After spending 2.5 years on the street and visiting 28 totally different states, my household and I’ve created a lifetime of recollections. At any time when I share my journey tales, individuals typically ask two questions: “What’s your favourite state?” and “What state have been you content to lastly depart?”
Whereas I can shortly reply these questions, I’ve by no means put a lot thought into rating the very best states to go to in USA.
So why not try this at this time? Let’s take a trip 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, definitely, is Oregon. For those who’re an outside lover like we’re, Oregon has every thing. From the breathtaking views of Mt. Hood, the excessive desert, the Tillamook Rainforest, and the Pacific Coastline, 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 inconceivable to disclaim Oregon’s pure magnificence.
When our full-time RV life is all finished, Oregon would be the state we name house.
2. Washington
I really like Washington for most of the similar causes I really like Oregon. For those who’re an outside lover, Washington is difficult to beat. Happily, it’s the northern neighbor of Oregon, so with just some hour’s drive, you possibly can 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 near 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 glorious library techniques, which is essential to us as we increase our boys.
3. New Mexico
New Mexico was a really sudden favourite of ours. What was supposed to simply be a “stopover” state become a state we liked.
Our first cease in New Mexico was Roswell. For those who don’t know 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 stuffed with aliens, which the boys liked! We visited the Worldwide UFO Museum & Analysis Heart, which was a blast! We additionally did a reasonably enjoyable “spacewalk” that made us really feel like we have been on a distinct planet.
Other than the out-of-this-world experiences in Roswell, we additionally liked White Sands National Park, which, coincidentally, additionally makes you are feeling such as you’re on one other planet. I felt like Luke Skywalker exploring distant galaxies on the large dunes of pure white sand.
However as a substitute of taking off within the Starship, we hopped on a sled and rocketed down the dunes. For those who’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 individuals 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 very best a part of Utah was boondocking at the Bonneville Salt Flats. For those who don’t know, the Salt Flats have been fashioned when historical lake Lake Bonneville dried up. Now, this majestic panorama serves because the racing grounds for generations of land pace racers from all over the world.
There’s nothing like getting your truck as much as 90mph on a speedway a number of the quickest vehicles 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 house to my high two Nationwide parks. I’d by no means heard of Pinnacles Nationwide Park earlier than we visited, but it surely was a nice shock.
My favourite half was the cave trails. Pinnacles Nationwide Park has two essential 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. For those who’re ever on the town, make sure you take a look at each.
Yosemite is beautiful beyond words. Severely, nothing I write right here can do that nationwide park justice. For those who’re pondering of touring full-time, Yosemite HAS to be in your record of stops.
For those who’re questioning concerning the energy and fantastic thing about Yosemite, it led Roosevelt to develop 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 outside 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 yr. We completely liked 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 liked 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 every thing you personal behind you. One of many many challenges of RV life we confronted on the street!
And that results in insane insurance coverage costs within the state and intensely excessive total value 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 motive – to see Superman. I’ve been a fan of the Man of Metal since Christopher Reeve made me imagine a person may fly a long time 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 stuffed with collectibles and artifacts commemorating and honoring Superman in his numerous types – books, comics, TV, motion pictures, and extra. For those who like the large 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 annually rising up, so it was essential for me to let my boys expertise it as effectively.
For those who’re a fan of amusement parks, it’s a must-visit. Along with the amusement park, you can too 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 all the time be particular to me, but it surely wasn’t the place we have been meant to spend the remainder of our lives.
Port Royal, SC, was one in all our first stops once we began touring. It’s a stunning little seaside city the place all people is aware of all people. For those who’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 hung out along with her brother in Stone Mountain. For those who’re ever close to Roaring Hole, NC, you must take a look at Stone Mountain State Park. They’ve some glorious trails with unbeatable views, and you’ll be taught some historical past of the world.
We additionally spent a while close to Emerald Isle Seaside, one other quaint little seaside city. For those who’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 educating them a number of the historical past of the world.
For those who’re ever out close to the Antietam Battlefield in MD, make sure you hike as much as Weverton Cliffs for a incredible 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 means of Virgina twice. The primary time, we spent a while at Ridge Valley Alpacas. The boys completely liked 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 dying, and our recollections of VA are tainted by COVID. Happily, all of us made a full restoration and stored touring.
13. Ohio
Ohio was enjoyable for us as a result of we visited buddies we hadn’t seen shortly. We have been solely within the state for a number of days, however seeing some previous faces on the street 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, and so they needed to remain longer.
For those who’ve acquired children, it’s good to go to the Boonshoft Museum.
14. Mississippi
Talking of museums, Mississippi had our second and third favourite museums we’ve visited to this point. We took the boys to the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum and the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. Each are in Jackson, MS, and each are value a visit in the event you’re ever within the space.
15. Indiana
Admittedly, we didn’t do a lot in Indiana. The campground we parked in was the most effective we’ve stayed at, so we didn’t wander too far off. It was a type 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 number of instances, although, and stopped by the Walnut Street Variety Shop. It’s an eclectic little retailer with one thing for everybody, and it’s positively value stopping by in the event you’re within the space.
16. Nevada
We boondocked in Nevada on our approach to the Pacific Northwest. Boondocking will be nerve-racking, however when you get the hold of it, it presents a lot peace and leisure away from the world. We stayed on the Water Canyon Recreation Area and loved a while in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of the “actual world.”
Nevertheless, as you possibly can inform from the image, we needed to take care of some smoke from the wildfires within the space. That’s all the time one thing to be conscious of when touring within the West at the moment of yr.
