Ocean City to Fargo Road Trip Guide

Introduction

Regarded as one of the best east coast beachside holiday destinations, Ocean City in Maryland is an ideal starting point for your next RV getaway destination. Rising to prominence during the post-war boom, Ocean City has welcomed visitors for decades, especially during the summer months. Featuring a great combination of natural areas to explore and classic summertime fun, you are guaranteed a good time in Ocean City.

Starting a trip from Ocean City means you will be able to travel to a wide variety of cities, attractions, and parks, including those in the northeast. A trip over seven days from Ocean City to Fargo means that you will be able to experience incredible parks, tons of recreational activities, and city life in Chicago and Minneapolis.

One of the most underrated cities in the country, Fargo is a perfect final destination after a week on the road. There's so much to see and do in the most populated city within North Dakota that you will wonder why more people don't take the time to pay it a visit, especially since it's home to some fantastic RV campgrounds.

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Details

60'
Max RV length
60'
Max trailer Length
Road trip length: 7+ days
Recommend rig: trailer
audience: single

Point of Interest

Trimper's Rides

Located at the end of the iconic Ocean City Boardwalk, Trimper's Rides is the place to check out for visitors wanting to experience some seaside thrills.

Originally opened way back in 1893, Trimper's Rides is a historically significant park since it is the longest-running family-owned and operated amusement park in the world. There are many old and new rides featured within the indoor and outdoor park areas and you can easily spend hours soaking up the atmosphere.

The Tidal Wave Coaster is always a favorite for the thrill-seekers, but no matter how intense you want your rides to be, you will find something that you love within the park. Trimper's Rides is free to visit with tickets for rides being available upon your arrival. Since Ocean City is on the smaller side you can head to the nearby Island Resort Campground or North Beach Campground before you begin to head northwest.


South Mountain State Park

Yearning for some mountain adventures? Travel just under 200 miles from Ocean City and you will feel like you are a world away at South Mountain State Park.

Originally designated back in 1984, South Mountain State Park is very unique since there are no boundaries or entrances. Instead, the park is similar to a wilderness area with various parking lots scattered throughout to give visitors a chance to go exploring.

One of the must-do activities for those feeling up to the challenge is to check out the Appalachian National Scenic Trail that winds through the park. While it takes between three and four days to hike the whole Maryland section of the trail, you can go for a quick hike on it to soak in some of the incredible views that attract thousands to the trail each year.

There are no RV campgrounds within South Mountain State Park, but adjacent is Greenbrier State Park where there are plenty of sites suitable for rigs up to 30 feet in length.


Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Located between the urban areas of Akron and Cleveland, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a natural wonderland waiting for you to enjoy no matter what time of year you go on your road trip. A highlight for many lovers of the great outdoors, the park's location means that you can stop in and enjoy it before making your way west.

Featuring rolling hills, lush forests, and the tranquil Cuyahoga River, the park is open all year round and gives you the chance to experience one of Ohio's best natural environments before you continue on your journey to Fargo.

With over 22 miles within the park, you won't run out of things to do. Fishing, hiking, paddling, and golfing are all popular during the warmer months, but there are also some great winter activities available for snow lovers.

Camping is not available within Cuyahoga Valley National Park but there are some great options nearby, such as the Streetsboro / Cleveland SE KOA Holiday where you can enjoy full hookup sites.


Wrigley Field

Baseball is intertwined in Chicago culture, and you can't get a more authentic Chicago experience than heading to a Cubs game. The team has been playing out of Wrigley Field for over a hundred years so it is enshrined in history, and if you've never been to a game here before this RV road trip is the perfect chance to do so.

If you can't make it to a game during the season that doesn't mean you'll miss out on paying the iconic stadium a visit. There are off-season tours available where you can check out the dugout of the Cubs, the Visitors' clubhouse, and of course the hallowed field that has been home to thousands of athletes for more than a century.

The tour lasts for 60 minutes so you will have plenty of time to do some other sightseeing in the city, such as visiting Millennium Park, the Sky Deck in Willis Tower, and the Navy Pier. Camp Sullivan is a great option to call home if you want to stay as close as possible to the city.


