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Category: RVing

  • The Complete Guide to Full-Time Family RVing

    Bryanna here from Crazy Family Adventure! We lived, worked, and traveled full-time in our RV for over 8 years with our family and two dogs. During that time, we learned a few things about full-time family RVing and wanted to pass that knowledge on to you to help you hit the road with your family. 

    We’ll cover preparing to get on the road, homeschooling, picking your RV, budgeting, memberships, and how to choose the campgrounds you want to stay at. 

    Our Story

    We are a family of 6. Craig and Bryanna are the parents (we are high school sweethearts). Then there is our oldest Carson, the twins Melia and Cannon and our youngest Knox.

    We started off having the typical life – Mom stays home with the kids and the husband goes to work. We had a big house (on a 1/2 acre with a swimming pool, swing set, sandbox, big deck) and a LOT of toys and stuff! 

    We then decided to sell EVERYTHING and move into an RV! This journey has been both exhilarating and challenging. It has also led us to guide others to this lifestyle with tips, tricks, and fun itineraries.

    On our site, we share tips for full-time RVing, our top road trip destinations and all about National Parks – one of our favorite places to visit!

    P.S. We literally wrote the book on full-time family RVing Check it out here. 

    How to Prepare for Full-Time RV Living With Kids

    Multi-generational family camping

    Image source: Getty Images

    Preparing to take your family on the road includes a lot of internal reflection on whether this is the right choice for you and your family. We never had a moment where we were 100% sure it was the right choice. But what we did know was we wanted to go for it. We didn’t want to look back and have regrets. 

    Once we knew we were going to become a full-time RVing family, it was time to start preparing to hit the road. It isn’t easy to take a 2700 square foot house filled with years of things and downsize it to fit into an RV. But it is possible!

    Getting Started

    Getting ready to hit the road is not for the faint of heart! It takes a lot of effort, decisions and time to downsize all of your possessions to fit into an RV. But it is a very freeing feeling and well worth it! 

    Our best advice when downsizing is to just get started, take one room at a time and just keep moving forward. Also, plan on going through multiple phases to downsize.

    • Phase 1 – Will be easy. This is when you get rid of all of the things you have wanted to get rid of but haven’t yet. 
    • Phase 2 – This one will be harder because you have to start making some tough decisions about what you really need. 
    • Phase 3 – You might shed a few tears during this phase when you have to let go of things that you have never considered letting go of. 

    But in the end, it is all worth it and feels very freeing to downsize your possessions so you can spend more time focusing on your family and adventuring! 

    Image source: Getty Images

    Homeschooling and Roadschooling Options

    If you plan to full-time RV with school-age kids, you will need to explore homeschooling options. The good thing is that there are numerous options available. 

    One of the joys of going on the road full-time with your kids is that you get to be part of their learning. You won’t be sending them off for 8 hours a day to be taught by someone else. Instead, you will be there every step of the way. 

    I love that this helps you to learn more about your kid, how they learn, what they love and what they are into. It also allows you to give the time and energy to the things they are passionate about – not just what the school system says they can do! 

    Our Choice: Unschooling!

    When it comes to how you want to homeschool on the road, you will have to do your own research on what will work for your family. Almost every family we met did things differently, and there was no universal theme for homeschooling. 

    We chose to unschool our kids, which worked well for us. Other options include online schools like Power Homeschool or Acellus. You can also look to buy a curriculum. This in itself can be a whole blog post, but it is also a very personal decision that will take research and trial and error to determine what will work for you and your family. 

    The nice thing about it being your choice means you can change your mind! If halfway through the year, what you are doing doesn’t feel right for you or your kids, you can change it. 

    Legal Considerations for Homeschooling

    The first step is to look into the rules for your state. If you plan to change your domicile (the state you “live” in), make sure you understand the homeschool rules for that state.

    We never changed our domicile while on the road and stayed with the state of Wisconsin. For Wisconsin, we simply need to fill out a form each year, stating that we will be homeschooling our children, their grades, and our commitment to providing them with the required yearly hours of school time. 

    Here is a great place to find the rules for each state.

    Image source: Getty Images

    Handling Healthcare for Full-Time Families

    Having health insurance while on the road was important to us, especially with four little kids. You never know what is going to happen! Luckily, when we first got on the road, my husband was working his 9 to 5 job remotely and still had insurance. 

    Once we became self-employed, we had to look for other options and chose healthcare.gov. We have used this option for years and still do! Just be sure you have an option that offers emergency care across the US, not just in your home state. 

    Here are a few other options you could look into:

    Doctor’s Visits

    With little kids, we were bound to end up at the doctor and dentist at some point on the road. This presents challenges since you can’t just call your pediatrician from your hometown. Instead, you will have to find a doctor locally or go to urgent care. We had to do this multiple times, including unexpected dental visits, but it always worked out. 

