More than 50 million tourists visit famous movie and TV filming locations every year across the United States. These spots are not just pretty places. They are pieces of storytelling history that you can actually stand in, breathe in, and drive to. And here is the best part — most of them are perfect RV destinations.
Whether you love classic Westerns, superhero blockbusters, or binge-worthy TV shows, the 10 Most Famous US Filming Locations To Visit are scattered all across this great country. Many sit right along popular RV routes. Some even have campgrounds just minutes away. This guide will walk you through each one, tell you what was filmed there, and give you tips to make the most of your visit.
Key Takeaways 🎬
- RV travelers have a huge advantage — many famous filming locations are near campgrounds, scenic byways, and national parks.
- The 10 Most Famous US Filming Locations To Visit span from New York to Hawaii, giving you endless road trip options.
- Most of these spots are free or low-cost to visit, making them budget-friendly adventures.
- Visiting filming locations gives you a deeper connection to the movies and shows you love.
- Planning your route around these locations can turn a regular road trip into an unforgettable cinematic journey.
Why RV Travelers Love Filming Locations
There is something magical about pulling your RV up to a spot you have seen on screen hundreds of times. Suddenly, that scene from your favorite movie feels real. You can almost hear the music. You can almost see the actors.
RV travel is the perfect way to explore filming locations. Here is why:
- 🚐 Flexibility — You can stop whenever you want, stay as long as you like.
- 🏕️ Camping nearby — Most famous filming spots have campgrounds close by.
- 📸 No rush — You can wait for the perfect light for photos.
- 🗺️ Road trip routes — Many locations connect along classic American highways.
“The best road trips are the ones where the journey IS the destination — and when that destination looks like a movie set, even better.”
How to Use This Guide
Each location below includes:
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| 🎥 What was filmed there | Movies and TV shows |
| 📍 Where it is | State and region |
| 🏕️ RV tip | Nearby camping info |
| ⭐ Best time to visit | Season or time of day |
Let’s roll! 🎬🚐
The 10 Most Famous US Filming Locations To Visit
1. 🏜️ Monument Valley — Arizona/Utah Border
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What was filmed here? Monument Valley is probably the most filmed place in all of America. John Ford used it in classic Westerns like Stagecoach and The Searchers. More recently, it appeared in Forrest Gump, Back to the Future Part III, and even The Lone Ranger.
Those giant red rock formations — called the Mittens and Merrick Butte — have been in more than 100 films and TV commercials.
Why RV travelers love it: The valley sits on Navajo Nation land. You can drive the 17-mile Valley Drive in your RV (though it is unpaved and bumpy — go slow!). The views are jaw-dropping at sunrise and sunset.
🏕️ RV Tip: The Mitten View Campground inside Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is one of the most scenic campgrounds in the country. Book early — it fills up fast.
⭐ Best time to visit: Spring or fall for cooler temps and incredible light.
Fun fact: The road stretch seen in Forrest Gump where he stops running is actually US Route 163, just north of the park entrance. You can drive it yourself!
2. 🗽 New York City — New York
What was filmed here? New York City is the most filmed city on Earth. It has appeared in thousands of movies and TV shows. Think Spider-Man, Home Alone 2, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Seinfeld, Friends, and Sex and the City.
Some must-see spots:
- The Bethesda Fountain in Central Park — Enchanted, The Avengers
- Brooklyn Bridge — I Am Legend, countless others
- The Plaza Hotel — Home Alone 2, Crocodile Dundee
- Katz’s Delicatessen — When Harry Met Sally
Why RV travelers love it: Driving an RV into Manhattan is not easy. But there are great RV parks in New Jersey just across the river. From there, you can take public transit or a taxi into the city.
🏕️ RV Tip: Try Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City, NJ. It offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline — and it is way less stressful than parking in the city.
⭐ Best time to visit: Fall is magical. Spring is lovely too. Avoid summer heat and holiday crowds if possible.
3. 🌲 Redwood National and State Parks — Northern California
What was filmed here? These ancient forests have a mystical, otherworldly feel. That is exactly why filmmakers love them. The Redwoods appeared in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (as the forest moon of Endor), Jurassic Park, and The Lost World.