Buckhorn State Park

There are some beautiful lakes, rivers, and parks throughout central Wisconsin and Buckhorn State Park is arguably one of the best. Containing more than 8,000 acres of scenic beauty when combined with the wildlife areas that are located next door, visiting the park after spending a day in Chicago will feel like you have traveled back in time.

One of the unique features about Buckhorn State Park is that one side is very barren and sandy compared to the thriving lake, river, and forests that are also located within the park. Scientists believe this drastic shift occurred during the Ice Age due to glacial erosion. Whatever the reason may be, you will be able to get some photos showing the drastic environment changes during your visit.

Fishing, hiking, picnicking, riding, and boating are some of the many recreational activities available at Buckhorn State Park and there is also an RV-friendly campground large enough for 68 guests at a time. The campground has electric hookups so you can relax in comfort during the middle of your incredible RV road trip.


Visiting the Twin Cities

It's not often that you get the chance to visit two major cities that are so close together, but the "Twin Cities" are waiting for you to enjoy as you make your way across Minnesota.

You would need a few days to experience every attraction in Saint Paul and Minneapolis since there are so many, but condensing your time in both means that you will be able to see St. Paul, which is the capital of the state, and Minnesota, which is the most populated city, without having to compromise.

Some of the attractions in Saint Paul that you should consider checking out include the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, the Science Museum of Minnesota, and of course, the Minnesota State Capitol. Just a few miles to the west and Minneapolis you can get your sports fix since the city is home to the Minnesota Vikings, Timberwolves, and Twins, or you can also shop up a storm at The Mall of America, which is the largest in the country.

A great camping option during your time in the Twin Cities is the Minneapolis Northwest KOA Journey. Located near the I-94 that you will take to continue your trip, staying here will mean an easy getaway in the morning without having to deal with inbound traffic.


Toledo Museum of Art

Finding out about amazing museums is one of the many benefits of taking the time to go on an RV road trip, and between Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Chicago is one of the best in the country.

Featuring some of the best glass and American art in the world, the Toledo Museum of Art was founded way back in 1901 and ever since it has been a cultural hub for residents of the city and visitors alike. With over 30,000 pieces in the collection, the museum will entertain you for hours and provide a chance to spend some time indoors after exploring two parks in the days beforehand.

The crown jewel of the museum is the critically acclaimed Glass Pavilion where some of the collections glass objects are shown. There is also a concert hall where the Toledo Symphony Orchestra performs, so check out their calendar before your trip to see if your visit will align with a performance.

You can continue on to Chicago after visiting the museum, or if you want to stay in Toledo the Toledo East / Stony Ridge KOA Journey is great for a quick getaway the following morning.


Glendalough State Park

It wouldn't be a trip through Minnesota without spending some time enjoying lakes that the state is famous for, so before heading back to city life you can chill out at Glendalough State Park.

Located in between Minnesota and Fargo, the park contains five gorgeous lakes for you to enjoy before reaching the end of your road trip. The lakes are mostly untouched and undeveloped and are suitable for plenty of fun recreational activities, including fishing, boating, swimming, and plenty of space to have a relaxing picnic.

Since the park is more on the wild side there are no RV campgrounds, but there are plenty in the area (such as the Sunset Beach Resort) since it is a popular vacation destination.


Summary

After making it to the end of an unforgettable RV road trip, arriving in Fargo is one of the best conclusions that you could ask for. The city is a hidden gem that many don't get the opportunity to visit due to its location, but now that you've made it, you can enjoy what it has to offer.

The downtown area of Fargo is a vibrant community where you can eat some amazing food at The Boiler Room and NoBull Smokehouse, grab a drink at one of the many local bars, or check out some of the clothing boutiques that line the street. Since the city is built on the banks of the Red River you can also enjoy some time in one of the many parks that dot the riverside.

Staying in the city is also a guaranteed good time with the publically operated Lindenwood Campground only two miles away from the city center.

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