Philadelphia. By far one of the largest cities we’ve ever taken our RV to. And honestly? We were nervous.
Like most RVers, we had all the usual concerns about big cities. Would we find safe campgrounds? Could we actually navigate these streets safely? And the big question – where do you park a dually truck in downtown Philadelphia without spending a fortune?
But here’s the thing: Philadelphia turned out to be completely different than what we imagined. This city is absolutely rich in history, and we made it our mission to see as much as we possibly could in just one day. A concert that night is what brought us here in the first place, so we had to make every minute count.
After all our research, careful planning, and a full day of exploring, the big question is: Was it worth all the trouble?
Well, let’s just say we learned a lot about RVing to major cities, and we’re going to share everything with you – where we stayed, how we got around safely, and our complete one-day itinerary.
Where We Stayed: Philadelphia South / Clarksboro KOA
Location: New Jersey side (about 20-25 minutes from downtown Philadelphia)
We don’t stay at KOAs all the time, but every once in a while we get a really good deal. We’re in their membership program which gets you a discount, and this particular KOA was running a 25% off fall special. Combined with the 10% KOA membership discount and points we had saved up, we got our stay down to under $50 a night. For us, that’s a win.
What we loved about this campground:
- Dog park for Hugo
- Small pond on property
- Very secluded feel despite being close to the city
- Good mix of full-timers and weekenders
- Well-maintained facilities
Timing note: We visited mid-week in September, which meant a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. KOAs are known for being family-friendly destinations, so if you prefer a less bustling environment, mid-week visits tend to be calmer than weekends.
Honestly, we didn’t find that many RV campground options close to Philadelphia, which is why we chose to stay on the New Jersey side. It worked out perfectly for our needs.
The Parking Challenge: Where to Park a Dually Truck in Downtown Philadelphia
This was our biggest concern before arriving. Most downtown Philadelphia parking garages have clearance heights of only 6’6″ to 6’10” – way too low for many RVs and tall trucks like our dually.
Our Solution: PPA Community Lot at 19th & Callowhill Street
Address: 1900 Callowhill Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Cost: $10-20 for the day
Type: Surface lot (no height restrictions)
Distance to attractions: About 15-minute walk to Reading Terminal Market
This lot is operated by the Philadelphia Parking Authority and is perfect for larger vehicles. It’s a surface lot, so no worrying about clearance heights or tight garage turns.
Important note: We called the PPA ahead of time at (215) 683-9636 to confirm they could accommodate our dually truck. We highly recommend doing this if you have a larger vehicle.
Other Philadelphia Parking Options for Large Vehicles
If the 19th & Callowhill lot doesn’t work for your needs, here are other options we researched:
Philadelphia Parking Authority garage on 2nd Street (between Chestnut and Walnut)
- Has spaces that can accommodate larger vehicles
- Call ahead: (215) 683-9407
- Underground garage, so verify your specific vehicle height
Northern Liberties/Fishtown Areas
- About 15-20 minute walk (or short Uber) to downtown
- Street parking is easier to find and often free with 2-hour limits
- Much cheaper metered parking than Center City
- Good option if you want to park free and Uber in
SpotHero App
- Book parking ahead through this app
- Filter for surface lots in Northern Liberties area
- Allows you to reserve a spot and know the cost upfront
Park Outside the City and Uber/Transit In
- Consider parking near a SEPTA station and taking public transit
- Northern Liberties has good access to downtown
- Uber from outer neighborhoods runs $8-15 to Center City
The walk from parking to our first stop was honestly the sketchiest part of our day. Once we got into the touristy areas around Independence Hall and Reading Terminal Market, we felt very safe. But that initial walk through some of the in-between streets had us a bit more aware of our surroundings, especially carrying camera gear. (Plus, Barry may have had a bit too much coffee that morning, which made him extra jittery about safety on the walk to the market!)
