Blog

After spending 2.5 years on the highway and visiting 28 totally different states, my household and I’ve created a lifetime of recollections. Every time I share my journey tales, folks usually ask two questions: “What’s your favourite state?” and “What state have been you content to lastly go away?” 

Whereas I can shortly reply these questions, I’ve by no means put a lot thought into rating the most effective states to go to in USA.

So why not try this at this time? Let’s take a journey collectively and discover the 28 states I’ve visited. I’ll rank them from my favourite (the place I’d like to stay sometime) to my least favourite (the one you’ll by no means catch me in once more). Buckle up, and let’s get began!

1. Oregon

My favourite state, indubitably, is Oregon. Should you’re an out of doors lover like we’re, Oregon has all the things. From the breathtaking views of Mt. Hood, the excessive desert, the Tillamook Rainforest, and the Pacific Shoreline, Oregon has a world of pure wonders.

I fell in love with Oregon throughout our first journey to Bend. Our go to to Lava Lands within the Deschutes Nationwide Forest was like nothing I’d ever seen.

Then, visiting Mt. Hood and spending time at Trillium Lake solely reaffirmed my love for the state.

And simply once I thought it couldn’t get any higher, we visited the Pacific Shoreline. From the sand dunes in Florence to Haystack Rock in Cannon Seaside, it’s not possible to disclaim Oregon’s pure magnificence.

When our full-time RV life is all performed, Oregon would be the state we name dwelling.

2. Washington 

I really like Washington for lots of the similar causes I really like Oregon. Should you’re an out of doors lover, Washington is tough to beat. Luckily, it’s the northern neighbor of Oregon, so with only a few hour’s drive, you may get pleasure from each states!

Visiting the Washington Coast marked my first time visiting the Pacific Ocean, one thing I by no means thought I’d be capable to do.

We additionally spent appreciable time close to Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens. The views of these two mountains are one thing I’d by no means get used to. Washington was additionally the primary time I went cliff leaping, and I acquired to do it with my two adventurous boys! That makes the recollections even sweeter.

Washington additionally had wonderful library techniques, which is essential to us as we elevate our boys.

3. New Mexico 

New Mexico was a really surprising favourite of ours. What was supposed to simply be a “stopover” state become a state we beloved.

Our first cease in New Mexico was Roswell. Should you don’t learn about Roswell, it’s the place the UFO incident occurred in the summertime of 1947, when a rancher found unidentifiable particles in his sheep pasture.

So the city was filled with aliens, which the boys beloved! We visited the Worldwide UFO Museum & Analysis Heart, which was a blast! We additionally did a fairly enjoyable “spacewalk” that made us really feel like we have been on a unique planet.

Other than the out-of-this-world experiences in Roswell, we additionally beloved White Sands Nationwide Park, which, coincidentally, additionally makes you’re feeling such as you’re on one other planet. I felt like Luke Skywalker exploring distant galaxies on the huge dunes of pure white sand.

However as an alternative of taking off within the Starship, we hopped on a sled and rocketed down the dunes. Should you’ve by no means thought of visiting New Mexico, I extremely advocate it.

4. Utah

We solely stopped in two totally different locations in Utah, however that was sufficient for it to crack the highest 5. Our first cease in Utah was in a tiny little city that gave us some “hills have eyes” vibes, so I received’t name it by identify in case 1 of the 50 folks in that city find yourself studying this text.

However, our boondocking spot was on an deserted playground, so the boys had a blast opening the entrance door and stepping proper onto a playground. We additionally realized the historical past of the Historic Coke Ovens, which was an added bonus.

However the most effective a part of Utah was boondocking at the Bonneville Salt Flats. Should you don’t know, the Salt Flats have been shaped when historic lake Lake Bonneville dried up. Now, this majestic panorama serves because the racing grounds for generations of land velocity racers from around the globe.

There’s nothing like getting your truck as much as 90mph on a speedway a number of the quickest automobiles in historical past have pushed on.

We additionally had a lot privateness and panoramic views of a few of America’s most stunning pure wonders.

