I love movies! I love visiting actual movie locations, too!
Here are five great movie sites to visit. You’ll also discover nearby activities and attractions that will make your RV “movie trip” well worth your time. Ready? Action!
Chippewa Square, Savannah, GA
The bench-in-the-park scene from Forrest Gump (1994) was filmed in Chippewa Square, Savannah, GA. Movie fans still stroll the square remembering Tom Hanks’ box of chocolates.
The actual movie bench was a prop (and later moved to a museum), but the atmosphere of the live oaks and historic homes is the same as on the movie screen.
Other Savannah sights
Near Chippewa Square, you can wander over to Forsyth Park for the fountain and beautiful, expansive lawn views. Or stroll the cobblestones along River Street for shops and river views.
While in the area, don’t miss the Prohibition Museum and the Georgia State Railroad Museum.
RV parks to consider
For RVers, Skidaway Island State Park and private spots like Red Gate Farms RV Resort make convenient bases just a short drive from downtown.
Oak Alley Plantation/River Road (near New Orleans)
If you want the antebellum Southern mansion look made famous by the movies, head to Oak Alley Plantation. There, you’ll find its famous lineup of live oak trees along with the “big house.” Both were used for scenes in Interview with the Vampire and show up on several additional Louisiana film lists.
Other New Orleans attractions
If you’re based in the Crescent City, add a walk through the famous Jackson Square and pop into the nearby Gallier House. You may recognize it as it’s sometimes used as a backdrop for film or TV use.
Don’t miss the National World War II Museum and the New Orleans Museum of Art while you’re visiting. If there’s time, treat yourself to a cruise on the Steamboat Natchez.
Here’s my full guide on what RVers should do in New Orleans.
RV campgrounds to consider
RVers can find urban RV parks and KOAs close enough for a short drive into the French Quarter or choose state parks for a quieter night and easy hookups.
Chicago, IL
Chicago has starred in everything from the carefree Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) to Christopher Nolan’s urban Gotham in The Dark Knight (2008).
Follow Ferris’ steps at the Art Institute of Chicago and snap a photo outside Wrigley Field (where Ferris and friends watch a Cubs game). For Batman fans, a drive around Lower Wacker Drive and LaSalle Street shows off the city’s cinematic side.
Additional Chicago attractions
For film buffs, take the Chicago Movie Tours, where you’ll see additional movie locations. Or take a River Boat Architecture Tour. There’s also the Lincoln Park Conservatory, Frank Lloyd Wright Homes, Shedd Aquarium, and so much more!
RV parks to consider
Fox Bluff Cottages & RV and Kankakee South KOA Holiday are good choices to investigate, but keep in mind the places you intend to visit when you make your campground choice.
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, AZ/UT line
For the cinematic West, few places are more iconic than Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. Directors like John Ford used the valley’s massive buttes and open desert to stage classics such as Stagecoach and The Searchers. Fans still recognize John Ford Point and the vistas used across generations of Westerns.
Nearby attractions
Take a Sandstone Tour with a knowledgeable Navajo guide, or choose one of the many valley tours available.
Monument Valley pairs well with drives to nearby Canyonlands, Lake Powell, or the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
RV parks to consider
Goulding’s Lodge offers a real slice of movie-history hospitality and an RV-friendly campground, and Tseyi’ Dine’ Heritage Area’s Cottonwood Campground is a boondocking spot.
The Gamble House, CA
Architecture lovers and movie fans alike may recognize The Gamble House in Pasadena, California, even if they don’t immediately realize why it looks familiar. This beautifully preserved Craftsman-style home served as the exterior of Doc Brown’s house in the classic 1985 film Back to the Future.
Built in 1908 for the Gamble family of Procter & Gamble fame, the home is widely considered one of the finest examples of American Arts and Crafts architecture. Its intricate woodwork, stained glass details, and handcrafted furniture make it a standout stop. The home is so architecturally significant that it has been designated a National Historic Landmark.
Fans of Back to the Future may recognize the leafy Pasadena neighborhood where Doc Brown supposedly lived before Marty McFly arrived with a time-traveling DeLorean DMC‑12. Guided tours of the house allow visitors to step inside the remarkable interior, which still contains many original furnishings and design features.
Nearby sights to explore
RVers visiting the area will find plenty to explore nearby. Just a short drive away is Old Pasadena. This is a lively district filled with historic buildings, restaurants, and boutique shops.
Science fans might enjoy the Jet Propulsion Laboratory visitor center exhibits. Outdoor enthusiasts can take a scenic walk through the nearby Arroyo Seco area. A few miles away, the world-famous Rose Bowl Stadium hosts events throughout the year.
RV campground choices
Parks along the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains or in neighboring communities provide easier access while still keeping you within a short drive of the filming location.
Quick RV-friendly planning tips
- Pick your RV base before you arrive in busy towns. Historic districts often have strict parking rules and tight streets.
- Bring cash or card for entry fees. (Monument Valley and some plantations have per-person or per-vehicle fees.)
- Check seasonal hours for historic homes and museum displays.
- Arrive early for the best photos (and fewer crowds).
- Be mindful and respectful. Many film sites are working historic properties or protected tribal lands. Follow signs, stay on marked routes, and support local guides and artisans whenever possible.
Have you ever visited the location where a famous movie was filmed? Tell us about it in the comments below.
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RVT1255
Thank you for the lists, Gail. I woder how much self-restraint it took to avoid mentioning the Cafe Du Monde and its famous beignets when you wrote of Jackson Square in New Orleans? I was there decades ago, an earlier century in fact, and their reputation was well-deserved. Have a great day and safe travels!