The trees here are the tallest living things on Earth. Some are over 350 feet tall. Standing next to one makes you feel like you are on another planet — or in a galaxy far, far away. 🌌
Why RV travelers love it: The parks have several campgrounds that accommodate RVs. The Avenue of the Giants is a stunning 31-mile scenic drive through old-growth redwoods that is perfect for RVs.
🏕️ RV Tip: Burlington Campground along the Avenue of the Giants is a classic choice. Sites are shaded by massive trees.
⭐ Best time to visit: Summer for best weather. Spring for fewer crowds and lush greenery.
4. 🏔️ Glacier National Park — Montana
What was filmed here? Glacier National Park has appeared in The Shining (exterior shots), Forrest Gump, and the TV series Yellowstone used nearby Montana landscapes heavily. The park’s dramatic peaks, turquoise lakes, and wildlife make it look like a fantasy world.
Why RV travelers love it: The Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of the most spectacular drives in North America. It winds through the heart of the park with views that will make your jaw drop. However, there are vehicle size restrictions on this road — RVs over 21 feet cannot drive the full route. Shorter RVs or tow vehicles without trailers can make the full crossing.
🏕️ RV Tip: Apgar Campground near the west entrance is a great base. It is large-vehicle friendly and close to the lake.
⭐ Best time to visit: Summer (July–August) when Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open.
5. 🌊 Outer Banks — North Carolina
What was filmed here? The Outer Banks is the setting for Nights in Rodanthe, Sleeping with the Enemy, and the wildly popular Netflix series Outer Banks. The long stretches of beach, wild horses, and charming lighthouses make it one of the most photogenic places in the eastern US.
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse — the tallest brick lighthouse in the US — has appeared in numerous films and documentaries.
Why RV travelers love it: The Outer Banks is a barrier island chain, so you drive across bridges to get there. Most RVs can make the trip just fine. The area has several excellent campgrounds right on the beach.
🏕️ RV Tip: Oregon Inlet Campground (National Park Service) puts you right on the water with ocean views from your site. Wake up to the sound of waves. 🌊
⭐ Best time to visit: Late spring or early fall for warm weather without peak summer crowds.
6. 🌋 Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — Big Island, Hawaii
What was filmed here? Hawaii has been a filming hotspot for decades. The Big Island’s volcanic landscapes appeared in Jurassic Park, Avatar (some scenes), and Magnum P.I. The lava fields and steaming craters look like no other place on Earth.
Nearby, Waimea Valley and Kualoa Ranch on Oahu are famous for Jurassic Park, Lost, Kong: Skull Island, and 50 First Dates.
Why RV travelers love it: Getting to Hawaii requires shipping your RV or renting one on the island. Several RV rental companies operate on the Big Island and Oahu. It is a unique adventure worth the extra planning.
🏕️ RV Tip: Namakanipaio Campground inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of the few campgrounds in the park. It is cool, forested, and peaceful.
⭐ Best time to visit: April through June or September through November for drier weather.
7. 🏙️ Chicago — Illinois
What was filmed here? Chicago is one of the great filming cities of America. It starred in The Dark Knight (as Gotham City), Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Home Alone, The Blues Brothers, Transformers, and Batman Begins.
Must-see filming spots:
- Daley Plaza — The Blues Brothers car chase
- Willis Tower (Sears Tower) — Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
- North Michigan Avenue — countless films
- The Chicago Riverwalk — The Dark Knight
Why RV travelers love it: Like NYC, driving a big RV into downtown Chicago is tricky. But there are good options nearby.
🏕️ RV Tip: Windy City RV Park and several campgrounds in the suburbs give you easy access to the city via train (the “L”).
⭐ Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall. Summers are lively and warm.
8. 🎸 Nashville & Tennessee — Tennessee
What was filmed here? Tennessee is more than just music. It is a filming powerhouse. Nashville appeared in the long-running TV show Nashville. The Great Smoky Mountains — the most visited national park in the US — appeared in The Hunger Games (used as a stand-in for District 12 in nearby North Carolina) and Dollywood scenes.
The Smoky Mountains area also doubled for scenes in Dirty Dancing (filmed at nearby Mountain Lake, Virginia, but the Smokies region is the spirit of the film).