5. California

Whereas Oregon is my favourite state, California is dwelling to my prime two Nationwide parks. I’d by no means heard of Pinnacles Nationwide Park earlier than we visited, however it was a pleasing shock.

My favourite half was the cave trails. Pinnacles Nationwide Park has two fundamental cave areas: the Bear Gulch Caves, that are close to headquarters within the East District, and the Balconies Caves, that are close to the Chaparral Picnic Space within the West District. Should you’re ever on the town, be sure you take a look at each.

Yosemite is gorgeous past phrases. Significantly, nothing I write right here can do that nationwide park justice. Should you’re pondering of touring full-time, Yosemite HAS to be in your checklist of stops. 

Should you’re questioning in regards to the energy and great thing about Yosemite, it led Roosevelt to broaden federal safety of Yosemite, and it impressed him to signal into existence 5 nationwide parks, 18 nationwide monuments, 55 nationwide chicken sanctuaries and wildlife refuges, and 150 nationwide forests after visiting.

Yosemite Nationwide Park is an absolute must-visit for any out of doors lover.

6. Florida

The second time we acquired to Florida, we had no intention to depart. It’s the Sunshine State! No chilly climate, flip flops, and board shorts all 12 months. We completely beloved the Springs. Three Sisters Springs close to Crystal River, Florida, was our absolute favourite. We acquired to swim with Manatees!

We additionally noticed dolphins off the Gulf Coast and beloved spending time with the animals on the Hardee County Wildlife Refuge.

However, with the sunshine comes the warmth, and with Florida comes hurricanes. There’s nothing fairly like dodging a class 4 hurricane whereas towing your own home and all the things you personal behind you. One of many many challenges of RV life we confronted on the highway!

And that results in insane insurance coverage costs within the state and very excessive total price of dwelling. So, though Florida had its perks, we determined to pack the camper and hold shifting.

7. Illinois

We went to Illinois for one cause – to see Superman. I’ve been a fan of the Man of Metal since Christopher Reeve made me consider a person might fly many years in the past. On the southern finish of Illinois sits Metropolis, the house of Superman. 

And in Metropolis, IL is the Superman Museum. 

The museum is filled with collectibles and artifacts commemorating and honoring Superman in his varied types – books, comics, TV, motion pictures, and extra. Should you like the massive blue boy scout, you’ve acquired to go to Metropolis, Illinois.

8. Pennsylvania

We didn’t spend a lot time in Pennsylvania, however I made it some extent to go to the state to take the boys to Hershey Park. Hershey Park is an amusement park named after the chocolate firm. I visited Hershey Park yearly rising up, so it was necessary for me to let my boys expertise it as properly.

Should you’re a fan of amusement parks, it’s a must-visit. Along with the amusement park, you too can go to Chocolate World and take a tour to find out how Hershey makes its chocolate. And on the finish, you get a free sweet bar.

9. South Carolina

South Carolina is the place we lived earlier than we “launched.” I spent ten years in South Carolina, and it’s the place I met my spouse and the place my children have been born. It can at all times be particular to me, however it wasn’t the place we have been meant to spend the remainder of our lives.

Port Royal, SC, was considered one of our first stops after we began touring. It’s a beautiful little seashore city the place everyone is aware of everyone. Should you’re ever in Port Royal, cease by the Zen Den to see “Mamma Bear.” You received’t remorse it.

10. North Carolina

North Carolina is the place my spouse was born and raised. We visited her mother in Ocean Isle Seaside and frolicked together with her brother in Stone Mountain. Should you’re ever close to Roaring Hole, NC, it’s important to take a look at Stone Mountain State Park. They’ve some wonderful trails with unbeatable views, and you may study some historical past of the realm.

We additionally spent a while close to Emerald Isle Seaside, one other quaint little seashore city. Should you’re ever within the space, take a look at Sundown Slush.

11. Maryland

Maryland is the place I used to be born and raised. I grew up proper subsequent to the Appalachian Path and Antietam Battlefield, so it was good taking the boys out on a few of these trails and instructing them a number of the historical past of the realm.

Should you’re ever out close to the Antietam Battlefield in MD, be sure you hike as much as Weverton Cliffs for a improbable view of the Appalachian Mountains and the Potomac River.