    It just took more effort to find the doctor, explain our background and history when needed, etc. However, it is doable. I would recommend always requesting a printout of any tests or X-rays they perform so you can have these at the ready for your next doctor.

    We also scheduled our yearly well visits in our hometown, ensuring the kids were all up to date on their visits. We would sometimes spread these out to 18 months instead of 12 months, but we always made sure to see their primary pediatrician when we returned to our hometown. 

    Like most things about living this unconventional life, you will be able to figure out how to make it work – it just takes more work to make it happen!

    Staying Connected: Internet Solutions for Families

    Image source: Getty Images

    Having internet was essential for us since we worked remotely. Additionally, we have kids who enjoy being online, so we needed a substantial amount of data. We were lucky enough when we hit the road to get a grandfathered-in Verizon unlimited plan. We had a hot spot, and it worked well for us all around the US. 

    Unlimited plans like that are hard to come by these days – but cellular hot spots can still work well.

    Starklink is one of the best internet options for RVers these days, offering high-speed coverage almost anywhere you roam. Just be sure to place the dish away from tree coverage (a long cable is provided). Starlink doesn’t work well when trees block the signal. We learned that when we RV’d to Alaska and ended up in campgrounds with a lot of trees!

    Outside of that, when it comes to Internet solutions, your best all-in-one resource for information is the Mobile Internet Resource Center. 

    The Best Types of RVs for Full-Time Family Living

    Picking an RV you are going to live in is very different from picking an RV you are going to use on the weekends or take out a couple of trips a year! 

    Over our 8 years on the road, we had five different RVs:

    • 29-foot Class A Motorhome
    • 23-foot Class B
    • 21-foot Travel Trailer
    • 30-foot Travel Trailer
    • 36-foot 5th Wheel

    When it comes to picking the best RV for full-time family living, there are a few things you should consider:

    1 – How fast will you be moving?

    Are you planning to stay in one spot for several weeks or even months? Or will you be on the move, spending just 3–5 nights in each location?

    If you’ll be staying in one place for extended periods, a larger rig might be a better choice. The extra space can make a significant difference, allowing you to settle in and enjoy a setup that feels more like a cozy, compact apartment.

    On the other hand, if you’ll be traveling frequently or using your RV just for vacations, a smaller rig with a more straightforward setup and fewer components might be more practical and easier to manage.

    2 – What season will you travel in?

    Do you plan to travel only in warm weather? If so, you could consider a smaller RV, as you will be spending more time outside. If not, you will want a larger RV with more interior living space. 

    3 – Where will you stay?

    Do you plan to stay at RV resorts, where the size of your rig doesn’t matter? Or do you want to visit more off-the-beaten-path places, such as national parks, state parks, boondocking, etc., where it can be more complicated to get in with a bigger rig? 

    4 – Work/homeschooling schedule.

    Will someone in the family be working a 9 to 5 and need a quiet space? Will your kids be doing an online-based homeschool curriculum and need room to sit and work on the computer? These are things to consider when thinking about which rig makes the most  sense for your family. 

    When it comes to must-have features, that is 100% a family’s choice, as each family can be so different in what they “need” to have. For us, when we bought our 5th Full-time RVing rig for our family of 6, we wanted:

    • A big fridge
    • Plenty of cargo capacity (4000+ lbs) 
    • A kids’ room area
    • Kids’ beds. 

    RV Floorplans Ideal For Families

    In our opinion, there is not one ideal RV floorplan for full-time RVing with kids. Instead, there are ideal floor plans for each family depending on their situation and travel plans. We have had a 39-foot motorhome, a 21-foot travel trailer and a 37-foot 5th wheel.

    The best approach is to take your time walking through different RV floor plans, considering the above questions, and selecting an RV that meets the needs of how your family plans to live full-time in their RV. 

    Here is an article we wrote with all the details on picking the right RV for your family for full-time RVing.

    image source: Getty Images

    Budgeting for Full-Time Family RV Life

    We often get questions about the cost of full-time family RVing. Like so many things in this lifestyle, it depends. We have met people with unlimited budgets who treat each stop on their travels like a vacation. We have also met families that are very budget-conscious and only look for free things to do while traveling. 

    You will also have to pay for internet, cell phones, insurance, food, activities, etc. – all the basic things you do while living in a house that aren’t related to owning a home. All of these options can be priced differently based on your budget. 

    Full-time RV living is not automatically a cheaper way of life unless you are good at budgeting and can avoid the desire to go out and try new restaurants, breweries, and things to do at the locations you visit! 

    This article gives the full play-by-play of how we managed our full-time RVing budget.

    Image source: Getty Images

    Choosing the Right Campgrounds and RV Parks for Families

    While living on the road, you are going to have to pick where you stay every night of the year! That is a lot of decision-making. Here’s what to consider:

    Are you looking for an RV park that is close to what you want to do in the area, and you don’t plan to be in the RV park much?

