Top 10 'Charger-to-Campground' EV Road Trip Itineraries to install for a Range-Anxiety-Free Adventure this year - Goh Ling Yong
The whisper of tires on asphalt, the panoramic views unfolding outside your window, and the freedom of the open road—this is the magic of a road trip. For years, electric vehicle owners have dreamt of this freedom, but a nagging question often held them back: "What if I can't find a charger?" That question, the very definition of range anxiety, can turn a dream adventure into a stressful calculation. But what if I told you that the golden age of the EV road trip is already here?
The secret isn't just more chargers; it's a new mindset. It's about shifting from a "gas-station-to-gas-station" mentality to a "charger-to-campground" approach. Instead of quick, sterile fill-ups, your charging stops become part of the adventure—a chance to explore a small town while you grab a coffee, or better yet, to have your car juice up overnight while you're sleeping under the stars. This transforms charging from a chore into a seamless, integrated part of your journey.
This year, it’s time to bust the myths and banish range anxiety for good. We’ve curated 10 incredible "Charger-to-Campground" itineraries designed specifically for EV drivers. These routes are packed with stunning scenery, fantastic campsites, and—most importantly—well-placed chargers to keep you rolling with confidence. So, grab your charging cables and your camping gear; your next great adventure is fully electric.
1. The Pacific Coast Highway: California Dreamin', Fully Charged
There's no road trip list complete without the legendary Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). This iconic route from the sun-drenched beaches of Southern California to the misty redwood forests of the north is more EV-friendly than ever. The drive itself is a masterpiece of winding coastal roads, dramatic cliffs, and charming seaside towns.
The key to a stress-free PCH journey is planning around major hubs like Santa Barbara, Monterey, and San Francisco, all of which are flush with DC fast chargers (DCFCs) from networks like Electrify America and EVgo. The trickiest stretch, Big Sur, requires a full battery before you enter. Top up in San Simeon (south) or Carmel-by-the-Sea (north). Many campgrounds, like Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park or Kirk Creek Campground, offer incredible views. While they might not have dedicated EV chargers, booking a site with a standard electrical outlet allows you to trickle charge overnight, adding a respectable 40-50 miles of range while you sleep.
- Pro Tip: Download the PlugShare app. It's indispensable for the PCH. Users leave real-time comments on charger status, and you can often find hidden Level 2 chargers at hotels or restaurants that are happy to let you plug in for the price of a meal.
2. The Blue Ridge Parkway: A Slow-Paced Southern Serenade
If your idea of a road trip is less about speed and more about savoring the view, the Blue Ridge Parkway is your electric dream. This 469-mile ribbon of road winds through the Appalachian Highlands of Virginia and North Carolina, offering breathtaking vistas at every turn. The parkway's lower speed limits are a huge benefit for EVs, maximizing your range and regenerative braking potential.
Your strategy here is to use the vibrant cities at either end and in the middle as your primary charging bases. Roanoke, VA, and Asheville, NC, are packed with fast chargers. Plan to arrive in these cities with a lower state of charge, plug into a DCFC, and explore their amazing food and craft beer scenes for an hour while your car gets a full charge. Along the parkway, campgrounds like Mount Pisgah or Doughton Park offer a rustic escape. Again, a simple 120v outlet at your campsite can be a game-changer for a slow overnight top-up.
- Pro Tip: Embrace the regen! The parkway's constant ups and downs are perfect for an EV. Challenge yourself to see how much range you can recapture on the long descents. It turns efficient driving into a fun and rewarding game.
3. Utah's Mighty 5: A National Park Grand Tour
Visiting Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands in one go is the ultimate desert adventure. It might seem daunting in an EV, but a growing network of chargers has made it entirely achievable. This trip is about vast, red-rock landscapes, incredible hikes, and the darkest night skies you've ever seen.
