According to AAA’s latest travel projections, over 85% of Americans travel by car in the summer, and the most impacted areas are around:
- National Parks like Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Smoky Mountains
- Major Beach Towns such as Myrtle Beach, Destin, Gulf Shores, and anywhere along I-95
- Theme Park Hubs in Central Florida (Orlando), Southern California, and parts of Texas
- Tour-heavy Cities like Nashville, Charleston, Savannah, and Denver
Tourist traffic tends to spike midday and early evening — unlike commuter-heavy metro areas that peak in the morning and evening rush.
Driver tip: If you’re running loads near one of these zones, shift your driving time to avoid peak tourist hours (usually 10 a.m.–6 p.m.). Use apps like Waze or Trucker Path to track congestion in real-time.
Rest Areas and Parking Fill Up Fast
One of the biggest challenges for truckers in summer? Parking.
Tourist hotspots pull in more RVs, vans, and cars — and they often spill into truck parking zones, especially in rest areas or at mixed-use stops like Love’s or Pilot Flying J.
Data from the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) continues to show that truck parking is most limited during summer months, especially along I-70, I-40, and I-95 corridors.
Driver tip: Plan parking two to three hours ahead. Don’t count on open or available rest areas after 5 p.m. Look for smaller independent truck stops just off the interstate or check availability with real-time apps.
Expect More Unpredictable Driving Behavior
Tourists don’t know the roads — and that lack of familiarity leads to last-second lane changes, slow merges, missed exits, and distracted driving.
The increased presence of:
- Rental cars
- RV drivers with no CDL experience
- Out-of-state vehicles following GPS without much awareness
It’s a cocktail for unpredictability.
Driver tip: Increase your following distance around heavily out-of-state plated vehicles, especially near tourist exits or scenic areas. Stay patient — even if it costs you a few minutes, it’s better than being involved in an incident that could’ve been avoided.
Hazards Around National Parks and Scenic Routes
If your routes take you near national parks or scenic drives (like Colorado’s I-70 or California’s Route 1), you’ll likely encounter:
- Wildlife crossings (deer, elk, even bison)
- Slow-moving vehicles pulled over at scenic lookouts
- Bicyclists or hikers near the shoulder
Driver tip: Avoid scenic routes whenever possible during high tourism months. If you must drive through them, take it slow and turn your lights on even during the day to boost visibility.
Higher Fuel Prices and Slower Turnaround Times
Fuel prices typically rise in the summer due to higher demand and seasonal blend requirements. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), diesel prices trend upward from June to August — and that can eat into margins for owner-operators.
Tourist congestion also increases your dwell time at shippers and receivers near busy areas. Think port cities, resort towns, or urban centers like Denver and Orlando.
Driver tip: Pad your estimated arrival time and check fuel prices along your route before hitting the road. Use apps like Mudflap or GasBuddy for price comparisons, especially in tourist-heavy zones.
Bottom Line: Plan, Stay Alert, and Protect Your Clock
Summer brings a different kind of road dynamic. For truck drivers, the key isn’t just avoiding traffic — navigating around behaviors and conditions you don’t deal with the rest of the year.