Our Complete One-Day Philadelphia Itinerary
9:00 AM – Reading Terminal Market
Address: 51 N 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Time Spent: 1 hour
We started our day at Reading Terminal Market, and what an incredible way to kick things off! This historic market has been feeding Philadelphians since 1893 and is built under what used to be the Reading Railroad train shed. You can still see some of the original architecture.
What we did:
- Had breakfast at the Dutch Eating Place
- Barry tried scrapple for the first time (verdict: wouldn’t order it again, but when in Rome!)
- Explored the amazing variety of vendors – Amish specialties, fresh produce, ethnic foods from around the world
- Soaked in the energy of locals and tourists mixing together
What makes it special: This isn’t just a tourist trap. You can tell lots of locals grab their breakfast and lunch here. It’s right across from a big convention center in the middle of the city, so it stays busy with a great mix of people.
The variety is incredible – everything from traditional Pennsylvania Dutch foods to cuisine from the country of Georgia (foods we’d never even seen before!). If you’re looking for authentic local flavor, this is the place.
10:15 AM – Independence Hall Area
Address: 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Time Spent: 1 hour 45 minutes
This is where America began, and it’s pretty surreal to stand in front of Independence Hall knowing that both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed right there.
What we saw:
- Liberty Bell – Free admission, iconic symbol of American freedom
- Independence Hall exterior – We didn’t go inside (you need advance tickets/reservations)
- Second Bank of the United States Portrait Gallery
- Carpenters’ Hall – Free admission, stopped here on our way to the pier
Planning fail on our part: We would have liked to tour inside Independence Hall, but you need timed tickets and the next available wasn’t until 3:00 PM. Make reservations ahead if you want to go inside! Tickets are free but there’s a $1 processing fee per ticket.
Our takeaway: As full-time RVers, we get to visit these historic sites whenever we want – no waiting for vacation time! The contrast is amazing – this quiet historic area right in the middle of a bustling modern city. You can really feel the weight of history here, and this is why we love slow traveling and really experiencing places.
Mid-Day – Race Street Pier & Cherry Street Pier
Race Street Pier Address: 1100 N Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Cherry Street Pier Address: 121 N. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Time Spent: 45 minutes
We walked from Independence Hall to Race Street Pier to see the Delaware River views. It was a bit windy but beautiful, with the Ben Franklin Bridge as a backdrop.
What we noticed: There’s a busking series on weekends where artists perform. We also saw they have art galleries with rotating artists throughout the month.
Cherry Street Pier was a highlight! Right next to Race Street Pier, we walked into this amazing building. Cherry Street Pier is a year-round, mixed-use public space built into the shell of a century-old municipal pier. The art inside was really cool – you can watch artists at work in their studios, and there’s an Artist Shop featuring works from the pier’s diverse artist community.
The pier hosts regular events including markets, art exhibitions, performances, and on First Fridays there’s an Artists and Artisans Market from 4-9 PM where you can shop unique handmade goods from Philadelphia artists. There’s also food and drinks available, plus a tranquil garden at the river’s edge. Best of all, it’s free to enter and open to the public.
If you’re visiting on a weekend, definitely check their event schedule – it looks like they have tons of music and community events, especially on Saturdays!
From here, we took an Uber to lunch (about $12).
Late Lunch – Good Dog Bar
Address: 224 S 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Time Spent: 1 hour 15 minutes
This was one of our favorite stops! Good Dog Bar was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives with Guy Fieri, and as a big Food Network junkie, Barry always looks for these spots when we travel.
What we loved:
- The walls are covered with dog photos – pictures of the owner’s dogs, dogs for adoption, just a great dog-awareness vibe
- Barry had the short rib sandwich with Swiss cheese on sourdough, plus hand-cut fries
- Darlene had a poke bowl (staying gluten-free)
- Great local atmosphere with friendly Philadelphians and good beer
About the Philly cheesesteak question: We know, we know – we’re in Philly and we didn’t get a cheesesteak. It’s just not something we’re particularly interested in. There are plenty of other content creators who do that kind of thing. If you have an opinion about where to find the best Philly cheesesteak, please leave it in the comments for other travelers!
