The summer of 2026 will be unlike anything we’ve seen — a soccer celebration stretching from Vancouver’s waterfront to Mexico City’s bustling heart. Following your team across this vast continent takes a smart strategy. Your secret weapon? An RV. It’s freedom on wheels, giving you the ability to chase the action and the adventure.
Of course, North American RV travel has its own rhythms and rules. This guide will help you master the campgrounds, highways, and hidden corners so your road trip is as epic as the matches themselves.
1. The Lay of the Land: Understanding North American Camping
The continent’s camping scene is as varied as its landscapes. Knowing your options helps you plan smarter:
- Private RV Parks & Campgrounds
Commercially run and packed with amenities: full hookups (water, electricity, sewer), Wi-Fi, laundry, and sometimes even pools or game rooms. They’re convenient — especially near host cities — but they’ll also book up fast and often come at a premium. - Public Campgrounds (National, State & Provincial Parks)
These gems are run by government agencies and usually sit in breathtaking settings. They’re rustic — think fewer hookups, sometimes just electricity — but they give you the chance to experience North America’s wild beauty between matches. - Boondocking (Wild Camping)
Free camping with zero amenities, usually on public lands. Common in the American West (Bureau of Land Management or National Forest lands) and Canada (Crown Land). This is the off-grid, self-sufficient option — incredible for solitude, not so much for a night before kickoff in a major city.
2. Booking Your Campsite: A Competitive Sport
When 2026 rolls around, snagging a good campsite will feel a little like getting into the knockout rounds — possible, but not easy.
- Book Hyper-Early
The hottest private campgrounds near host cities will sell out 9–12 months ahead. No exaggeration. - Know the Windows
Public sites often open on a rolling basis. For example: U.S. National Parks release reservations six months in advance to the day. Want a spot for July 15? Be online January 15 at 10 a.m. Eastern sharp. Yes, down to the minute. - Use the Right Tools
- Recreation.gov for U.S. National Parks and Forests
- Reserve America for U.S. state parks
- Parks Canada Reservation Service for Canadian National Parks
- The Dyrt and Campendium for reviews and private campground finds
- Recreation.gov for U.S. National Parks and Forests
Pro tip: Treat booking like a match day kickoff. Be on time, logged in, and ready to click.
3. Rules of the Road: Driving Your RV in North America
An RV is bigger than your daily driver, but once you learn the basics, it’s a breeze.
- Right is Right: In the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, traffic runs on the right side.
- Right on Red: Legal in most of the U.S. and Canada after a full stop (except NYC and spots with signs).
- Size & Height Matter: Low bridges, old tunnels, even some gas stations can be tricky. Write down your RV’s height and keep it taped to the dashboard.
- Border Crossings: If you’re hopping between the U.S. and Canada, keep passports, your rental agreement, and IDs handy. Watch out for restricted items like produce, meat, and firewood. And always plan for a little extra time at the border — patience required.
4. Fuel, Dumps & Groceries: The RV Pit Stop
- Fuel: Apps like GasBuddy help you find the cheapest stations. Larger travel centers (like Flying J) often have RV lanes for easier in-and-out.
- Dump Stations: If you don’t have full hookups, you’ll need to empty tanks every few days. Travel centers, municipal facilities, and most campgrounds have them (apps like iOverlander can point the way).
- Stocking Up: Chains like Walmart or Safeway are reliable for groceries and supplies — and their parking lots are big enough for RV maneuvering.
Final Whistle
Navigating North America for the big games is more than logistics — it’s a chance to turn a once-in-a-lifetime soccer trip into a full-on road adventure. With smart planning and the right know-how, your RV journey will be comfortable, convenient, and unforgettable.
This isn’t just about watching the beautiful game. It’s about living it — from one campsite, one city, one memory at a time.
