Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us were unable to get away in 2020, and we are looking to plan extra-special trips in 2021. However, there’s no need to travel overseas, as there are plenty of spectacularly beautiful locations to visit right here in the USA. We’ve selected four absolute gems offering different scenery and activities to satisfy every taste. So, pack your camera and pile the kids in the RV: It’s adventure time.
Preparing for Your RV Trip
Whether you’re an experienced RV-er or this is your first time, it’s always important to thoroughly prepare for a trip. For the newbies out there, take some time to study topics, such as how to protect electronics outside, and check your RV’s batteries before you go.
As well as booking slots in your preferred RV parks, there are some practical steps you must do before your trip, such as checking:
- Your tires
- The appliances
- The batteries
- The fluids in both the engine and the generator
- Your RV weight
- Your electrical load
1. Grand Teton National Park
Located in northwestern Wyoming, 10 miles south of Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton offers a host of outdoorsy family activities. Known to have some of the most impressive wildlife in the U.S., including bears, bison, elk, moose, eagles, and pronghorns, Grand Teton is an animal lover’s dream.
With imposing peaks carved by glaciers, you will be treated to some breathtaking scenery as you explore the over 200 miles of walking trails. If you are more of a water person, why not take a boat down Snake River, or enjoy a spot of fly or lake fishing on one of the many stunning lakes? If you plan to fish in Grand Teton National Park, you will need a Wyoming state fishing license that can be purchased in Jackson, Signal Mountain Marina, or Colter Bay Marina.
This area is the perfect choice for families who want to set up camp in their RV and enjoy a fun-filled few weeks without spending too much time on the road. With Yellowstone and several national forests a stone’s throw away, you’ll have enough places to visit to keep you occupied for weeks.
Have you ever dreamed of having a ride in a hot air balloon? This area is famous for balloon festivals, such as the Teton Valley Summer Festival. Appreciate the views from a new perspective or simply enjoy the spectacle from the ground.
2. Bryce Canyon National Park
To experience otherworldly natural beauty, you’ve got to visit Bryce Canyon National Park. Leave the city behind and let yourself be transported to a surreal landscape of red rock pillars—geological formations known as hoodoos—and bristlecone pines, the oldest trees on earth.
When you can tear yourself away from the astonishing vistas like Thor’s Hammer and The Bryce Amphitheater, there are plenty of outdoor activities for all the family to enjoy. Visitors love to hike, cycle, and horse-ride through the park, and, once winter comes, cross country skiers are in their element skiing on the charmingly named Fairyland Road, surrounded by the magical contrast of stark white snow and wild red rocks. Remember, if you plan to do some serious hiking, brush up on some basic survival skills before you go.
The allure of Bryce Canyon isn’t lost when night falls. The canyon is famous for its stargazing, thanks to the excellent air quality and lack of light pollution. Gaze in wonder as you learn about the night sky at one of the viewing sessions hosted by the Astronomy Rangers, or sign up for a ranger-led full moon hike.
3. Mountain Rainier National Park
Just 60 miles from the thriving metropolis of Seattle sits Mount Rainier—also known as Tahoma or Tacoma—a 14,410-foot active volcano. This magnificent mountain, a wonder to behold in any season, lends its name to the surrounding national park.
There are plenty of other trails of varying difficulty to investigate for those unable to take on the formidable Mount Rainier hike. Most visitors to the park are keen to see Paradise’s wildflower meadows. Said to have been named by explorer James Longmire’s daughter-in-law, bursting with color and set against the snow-capped volcano, Paradise certainly lives up to its name.
The park is a fantastic playground all year round, with winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing popular among visitors. Visitors who cannot participate in extreme sports or hikes but wish to enjoy the views should check out Sunrise, the highest point in the park that can be reached by car. At an elevation of 6,400 feet and enjoying 360-degree views of the valleys, a trip to Sunrise and its informative visitor center is not to be missed.
4. The Florida Keys
After being cooped up for so long due to stay-at-home orders, many of us are craving a chance to spend some time by the ocean, and what better place to enjoy some sun and sea air than the Florida Keys?
There’s something special about driving over the Overseas Highway. With its 42 bridges crossing 44 islands, it’s like nowhere else in the United States. And the delights don’t stop once you’ve parked up. From coral reef snorkeling and parasailing to visiting Ernest Hemmingway’s home or the Dry Tortugas National Park, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Whichever RV park you choose to stay in on the Keys, you’re bound to get some stunning sea views. This is ideal, as a trip to the Keys is all about the water. Whether you’re enjoying a cocktail gazing at the crystal blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico or getting stuck in some watersports, you’ll never be far from the waves.
Happy Exploring!
These four exceptional natural beauty areas are just the start; there are hundreds of remarkable places to visit around the country. The joy of traveling in an RV is that you can explore at your own pace and take your home comforts with you. 2021, here we come!