    • In this situation, your choice won’t be based on amenities and things to do, but instead on location. On multiple occasions over the years, we have stayed in RV parks that were little more than parking lots with no amenities. But they got us super close to the things we wanted to do, so it worked out well! 

    Are you looking for a place to stay for a couple of weeks and relax? 

    • If this is the case, you will want to look for amenities that your family enjoys, such as a pool for swimming, a playground, a fishing pond, or open grass for the kids to run around. Thousand Trails parks are generally good for this, and you will most likely run into other families as well!

    Are you looking to splurge on a vacation spot? 

    • In this case, you will want to look for RV resorts that offer many amenities and fun things to do, but come with a higher price tag. 

    Are you looking to get out in nature, away from all the amenities, internet, etc? 

    • State Parks and National Parks are good options, or consider boondocking! Any chance we get, we stay in a State or National Park. We loved the vibe at these parks and enjoyed being there. However, note that they are usually not full hookups, and internet coverage can be spotty. 
    • Boondocking isn’t easy everywhere in the country. But when we got out west, we always looked for boondocking opportunities. We stayed in some pretty epic places for free!! If you want to learn more about this, check out our post: How To Camp For Free Or Close To It In The US.

    Picking the best RV campground or park for your family comes down to what you want to do when you are staying there. No matter what, you should always check to ensure kids are allowed—some campgrounds do not. 

    Click here to check out 15 of our favorite campsites!

    Camping Memberships

    Various camping membership sites offer savings on nightly rates. We belong to:

    • Fulltime Families – all about families traveling full-time in their RV. Lots of great resources, rallies and savings info! 
    • Thousand Trails – as mentioned above. Great for inexpensive camping (once you buy the membership) and for meeting other full-time traveling families.
    • Good Sam offers discounts on thousands of campgrounds nationwide, fuel savings, deals on camping gear, and much more. 
    • Overnight Stays is another Good Sam offering that features free single-night RV stays at unique locations. 

    Image source: Getty Images

    Pros and Cons of Full-Time RV Living With a Family

    There are so many amazing things about full-time RV living with a family, but there are downsides too. 

    What we love:

    The freedom

    We have the freedom to come and go as we please. If there’s somewhere we want to go, we schedule it and go.

    Community

    There is a great community of people who travel full-time, and it’s great to connect with so many like-minded individuals!

    Minimalism

    It’s a great feeling to have fewer things. Fewer things mean less to worry about and less to take care of. It’s liberating!

    Family

    There is nothing like loading the family up in the RV and taking off on our adventure. We all get to know each other so much better, spend more time together, and explore this amazing country!

    What We Don’t Love:

    Leaving Family And Friends

    This is always challenging and something we dislike about this lifestyle.

    Not Having Your Own Yard

    This is a good thing since you don’t have to maintain or clean it. But it’s a bad thing because the kids can’t dig a hole in the campground “yard”. Since it isn’t your space, you are always following someone else’s rules when you stay at campgrounds. 

    Image source: Getty Images

    FAQ: Full-Time Family RVing

    Q: Is full-time RV living legal for families with kids?
     A: Yes, it’s legal. You must comply with homeschooling laws, residency requirements, and health/insurance regulations.

    Q: How much does it cost to live in an RV full time with a family?
     A: On average, between $2,000–$10,000 per month depending on travel frequency, campground choices, fuel, family size, and travel style.

    Q: What is the best RV for full-time family living?
     A: Large fifth wheels, bunkhouse travel trailers, and Class A motorhomes with bunk beds are among the most popular but I would not say the best. The best RV depends on how you want to travel. One of my favorite setups for us was a 12 passenger van with a 21 foot travel trailer that we took down to Baja, Mexico. 

    Q: How do kids go to school while full-time RVing?
     A: Most families homeschool, roadschool, or use online public school programs.

    Q: Is RV living safe for children?
     A: Yes, with proper RV maintenance, safety planning, and supervision. Many RVs have safety features designed for families.

    Q: How do families make money while RVing full-time?
     A: Remote jobs, freelance work, seasonal employment, YouTube/blogging, and online businesses are common.

    Q: Can you still have a social life while full-time RVing with kids?
     A: Absolutely. Many families join full-time RV communities, attend rallies, and connect via social media or travel networks.

    Top RVs for Full-Time Families

    Here are some of the best RVs commonly chosen by full-time RVing families:

    Closing Thoughts

    In conclusion, we 100% think taking your family on the road to travel full-time is worth it. It is not all rainbows and sunshine, and it will have its challenges, but it is worth it! 

    Before going on the road, you will never have all your ducks in a row and be prepared for every situation. But that is all part of the adventure of going on the road full-time with your family. You learn how to figure things out and how to get through situations together as a family. 

    If this is a dream you have, go for it! You will figure everything out along the way! 

