Three laid-back RV getaways—slower pace, scenic drives, and room to breathe

If you like RV trips that feel calmer than the more popular destinations, you’ve come to the right place.

The town of Ephraim, Wisconsin, the Keweenaw Peninsula in Michigan, and Trinity Lake in California all reward RVers with a slower pace, scenic driving, and plenty of room to breathe.

Ephraim, Wisconsin

Ephraim is a quiet, historic town set within Wisconsin’s Door County. If you are driving in from the south or west, the usual route is north on Wisconsin Highway 57 to Sturgeon Bay, then north on Highway 42 into Ephraim.

Once you arrive, there are many ways to enjoy Ephraim and the surrounding area. Go biking, hiking, paddling, or spend time at the beach. Or you can watch the sunset, visit a lighthouse or an orchard. Wander the waterfront at an easy pace.

Ephraim makes a good base camp for exploring the surrounding area. Many RVers enjoy Eagle Tower’s accessible canopy walk. Take in the wonderful views over the park and village. Visit Nicolet Bay Beach, Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, and Anderson Dock. Or head to nearby Fish Creek or Sister Bay for shops, ice cream, fish boils, and tasty dinners.

If you want more activity, add kayaking to your schedule. Or take a bike ride through Peninsula State Park. Play a round of golf. Catch a summer outdoor theater show. Or enjoy a quiet evening by the harbor.

I think you’ll agree that Ephraim, Wisconsin, is a strong choice for a relaxed RV summer getaway.

Places to stay

For RV campgrounds near Ephraim, you’ll find many choices. Here are just a few:

• Peninsula State Park Campground. This park has 468 family sites scattered throughout five different campgrounds.
• Fish Creek Campground & RV. Fish Creek Campground is about 1.5 miles from downtown Fish Creek and Peninsula State Park, with 83 sites and water-electric hookups at each site.
• Wagon Trail Campground. Wagon Trail is Door County’s northernmost private campground. It’s located near the Mink River Nature Conservancy and is about 7.7 miles from Ephraim.

Keweenaw Peninsula in Michigan

The Keweenaw Peninsula in Michigan is a great fit when you want scenic miles without crushing crowds. The National Park Service points drivers north on US-41 to Houghton and across the lift bridge into Hancock. Or take the 47-mile US-41 stretch from Houghton to Copper Harbor, which makes the beautiful drive part of the trip.

For easygoing sightseeing, Brockway Mountain Drive is an obvious must–do. It’s a nine-mile scenic drive. You get viewing platforms, trail access, and great Lake Superior views.

Keweenaw National Historical Park adds a different kind of unhurried travel. Visit museums. Go hiking. Explore underground history, geology, archives, and lighthouses. RVers can also add waterfall walks and shoreline rock hunting. Plan to stop at picnic pullouts. Browse small-town shops in Houghton, Hancock, Calumet, Eagle Harbor, or Copper Harbor.

For more active days, try biking or paddling. Take a mine tour. Go birdwatching. Stay out for dark-sky stargazing. Nearby Fort Wilkins Historic State Park offers shoreline scenery, waterfalls, and the classic Copper Harbor setting.

Places to stay

Three good campgrounds to consider are:

• L’Anse Township Park and Campground. L’Anse Township Park sits two miles north of downtown L’Anse with 30 tent-and-RV sites and Lake Superior views.
• McLain State Park. McLain State Park is centrally located between Hancock and Calumet along two miles of sandy Lake Superior beach. It offers RVers modern shoreline sites plus larger sites with 30- and 50-amp service.
• Fort Wilkins State Park. The west campground offers 50-amp hookups, pull-through sites, a boat launch, and concessions.

Trinity Lake, California

Trinity Lake, California, is one of those places that feels far from everything in the best possible way. The lake is about 18 miles northeast of Weaverville and is reached via Highway 299W and California Highway 3. Highway 3 is the road that carries you up along Trinity Lake and into Trinity Alps country.

Once your RV is parked, Trinity Lake makes it easy to build an itinerary. Go boating, fishing, or biking, or enjoy water sports. You can also take advantage of the nearby Trinity Alps hiking.

RVers may enjoy a lakeshore picnic or a lake swim. Walk a short trail near camp. The area also works well for birdwatching, stargazing, photography, and day trips into Weaverville. Go there for supplies, restaurants, and a little Gold Rush-era history.

Places to stay

For RV campgrounds near Trinity Lake, consider the following:

• Trinity Lake KOA Holiday. This park sits on 70 wooded acres at the northwest end of the lake. This campground is big-rig friendly and semi-remote.
• Hayward Flat. Hayward Flat is one of the lake’s popular campgrounds, with 109 sites. It features plenty of shade and lake access.
• Tannery Campground. Tannery is a shoreline campground with scenic lake views.

You should go!

Escape the summer’s heat and humidity with these three lesser-known destinations. Each one is unique and guarantees a laid-back and restful getaway.

Have you visited any of these locations? Tell us in the comments below.

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