Experiencing America’s True Beauty With RV Vacations

This past year my wife and I jumped on an opportunity to take some RV vacations!

32 States, 10 National Parks, and 13 Bucket List Checkmarks later, we had spent 6 months experiencing more of America’s beauty than I’d ever thought possible in such a short time. 

In this post I’ll run down some of the many highlights and provide links to other posts where you can get more details of exactly what we did and how we did it, so you can create your own epic adventure.

What Were We Driving For These RV Vacations?

For our American RV vacation we got behind the wheel of a 2011 Ford Canyonstar.  It was 40′ long by 13′ tall by 9′ wide.  As someone who normally drives a Mini Cooper at home, this thing was a beast!  Interestingly (luckily?), no special license is required to legally drive a vehicle this size.

Driving down the highway wasn’t too bad once you got used to the size.  There was 2′ of space to play with in a standard highway lane that we’d try to keep even with 1′ on each side.  As a driver you’re heavily reliant on the side mirrors and the 3 cameras (1 on the back and 1 on each side).

At the time of our trip, gas fluctuated between $2.50 and $4.50 USD per gallon.  Our 70 gallon gas tank (265 liters) would last use approximately 7 hours of driving (about 800 kms or 500 miles).

The other major maintenance task that we had to keep an eye on was our water levels.  We had clean, grey and black water sensors that needed to be monitored.  Grey and black needed to be emptied and clean needed to be filled back up around  every week.  It’s generally a good idea to “dump & fill” whenever you get the chance.

Where Did We Sleep?

Overall we spent 59 nights in our RV, and here’s a brekadown of what that looked like:

• 2 wineries*
• 1 craft brewery*
• 3 friend’s driveways

Love’s and Pilot truckstops have parking spaces where they cater to RVs, and WalMart is a well-known RV hangout – just be sure to check with the manager first as some local rules prohibit overnight stays.  We found out later that some Targets and Lowes will also allow RVers to spend the nght in their lots, but be sure to check with the manager first.

*these stays were provided through a membership we picked up called Harvest Hosts where businesses with land offer overnight stays to RVers free of charge – though there’s generally an expectation that you’ll support tose businesses if time permits.  Harvest Hosts was often a lifesaver on this trip as we quickly discovered RV parks and RV resorts tend to fillup well in advance.  If you’re a last minute, let’s see where the road takes us kind of traveller like we are, you’ll definitely get your money’s worth from this membership.

Of all of the above locales, I’d have to say our “Top 3” were:

1. Landry Vineyards in West Monroe, Louisianna – start your day with a sunrise over the vineyard!
2. Sky Valley Resort in Desert Springs, California – beautiful resort with incredible views!
3. The Mill at 43 Ranch in San Ardo, California – you’ve never seen starts like this in your life!

RV Vacation Highlights

With any trip of this magnitude, it’s tough to narrow down a few highlights.  Our family and friends kept asking us “what’s your favourite thing you did?” or “give me your top 3 activities”.  I appreciate their intention, but those quesions are incredibly difficult to answer!

Having said that, here are some of the top highlights from our rv vacation.  As I’m able to complete new blog posts for each highlight the links will be updated.

• Jedediah Smith Redwoods, California
• Redwoods, California
• White Sands, New Mexico
• Cane River Creole, Louisiana
• Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

• Vists The Ark
• Have a Catch and Batting Practice at Field of Dreams
• Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Balloon Ride
• See a Show at The Grand Ole Opry
• Sit in The Dukes of Hazzard’s “General Lee”
• Attend a Billy Joel Concert

• Texas State Fair
• Billy Graham Library, North Carolina
• Elevation Church Live, North Carolina
• Louisville Slugger Museum
• Kentucky Bourbon Trail
• California Beach Life
• Waco, Texas

What Did All Of This Cost???

RV vacations like the one we took can easily blow your budget if you’re not paying attention!  The biggest, unavoidable cost is gas.  Depending on where you are in the country the gas prices fluxuate wildly – some parts of California are double what you’ll pay in the mid-west states, for example.  Other variables like speed and terrain will also play a factor, but this cost is a necessary evil.

Food costs can be much less than you may expect.  Since your in an RV, you’ve got a kitchen, so grocery stores are your friend.  You can also heat up any leftovers from those occassions you do eat out.  Keep in mind that it can be tough to find decent (ie healthier) food options on the road, but with a little effort you can find amazng places. 

As with any vacation, accomodation costs can quickly add up. Tere are plenty of RV Parks and RV Resorts across the country, and you’ll quickly learn the difference and decide which you prefer.  Note that most expect you to plan in advance and stop taking reservations around 4pm, which can cause havock if you’re like us and get to busy enjoying yourself that the day slips away.  Enter Harvest Hosts.  This membership was a lifesaver for us on many ocassions.  For a nominal annual fee, you have access to thousands of locations to park your rig overnight … for free!  And these aren’t your normal side of the road camps either.  We’re talking wineries, breweries, museums, golf courses, etc.  I couldn’t recommend them any more highly, and would never take another RV vacation without them.

Another membership you’ll want is called Good Sam.  For another small annual fee, you get discounts at gas stations, RV parks, attractions, and the always pleasant dumping requirement.  They also provide roadside assistance in case the unfortunate should happen.  Definitely grab one of these memebrships tosave some money and put your mind at ease.

After this epic RV vacation, I’d have to say that traveling the country by land is the bet way to see it’s beauty.  Plus there are so many hidden gems that most people overlook or just drive right by.  Take your time, and really experience as much as you can.

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Resources

Here is a list of the resources mentioned in this post:

Harvest Hosts – For a nominal annual fee, you have access to thousands of wineries, breweries, museums, golf courses, etc. to park your rig overnight … for free!

Good Sam – For a small annual fee, you’ll receive discounts at gas stations, RV parks, and attractions.  Plus they’ll provide roadside assistance in case the unfortunate should happen.

Freedom Seeker’s Passport – Download my FREE step-by-step workbook to finally ditch your desk and see the world!