     

    The post The Complete Guide to Full-Time Family RVing appeared first on RV.com.

  • The Mental Health Benefits of Being in Nature

    Burnout is the new baseline. We’re living in a culture of constant alerts, endless tabs, and digital overload. The accompanying anxiety and emotional fatigue are enough to make even the strongest among us want to duck and cover. 

    The modern mental health crisis is not subtle. The stress of always being ‘on’ causes us an array of psychological issues. Couple that with the general chaos of modern life and you have a recipe for trouble. 

    That’s why more people are taking to the road, to nature and to camping to re-ground the human connection.

    This article explores why road trips, camping, and RVing aren’t merely recreational—they’re healing. See how nature can help if you’ve been feeling off, distracted, or drained.

    Beautiful serene woods

    Photo credit: Nachtmusiki Via Unsplash

    Why Nature is Medicine for the Mind

    Nature doesn’t just feel good. It is good — for your brain, your body, and your mental health. Research continues to show that spending time in natural settings reduces cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone. 

    When you spend regular time outdoors, you’re likely to get better sleep, lower anxiety, and improved mood.

    Practices like forest bathing (or Shinrin-yoku, a Japanese practice of immersive time in the woods) and grounding (walking barefoot on natural surfaces) are known to help reset the nervous system. 

    Time in nature engages the senses in a way that calms the mind and grounds you in the present moment. Nature also has a way of putting things in perspective. When surrounded by trees older than any inbox or skyline, it becomes easier to unload whatever’s weighing you down.

    Photo credit: Dominique van Olm

    Road Trips Can Improve Mental Wellness

    There’s something profoundly freeing about hitting the road with the journey as your agenda. Road trips give you space to think, room to breathe, and the chance to shift your physical environment. 

    Driving through changing landscapes and exploring new places reignites curiosity. The road is a moving meditation, a place where your mind can wander without productivity pressures. Even the act of planning a trip offers a dopamine boost by giving you something to look forward to. 

    Be sure to also plot out plenty of nature time on the road to double up on mental health benefits.

    Photo credit: Mapodile Via Getty Images

    RVing Your Way Into Natural Healing

    The mental health benefits of nature are easy to enjoy in an RV. That’s because the RVing lifestyle is about the journey just as much as the destination. It encourages minimalism and an intentional pace of life. 

    There’s no rush hour, no endless list of errands, no mindless scrolling in line at a coffee shop.

    Instead, there’s the rhythm of quiet mornings. There’s the ability to escape into the forest whenever you wish. And there are state and national parks at your fingertips. 

    All of these ingredients combine to create a recipe for mental health. You have the freedom in an RV or campervan to choose a path that’ll help increase mental energy in your life. 

    Many who’ve adopted RV life full or part-time say it’s helped them manage anxiety, feel more present, and even reimagine the meaning of happiness.

    With fewer distractions and more time spent in natural settings, RVing creates a return to the essentials of simplicity, connection, and peace.

    Photo credit:  Bojanstory Via Getty Images

    Tent Camp To Get The Mental Health Benefits of Nature

    Escape the everyday and boost your mental well-being through tent camping. By disconnecting from digital life, you create space for fundamental mental resets. 

    The simple, hands-on tasks of camp life, like building a fire or cooking outdoors, demand your full attention, creating a specific mindfulness. 

    This ‘forced’ presence is innately meditative, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. Tent camping can also help regulate your body’s sleep patterns by exposing you to natural light and darkness, leading to deeper and more restorative sleep. 

    Ditch the endless notifications and screen time for fresh air and stars above. Your mind will truly decompress, leading to improvements in your mental health.

    Photo credit: Holly Mandarich Via Unsplash

    Nature Combats Anxiety and Depression

    There’s a strong link between time outdoors and improved mental health. Nature is proven to reduce symptoms of both anxiety and depression. Some therapists even incorporate outdoor sessions, called ecotherapy or nature therapy, into treatment plans with genuine success.

    Compared to time spent on screens, time in nature consistently yields more positive moods, greater feelings of connection, and reduced mental fatigue. And while therapy and medication are vital tools for many, the low-cost, high-impact benefits of regular nature exposure are an often-overlooked complement to traditional care.

    You don’t have to go off-grid for a month. Even a weekend in the woods, a day at the beach, or an hour-long hike can provide measurable mental relief.

    Photo credit: PeopleImages Via Getty Images

    Tips for a Mentally Restorative Outdoor Trip

    Not all getaways are created equal. If you want your trip to bring on the mental health benefits of nature, it’s important to be somewhat strategic.

