Did you memorize the U.S. states and capitals in fourth grade? Me, too! I’ve found that adding state capitals to your RV trip plans is definitely worthwhile.
There are, of course, 50 state capitals, but for now I’ve chosen just three: Madison, Richmond, and Santa Fe. Every state capital region offers visitors a unique experience. You can count on enjoying local culture, eateries, and special activities, too.
Madison, Wisconsin
The Wisconsin State Capitol is one of the best downtown landmarks to start with because it is right in the middle of the city at 2 East Main Street. Visitors can take free guided tours of the Capitol year-round. (Plan 45-55 minutes for the guided tour.) Or you can explore on your own.
The Capitol is open to the public on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and weekends and some holidays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The sixth-floor museum and observation deck are also open during the summer months, which is a nice bonus.
The grounds around Capitol Square are just as rewarding as the building itself. Madison’s Dane County Farmers’ Market is a real treasure. It’s the country’s largest producer-only market. The market circles the square, so you can pair a Capitol visit with fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, and food carts. Visit early in the day for the best selection of seasonal favorites.
From the Capitol building, it’s an easy hop to State Street, a pedestrian mall filled with eateries, bookstores, and shops—all with a college vibe. Nearby, you’ll also find the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art and the Overture Center for the Arts.
If your RV trip lines up with festival season, Madison keeps its calendar lively with events like the Fringe Festival and neighborhood gatherings that bring music, food, and street life to downtown.
Nearby campgrounds
Madison is one of the easier capital regions for RVers who like to stay close to the action without giving up space.
- Madison KOA in De Forest offers 81 pull-through sites with full hookups, 50-amp service, and extras like an outdoor heated pool and fenced dog park.
- Another smart option is Capital Springs Recreation Area along with William G. Lunney Lake Farm County Park. Both are just a short drive from downtown and include RV camping, electrical hookups, showers, toilets, and a dump station.
More to see and do
Outdoor activities:
- Walk or bike along the University of Wisconsin–Madison Lakeshore Path
- Picnic or paddle on Lake Monona or Lake Mendota
- Explore Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Indoor activities:
- Madison Museum of Contemporary Art
- Overture Center for the Arts (performances and events)
- Chazen Museum of Art at UW–Madison
- Visit historic State Street shops and local eateries
Richmond, Virginia
The Virginia State Capitol is a classic stop for history lovers. Thomas Jefferson planned the building, and the Bank Street entrance was designed to give visitors a better south-facing view.
The Capitol grounds include Capitol Square, the Executive Mansion, an historic fence, and fountains. Capitol Square covers 12 acres and is one of the oldest planned urban parks in the country.
Nearby campgrounds
- Richmond North/Kings Dominion KOA Holiday offers RV patio sites, full hookups, and year-round operation. It’s close to Richmond—less than 30 minutes away.
- If you prefer a more relaxed, riverfront stay, Riverside Camp & Marina in Lanexa may be a better fit. This campground offers RV sites, cabins, Wi-Fi, a boat ramp, swimming, and fishing access on the Chickahominy River.
- Rockahock Campground and RV Park is another regional option with RV campsites and a long list of outdoor activities.
More to see and do
This area of Virginia offers visitors a wide range of things to see and do.
Outdoor activities:
- Kayak, paddleboard, or hike along the James River Park System
- Bike the Virginia Capital Trail
- Stroll Capitol Square and nearby Monument Avenue
- Explore Belle Isle for walking trails and river views
Indoor activities:
- Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
- Virginia Museum of History & Culture
- Science Museum of Virginia
- The Valentine Museum (Richmond history)
- Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia
Santa Fe, New Mexico
New Mexico’s state Capitol is the Roundhouse. It’s one of the most distinctive Capitol buildings in the country. You’ll find the Capitol at the corner of Old Santa Fe Trail and Paseo de Peralta.
Visitors can take self-guided tours Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., plus Saturdays from Memorial Day through the last Saturday in August. Guided tours are available by appointment.
The Clay Buchanan Memorial Gardens sit on the Roundhouse’s 6.5-acre grounds. There, you’ll discover sequoias, Russian olive trees, roses, and more than 100 kinds of native New Mexico plants. The area is complemented by sculptures from the Capitol Art Collection.
Nearby campgrounds
- Santa Fe KOA Holiday is a solid RV base if you want full-service camping with RV sites and patio options.
- The RV Park at HIPICO Santa Fe is another strong choice, and it’s only 20 minutes from downtown. That makes it handy for Capitol visits and Plaza time without giving up a quieter campground setting.
More to see and do
You’ll have your choice of several activities to enjoy in or near Santa Fe.
Outdoor activities:
- Walk the Santa Fe Plaza and surrounding historic streets
- Hike the Santa Fe foothills or the Dale Ball Trails
- Explore the Roundhouse grounds and Clay Buchanan Memorial Gardens
- Visit the Sangre de Cristo Mountains for day hikes or picnics
Indoor activities:
- Palace of the Governors and New Mexico History Museum
- Museum of International Folk Art
- Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
- Santa Fe Art Galleries (more than 250 in the city)
- Attend cultural events like Indian Market or Santa Fe Art Week
A capital destination
I think you’ll enjoy visiting state capitals. The three destinations mentioned work well because each one pairs a capital with nearby food, museums, outdoor space, and campground choices.
U.S. capitals are unique and memorable. Madison provides a lively square and an easy downtown walk. Richmond brings serious history and great museums. Santa Fe delivers art, culture, and high-desert scenery in one compact trip. But don’t limit yourself to these three. I think you’ll find that every state capital region offers history, culture, and outdoor adventures that are sure to please.
Have you visited a state capitol building or capital region? Tell us about it using the comments below.
RELATED
- “The Fire Hydrant Capital of the World,” and other weird “world capitals”
- How to camp next to the St. Louis Gateway Arch
- A visit to the incredible National Museum of Military Vehicles
- The weirdest national park sites in the United States
- Five iconic movie locations for RVers to explore, and where to camp
RVT1257
We have a book that can be stamped at every state capital. Everything is stamped except Cheyenne and Honolulu. Cheyenne will be stamped in a few months. The motorhome will never get to Honolulu.
I love these ideas. This could be a book.
Well that little state capitol map was an eye-opener. I could not have named many of them, like when in grade school and we could name almost, if not, all of them. I’ve been to over half of them, and yes I carefully counted. When the facts seem to fade, they fade.
If you are in Richmond and are an American history buff, do not miss the Confederate White House tour and the Tregedar Iron Works museum. Both are run by the The American Civil War Museum who does a superb job of examining all aspects of the war, North and South. They have a third museum at Appomattox right next door to the NPS Appomattox site.