Why RV travelers love it: The Smokies are incredibly RV-friendly. There are dozens of campgrounds, both inside the park and in the surrounding towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
🏕️ RV Tip: Elkmont Campground inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most popular in the entire NPS system. Book months in advance.
⭐ Best time to visit: Spring (wildflowers) and fall (leaf color) are stunning.
9. 🌵 Sedona & Scottsdale — Arizona
What was filmed here? Arizona’s red rock country around Sedona has appeared in Midnight Run, Jerry Maguire, Broken Arrow, and dozens of Westerns. The surreal landscape of red sandstone formations, blue skies, and desert plants is unlike anything else.
Scottsdale and the Phoenix area appeared in Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Wayne’s World 2, and the TV series The Young and the Restless.
Why RV travelers love it: Sedona is a dream RV destination. The town is surrounded by stunning scenery, and there are many trails, vortex sites, and scenic overlooks to explore.
🏕️ RV Tip: Manzanita Campground in Oak Creek Canyon (just north of Sedona) is one of the most beautiful campgrounds in Arizona. Sites are shaded by sycamore trees along a babbling creek.
⭐ Best time to visit: Spring and fall for perfect temperatures. Summer can be very hot.
10. 🌊 Pacific Coast Highway — California
What was filmed here? The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), also called Highway 1, is arguably the most filmed road in America. It has appeared in Forrest Gump, The Notebook, Thelma & Louise (nearby), Rebel Without a Cause, and countless car commercials and music videos.
Key stops along the PCH include:
- Malibu — Baywatch, Iron Man (Stark’s mansion exterior)
- Big Sur — The Graduate, Play Misty for Me
- Bixby Creek Bridge — one of the most photographed bridges in the world
- Pfeiffer Beach — The Sandpiper
Why RV travelers love it: Driving the PCH in an RV is a bucket-list experience. The road hugs the California coastline with the Pacific Ocean on one side and dramatic cliffs on the other.
⚠️ Important note: Some sections of PCH have tight curves and narrow lanes. Smaller RVs (under 25 feet) handle it best. Larger rigs may want to skip the Big Sur section and take US-101 instead.
🏕️ RV Tip: Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground is magical. Sites are tucked into a redwood forest right next to the Big Sur River. Book way in advance.
⭐ Best time to visit: Late spring or early fall for clear skies and fewer crowds.
Planning Your Filming Location Road Trip 🗺️
Now that you know the 10 Most Famous US Filming Locations To Visit, it is time to plan your adventure. Here are some tips to make it smooth and fun.
Build a Route That Makes Sense
Do not try to hit all 10 in one trip. Group them by region:
West Coast Loop:
- Pacific Coast Highway → Redwood National Park → Monument Valley → Sedona
East Coast & South Loop:
- New York City → Outer Banks → Nashville/Smokies
Midwest & Mountain Loop:
- Chicago → Glacier National Park
Hawaii is its own adventure — plan a separate trip!
Essential Gear for Filming Location Visits 🎒
| Item | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| 📸 Good camera | These places deserve great photos |
| 🎬 Movie list | Know what scenes were filmed where |
| 🗺️ Offline maps | Cell service can be spotty |
| 👟 Comfy shoes | Lots of walking at most locations |
| ☀️ Sunscreen | Especially in Arizona and California |
| 💧 Water bottles | Stay hydrated on outdoor locations |
Respect the Locations 🙏
Many of these places are on public land, national parks, or private property. Here are some rules to follow:
- Stay on marked trails — do not trample vegetation for a photo.
- Leave No Trace — pack out everything you pack in.
- Respect Navajo Nation rules at Monument Valley — guided tours are required for some areas.
- No drones without permits in national parks.
- Ask permission before filming on private property.