    Here are practical tips for mental restoration on your trip:

    • Select Your Location Strategically: Prioritize destinations known for their tranquility and natural beauty. Ideal choices include serene forests, uncrowded coastlines, quiet mountain lakes, or isolated desert areas.
    • Implement a Digital Detox: Disconnecting from digital devices is crucial. Hard as this may be, put your phone on airplane mode or consider leaving it home. Instead of screen time, consider bringing items that encourage offline engagement, such as a journal, a physical book, or quality walking shoes.
    • Assess Your Social Needs: Determine whether solitude or shared experiences are more beneficial for you. Some individuals find mental healing in quiet introspection, while others benefit from connection with others. Plan your trip based on what best supports your mental well-being.
    • Prioritize Unstructured Time: The purpose of this trip is not to maximize activities. Instead, focus on creating abundant unscheduled time. This allows for genuine rest, reflection, and opportunities to reconnect with nature.

    Image source: PIKSEL Via Getty Images

    Final Thoughts

    We all need time to disconnect in order to reconnect — with nature, with others, and with ourselves. You don’t have to quit your job or go off the grid for six months. You just have to give yourself permission to pause.

    A road trip. A night under the stars. A weekend in the woods. Whatever form it takes, the mental health benefits of being in nature are unparalleled. 

    Image source: Tomas Nevesely Via Getty Images

     

     

     

    The post The Mental Health Benefits of Being in Nature appeared first on RV.com.

  • Go RVing Invites RVers to Go ‘Just Beyond Your Door’

    Summer is nearly here, and the busy travel season is just around the corner. In June, we’ll even celebrate National Go RVing Day, which is designed to raise awareness of RV travel and the joys of living the RV lifestyle. This year, that day falls on June 14, and in preparation for that date, Go RVing has launched a new media campaign that not only includes the beautiful video above but also a sweepstakes that promises to give away “the Ultimate RV Getaway.”

    Go RVing Just Beyond Your Door

    Photo Credit: Go RVing

    The new marketing campaign encourages RVers to go “Just Beyond Your Door,” with encouragement to not just go camping, but to embrace all of the great activities that go along with it. From hiking and biking to exploring new locations and immersing yourself in local culture, RVing can be the gateway to many adventures. Best of all, your motorhome, camper van, or travel trailer is the perfect base camp for those excursions, providing all the comforts of home even when you’re on the road.

    The above video is at the center of the new campaign and will appear across a number of streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, Peacock, Amazon Prime, and others. The 30-second ad was produced using a high tech process that uses a massive LED volume state technology to produce realistic backgrounds for any location—real or imagined. The same technology is used by Disney to create its hit Star Wars show The Mandalorian. Here, it’s put to good use showing all of the opportunities that the RV lifestyle has to offer.

    Photo Credit: cookelma/Getty

    Another important element of the Go RVing media campaign is the launch of a fantastic giveaway. The organization—which is dedicated to promoting RVing in all of its forms—is giving away some wonderful prizes to help RVers embrace the travel season ahead. The top prize includes a $2,500 gift card for an RV rental, a $2,000 gift card to purchase gas, reserve a campsite, get food, and partake in activities. The winner will also get a Go RVing swag bag that features a hammock, water bottles, and other items. To sign up, simply click here and fill out the online form. This “Ultimate RV Getaway” sweepstakes closes on June 8, with the winner being announced on National Go RV Day.

    Hit play on the video above to generate some inspiration for your next RV adventure, then head over to the Ultimate RV Getaway page to sign up to win the prize. And don’t forget to embrace your adventurous side and go just beyond your door.

    The post Go RVing Invites RVers to Go ‘Just Beyond Your Door’ appeared first on RV.com.

  • National Parks to See Before You Die

    Sometimes, the boldest moves bring the greatest rewards…

    Two years ago, I made a choice that many dream of but few act on: I took a leap of faith and walked away from a successful career as an attorney and Senior Vice President of a major commercial insurance brokerage firm to pursue adventure and the open road.

    My passion for camping and exploration was sparked at an early age, shaped by childhood trips with my grandparents in their modest Nomad travel trailer emblazoned with a Good Sam sticker. 

    My sister and I explored every corner of Oregon with Grandma and Grandpa, from the shores of the Oregon Coast to the dramatic cliffs of Hells Canyon and everywhere in between. We camped in incredible places, explored small towns, hiked, swam in crystal-clear lakes, panned for gold, and never missed a single museum along the way.

    Grandparents and camping memories

    Image source: author

    I also grew up obsessed with cars—especially fast ones. I slept in a race car bed, surrounded by toy Porsches and posters of sports cars plastered across my walls.

    Twenty-five years later, I was finally in a position to graduate from toy Porsches to the real thing. I wanted to get the absolute most out of the experience, which meant daily driving my 911 in all weather conditions, logging countless track days, navigating rough terrain to reach remote hiking trailheads, and racking up miles on road trips every chance I got.

    Creating the Fastest RV in the World

    It wasn’t until I was preparing for a road trip to Colorado that the idea hit me: why not mount a rooftop tent on the Porsche to create a camper that is equally at home in the fast lane of the Autobahn as it is off the grid? 