And whereas it’s not in MD, cross the border into West Virginia to spend a while in Harpers Ferry.

12. Virginia

We handed by way of Virgina twice. The primary time, we spent a while at Ridge Valley Alpacas. The boys completely beloved hanging out with the Alpacas, and the homeowners of the farm have been nice. 

The second time we have been in VA, we caught COVID. After dodging it for 2 years, it lastly caught as much as us. All of us felt like loss of life, and our recollections of VA are tainted by COVID. Luckily, all of us made a full restoration and stored touring.

13. Ohio 

Ohio was enjoyable for us as a result of we visited associates we hadn’t seen shortly. We have been solely within the state for a couple of days, however seeing some outdated faces on the highway was very nice. We did take the boys to the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery in Dayton, Ohio. Out of all 28 states, Boonshoft was by far our favourite museum. There was a lot for the boys to do, they by no means acquired bored, they usually wished to remain longer.

Should you’ve acquired children, it’s essential to go to the Boonshoft Museum.

14. Mississippi

Talking of museums, Mississippi had our second and third favourite museums we’ve visited thus far. We took the boys to the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum and the Mississippi Museum of Pure Science. Each are in Jackson, MS, and each are value a visit in case you’re ever within the space.

15. Indiana 

Admittedly, we didn’t do a lot in Indiana. The campground we parked in was among the best we’ve stayed at, so we didn’t wander too far off. It was a kind of stops the place we simply wanted to relaxation and recharge. The campground had a pleasant playground for the boys, loads of locations to take a pleasant stroll, and an enormous pond to look at the geese and geese.

We did get out a couple of instances, although, and stopped by the Walnut Avenue Selection Store. It’s an eclectic little retailer with one thing for everybody, and it’s undoubtedly value stopping by in case you’re within the space.

16. Nevada

We boondocked in Nevada on our technique to the Pacific Northwest. Boondocking will be traumatic, however when you get the cling of it, it provides a lot peace and leisure away from the world. We stayed on the Water Canyon Recreation Space and loved a while in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of the “actual world.”

Nevertheless, as you may inform from the image, we needed to cope with some smoke from the wildfires within the space. That’s at all times one thing to be aware of when touring within the West at the moment of 12 months.

17. Iowa

Iowa was one other spot the place we Boondocked away from all of it and didn’t do a lot within the outdoors world. Even when we wished to get out and discover the realm, there wasn’t a lot to do.

So we settled in on the Waubonsie Campground for a couple of nights and acquired some work performed. We additionally made a couple of new associates, as you may see within the image.

18. Missouri

Missouri was a one-night stop-through. At this level, we have been shortly heading again throughout the nation and wanted a spot to spend the evening. We ended up at Montauk State Park. Should you prefer to fish, this State Park is for you. It’s in an exquisite, distant location, and it’s a trout fishing hotspot.

19. Colorado 

We didn’t spend practically as a lot time in Colorado as I’d’ve appreciated to. Generally, issues simply don’t work out the way you’d like them to. However, we did get an opportunity to go to a pleasant small city with superb mountain views. We stayed in a Hip Camp in Colorado, the one time we used that service, however it was properly value it.

Nevertheless, we initially become the fallacious driveway and have been met with a warning shot. We rotated actually shortly and acquired out of there! We’ll always remember the time our GPS virtually acquired us shot!

20. Alabama

The campground we visited in Alabama was very nice. It had a pleasant pool, clubhouse, and an honest laundry room (laundry is important!). Nevertheless, there actually wasn’t the rest round. We have been 20-Half-hour from a tiny city after which about one other 20-30 to get to any main conveniences. This was one other state we simply took a while to chill out and revel in being disconnected.

The image above is our outdated camper and truck earlier than catastrophe struck in our least favourite state (hold studying to seek out out what occurred!)

21. Georgia

We discovered each of our tenting spots in Georgia on Boondockers Welcome. The primary spot we stayed at was owned by the nicest household we’ve encountered on the highway. They handled us like we have been a part of the household and even invited us to a cookout at their dwelling. It actually was a good time, and we’ll eternally cherish the recollections we made there.

