RV Travel in New England

RV Travel in New England: What International Visitors Need to Know

For international travellers, RV travel in New England can feel very different from touring Europe by campervan. Distances are shorter than in the western United States, but roads are narrower, towns are older, and camping rules vary by state and municipality. Understanding US-specific systems—such as campground hookups, dump stations, and licensing expectations—will help you avoid surprises and plan realistic daily drives.

This guide focuses on the practical side of RV travel in New England, including driving rules, measurements, campground types, and seasonal considerations that matter to non-US visitors. It does not replace local destination guides, but instead explains how RV travel works in this region and how it may differ from European campervan travel.

Driving Rules and Road Conditions

Measurements and Speed Limits

The United States uses imperial measurements. Speed limits are shown in miles per hour (mph), distances in miles, fuel in gallons, and vehicle dimensions in feet and inches.

Highway speed limits in New England are often 55–65 mph (about 90–105 km/h), but posted limits vary by state and road type.
Secondary roads may be narrow, winding, and slower than European motorways.
Bridge and height restrictions are more common in historic towns and older city centres.

Driving Culture

Compared to driving in Europe, US drivers generally expect wide turns and slower acceleration from RVs. Right turns on red lights are often permitted after a complete stop unless a sign says otherwise, but this rule does not apply everywhere and may be restricted in cities. Rest stops are common on highways and are free to use, although overnight stays may be limited or prohibited depending on the location.

Licensing and Insurance

Many international travellers can drive an RV in New England using their standard car licence from home, provided it is in English or accompanied by an International Driving Permit. However, licensing requirements can vary by state, vehicle weight, and rental company, so travellers should always confirm eligibility before booking. A special RV licence is not typically required for standard rental motorhomes, but exceptions may apply.

RV rentals in the US are insured differently from Europe. Insurance is usually arranged through the rental company, with excess amounts that may be higher or structured differently than European policies. Coverage types and deductibles vary, so it is important to confirm what is included and what is optional before booking. For common questions, see the planning FAQ.

Campgrounds and Overnight Stays

Types of Campgrounds

New England offers several types of campgrounds, each with different rules:

Private RV parks – Often have full hookups (electricity, fresh water, and sewer at your pitch).
State parks – Government-run parks with more natural settings; hookups may be limited or unavailable.
City or town campgrounds – Smaller sites run by local authorities, sometimes with stricter length or stay limits.

Common US Terms Explained

Full hookups: A campsite with electricity, water, and sewer connections.
Dump station: A designated place to empty the RV’s waste tanks.
Boondocking: Camping without hookups, usually in remote or specifically permitted areas. Opportunities for this are limited in much of New England, and parking overnight outside campgrounds is often restricted.

Seasonality and Weather Planning

RV travel in New England is highly seasonal. Many campgrounds close from late autumn to early spring due to cold temperatures and snow. Summer and early autumn are the most popular periods, with autumn foliage attracting large crowds.

Winter conditions can include snow, ice, and road salt, making RV travel more difficult. Rental RVs are generally not equipped for cold-weather camping unless explicitly stated by the supplier.

Unlike much of Europe, air conditioning is standard in US RVs and is often needed during humid summer months, even in northern states.

Logistics and Rental Pick-up Locations

International travellers often begin their RV journey from a major gateway city. New England has some regional rental options, but availability may be more limited than in larger hubs. As a result, some visitors choose to collect their RV elsewhere and include New England as part of a longer itinerary.

West Coast arrivals may start in Los Angeles before a longer cross-country trip.
Central US arrivals sometimes begin in Denver, allowing flexibility to explore multiple regions.

Always factor in one or two acclimatisation days to learn the vehicle systems and driving feel before tackling busy New England roads.

Safety and Practical Tips

Plan shorter driving days than you might in Europe.
Check campsite length and height limits to ensure your RV fits.
Refuel earlier than necessary; rural fuel stations may be limited.
Be cautious of wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk on rural roads.
Follow propane use rules, which often require gas appliances to be turned off while driving or refuelling.
Observe campground quiet hours, which are typically enforced and may differ from European norms.
Respect local parking rules—overnight street parking is often restricted or prohibited.

Plan Ahead with Confidence

RV travel in New England rewards careful planning and realistic expectations. Once you understand US driving norms and campground systems, the region is accessible and enjoyable by campervan. When you are ready, check current RV availability on USARVRentals.com and compare options that suit your travel style.

RV Travel in New England