    I found a nearly mint Yakima Skyrise rooftop tent on Craigslist and set my sights on creating the fastest RV in the world. My goal was a setup that offered the flexibility and convenience of rooftop tent camping without compromising the Porsche’s driving dynamics. 

    The result? A complete game-changer! With other cars, reaching the campsite or hiking trailhead is often an afterthought. Now, the drive itself is an exciting part of the adventure.

    Image source: author

    National Park Cannonball Run: 51 Parks in 50 Days

    In late summer 2024, I set out on what I thought would be the final chapter of a yearlong mission: road-tripping to all 51 national parks in the contiguous United States. I had visited 46 and just 5 remained. I visited my Grandpa the day before I hit the road. 

    The timeline was tight. Starting from Washington state, I had 13 days to reach Isle Royale, Avadia, Everglades, Biscayne and Dry Tortugas. It didn’t take long for things to go off the rails. A rockslide on Going-to-the-Sun Road, an August snowstorm on Logan Pass in Glacier and a cancelled ferry to Isle Royale nearly derailed the mission.  That’s when I remembered that I had visited the East Coast parks in the fall of 2023. By revisiting them again, I could reset my 1-year deadline and keep the dream alive.  

    This set me up to take a shot at something bigger: visiting all 51 national parks and 48 states in the contiguous United States in a single 50-day road trip.  I had visited many of these parks before, some multiple times, so I knew exactly how to make the most of the short time I would have in each one. 

    Somehow, I pulled it off – 51 national parks and 48 states in just 50 days while camping on top of the Porsche for 50 consecutive nights. I averaged over 500 miles of driving and 6 miles of hiking a day for 50 consecutive days. Countless setbacks and challenges arose along the way that would have caused most people to fold. So many opportunities to take the easy route, give up and head back home…

    But every morning I woke up before sunrise, answered the bell, pressed onward and was rewarded with lifelong memories.

    Image source: author

    11 National Parks to See Before You Die

    My cannonball run was packed with a lifetime’s worth of memories. Here are the national park experiences I think everyone should have before kicking the bucket:

    1. Sunrise at Canyonlands National Park

    The Shafer Trail is a narrow, unpaved road that cuts through the cliffs into the heart of Canyonlands National Park. Wake up early and hit the trail to have it – and the sunrise – all to yourself. 

    Image source: Unsplash

    2. Exclamation Point at Black Canyon of the Gunnison

    Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is probably one of the most underrated in the system. It’s where I fell in love with national parks and most visitors to the park never make it to the North Rim. They’re missing out!

    Most days, you have the place all to yourself. The views are better too, especially from Exclamation Point. You aren’t going to find a better view for a 3-mile hike. Peering over the edge of the rim of the 2,000-feet-deep vertical canyon wall to the Gunnison River below will take your breath away.

     

    Image source: author

     

    3. Camp at “The Wall” – Badlands National Park

    “The Wall” is one of my favorite places to camp. The dispersed camping site is located in the Buffalo Gap National Grassland and offers a stunning view of Badlands National Park, especially at sunrise.

    Image source: Unsplash

     

    4. Kayak The Badwater Basin in Death Valley 

    Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park is the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere, sitting at 282 feet below sea level.

    Tens of thousands of years ago, Badwater Basin was home to Lake Manly. This ancient lake has long since evaporated, but it makes a brief and rare reappearance every once in a while. When it does, kayak across its shallow waters for a life-changing experience.

    Image source: author

     

    5. Hike America’s Tallest Dune

    Great Sand Dunes National Park is a Martian-like park in Colorado that has to be checked off the list.

    Star Dune measures 741 feet from base to summit and is tied for the title of tallest sand dune in North America. There is no trail, and hiking in sand is exhausting, so start early and get back before it gets too hot.

    Image source: author


    6. Explore America’s Largest Caves at Carlsbad Caverns

    The Big Room in Carlsbad Caverns National Park is the largest single cave chamber by volume in North America. It has been called “The Grand Canyon with a roof over it,” and it is hands down one of the most stunning places in the national park system.  

     

    Image source: author

    7. Paddle to Canada at Voyageurs National Park

    The United States / Canada border extends through the three largest lakes in Voyageurs National Park. With the proper documentation, you can paddle across the border on an extended canoe trip that’ll change your life.

    Image source: author

    8. First Sunrise in the Continental U.S. at Acadia 

    Acadia National Park in Maine is home to Cadillac Mountain. The mountain’s summit, with an elevation 1,530 feet, is the highest point within 25 miles of the Atlantic Coast and the first place to see the sunrise in the continental United States.

    Image source: author

    9. Last Sunset in the Continental U.S. – Olympic National Park 

    Cape Alava in Olympic National Park is the westernmost point of the mainland in the Lower 48 and the place to see the last sunset in the contiguous United States.

