The Best RV-Friendly Drive-In Theaters Across America

Wellfleet Drive-In Theatre

Wellfleet Drive-In Theatre by Massachusetts Office Of Travel & Tourism (CC BY-ND)

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Wellfleet Drive-In Theatre
Wellfleet Drive-In Theatre by Massachusetts Office Of Travel & Tourism (CC BY-ND)

Movies Under the Stars:

Drive-in theaters date back to the 1930s, offering motorists the chance to catch a movie in the comfort of their vehicle. Many still remain in business today, offering the chance to enjoy a movie, or two, right from your RV. You’ll want to note RVs will need to park in the back rows to avoid blocking the view of other visitors. From historic stops to newcomers offering updated versions of the classic, here are 32 drive-ins to visit on your next road trip. 


Related: 76 Attractions to See While Driving Across the Country

Minnesota autumn
Minnesota autumn by Lia N (CC BY-SA)

Four Brothers Drive-in

Amenia, New York 


A modern take on the traditional drive-in, Four Brothers shows double features, special indie screenings, and classic movies every Thursday. It also offers mini golf, an arcade, a playground, gardens, art exhibitions, and fire pits for optimal comfort, while an on-site restaurant serves pizzas, burgers, all-beef hot dogs, ice cream made from a local dairy farm, and meals delivered straight to your car.


Related: The Most Luxurious RV Resorts Across America

Autumn in Georgia
Autumn in Georgia by JR P (CC BY-NC)

Wilderness Outdoor Movie Theater

Trenton, Georgia 


Wilderness boasts two 100’ x 50’ screens for double features and over 1,000 parking spots. It’s nestled in the Georgia mountains to make for a scenic viewpoint, with a concessions stand offering barbecue sandwiches, nachos, pretzels, chili, donuts, candy, and more.

Minnesota autumn
Minnesota autumn by Lia N (CC BY-SA)

Long Drive-In Theater

Long Prairie, Minnesota


This popular summer spot has been operating since 1956, showing new releases and classics like “The Goonies” Thursday through Sunday. Tickets for two movies are $8 for adults, $4 for children ages 6 through 11, and free for those under 5. Check the calendar for events like classic car shows, retro movie weekends and concerts. Stop by the concession stand for treats like popcorn with ranch seasoning, snow cones, ice cream sundaes, and even glow bracelets, or bring your own snacks to enjoy outside of movie showtimes. 


Related: How to Vacation at Home (or Close to It) With Your RV

Smith's Ranch Drive In, Twentynine Palms, California
©TripAdvisor

Smiths Ranch Drive-In Theater

Twentynine Palms, California 


Open Thursday through Sunday, Smiths Ranch Drive-In offers two movie showings for the price of one, with general admission starting at $10 for adults and free for children four and under. Located in the California desert, the drive-in originally opened in 1954, and offers a snack bar with concessions like hot dogs, popcorn, and hot cocoa in the winter. This facility is cash only, and is open for RV vehicles as long as you make sure to park behind smaller vehicles for comfortable viewing. 


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Blue Fox Drive-In Theater
©TripAdvisor

Blue Fox Drive-In Theater

Oak Harbor, Washington 


Open Friday through Sunday, the Blue Fox also offers an arcade, go-kart track, and overnight camping. Those with an RV are asked to arrive at opening at 4 p.m. for parking assistance, with a $50 charge applied to trailers, RVs and camper trucks. A $30 voucher is also provided for use at the snack bar where you’ll find churros, Philly cheese steak sandwiches, mac-n-cheese bites, root beer floats, and over 100 different candy selections.

Midland, Texas
©TripAdvisor

Big Sky Drive-In

Midland, Texas

 

This pet-friendly stop shows three double features ranging from animations to horror flicks and dramas Wednesdays through Sundays. Make sure to save room for Big Sky's famous Chihuahua sandwich stuffed with taco meat, pimiento cheese, lettuce, and jalapeño. You can purchase tickets online in advance, with prices at $9 for ages 12 and up, $7 for ages 6 to 11, and free for kids 5 and under.

Capri Drive in Theater, Michigan
©TripAdvisor

Capri Drive-In Theater

Coldwater, Michigan 

 

Dating back to 1964, this drive-in shows double features all week long from March through late October. Located on U.S. 12, once the main route between Detroit and Chicago, the Capri Drive-In has long been a popular stop for locals and travelers, and lines can stretch more than half a mile long, so get there early to secure your spot.

