This article appeared on the Lonely Planet website today. It made me "roadsick" (kind of like homesick but .... well, you understand). I spent yesterday reorganizing my "stuff" - my goal is to hit the road again with a slimmed-down load. I have roughly 40 days left until I get out there again - I hope. I realize it will be a different experience than what I have had so far. I had grown accustomed to finding local libraries to read about the area I was visiting and to catch up on my computer work. When I couldn't find a library, I was a big fan of the free Wifi at McDonalds. I also had enjoyed eating at local mom and pop restaurants - as William Least Moon describes in Blue Highways, there is not place like the local places to get the pulse of a community. (Somehow, carryout is not the same.) In some towns I visited the McDonalds serves that purpose as it has crowded out the local restaurants. I'd sit there eating my oatmeal and egg white (I suspect I won't be able to get those anymore as I read yesterday that for the foreseeable future, McDonalds plans to keep its scaled-down menu) eavesdropping on a group of local men talking politics and local sports. What I miss the most though are the sites -- and the challenge of getting good photos of them.
I hope you enjoy this article.
If you crave adventure, traveling in a camper van is one of the most intimate ways to experience the US. In 2017 I set off on a two-year road trip with my husband and dog. We camped in 48 states, hiked countless national parks, ate in local towns, and drove from coast to coast in our 1996 Dodge Ram Van.
Throughout the trip, we quickly found that some states were more conducive to van life than others; many were surprises! The desert southwest for example, has a wide range of diversity within their free Public Lands. The east coast amazed us with stunning fall colors and historic towns we had previously only experienced in books.
While every state added a unique aspect to our itinerary, there are a few that stand out among our favorite states to visit in a camper van.
1. New Mexico
Camping in the desert is particularly enjoyable because of the starry nights, predictable temperatures, and few flying bugs. New Mexico is home to a desert landscape unlike any I’ve experienced. There are distinctive hoodoo rock formations, an unending trail system, and large swaths of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas that allow free camping.
This state generally flies under the radar, which makes it less crowded even in the most scenic areas. A lack of trees in the north allows for excellent landscape visibility, and some of the most magnificent sunsets we have seen.
As an underrated food haven, New Mexico gave us vibrant and affordable cuisines that we could find in every town. It’s also home to our favorite cave system, Carlsbad Caverns, which rests on the southern border.
2. Arizona
For outdoor enthusiasts who love mountain biking, rock climbing, and stunning hikes, Arizona cannot be beat. Most people think of visiting the Grand Canyon, but the entire state is ripe for adventure. Free campsites scatter the forests surrounding Sedona, Flagstaff, and Southern Arizona. That makes it one of the most budget-friendly places to visit year-round.
One of the things we loved most about this area was the kind reception to outside explorers. Arizona is a mecca for off-grid living. Each February the town of Quartzsite swells to accommodate nearly 2 million travelers that visit in camper vans, RVs and school bus conversions.
Workshops and community events are held in the outskirts of Quartzsite so travelers can learn about van life, get help with solar panel installations, and plan out future road trips. The weather, services available to nomads, and sense of community make Arizona the perfect place to launch a road trip.
3. Utah
Home to the big five national parks, Utah is one of the most picturesque states we visited. We made it a goal of ours to hit all five: Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, Arches, Bryce, and Zion.
One tip we picked up along the way is to get to the national parks early. We were able to beat many of the tourists and end up with the park to ourselves even during peak season.
Climbing Angel’s landing in Zion had always been a goal of mine but the trail is quite crowded by 10am. Arriving early made all the difference and was the best way to take advantage of the mobility of a camper van.
4. California
The state of California is so large and diverse, it is almost unfair to mention. Vast amounts of land made finding campsites easy despite it being a popular tourist destination. We spent evenings under the famous redwood trees, had picnics alongside the ocean, and wandered aimlessly among the cacti of Death Valley. All of this could keep us occupied for any length of time.
If we had to pick one state to experience a little bit of everything, California would be it. There is such a wide range of environments that you don’t need to drive too far to witness something new. Within a matter of days, we were able to rock climb in Joshua Tree National Park, taking a dip in Lake Tahoe, and hiking among the volcanoes of Lassen Volcanic Park.
5. Minnesota
Coming from the west coast, Minnesota was a refreshing alternative. We were able to travel all the way north to the border of Canada and take a canoe trip in the boundary waters. Known as the state of 10,000 lakes, there was no shortage of fishing holes and quiet campsites by the water.
Upper Minnesota is not a state that you would typically find listed in a road trip top 10, but to us that’s what made it so special. Winter in Minnesota is exceptionally cold, but traveling in the fall, chances are good that you can see the northern lights on a cloudless night.
6. Michigan
Michigan varies wildly from the lower to upper peninsula. This state has a surprising number of pristine beaches that are not packed with tourists like the ones we had found in California. In the summer months there are fresh berries to pick and vibrant farmers markets to attend.
In Michigan, we were able to find camping all the way north to the upper peninsula, and we feasted on whitefish and pasties along the way. One of my favorite memories of Michigan is camping on the shore of Lake Superior. We had dinner on a pebble beach after several days of visiting lighthouses.