17. Iowa
Iowa was one other spot the place we Boondocked away from all of it and didn’t do a lot within the exterior world. Even when we needed to get out and discover the world, there wasn’t a lot to do.
So we settled in on the Waubonsie Campground for a number of nights and acquired some work finished. We additionally made a number of new buddies, as you possibly can 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 night time. We ended up at Montauk State Park. For those who wish to fish, this State Park is for you. It’s in a ravishing, distant location, and it’s a trout fishing hotspot.
19. Colorado
We didn’t spend almost as a lot time in Colorado as I’d’ve favored to. Typically, 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 wonderful mountain views. We stayed in a Hip Camp in Colorado, the one time we used that service, but it surely was effectively value it.
Nevertheless, we initially become the flawed driveway and have been met with a warning shot. We circled 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 crucial!). 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 luxuriate in being disconnected.
The image above is our previous camper and truck earlier than catastrophe struck in our least favourite state (hold studying to search 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 street. They handled us like we have been a part of the household and even invited us to a cookout at their house. It actually was a good time, and we’ll without end 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 will stroll proper as much as your camper. The boys liked it. There have been additionally chickens, geese, and goats (we acquired to carry a child!) It was wonderful being surrounded by livestock in each route.
However, there have been some unusual vibes at this place. It form of felt like a cult. Folks we have been by no means launched to would simply pop up, engaged on the farm. They wouldn’t communicate to us. They have been simply there, working. It was odd, however we’ve got some unbelievable recollections of driving horses and feeding donkeys.
22. Kentucky
We drove by means of some stunning spots in Kentucky. We additionally drove by means of Louisville the weekend of the Kentucky Derby, which wasn’t very good on our half. Pulling a 36-foot journey trailer by means of dense metropolis visitors isn’t enjoyable.
Nevertheless, we have been solely in Kentucky for one night time and slept in a relaxation space. Typically, that’s life on the street. One night time, you’re on the aspect of a ravishing mountain, and the following night time, 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 means of some stunning locations, we didn’t camp wherever spectacular. Until you rely the car parking zone of a Cracker Barrel spectacular.
For those who 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 possibly can be taught concerning the space you’re in when you dine. We had a tremendous breakfast earlier than we hit the street 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 means of it, and I spent numerous 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 massive cacti close to Saguaro National Park. We don’t have cacti like that on the East Coast, in order that was a tremendous expertise. The go to to Saguaro Nationwide Park can be effectively well worth the go to.
We’d later discover out that our canine acquired parvo that almost killed him once we have been in AZ, and that form of soured us on the state. Nobody ever advised us about parvo on the East Coast, so in the event you’re heading to the southwest, be certain your canine are updated on their parvo vaccine.
25. Idaho
Idaho was an journey for the entire flawed causes. We deliberate to remain on the Frank C. Jones entry space for the night time, however issues didn’t fairly work out as anticipated. The campground was smaller than it regarded 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 fantastic.
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 night time, however we have been too lengthy to show round to get into the spot.
The realm was too slender for our lengthy truck and camper to show round, leaving us with one alternative – again the truck and camper up the slender, steep, curvy driveway.
It was nerve-racking 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 number of miles down the street and stayed there for the night time.
26. Nebraska
I used to be excited once 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 following 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 individuals identical to to be near different individuals.
Nevertheless, one morning, I regarded out at our generator, and there was a telephone and a telephone charger plugged into it, however they weren’t ours.
Our neighbor, who we later discovered was homeless, helped himself to our generator with out ever talking to 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 all the time err on the aspect of warning due to our boys.
27. Wyoming
We didn’t get pleasure from Wyoming. Wyoming was purported to be a fast stopover for one night time, but it surely become our second most nerve-racking cease (our most nerve-racking cease is subsequent). Driving down the interstate to our boondocking spot, my spouse all of the sudden seen the camper was sitting inconsistently.
I pulled over to examine issues out, and after a fast inspection, we seen that one in all 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 may’ve misplaced management of the camper, and it may’ve led to catastrophe. It’s one of many some ways by which street 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 a couple mechanics, however in such a small city, there weren’t numerous choices, and those that have been accessible 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 discovered what occurred, they mounted the leaf spring freed from cost. They have been wonderful individuals, they even gave the boys free hats. We will likely be without end grateful to them, and I’ll all the time pay their generosity ahead.
28. Texas
All the pieces is greater in Texas, together with the disasters. At one cut-off date, Texas was on our quick record of states we’d calm down in once 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 approach to the 7IL Ranch when our truck began breaking down. I misplaced energy steering on the best way to the ranch, however we nonetheless made it. Nevertheless, whereas attempting 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 point out up. And this was within the lifeless of summer time, 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. Happily, insurance coverage paid for a resort whereas we figured issues out. We ended up within the resort for every week with every thing 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 one in all our guardian’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 street.
However the ‘enjoyable’ didn’t cease there. After a couple of week within the new camper, my spouse totaled our pickup truck. Happily, everybody was okay, but it surely actually shook up my spouse, and we have been left and not using a approach to pull our camper.
Now, identical to we had to determine methods to get a brand new camper, we had to determine methods to get a brand new truck.
Be mindful we had simply changed our first truck after the incident with the ability steering that led me to whole 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 may afford and use to drag the trailer. We ultimately did and acquired again on the street, however every thing had modified.
We is not going to be again to Texas.
Reflecting on a Journey: 28 States, Countless Recollections
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 fantastic thing about Oregon to the sudden challenges in Texas, our travels have been a mosaic of experiences, educating us concerning the variety and richness of the USA.
These rankings are greater than only a record; 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 best way contributed to our household’s journey, shaping our perspective and enriching our lives.
As we proceed our travels, we feature 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.