Santee Drive-In
©TripAdvisor

Santee Drive-In

Santee, California 


This San Diego fixture opened in 1958 and continues to offer films seven days a week, 365 days a year. There are two screens and parking for 1,060 cars, with any cars 65 inches or higher required to park at the rear. The family-owned drive-in showcases current film selections like “Top Gun Maverick” and is known for boasting dreamy views of star-studded skies.

Belleville, Illinois
©TripAdvisor

Skyview Drive In

Belleville, Illinois 


Opened in 1949, Skyview has two screens showing a double-feature each night. Tickets are $13 for adults, free for one child 12 and under per adult, and $3 for each additional child. RVs are welcome on select evenings on a rotating basis, so staff recommends reaching out to them via email to enquire about the specific night you’d like to visit.

Wellfleet Drive-In Theatre (NEW)
Paul Marotta/Getty

Wellfleet Drive-In Theatre

Wellfleet, Massachusetts 


Wellfleet Drive-In dates back to the 1950s and still has its mini golf course from 1961. In addition to first-run features, you’ll also find playgrounds for children and a dairy bar that’s open seasonally where you can enjoy soft serve, root beer floats, milkshakes with candy mix-ins, and more. It’s recommended to arrive when it opens at 6:30 p.m. to secure your spot when heading here with an RV.

Van Buren Drive-In Theater
©TripAdvisor

Van Buren Drive-In Theater

Riverside, California


This drive-in opened in 1964 on what was once an orange ranch, and the theme carries today from its decor to its mural where you can get a taste of what Riverside looked like in the 1930s. The Van Buren Drive-In shows two films on the same screen with one ticket, priced at $10 for adults and $1 for children ages 5 through 9. The snack bar features both traditional roadside favorites and Southern California staples like carne asada nachos.

Hwy 21 Drive-In Theater
©TripAdvisor

Hwy 21 Drive-In Theater

Beaufort, South Carolina 


This Lowcountry drive-in, open since 1978, is also one of only three drive-ins throughout the state. Pets are welcome, as well as tailgating and the use of your own blankets and lawn chairs, while a flea market every Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. features 100 vendors. A concession stand selling bits from pulled pork sandwiches to cheese sticks, corn dogs, and funnel cakes, also offers seasonal items like root beer floats and snow cones.

Arbuckle Mountains, Oklahoma
Arbuckle Mountains, Oklahoma by Granger Meador (CC BY-NC)

Cool Breeze RV Cinema and Resort

Springer, Oklahoma 


Cool Breeze is an RV park that has its own drive-in theater, general store, and laundromat. Located near the scenic Arbuckle Mountains and Red River Valley, the RV park charges $40 for nightly camping, $125 for weekly camping, and $425 for monthly camping. It shows family-friendly double features on its outdoor screen. Additional amenities like running water, electricity, and free internet truly make camping here a breeze. 


Related: These Are the Biggest RV Parks in America

Main Mall Row, Poughkeepsie, NY
Wikimedia Commons

Hyde Park Drive-in Theatre

Dutchess County, New York 


For a friendly atmosphere, head to the family-run Hyde Park Drive-In, open since 1950. Classic movies like “Footloose” play on an 82-foot screen across 12 acres. It’s located across from the FDR estate and is preserved by the National Park Service, with movies shown Friday through Sunday. It can get busy, so arrive early to secure your spot and enjoy concessions like hot fried dough, ice cream novelties, and more.

Nature Preserve, Connecticut
Nature Preserve, Connecticut by Nicholas A. Tonelli (CC BY)

Mansfield Drive-In Theatre and Marketplace

Mansfield, Connecticut


The Mansfield Drive-In has been in operation since 1954 and under the ownership of the same family for over 45 years. There are three screens showing family-friendly selections, new releases, and older films like “Jaws” to “Grease.” RVs are permitted as long as the vehicle can fit into a standard size parking space. For larger sized vehicles, you can reach out to the team in advance to accommodate your visit. It’s also home to Connecticut’s largest flea market, which takes place every Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m, and includes over 300 vendors selling everything from jewelry and toys to antiques, plants, and produce.