4:00 PM – Philadelphia Museum of Art (Rocky Steps)
Address: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Time Spent: 30 minutes
We took an Uber from Good Dog Bar to the museum (about $12).
We had to do it – run the Rocky steps! Even if you’ve never seen the movie, this is iconic Philadelphia. Darlene did the full run up the steps (after only having a poke bowl for lunch, she was feeling light on her feet!), and we got our obligatory photo with arms raised at the top.
The view from the top is incredible – you can see the whole Benjamin Franklin Parkway stretching out before you. The museum wasn’t open that day, but even if you don’t have time to go inside, just come here to see the Rocky statue, run the stairs, and take in the views.
Pro tip for lazy folks: They have a Rocky statue at ground level too, so you can just walk up and take your picture without running the steps. Just walk up, put your arms up like every other person in the world, and you’re done!
We also saw the Washington Monument (1897) which portrays George Washington as commander-in-chief during the Revolutionary War, with allegorical figures representing his era in American history.
After the Museum – Coffee & Back to the Truck
After the museum, we took another Uber back to our parking lot (about $12). We grabbed coffee at the Starbucks across from the parking lot before making the drive back to the campground. It was the perfect way to caffeinate for the ride and reflect on an incredibly full day.
Total Uber costs for the day: About $36 for three rides
Evening – Concert at Mann Center
This was actually why we came to Philadelphia in the first place! We had tickets to see the Alabama Shakes at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts. The venue was unique – a huge enclosed space with a lawn area under it on a hill. We’ve never seen anything like it.
Pro tip for fellow RV travelers: One of the things we love to do when planning our travels is checking out what concerts or live music events are happening in the areas we’ll be visiting. It’s allowed us to see so many amazing shows we would have otherwise missed! Whether it’s a big-name band like the Alabama Shakes or a local music festival, live music adds such a special dimension to exploring a new place. Before heading to any city, take a few minutes to search for concert venues, local music calendars, or festivals happening during your visit – you might discover an incredible show to build your trip around!
What We’d Do Differently: The E-Bike Idea
If we had to do it all over again, we probably would have rented or taken our e-bikes. Here’s why:
The reality of our day: We walked A LOT. Like, a lot a lot. By the afternoon, we were exhausted and ended up taking three Ubers to cover more ground and see things that were farther away.
Why e-bikes would have been better:
- Philadelphia has lots of bike paths, especially downtown where there are so many historical monuments and tourism
- We could have covered way more ground without getting nearly as tired
- It’s not really about the exercise – e-bikes just allow you to see more things quicker
- Each Uber cost us about $12, so we spent $36 total (could have put that toward bike rentals)
Important considerations if you go this route:
- Wear a helmet
- Have a heavy-duty lock (this is a big city – don’t take chances)
- Be confident navigating in city traffic
- Keep yourself safe and your bikes from getting stolen
- Use Google Maps bike-specific directions to navigate between attractions – it shows bike paths and safer routes
We think this would have enabled us to hit even more spots and not feel so wiped out by the end of the day.
Safety Observations: What It Really Felt Like
Let’s be honest about the safety question because we know this is on every RVer’s mind when considering a big city visit.
Where we felt completely safe:
- All the touristy areas (Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, Reading Terminal Market, Rocky Steps)
- Anywhere with heavy foot traffic and lots of people around
- During daylight hours in the main downtown corridor
Where we felt more on guard:
- The walk from our parking lot to Reading Terminal Market (especially in the morning before we’d had breakfast!)
- Streets between major attractions where there’s less tourist traffic
- Areas with more visible homelessness (not that this equals danger, but it makes you more aware)
Our approach:
- We didn’t carry our full backpack of gear – just the camera
- We kept our heads on a swivel, especially with expensive camera equipment
- We stayed aware of our surroundings without being paranoid
Important context: This was mid-September on a Tuesday. Even at peak spots like the Rocky statue, it didn’t feel super crowded. We’ve seen other YouTubers show lines around the block just to get a picture with the Rocky statue. Going mid-week definitely helped with both crowds and feeling safer.
