafted tile mosaics
• Capitol complex: Includes the historic Ryan Building (built in 1894) and lush Capitol Park
Nearby activities
• National Civil War Museum and Pennsylvania State Archives
• Riverfront Park and City Island: Biking, mini‑golf, and summer concerts
• Broad Street Market: Local produce, artisanal foods
Top RV campgrounds
• Harrisburg East Campground – Level concrete pads, free Wi‑Fi, big rig friendly, pool
• Twin Grove RV Resort & Cottages – 218 sites, pool, arcade, ice cream shop, adjacent to Swatara State Park
• Pinch Pond Family Campground – Full hookups, cable TV, game room, camp store
Montpelier, Vermont
Capitol highlights and grounds
• Greek Revival structure: Built in 1857, topped by the “Ceres” gilded statue; red Vermont marble interior
• Governor’s Ceremonial Office and Hall of Flags: Banners displayed from every county in Vermont
Nearby activities
• Downtown Montpelier: Quaint shops, artisan bakeries, State Street
• Winooski Riverwalk: Scenic trail and kayak rentals
• Vermont Historical Society Museum
Top RV campgrounds
• Limehurst Lake Campground – Big rig friendly, dog park, full hookups.
• Lazy Lions Campground– Full hookups, wooded sites, hiking
• Elmore State Park – Swimming beach, shady sites
Hartford, Connecticut
Capitol highlights and grounds
• Renaissance Revival dome: Completed 1878, interior murals
• Bushnell Park and Soldiers and Sailors Monument at front plaza
Nearby activities
• Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
• Mark Twain House and Museum
• Riverfront Recapture kayaking and pedal boats.
Top RV campgrounds
• Riverdale Farm Campsites – Pool, mini‑golf, cabins, Wi‑Fi
• Black Rock State Park – Fishing, hiking, dump station
• Camp Columbia – Waterfront sites, playground, bathhouses
Albany, New York
Capitol highlights and grounds
• Romanesque and neo‑Renaissance facade: Completed 1899, pink granite exterior, lavish Gilded Age interiors
• Rotunda murals and grand staircase: New York history pictured throughout
Nearby activities
• New York State Museum (free admission)
• USS Slater DE-766 (WWII destroyer-escort museum)
• Empire State Plaza art collection and ice rink
Top RV campgrounds
• Schoharie Valley Campground/Twin Oaks – Full hookups, pool, playground
• Thacher State Park – Marina access, tent sites, restrooms
• Alps Family Campgrounds – Rec hall, sports courts, cabins
You should go!
Every state capitol in the Eastern U.S. is worth a visit. For me, the capitols located in smaller cities offer less traffic and just as much history and entertainment as their megalopolis counterparts. Plan a trip and see for yourself!
Do you have a favorite state capitol in the Eastern U.S. to recommend? Do so in the comments that follow.
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RVT1220
When in Richmond, visit https://www.hollywoodcemetery.org/. If that’s your thing, this place is quite interesting.
I think this would be a great destination type trip thanks
I’m right there with you! We’ve tried to “make it our mission” to visit all of them…haven’t quite made it yet though. We have a fun little book that we have use and mark them off as we go! Each one is so different and unique…we have such a great country!
If in Richmond and if you are a history buff, don’t miss the Tredegar Iron Works. This is an excellent Civil War museum that does a great job balancing perspectives of a conflict that literally tore our nation in half. It is run by the American Civil War Museum that also operates the Confederate White House (already mentioned) and a fantastic museum at Appomattox next to the NPS site. If you decide to do all three, it’s lower cost to become a member for the year if there are two of you going. Doing so also gets you a quarterly very high quality magazine with amazing articles written by real historians.
Thank you for the suggestion, Mikal! Safe travels!
Thank you for piquing my interest, Gail! I have not visited Kentucky’s capital in Frankfort, but I wonder if it yields a large degree of calm and peacefulness relative to Louisville to its west and Lexington to its east? I will lobby DW to investigate the accuracy of my speculation. Have a great week and safe travels!