Mission Tiki Drive-In Theatre
Yelp

Mission Tiki Drive-In Theatre

Montclair, California 


Moviegoers can bring campers, trailers, and oversized cars on Sundays through Thursdays at Mission Tiki Drive-In, with designated parking provided at the back. You are required to watch the movie from inside your vehicle, with viewings costing $10 for adults and $1 for kids. Check out their website before your visit to get coupons for select savings like free drinks, and stop by their swap meet to experience one of the best outdoor markets in the state.

Getty Drive-In Theater, Muskegon, Michigan
©TripAdvisor

The Getty Drive-In

Muskegon, Michigan


The Getty has four screens showing double features, with movies ranging from new releases to hits from earlier eras. You can purchase tickets in advance, which is strongly encouraged due to the location’s popularity. Tickets are $12 for adults, $7.50 for kids six through 12, and $8 for military, seniors, and college students. Plus, an online concession ordering platform lets you get food delivered right to your car. In addition to lawn chairs and blankets, you can even bring a couch for outdoor viewing.

Harvest Moon Twin Drive-In Theatre
©TripAdvisor

Harvest Moon Twin Drive-In Theatre

Gibson City, Illinois 


Opened in 1954 as a single-screen drive-in, Harvest Moon Twin now shows family-friendly films like “Casper” and “Beetlejuice” on two screens. There are yearly events such as Halloween nights with car decorating and costume contests, “trunk and treat” games, and prop photoshoots, and concession selections like caramel corn, edible cookie dough, and baked-to-order mini donuts with caramel dipping sauce. Reach out in advance to confirm which night you plan on visiting, as RV parking permission will be based specifically on availability for a particular evening.

San Diego South Bay Drive-In
©TripAdvisor

South Bay Drive-In Theatre

San Diego


Dating back to 1958, South Bay Drive-In is open all week long, 362 days of the year. One ticket gets you admission for two movies shown on the same screen at $10 for adults and $1 for kids 5 through 9. The swap meet takes place Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. You are welcome to bring outdoor food during movies and RVs from Sunday through Thursday nights as long as you park in the back, while the snack bar includes a combination of classic drive-in foods and Mexican treats.

Cooper Creek Reservoir Park
Cooper Creek Reservoir Park by Rick Swart (CC BY-SA)

Sutherlin Umpqua Valley KOA Holiday

Sutherlin, Oregon 


Located at the former location of the Hi Way Haven RV Park, which was known for hosting its own drive-in theater, this RV park and camping facility still maintains the same drive-in today, inviting you to enjoy movies during your campground from communal fire pits and premiere movie viewing parking spots you can book. RV spots can be booked for up to six people. There is also a clubhouse, bathhouse, laundry facilities, barbecue deck, game room, store, and playground at the RV park.

Escalante, Utah
Escalante, Utah by Lon&Queta (CC BY-NC-SA)

Yonder Escalante

Escalante, Utah 


Located within the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and near Bryce Canyon National Park, Yonder Escalante sits on the grounds of an old drive-in theater and now serves as a hip RV resort. There are 67 pull-in RV sites equipped with hook-up options, in addition to showers, laundry, and breakfast you can book for an added rate. The drive-in features classic 1960s convertibles for visitors to step into and enjoy a movie from.

Tiger Mountain Vineyards
©TripAdvisor

Tiger Drive-In Theater

Tiger, Georgia 

 

This drive-in from 1954 shows first-run flicks from March to November in a lush site within the Northeast Georgia Mountains. It’s the ideal stopping point for exploring attractions like Tallulah Gorge State Park, located just 10 minutes away, with RV camping available for $40 a night. When you stay overnight, you’ll have access to their facilities that include hot showers, restrooms, and a barbecue grill.

Cherry Bowl, Honor, Michigan
Cherry Bowl, Honor, Michigan by rossograph (CC BY-SA)

Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre

Honor, Michigan


This seasonal drive-in boasts Northern Michigan’s biggest movie screen. It shows double features and vintage films and cartoons before each feature, with sound played both on FM broadcast and through the original vacuum-tube motiograph amplifiers from its early days. There is also mini-golf and a diner serving hand-tossed pizzas, hand-dipped candy apples, and popcorn topped with real butter from an original 1953 popcorn popper. 