Our second spot was….totally different. Let’s name it Farmer Joe’s. Farmer Joe’s was a farm with donkeys and horses that may stroll proper as much as your camper. The boys beloved it. There have been additionally chickens, geese, and goats (we acquired to carry a child!) It was superb being surrounded by livestock in each path.

However, there have been some unusual vibes at this place. It type of felt like a cult. Individuals we have been by no means launched to would simply pop up, engaged on the farm. They wouldn’t converse to us. They have been simply there, working. It was odd, however we now have some unimaginable recollections of using horses and feeding donkeys.

22. Kentucky 

We drove by way of some stunning spots in Kentucky. We additionally drove by way of Louisville the weekend of the Kentucky Derby, which wasn’t very sensible on our half. Pulling a 36-foot journey trailer by way of dense metropolis visitors isn’t enjoyable.

Nevertheless, we have been solely in Kentucky for one evening and slept in a relaxation space. Generally, that’s life on the highway. One evening, you’re on the aspect of an exquisite mountain, and the subsequent evening, you’re parked subsequent to an 18-wheeler in a relaxation space.

23. Lousiana 

Identical to Kentucky, our journey to Louisiana wasn’t very thrilling. Whereas we drove by way of some stunning locations, we didn’t camp anyplace spectacular. Except you depend the car parking zone of a Cracker Barrel spectacular.

Should you don’t know Cracker Barrel, it’s an old-style diner serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Every restaurant options distinctive native finds that mirror the neighborhood’s historical past, so you may study in regards to the space you’re in when you dine. We had an incredible breakfast earlier than we hit the highway once more.

24. Arizona 

Arizona is sizzling. There are some stunning locations in Arizona, however it’s sizzling. We stayed at a pleasant campground with a river flowing by way of it, and I spent a whole lot of time hanging on the market with the boys. We additionally went on a very nice hike on the Cliffrose Path close by.

One other time we have been in Arizona, we Bondocked subsequent to large cacti close to Saguaro Nationwide Park. We don’t have cacti like that on the East Coast, in order that was an incredible expertise. The go to to Saguaro Nationwide Park can be properly well worth the go to.

We might later discover out that our canine acquired parvo that just about killed him after we have been in AZ, and that type of soured us on the state. Nobody ever advised us about parvo on the East Coast, so in case you’re heading to the southwest, make certain your canines are updated on their parvo vaccine.

25. Idaho

Idaho was an journey for all the fallacious causes. We deliberate to remain on the Frank C. Jones entry space for the evening, however issues didn’t fairly work out as anticipated. The campground was smaller than it seemed within the photos, so I went out on foot to test it out earlier than we pulled in, and I used to be certain we’d be advantageous.

We weren’t.

I pulled the camper down the twisty, slender driveway to the spot the place we have been going to camp for the evening, however we have been too lengthy to show round to get into the spot. 

The world was too slender for our lengthy truck and camper to show round, leaving us with one selection – again the truck and camper up the slender, steep, curvy driveway.

It was traumatic and examined my driving abilities, however we made it out with out getting caught or damaging the truck or camper. After that, we went again to a relaxation space we handed a couple of miles down the highway and stayed there for the evening.

26. Nebraska

I used to be excited after we pulled into the campground in Nebraska. It was a boondocking spot, and the place was virtually empty. We discovered a HUGE spot proper on the river. It was good.

For an evening.

The subsequent day, a tent camper selected the spot proper subsequent to us (though the complete park was open), however we didn’t suppose something of it. We’ve found in our travels that some folks identical to to be near different folks.

Nevertheless, one morning, I seemed out at our generator, and there was a cellphone and a cellphone charger plugged into it, however they weren’t ours.

Our neighbor, who we later came upon was homeless, helped himself to our generator with out ever chatting with us. I spoke to the man, and he turned out to be innocent, however he utterly destroyed our peace and quiet.

We let him cost his stuff on our generator, however we left a few days sooner than we had deliberate. We at all times err on the aspect of warning due to our boys.

