After spending 2.5 years on the street and visiting 28 completely different states, my household and I’ve created a lifetime of reminiscences. Every time I share my journey tales, individuals typically ask two questions: “What’s your favourite state?” and “What state have been you cheerful to lastly depart?”
Whereas I can rapidly 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 immediately? Let’s take a journey collectively and discover the 28 states I’ve visited. I’ll rank them from my favourite (the place I might like to dwell 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, surely, is Oregon. In the event you’re an outside 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 unimaginable to disclaim Oregon’s pure magnificence.
When our full-time RV life is all accomplished, Oregon would be the state we name dwelling.
2. Washington
I really like Washington for lots of the identical causes I really like Oregon. In the event you’re an outside lover, Washington is tough to beat. Fortuitously, it’s the northern neighbor of Oregon, so with only a few hour’s drive, you’ll be able to 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 obtained to do it with my two adventurous boys! That makes the reminiscences even sweeter.
Washington additionally had glorious library programs, 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 only be a “stopover” state was a state we beloved.
Our first cease in New Mexico was Roswell. In the event you don’t find out about Roswell, it’s the place the UFO incident happened 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 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 special 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 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. In the event you’ve by no means thought of visiting New Mexico, I extremely suggest it.
4. Utah
We solely stopped in two completely 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 title 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 most effective a part of Utah was boondocking at the Bonneville Salt Flats. In the event you don’t know, the Salt Flats have been fashioned when historic lake Lake Bonneville dried up. Now, this majestic panorama serves because the racing grounds for generations of land velocity racers from world wide.
There’s nothing like getting your truck as much as 90mph on a speedway among 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 dwelling to my high two Nationwide parks. I’d by no means heard of Pinnacles Nationwide Park earlier than we visited, however it was a nice shock.
My favourite half was the cave trails. Pinnacles Nationwide Park has two primary 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. In the event you’re ever on the town, make sure to try each.
Yosemite is gorgeous past phrases. Critically, nothing I write right here can do that nationwide park justice. In the event you’re considering of touring full-time, Yosemite HAS to be in your record of stops.
In the event you’re questioning concerning the energy and great thing about Yosemite, it led Roosevelt to increase 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 obtained 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 obtained 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 street!
And that results in insane insurance coverage costs within the state and very excessive general value of residing. So, though Florida had its perks, we determined to pack the camper and maintain transferring.
7. Illinois
We went to Illinois for one purpose – 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 varied types – books, comics, TV, motion pictures, and extra. In the event you like the large blue boy scout, you’ve obtained 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 nicely.
In the event you’re a fan of amusement parks, it’s a must-visit. Along with the amusement park, it’s also possible to go to Chocolate World and take a tour to learn the way 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 is going to 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 one in every of our first stops once we began touring. It’s a stunning little seaside city the place all people is aware of all people. In the event 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 hung out along with her brother in Stone Mountain. In the event you’re ever close to Roaring Hole, NC, you must try Stone Mountain State Park. They’ve some glorious trails with unbeatable views, and you may study some historical past of the world.
We additionally spent a while close to Emerald Isle Seaside, one other quaint little seaside city. In the event you’re ever within the space, try 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 among the historical past of the world.
In the event you’re ever out close to the Antietam Battlefield in MD, make sure to 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 via 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 dying, and our reminiscences of VA are tainted by COVID. Fortuitously, all of us made a full restoration and stored touring.
13. Ohio
Ohio was enjoyable for us as a result of we visited pals we hadn’t seen shortly. We have been solely within the state for a couple of days, however seeing some outdated 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 lots for the boys to do, they by no means obtained bored, they usually wished to remain longer.
In the event you’ve obtained children, you’ll want to go to the Boonshoft Museum.
14. Mississippi
Talking of museums, Mississippi had our second and third favourite museums we’ve visited to date. 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 price 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 among the finest 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 observe the geese and geese.
We did get out a couple of occasions, although, and stopped by the Walnut Avenue Selection Store. It’s an eclectic little retailer with one thing for everybody, and it’s positively price stopping by in the event you’re within the space.
16. Nevada
We boondocked in Nevada on our option to the Pacific Northwest. Boondocking may be worrying, 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.”
Nonetheless, as you’ll be able to 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 conscious 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 exterior world. Even when we wished to get out and discover the world, there wasn’t a lot to do.
So we settled in on the Waubonsie Campground for a couple of nights and obtained some work accomplished. We additionally made a couple of new pals, as you’ll be able to see within the image.
18. Missouri
Missouri was a one-night stop-through. At this level, we have been rapidly heading again throughout the nation and wanted a spot to spend the evening. We ended up at Montauk State Park. In the event you prefer to fish, this State Park is for you. It’s in an attractive, distant location, and it’s a trout fishing hotspot.