    Image source: author

     

    10. Bison Herds at Theodore Roosevelt National Park

    Theodore Roosevelt National Park is one of the best places in the park system to see bison. There are so many in the North and South units of the park that the NPS routinely transfers many to other locations to maintain an appropriately sized population for the park.

    Image source: author

    11. Sunrise Over Crater Lake

    When I arrived at Crater Lake National Park on the morning of day 47 of my National Park Cannonball road trip, I was met with one of the most stunning sunrises that I had ever seen. The sky was on fire. It was absolutely magical. 

    I didn’t fully realize how special it was until I got back to cell service and received a message that my Grandpa had passed away a few hours earlier.  My love for exploring, the outdoors and camping was born from childhood adventures with my Grandpa.  Gramps loved what I was doing and was always excited to hear about the places I had seen that he had never visited.

    During our last conversation, the day before I left on this trip, he jokingly asked to come along (even though he was in no shape to travel). He might not have been with me for the entire trip, but I’m certain he was with me during that sunrise over Crater Lake.

    Grandpa giving his send-off via a Crater Lake sunrise. | Image source: author

     

     

     

     

     

    The post National Parks to See Before You Die appeared first on RV.com.

  • How to Plan an Epic Road Trip on a Budget

    Summer’s coming — and the road is calling…

    Road trips are magical. You can gaze in awe at incredible landscapes as you travel the countryside, wander off the beaten path to explore fun roadside attractions, or have an impromptu swim at a local beach before hitting the road again. 

    I enjoy the simple moments of bliss. Things like staring at majestic blue mountains as I take a moment to stretch my legs at a roadside rest area. 

    As a person who adores traveling regularly, I know that that taking an affordable road trip is 100% possible and that even a ‘cheap’ road trip can be a blast.

    Not sure how to plan a budget road trip? I have many affordable road trip tips to share so you can have the vacation of a lifetime without breaking the bank. 

    Choose RV Travel 

    I highly recommend RV travel for affordable road trips. Choosing to travel in an RV helps my family save money in a variety of ways.

    • Cheap and free campsites cut lodging costs.
    • The ability to cook in the RV saves on meal costs. 
    • Pit stops will be cheaper when snacks are available in the RV and don’t need to be purchased from the gas station. 

    Besides saving money, RV travel offers other fantastic benefits.

    • You don’t need to pack and unpack at every place you stop.
    • You can sleep in the same bed every night. 
    • A clean toilet follows you wherever you go.
    • Rest stops are better when you have a couch and bed in tow. 
    Rearview from RV

    Image source: Getty Images

    Save Money on Fuel

    The one downside to taking an RV on a road trip? Campers can be gas guzzlers. Whether you choose to tow a trailer or drive a motorhome, you are going to have to budget a healthy amount for fuel. Fortunately, there are ways to save on fuel and keep the gas budget minimal. 

    Find Cheap Fuel

    GasBuddy is an incredible tool for saving money on gas. I’m always astonished when I see just how much gas prices can vary in one town, and when you’re on the highway, they can fluctuate even more. GasBuddy helps you get the cheapest gas along your route by showing you gas prices in advance. 

    Note: Google Maps has a feature that does something similar. We use it sometimes but have found it isn’t always as accurate as GasBuddy’s crowdsourced data, so if you really need to save, make sure to cross-check.

    Double Up on Rewards

    Fuel rewards programs save you a bundle on the road. One of the best options is a Good Sam membership, which gets you 5¢ off per gallon of gas and 10¢ off per gallon of diesel at Pilot and Flying J gas stations. 

    There are many other fuel rewards programs, such as grocery store gas rewards, that can help you save even more. Combine several programs to reduce road trip fuel expenses significantly. 

    Drive Smarter 

    Of course, it also helps to use as little fuel as possible.

    • You can help reduce fuel usage by holding a steady, reasonable speed. 
    • Avoid sudden, hard braking. Instead, let off the gas and come to a slow stop.
    • Make sure to keep tires properly inflated, as this can help reduce fuel usage. 
    • Share your trip with friends! We love making new friends at campgrounds and sharing day trips with them. 

    Image source: Getty Images

    Have a Plan for RV Repairs

    RVing is fun, until it isn’t. 

    Breakdowns are stressful, and they’re even more nerve-wracking if you don’t have a plan to address them. That’s why a reliable roadside assistance plan is a necessary ingredient for affordable road trips. These cost-effective plans cover the costs of towing and other services that would otherwise bust a budget.

    Good Sam’s RV ProCare Suite takes this a step further by offering phone-based tech support and mobile service techs to help you troubleshoot at your campsite or on the road. 

    Save Money on Lodging

    I love finding a good deal on a campsite. There’s just something so thrilling about saving money on lodging, and the fact that it means I can travel more often is a major bonus. 

    Give Boondocking a Try

    Boondocking (aka dry camping) is typically done out in the boonies (hence the name). 