27. Wyoming

We didn’t get pleasure from Wyoming. Wyoming was alleged to be a fast stopover for one evening, however it become our second most traumatic cease (our most traumatic cease is subsequent). Driving down the interstate to our boondocking spot, my spouse out of the blue observed the camper was sitting inconsistently.

I pulled over to examine issues out, and after a fast inspection, we observed that considered one of our leaf springs snapped proper in half. All issues thought of, we have been extraordinarily fortunate. When the leaf spring broke, it wedged itself within the undercarriage of the camper. If that didn’t occur, we might’ve misplaced management of the camper, and it might’ve resulted in catastrophe. It’s one of many some ways by which highway journeys will be harmful.

We have been solely a mile away from our boondocking spot, so we slowly pulled the camper there and parked. We tried fixing the leaf spring ourselves, however we couldn’t get a corroded screw out. We known as round to some mechanics, however in such a small city, there weren’t a whole lot of choices, and those that have been obtainable have been charging astronomical costs. 

We didn’t have a ton of cash to spend on the restore, so we tried to repair it once more ourselves till we have been referred by an area campground to a cellular RV mechanic who occurred to be staying within the space on the time.

After they came upon what occurred, they mounted the leaf spring freed from cost. They have been superb folks, they even gave the boys free hats. We can be eternally grateful to them, and I’ll at all times pay their generosity ahead.

28. Texas

Every part is greater in Texas, together with the disasters. At one time limit, Texas was on our quick checklist of states we’d calm down in after we stopped touring. However now it’s ranked because the worst state we visited.

And, in Texas’s protection, it’s primarily on account of horrible luck.

It began on our technique to the 7IL Ranch when our truck began breaking down. I misplaced energy steering on the way in which to the ranch, however we nonetheless made it. Nevertheless, whereas making an attempt to again into our spot, I noticed I couldn’t flip the truck sharply sufficient and hit a tree.

I left a large gap within the roof that we needed to cowl with a tarp whereas we waited 4 days for an insurance coverage adjuster to indicate up. And this was within the useless of summer season, so it acquired HOT in that camper.

When the insurance coverage adjuster lastly confirmed up, he stated the camper, our home, was totaled. Now we’re homeless with nowhere to go. Luckily, insurance coverage paid for a lodge whereas we figured issues out. We ended up within the lodge for every week with all the things we owned in a Uhaul trailer within the car parking zone.

We didn’t know what would occur, and we have been ready to finish up crashing at considered one of our mum or dad’s homes till we figured issues out.

However, on my birthday, we have been fortunate sufficient to finance a model new camper, and after unloading the Uhaul and getting all of our stuff into the camper, we have been again on the highway.

However the ‘enjoyable’ didn’t cease there. After a couple of week within the new camper, my spouse totaled our pickup truck. Luckily, everybody was okay, however it actually shook up my spouse, and we have been left with no technique to pull our camper.

Now, identical to we had to determine easy methods to get a brand new camper, we had to determine easy methods to get a brand new truck.

Consider we had simply changed our first truck after the incident with the facility steering that led me to complete the primary camper.

So now we’re truck buying. It took us a couple of month to get issues located with insurance coverage after which discover a truck we might afford and use to drag the trailer. We ultimately did and acquired again on the highway, however all the things had modified.

We is not going to be again to Texas.

Reflecting on a Journey: 28 States, Limitless Reminiscences

As our journey throughout 28 states involves an in depth, it’s clear that every place has left its distinctive mark on our household’s story. From the awe-inspiring pure great thing about Oregon to the surprising challenges in Texas, our travels have been a mosaic of experiences, instructing us in regards to the range and richness of the USA. 

These rankings are greater than only a checklist; they’re a tapestry of recollections, classes realized, and the enjoyment of exploration. Whereas some states captured our hearts greater than others, each cease alongside the way in which contributed to our household’s journey, shaping our perspective and enriching our lives.

As we proceed our travels, we stock with us not simply souvenirs, however the invaluable experiences of every state we’ve visited. To fellow vacationers, might your journeys be simply as enriching, and to the states that hosted us, a heartfelt thanks for the recollections that can final a lifetime.