19. Colorado
We didn’t spend practically as a lot time in Colorado as I might’ve preferred 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, however it was nicely price it.
Nonetheless, we initially was the fallacious driveway and have been met with a warning shot. We rotated actually rapidly and obtained out of there! We’ll always remember the time our GPS virtually obtained us shot!
20. Alabama
The campground we visited in Alabama was very nice. It had a pleasant pool, clubhouse, and a good laundry room (laundry is important!). Nonetheless, there actually wasn’t anything 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 loosen up and luxuriate in being disconnected.
The image above is our outdated camper and truck earlier than catastrophe struck in our least favourite state (maintain 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 dwelling. It actually was a good time, and we are going to without end cherish the reminiscences we made there.
Our second spot was….completely 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 beloved it. There have been additionally chickens, geese, and goats (we obtained to carry a child!) It was wonderful being surrounded by cattle in each path.
However, there have been some unusual vibes at this place. It sort 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 communicate to us. They have been simply there, working. It was odd, however we’ve got some unimaginable reminiscences of using horses and feeding donkeys.
22. Kentucky
We drove via some stunning spots in Kentucky. We additionally drove via Louisville the weekend of the Kentucky Derby, which wasn’t very good on our half. Pulling a 36-foot journey trailer via dense metropolis site visitors isn’t enjoyable.
Nonetheless, we have been solely in Kentucky for one evening and slept in a relaxation space. Typically, that’s life on the street. One evening, you’re on the facet of an attractive mountain, and the following evening, you’re parked subsequent to an 18-wheeler in a relaxation space.
23. Lousiana
Similar to Kentucky, our journey to Louisiana wasn’t very thrilling. Whereas we drove via some stunning locations, we didn’t camp wherever spectacular. Until you depend the car parking zone of a Cracker Barrel spectacular.
In the event 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’ll be able to study concerning the space you’re in whilst 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 via it, and I spent loads 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 massive cacti close to Saguaro Nationwide 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 also be nicely definitely worth the go to.
We’d later discover out that our canine obtained parvo that just about killed him once we have been in AZ, and that sort of soured us on the state. Nobody ever instructed us about parvo on the East Coast, so in the event you’re heading to the southwest, be 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 footage, so I went out on foot to test it out earlier than we pulled in, and I used to be certain we’d be effective.
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 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 worrying 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 street and stayed there for the evening.
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 excellent.
For an evening.
The subsequent day, a tent camper selected the spot proper subsequent to us (though all the park was open), however we didn’t assume something of it. We’ve found in our travels that some individuals similar to to be near different individuals.
Nonetheless, 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 talking to us. I spoke to the man, and he turned out to be innocent, however he fully 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 facet of warning due to our boys.
27. Wyoming
We didn’t get pleasure from Wyoming. Wyoming was speculated to be a fast stopover for one evening, however it was our second most worrying cease (our most worrying cease is subsequent). Driving down the interstate to our boondocking spot, my spouse abruptly seen the camper was sitting erratically.
I pulled over to examine issues out, and after a fast inspection, we seen that one in every 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 may’ve misplaced management of the camper, and it may’ve led to catastrophe. It’s one of many some ways wherein street journeys may 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 referred to as round to a couple mechanics, however in such a small city, there weren’t loads of choices, and those that have been out there 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 fastened 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 at all times pay their generosity ahead.
28. Texas
The whole lot is larger in Texas, together with the disasters. At one cut-off date, Texas was on our quick record of states we’d cool 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 resulting from horrible luck.
It began on our option 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. Nonetheless, whereas making an attempt to again into our spot, I spotted 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 obtained HOT in that camper.
When the insurance coverage adjuster lastly confirmed up, he mentioned the camper, our home, was totaled. Now we’re homeless with nowhere to go. Fortuitously, insurance coverage paid for a resort whereas we figured issues out. We ended up within the resort for per 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 one in every of 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 few week within the new camper, my spouse totaled our pickup truck. Fortuitously, everybody was okay, however it actually shook up my spouse, and we have been left with no option to pull our camper.
Now, similar to we had to determine learn how to get a brand new camper, we had to determine learn how to get a brand new truck.
Remember 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 purchasing. It took us a few month to get issues located with insurance coverage after which discover a truck we may afford and use to drag the trailer. We finally did and obtained again on the street, however all the things had modified.
We is not going to be again to Texas.
Reflecting on a Journey: 28 States, Infinite Recollections
As our journey throughout 28 states involves a detailed, 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 sudden challenges in Texas, our travels have been a mosaic of experiences, instructing us concerning the range and richness of america.
These rankings are greater than only a record; they’re a tapestry of reminiscences, 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 supply 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 reminiscences that may final a lifetime.
