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Now, we gotta be honest—our team often struggles to write about New England because we lack some personal RVing experience. But it’s not because we hate it; we actually love it.
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of why we avoid New England with our 42-foot fifth wheel RV and prefer other ways to explore this charming area.
Not every region offers the same level of RV-friendly experiences. As much as we love exploring different parts of the country, New England has consistently posed challenges that make it less appealing for our fifth-wheel adventures.
PLEASE NOTE: None of this is to say that you can’t do it; it just requires us to pause on the idea of doing it in our huge 5th wheel.
Here are the reasons why we often steer clear of RVing in New England with our larger rig.
1. Narrow and Winding Roads
New England is notorious for its narrow, winding roads, which can be a nightmare for us in our gigantic RV. We’ve found that maneuvering our fifth wheel through these tight and often hilly roads is stressful and sometimes even dangerous.
It’s hard to appreciate the scenic beauty when we’re gripping the steering wheel with white knuckles!
In addition, the historic nature of many towns means that roads were not designed for modern RVs. We’ve often found ourselves navigating quaint villages with streets that seem better suited for horse-drawn carriages than our sizable rig.
The anxiety of potentially causing a traffic jam or damaging the RV (or the parked vehicles) takes away from the joy of the travel.
2. Limited RV Parks and Campgrounds
Unlike other parts of the country, New England has fewer RV parks and campgrounds that can accommodate larger rigs. Many campgrounds are older and not designed for today’s bigger RVs.
Finding a spot that fits our fifth wheel often feels like a game of chance.
We’ve also encountered instances where the amenities are not up to the standards we’re used to. Smaller sites, limited hook-ups, and outdated facilities can make our stay less comfortable and enjoyable.
3. High Costs
New England is generally more expensive compared to other regions. The costs can add up quickly, from higher campground fees to pricey attractions and dining. For budget-conscious RVers like us, it’s a tough pill to swallow.
Even everyday expenses like groceries and fuel seem to carry a premium in this part of the country. While we’re always up for a splurge now and then, the consistently high costs can make sticking to our travel budget challenging.
This financial strain detracts from the overall enjoyment.
4. Harsh Weather Conditions
The weather in New England can be unpredictable and often harsh. The winters are brutal, and even in the summer, sudden storms can roll in without warning. This makes planning a trip challenging, as you always need to be prepared for bad weather.
We’ve had trips where we planned to bask in the summer sun, only to find ourselves seeking shelter from unexpected downpours. The ever-changing weather means we must pack for all seasons, adding to the load and reducing the simplicity we cherish in RV life.
And let’s not forget those massive summer heat waves! We’ve been caught in a few scorchers that made our RV feel like a sauna on wheels. The heat can be intense and make it uncomfortable to stay in the rig.
5. Traffic Congestion
The traffic in New England, especially around major cities and during peak tourist season, can be overwhelming. Sitting in traffic jams is no fun for us, and it takes away from enjoying the great outdoors.
Navigating through congested urban areas with a fifth wheel is particularly daunting.
The constant stop-and-go traffic and the narrow streets make for a nerve-wracking experience. We’ve learned to plan our routes meticulously to avoid the worst traffic, but it’s not always possible.
6. Limited Boondocking Opportunities
For those who love boondocking (camping without hookups) as we do, New England offers limited options. Much of the land is privately owned or protected, making it hard to find free, dispersed camping spots.
This limits the flexibility and spontaneity that we cherish in our RV travels.
We’ve spent countless hours researching potential boondocking sites, only to find that many are inaccessible to larger rigs or not allowed.
The lack of boondocking options forces us into paid campgrounds more often than we’d like.
7. Crowded Tourist Spots
New England is home to many popular tourist destinations, which means crowds, especially in the summer and fall. The quaint charm of small towns and scenic areas can be overshadowed by the sheer number of people vying for the same experience.
We’ve had moments where a picturesque town loses its appeal because we’re elbow-to-elbow with other visitors.
8. Strict Regulations
New England states often have stricter regulations regarding RVs, from where you can park overnight to the types of vehicles allowed on certain roads. Navigating these rules can be frustrating and time-consuming.
We’ve had to alter our plans numerous times due to regulations prohibiting RVs in certain areas or restricting overnight parking. The additional layer of planning required to comply with these rules can be a significant drawback.
Places We Love in New England
Despite the challenges, New England has some truly remarkable spots that we adore.
However, we prefer to visit these places by plane or in our more nimble Sprinter van to avoid the hassles of navigating with our fifth wheel.
Plus, flying gives us a great excuse to use our Delta SkyMiles!
Downcountry Maine
Maine offers stunning coastal landscapes, charming small towns, and delicious seafood. We love exploring Acadia National Park, where the rugged coastline and lush forests create a breathtaking backdrop.
The vibrant art scene in Portland and its historic waterfront add to the allure.
And you can’t pass up on of their famous lobster rolls!
The friendly locals and laid-back atmosphere make it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle. The Sprinter van allows us to navigate the narrow roads and park in more secluded spots, enhancing our experience.
Coastal New Hampshire
The beautiful beaches and historic towns of Coastal New Hampshire make for a perfect getaway. We enjoy strolling along the scenic seacoast, where the ocean views are simply mesmerizing.
Portsmouth, with its rich history and vibrant downtown, is one of our favorite stops. Plus, there’s a great pizza joint in Portsmouth that we absolutely loved! You can check it out here.
We also appreciate the region’s blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions. Coastal New Hampshire never disappoints, from exploring the historic shops to enjoying the local seafood.
Traveling here by plane lets us immerse ourselves into their local culture by booking a historic bed & breakfast.
Niagara Falls Area
While not exclusively in New England, the Niagara Falls area is close enough to be a regular stop. The breathtaking views of the falls and the numerous attractions on both the American and Canadian sides make it a must-visit.
Our trips to Niagara Falls are filled with awe as we take in the sheer power and beauty of the falls. The surrounding parks and trails offer plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploring.
Connecticut Countryside
The rolling hills, picturesque villages, and rich history of the Connecticut countryside are captivating. We love wine tasting in Litchfield Hills, where the local vineyards offer a delightful array of wines. The scenic drives through the countryside reveal charming small towns and hidden historical markers.
Traveling in our Sprinter van allows us to fully engage with the beauty and tranquility of this area.
We Avoid New England By Way of Our 42-Foot 5th Wheel, Not Because We Don’t Like It
While New England has its own unique charm and beauty, the challenges it presents for RVers, particularly those with larger rigs like our 42-foot fifth wheel, often outweigh the benefits.
That’s why we prefer to travel by plane or in our more nimble Sprinter van when we head to our favorite New England spots—Downcountry Maine, Coastal New Hampshire, the Niagara Falls area, and the Connecticut countryside.
This way, we can enjoy the region’s stunning landscapes and quaint towns without the stress and limitations that come with a larger RV.
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