    Boondocking on public land that the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) or Forest Service manages is almost always 100% free, making it a budget-friendly option.

    To make a good thing even better, you might even snag a spot in a beautiful, pine-scented forest or a desert campsite featuring incredible orange and pink sunsets. 

    It’s important that you properly prepare for boondocking. You will need to have full batteries and a solar setup or a generator to recharge those batteries. 

    You’ll also need a full freshwater tank and a way to dump your waste tanks at the end of your trip. 

    Good Sam members can dump for free at Camping World locations nationwide. If a Camping World is not nearby, Good Sam members can head to Pilot or Flying J for $5 off the dump fee. 

    Find Free (and Cheap) Campsites

    Not sure boondocking is for you? There are also plenty of super low-cost and even free (!) established campgrounds out there that might be a better fit. 

    Cities, counties, the Forest Service, the BLM, or the Army Corps of Engineers often run free or cheap campgrounds. 

    We find these free and super-inexpensive campsites by looking at sites such as…

    Many of these sites allow you to filter by price, making it easy to find the best options for your affordable road trip.

    Snag a Camping Membership

    We’ve had a number of camping memberships over the years, and in that time, they have saved us thousands of dollars. 

    One of the best camping memberships is Good Sam’s campground discount network. Membership will save you 10% on nightly rates at 2,000+ campgrounds nationwide. 

    We love this membership because there are so many campgrounds to choose from and because it includes special discounts beyond the campground discounts. For example, we love Camping World discounts like the 5% back in points on certain purchases and members-only specials. 

    Other camping memberships that have helped us save include:

    Image source: Unsplash

    Eat for Less

    Eating out is expensive. That’s why affordable road trippers make use of RV kitchens and find ways to cut restaurant costs. 

    Here are some other ways to save money on food:

    Plan Your Meals

    I am much more likely to cook in the RV if I have a plan for each meal. For this reason, it is a good idea to make a meal plan and gather the ingredients needed before you leave home.

    We also use the following tips to make cooking in the RV a bit easier. 

    • Plan recipes ahead of your trip and pack the necessary cookware. 
    • Prep meals before you leave home. 
    • Use a slow cooker to cook meals while you’re out adventuring. 
    • Use a pressure cooker to save time. 
    • Grill out to avoid heating the RV on hot days and enjoy the scenery. 

    Pack a Lunch 

    Packing lunch when you go on adventures is also extremely helpful. We always keep bread, peanut butter, and some lunch meat on hand for grab-and-go meals. 

    If your family doesn’t want to eat sandwiches every day of your trip, consider mixing it up with soup in a thermos or cold leftovers (e.g. pizza or fried chicken), etc. 

    Look for Special Deals 

    Cooking in your RV is perfect for affordable road trips. That said, sometimes we like to splurge and try a local restaurant. In these cases, we still look for ways to save. 

    Some of the best ways to make eating out more budget-friendly include:

    • “Kids eat free” deals
    • “Happy hour” deals
    • Groupon deals
    • Splitting meals
    • Skipping the soft drinks

    Image source: Getty Images

    Find Free & Low-Cost Activities

    As an RVer, one of my favorite things to do is find ways to have low-cost fun wherever we roam. Doing this allows us to take some pretty incredible budget road trips that really don’t feel cheap at all. In fact, many of our most memorable travel moments didn’t cost a dime. 

    Look for Free Fun

    • Most cities have some free museums and historic sites. 
    • Local festivals and events are often free.
    • Hiking, climbing, bicycling, and swimming in rivers, lakes, and swimming holes are fun and free activities. 

    You can start your search for these options with a simple Google search. Local coffee shops and libraries post information about community events. Sites like AllTrails are also helpful when searching for local hiking trails. 

    Invest in a Membership or Pass

    We love, love, love our reciprocal memberships. These are memberships to a single museum, zoo, or amusement park that actually grant us admission to other similar attractions across the country. 

    In our family, these passes are regularly used to explore local attractions without spending a dime. 

    Some of the best ones include:

    Schedule Around Free Days

    Of course, free admission days are also helpful. Many museums and zoos nationwide offer free admission days once a month or once a week. 

    National Parks also have free admission days throughout the year. Find out when these days are and plan your visit around them. 

    Yes, the attractions will be more crowded on free days, but you’ll be able to check out a spot you may not otherwise have seen on an affordable road trip. 

    Final thoughts

    Just because it’s a ‘budget road trip’ doesn’t mean you can’t have an amazing time. Whether you choose to hike the mountains and enjoy some of the best views in the country or relax on a white sand beach as the waves lull you to sleep, you’re sure to enjoy whatever affordable road trip you plan this season. 

    Start planning now so you can make sure you find hidden gems and wallet-friendly stops!

    The post How to Plan an Epic Road Trip on a Budget appeared first on RV.com.

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