Bottom line: We’re glad we were a little cautious, but Philadelphia was nowhere near as sketchy as we’d worried it might be. The tourist areas are well-patrolled and feel very safe during the day.
More Philadelphia Attractions (If You Have More Time)
We packed a lot into one day, but there’s so much more to see in Philadelphia if you have additional time:
Eastern State Penitentiary
Address: 2027 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Why visit: This historic crumbling prison once held Al Capone and was the most famous prison in the world. It was revolutionary when it opened – the first prison designed for rehabilitation instead of just punishment. The way nature is reclaiming the cells is beautiful and haunting. The audio tour features stories from actual former inmates. Allow 1.5-2 hours.
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
Address: 1020 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Why visit: A unique outdoor mosaic art installation that’s incredibly Instagram-worthy. It’s a quick 30-minute stop but provides a completely different type of Philadelphia experience.
Other Attractions Worth Considering:
- Betsy Ross House – Home of the woman who sewed the first American flag
- Elfreth’s Alley – The oldest continuously inhabited residential street in America
- Penn’s Landing – Waterfront area with great views
- National Constitution Center – Interactive museum about the U.S. Constitution
- Philadelphia’s Chinatown – Vibrant neighborhood with great food
- South Street – Shopping and restaurant district
Practical Tips for RVing to Philadelphia
Parking Research is Critical
Most downtown garages have 6’6″ to 6’10” clearance – too low for many RVs and tall trucks. Call ahead to confirm your vehicle will fit, or opt for surface lots like we did.
Timing Matters
Mid-week visits (Tuesday-Thursday) are much less crowded than weekends. We went on a Tuesday in mid-September and had a great experience with manageable crowds.
Stay Outside the City
We couldn’t find many good RV campground options actually in Philadelphia. Staying on the New Jersey side worked perfectly and was only 20-25 minutes away.
Consider Alternative Transportation
If we did it again, we’d seriously look into e-bikes or even one of the hop-on-hop-off bus tours. We saw these around the city and they could be a great way to cover more ground without the walking exhaustion.
Budget for Ubers
If you’re parking in one spot and walking, budget for a few Uber rides to see things farther away. At about $12 per ride, it adds up but makes the day much more manageable.
Make Reservations
If you want to tour inside Independence Hall or other popular attractions, make reservations ahead of time. We learned this the hard way!
Our Final Thoughts: Is Philadelphia Worth It for RVers?
Absolutely yes.
This is by far one of the largest cities we’ve visited with our RV in years, and we were genuinely nervous about it. But with some planning and research, it’s totally doable.
Philadelphia offers this perfect mix of history, culture, and authenticity that you just don’t find everywhere. Standing where the Declaration of Independence was signed, eating at local spots like Reading Terminal Market, experiencing iconic moments like the Rocky steps – it all came together to create a really special day.
The key takeaways:
- Don’t let the big city intimidate you
- Do your parking research ahead of time
- Stay outside the city and drive/Uber in
- Go mid-week if possible for fewer crowds
- Be aware of your surroundings but don’t be paranoid
- Budget for transportation costs (parking + Ubers)
- Consider e-bikes if you’re comfortable in traffic
We honestly didn’t plan this trip extensively – we actually used AI to help plan our one-day itinerary, asking it to suggest both obvious and not-so-obvious things to see. We didn’t hit everything, but it was a great guide for maximizing our limited time.
Would we give Philadelphia several days? Probably not. But for a full day of exploration before our concert, it was perfect. If you’re a history buff, you could easily spend more time diving deeper into all the Revolutionary War sites and museums.
This is why we love RV life – we can tackle big cities like Philadelphia, see incredible things, and then wake up somewhere completely different tomorrow. That’s the magic of this lifestyle.
Have you RV’d to a major city? What was your experience? Drop your tips and stories in the comments below!
Watch the Full Video
See our complete Philadelphia adventure, including all the footage from Reading Terminal Market, Independence Hall, Good Dog Bar, the Rocky steps, and our concert experience!