Related: Unique Mini-Golf Courses To Putt at Around the Country

Route 66 Drive-In
Route 66 Drive-In by Jasperdo (CC BY-NC-ND)

Route 66 Drive-In

Springfield, Illinois 


Open on Fridays and Saturdays April through Memorial Day, Route 66 has been in business for over 90 years, opening in 1930. The family-run drive-in has two screens showing mostly classics like “Grease,” “Jaws,” and “Jurassic Park,” with the first two rows reserved for cars. Quench your thirst with their wide selection of drinks, from frozen slushies to cherry cola and mug root beer.

Nebraska
Nebraska by John Carrel (CC BY-NC-ND)

Falconwood Park

Bellevue, Nebraska 


An event venue with its own drive-in, this family-friendly location also includes sand volleyball courts, playgrounds, a vintage Ferris wheel, campgrounds, a lodge with a full-service bar, forests with art installations, and more across 26 acres. You can catch both single and double features in the summer, with seasonal RV camping giving you access to screenings and yearly events like concerts.

Chaffee County, Colorado
Wikimedia Commons

Comanche Drive-In

Chaffee County, Colorado 


One of eight drive-ins in the state, Comanche Drive-In is also America’s highest elevation drive-in at an elevation of 8,000 feet. It’s surrounded by the mountains at the head of the Arkansas Valley, providing stunning views of the surrounding scenery since it first opened in 1967. It shows both box office hits and classics during the summer, with digital projections showing movies in 4K quality.

Wasatch Mountains, Utah
Wasatch Mountains, Utah by Ken Lund (CC BY-SA)

Redwood Drive In Theatre

West Valley City, Utah 


This cash-only drive-in is currently showing double features Fridays through Saturdays, though their schedule changes throughout the year. Opened in 1948, the Redwood Drive-In Theatre has updated to new digital projection systems to display mostly first-fun films, with four- screens that operate mid April through mid-October. It also has a year-round swap meet every Saturday and Sunday, with RVs allowed Sundays through Thursdays.

Hull's Drive-In Theatre
Hull's Drive-In Theatre by Kipp Teague (CC BY-NC-ND)

Hull’s Drive-In

Lexington, Virginia


One of only two nonprofit drive-in theaters in the nation, Hull’s has been operating since 1950 and hosts retro movie nights, single features, and double features for $10 per car, $15 per car, and $21 per car, respectively. Its Wednesday Night Summer Series includes classics from “Monty Python and The Holy Grail” to “Beethoven,” with gates opening at 6 p.m. in the spring and fall and at 6:30 p.m between May and August. Arrive when the gates open so that the team can assist you with parking your RV.

Scottsbluff, Nebraska
Scottsbluff, Nebraska by Jasperdo (CC BY-NC-ND)

Midwest SkyView Drive-In Theater

Scottsbluff, Nebraska


Now closed for the year, Midwest SkyView Drive-In can accommodate almost any type of vehicle as long as you reach out in advance. Visit to see first-run films and cult favorites like “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” when it reopens on Fridays through Sundays in the spring, and keep your eye on its calendar for special events throughout the season.

North Carolina
North Carolina by NCDOTcommunications (CC BY)

Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre

Henderson, North Carolina


Open since 1949, the Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre offers movies on weekends year-round, with an expanded schedule in the summer. There’s also special events like music nights and camping, with the ability to bring your own coolers (as long as you don’t have alcohol) and to grill during specific hours, on select dates.

State Park, Illinois
State Park, Illinois by Dominic Sherony (CC BY-SA)

The Litchfield Skyview Drive-In

Litchfield, Illinois


Now in its 72nd season, this drive-in is the only one in the state, and one of four in the U.S. to remain on Route 66. It is open from April through September, showing weekend double features ranging from “Dirty Dancing” to “The Corpse Bride.” There is overnight parking for an additional $10 and events like the Route 66 Litchfield Skyview Carnival, where you can enjoy fair food, games, and shopping.

Mesa Drive In, Pueblo, Colorado
©TripAdvisor

Mesa Drive In

Pueblo, Colorado


Mesa Drive In has been showing the latest cinema hits since 1951, with multiple screens each showing a select movie. It claims to be Colorado’s largest drive-in and features local food favorites like sloppers — burgers topped with housemade green chili — and fun twists on traditional fair food like funnel cake fries topped with powdered sugar. 


Related: The Best Signature $10 Dish in Every State