Best Apps for Filming Location Fans 📱
- Movie Locations — maps of filming locations worldwide
- Atlas Obscura — finds weird and wonderful spots near you
- The Dyrt — best app for finding campgrounds
- Roadtrippers — plan your route with stops
Quick Reference: All 10 Locations at a Glance
| # | Location | State | Famous For | RV Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Monument Valley | AZ/UT | Westerns, Forrest Gump | ✅ Yes |
| 2 | New York City | NY | Spider-Man, Friends, Seinfeld | ⚠️ Nearby NJ parks |
| 3 | Redwood National Park | CA | Star Wars, Jurassic Park | ✅ Yes |
| 4 | Glacier National Park | MT | The Shining, Yellowstone | ⚠️ Size limits |
| 5 | Outer Banks | NC | Outer Banks (Netflix) | ✅ Yes |
| 6 | Hawaii Volcanoes NP | HI | Jurassic Park, Lost | ⚠️ Ship/rent RV |
| 7 | Chicago | IL | The Dark Knight, Ferris Bueller | ⚠️ Suburb parks |
| 8 | Great Smoky Mountains | TN | Hunger Games area | ✅ Yes |
| 9 | Sedona | AZ | Westerns, Jerry Maguire | ✅ Yes |
| 10 | Pacific Coast Highway | CA | Forrest Gump, Baywatch | ⚠️ Size limits |
Bonus Tips for the Ultimate Cinematic Road Trip 🎬
Watch Before You Go
Before visiting each location, rewatch the movie or show it is famous for. You will notice details you never saw before. And when you arrive, those scenes will come alive in a whole new way.
Go at the Right Time of Day
Filmmakers choose golden hour — the hour after sunrise and before sunset — for the most beautiful shots. Visit filming locations at the same time for your best photos.
Talk to Locals
Locals often know about secret filming spots that are not in any guidebook. Stop at a diner, chat with a ranger, or ask at the campground. You might discover something amazing.
Keep a Filming Location Journal
Write down what you saw, what movie it reminded you of, and how it felt to be there. This makes the trip even more meaningful — and gives you great stories to share.
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
Q: Are filming locations usually free to visit? Most outdoor filming locations — like Monument Valley, the Redwoods, and the PCH — are either free or require a standard national park fee. City locations like NYC and Chicago spots are generally free to walk by.
Q: Do I need a permit to film at these locations? For personal video and photos, usually no. For commercial filming or using a drone, you typically need permits. Check with the specific park or city film office.
Q: Can I drive my large RV on all these routes? Not always. The Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier and some sections of PCH have size restrictions. Always check vehicle limits before you go.
Q: Are there guided filming location tours? Yes! Many cities like NYC, Chicago, and LA offer official filming location tours. Some are on foot, some by bus. They are a fun way to learn more about each spot.
Q: What is the best overall RV route to hit the most locations? A western US loop hitting Monument Valley → Sedona → Redwoods → PCH → Glacier covers five of the top ten in one epic trip.
Conclusion: Lights, Camera, Road Trip! 🎬🚐
The 10 Most Famous US Filming Locations To Visit are more than tourist stops. They are living, breathing pieces of American storytelling. When you stand at the base of Monument Valley’s Mittens, drive the Pacific Coast Highway at sunset, or walk through an ancient redwood forest, you are stepping into the stories that shaped our culture.
The great news for RV travelers? Most of these spots are made for road trips. They sit along scenic highways, near great campgrounds, and in some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world.
Your Action Plan 🗺️
- Pick your region — Start with the locations closest to you or along a route you already love.
- Watch the films — Rewatch the movies filmed at each location before you go.
- Book your campsite early — Popular spots fill up fast, especially in summer.
- Download offline maps — Cell service is spotty at many of these locations.
- Go at golden hour — For the most cinematic photos and experiences.
- Share your adventure — Post your photos, inspire other RV lovers to follow in your tire tracks.
The open road is calling. The cameras have already rolled. Now it is your turn to show up on location. 🎥✨
References
- National Park Service. (2023). Visitor Use Statistics. U.S. Department of the Interior. https://irma.nps.gov/Stats/
- Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation. (2022). Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park Visitor Guide. https://navajonationparks.org
- California Department of Transportation. (2021). Pacific Coast Highway Travel Guide. https://dot.ca.gov
- Screen Actors Guild. (2022). Economic Impact of Film Tourism in the United States. SAG-AFTRA Foundation.
- Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. (2023). RV Industry Economic Impact Report. https://recreationalvehicles.org
- National Park Foundation. (2022). America’s Most Visited National Parks. https://www.nationalparks.org
- Film LA. (2023). State of Production Report. https://www.filmla.com
- RV Industry Association. (2023). Annual RV Ownership Report. https://www.rvia.org