The gateway towns are your lifeline. St. George (near Zion), Moab (for Arches and Canyonlands), and even smaller towns like Green River and Panguitch have installed crucial DC fast chargers. Your plan should be to drive from one gateway town to the next, using them to "leapfrog" between parks. For camping, this is where RV parks become your best friend. Many private campgrounds and even some sites within the parks (like Watchman Campground in Zion) offer NEMA 14-50 outlets. With the right adapter, this gives you powerful Level 2 charging that can fully charge most EVs overnight.
- Pro Tip: Book campgrounds with electrical hookups months in advance, especially for popular parks like Zion and Arches. An RV site with a 50-amp hookup is your golden ticket to waking up with a 100% battery, ready for a full day of exploring.
4. The Olympic Peninsula Loop: Washington's Wild Side
For a trip that combines temperate rainforests, rugged coastlines, and snow-capped mountains, nothing beats the Olympic Peninsula Loop in Washington. Starting from the EV-dense Seattle area, this route takes you through a world of lush greens and misty shores.
The charging infrastructure here is surprisingly robust. Major towns along the loop like Port Angeles, Forks, and Aberdeen have reliable fast chargers to keep you moving. This allows you to explore the vast wilderness of Olympic National Park with confidence. You can charge up in Port Angeles before heading up to Hurricane Ridge, or top off in Forks before exploring the Hoh Rainforest and the wild beaches of La Push. Campgrounds within the park, such as Kalaloch, offer unparalleled coastal scenery.
- Pro Tip: Cell service is non-existent in large parts of the park. Before you leave a town with service, download offline maps on Google Maps or your preferred app, and use A Better Routeplanner (ABRP) to pre-load your charging stops for the entire loop.
5. Colorado's Rocky Mountain High: An Elevation Adventure
Driving an EV in the mountains is a unique experience. The climb up a steep pass will drain your battery faster than you expect, but the silent coast down the other side, watching your range meter tick up thanks to regenerative braking, is pure magic. This itinerary takes you from Denver into the heart of the Rockies for some of the country's most spectacular mountain scenery.
Base yourself out of the charging-rich cities of Denver and Boulder. From there, you can do a scenic loop through Estes Park (the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park), up the stunning Trail Ridge Road (check seasonal closures), and back through mountain towns like Grand Lake. Estes Park has several Level 2 and DCFC options for a crucial pre-park charge. Many mountain campgrounds cater to RVs, providing the Level 2 charging you need for an overnight fill.
- Pro Tip: Altitude and cold can impact your battery's efficiency. The "rule of thumb" is to subtract about 10-20% from your estimated range on cold days. Pre-conditioning your car's cabin and battery while it's still plugged in at the campground is the single best way to maximize your range for the day ahead.
6. A New England Fall Foliage Tour: Electric & Eclectic
When autumn arrives, New England puts on a show. A road trip through the fiery reds, oranges, and yellows of Vermont and New Hampshire is a bucket-list item. This journey is about scenic byways, covered bridges, and cozy small towns—a perfect fit for the relaxed pace of EV travel.
Start in Boston and head north. The charging networks have expanded rapidly here. You’ll find DCFCs in key towns like Burlington, VT, and North Conway, NH, which serve as excellent hubs for exploring the Green Mountains and White Mountains, respectively. The famous Kancamagus Highway is a must-drive. Plan for a long, slow day of leaf-peeping, punctuated by a charging session and a warm cup of cider in a charming town.
- Pro Tip: Fall is peak season. Chargers in popular tourist towns can get busy, especially on weekends. Try to schedule your charging stops for off-peak hours, like early in the morning or during lunchtime, to avoid a wait.
7. The Sea-to-Sky Highway: British Columbia's Best
Our only international entry on the list, this Canadian gem is too good to ignore and is incredibly EV-friendly. The Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99) runs from Vancouver to Whistler and beyond, offering a staggering progression from coastal fjords to massive glacial peaks in just a few hours.
British Columbia has invested heavily in EV infrastructure, with BC Hydro operating a fantastic and affordable network of chargers. You'll find fast chargers in Squamish and multiple locations in Whistler, making range a complete non-issue. Camp at Alice Lake Provincial Park near Squamish for beautiful lake access or head further up to Nairn Falls near Pemberton. This trip is about world-class hiking, mountain biking, and jaw-dropping scenery, all powered by clean hydro-electricity.
- Pro Tip: Make sure your charging network apps or RFID cards work in Canada. Many US-based accounts (like Electrify America) have Canadian partners (like Electrify Canada), but it's wise to confirm and set up any necessary accounts before you cross the border.
8. Michigan's Great Lakes Circle: A Freshwater Paradise
Don't sleep on the Midwest! A drive along the shores of Lake Michigan offers a completely different kind of coastal beauty, with towering sand dunes, picturesque lighthouses, and charming "cottage country" towns. This route is a relaxing summer getaway that's becoming easier and easier in an EV.
Plan a route from Traverse City up the Leelanau or Old Mission peninsulas, and then head towards the iconic Mackinac Bridge. You'll find a good distribution of chargers in Traverse City, Petoskey, and Mackinaw City. One of the best strategies for this trip is to lean on RV parks for overnight charging. As we often discuss on the Goh Ling Yong blog, carrying a set of charging adapters (especially a NEMA 14-50) is the key to unlocking thousands of "fueling" locations across the country.
- Pro Tip: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a must-see. The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is a 7.4-mile loop with steep grades. Go in with a good state of charge and enjoy the stunning views of Lake Michigan from 450 feet up.
9. The Florida Keys Overseas Highway: An Electric Island Hop
For a truly unique road trip, head south to where the road meets the sea. The Overseas Highway from Miami to Key West is a 113-mile journey across 42 bridges, including the famous Seven Mile Bridge. You're surrounded by turquoise water the entire way, with a laid-back, island-time vibe.
This linear route is a piece of cake for any modern EV. There are DC fast chargers in Key Largo and Marathon, perfectly positioned for a quick boost if needed. You can easily make it to Key West on a single charge, but stopping for a charge in Marathon gives you a chance to visit the Turtle Hospital or Sombrero Beach. Camp at Bahia Honda State Park for some of the best beaches and snorkeling in the Keys, and use their electrical sites to charge up for your return journey.
- Pro Tip: Your EV's A/C will be working hard in the Florida heat and humidity, which will noticeably impact your range. It’s a predictable drain, so just factor in about a 15% reduction in your range estimate on hot days to be safe.
10. Oregon's Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway: Craters and Cascades
This route is for the EV adventurer who's ready for a bit more planning. The Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway showcases the incredible geology of the Cascade Range, highlighted by the stunning, deep blue of Crater Lake National Park.
The key is to use Bend and Klamath Falls as your charging anchors. Both cities have reliable DCFCs. The most critical charge is the one you get before ascending to Crater Lake. The climb to the rim is significant, so you'll want to start the ascent with at least a 60-70% state of charge to be comfortable. Once there, the 33-mile Rim Drive is one of the most scenic drives in the country. Camping at Mazama Village Campground inside the park (which has some electrical hookups) is the perfect way to cap off the day.
- Pro Tip: Use the "Hilltop Reserve" feature if your EV has one, or simply do the math yourself. Estimate your range loss for the climb to the rim, and ensure you'll have enough charge left not just to do the Rim Drive, but also to make it back down the mountain to the next charger. Remember, you'll gain a lot of range back on the descent!
The open road is calling, and your electric vehicle is more than ready for the challenge. By adopting a "Charger-to-Campground" mindset, you can unlock a world of adventure without a single drop of gasoline or a moment of range anxiety. Planning is part of the fun, and the payoff is a quieter, cleaner, and more connected journey through the most beautiful landscapes our country has to offer.
What EV road trip are you dreaming of? Do you have a favorite route or a killer charging tip you'd like to share? Drop your plans and your wisdom in the comments below—let's build the ultimate resource for electric adventurers together
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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