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 Maine's Rocky Coast Spring to fall is the perfect time to pack your traveling gear into an RV and adventure out along Maine’s beautiful coast. This state is most popular for its rugged coastal landscapes and the charming fishing villages along the way. Begin your RV trip in Ellsworth, Maine. The town, founded in 1800, is the ideal gateway for many amazing sights. Although not a part of this particular vacation route, Acadia National Park may warrant a visit while you are in the area.
Leave Ellsworth heading north on Highway 1 until you come to Maine Highway 186, a loop that takes you on Schoodic Scenic Byway to Schoodic Point. You must not forget your camera because you will have many regrets if you don’t catch some shots of the pounding surf and rocky shores. You’ll see islands offshore, all different sizes and shapes, such as Pond and Rolling Islands.
Winter Harbor is a great place to stop and rest from driving. You can see the active fleet of lobster boats and strike up conversations with local fishermen. This classic village on Maine’s lovely coast offers amazing views from its western shore. You will see harbors where boats take refuge and trawlers wait for the right conditions to take to sea. Prospect Harbor is one of these great waterways.
Stop and wander the streets of Corea, Maine to really experience this charming fishing village. This community is well worth the time to explore. It’s on the Gouldsboro Peninsula, with quiet spots to sit and reflect on all the scenery you’ve seen so far. There is more to come. The town of Gouldsboro is a place to stop and perhaps enjoy a dinner in one of the fine restaurants. Maybe you will even be up for a kayaking tour or a nightly concert.
Columbia Falls will welcome you with open arms. Visit the Ruggles House to get a flavor of life in Columbia Falls in the mid-1800s. Amazing and intricate woodwork is one of the sights to see in this historic home. When you reach Maine Highway 187 as you continue up Highway 1, you will turn and head out on this loop along the water’s edge.
An RV trip wouldn’t be complete without some exciting new adventure. If you’ve never taken a kayak trip before, now is the time to try it out. Paddling around Head Harbor Island and Steele’s Harbor Island will have you hooked on a new hobby. You can recover from the excitement in Jonesport, the heart of Maine’s rugged coastline. This small fishing village is the ideal place to breathe the fresh Maine ocean air and enjoy the quiet and solitude.
After leaving Jonesport, you will pass Englishman Bay where photo opportunities abound. Miss getting in a swim while you’ve been enjoying the scenery? The best place to don your swim gear and take advantage of saltwater or freshwater swimming is at Roque Bluffs State Park. Now your outdoor recreation can start in earnest. Take a hike along the cliffs, beach comb along the beaches. There are plenty of coves you can explore on a canoe or kayak. Find RV camping at the Sunset Point Campground in Harrington Maine. They accommodate RVs of any size and for a reasonable price. They provide free WiFi and there’s a laundry room so you can wash your traveling clothes.
The first naval battle of the American Revolution caused Fort O’Brien to be built on these shores. It is worth your time to stop by the Fort O’Brien State Historic Site to see where we protected our country during three separate wars. Then move on to the Moosehorn National Wildlife Reserve where you will see waterfowl, game birds, wading birds and more, all protected in this Atlantic flyway.
You are getting close to the end of your trip in Calais, Maine, but it isn’t over yet. Many adventures await you in Shackford Head State Park. If you are a birder, you will love hiking the trails to see a wide variety of bird life, including bald eagles. Even if you don’t do a lot of bird watching, you’ll certainly love the views all the way to Canada.
When you reach Calais, Maine, you can stop for some shopping, and perhaps travel over the border into Canada for additional fun and to make more memories. The choice is yours. You have experienced some of the best of Maine and now can call your RV adventure at an end. There are other vacations when you can return and do it all over again.
Picture credits: The picture of the coast of Maine is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
The RV vacation of which dreams are made awaits you in the beautiful Catskill Mountains. Start out your 43-mile drive in Kingston, New York, preferably in the fall, but anytime will do. The autumn colors are particularly wonderful, of course, but the gentle breezes of summer will simply dissipate the cares of the workaday world from which you came.
Route 28 will take you on your special journey. When you come to New York Route 375, you should make a side-trip to the famous town of Woodstock. Whether you were able to attend the 1969 festival of music here or not, this spot is great to browse galleries, take photos of the rural countryside or shop for anything from unique crafts to antiques or rare books.
When you return to Route 28 and continue your scenic drive, you will pass Kenozia Lake. If you are a fisherman, this is the place to go! If you haven’t cast a line in the water for years, now is the time to try again. You’ll catch largemouth or smallmouth bass, crappie, Kenozia Lake Walleye or Catfish. Fish the rocky areas and be sure to make the best of your time here.
If you stop at the Ashokan Reservoir when the water level is low, you will see the visible remnants of towns and villages buried when this body of water came into being. These are underwater ghost towns, with the names of Ashton, Olive Bridge and Glenford.
An unusual sight you won’t want to miss is the Kaatskill Kaleidoscope. In Mount Tremper, this unique entertainment spot is something the whole family will enjoy. Look for the eyes painted on the huge grain silo in town. This is a wonderful place to shop for gifts to take home to family and friends. The 10-minute show itself is mind-boggling, so if you are up for a little boggling of the mind, be sure to attend.
Woodland Valley is the ideal place to find some comfortable RV camping, a home base while you get out into the forested landscapes for some hiking and fishing. Slide Mountain, the tallest in the Catskills, is the perfect place for a trek in New York’s lovely wooded areas. You will notice that as you continue to drive along Route 28, you will see portions of Esopus Creek, a tributary of the Hudson River. Wildlife love this area to feed, so you should have your camera ready at all times. Discover some amazing fishing here too, with plenty of wild trout.
When you have the chance for a short detour, take Route 42 to Belleayre Mountain Ski Center. Here you’ll find lots of things to do even in the summer. You can swim, play horseshoes, row a boat or hike to see panoramic mountain views.
Your special RV trip will end at Margaretville. Cross the Delaware River before turning back towards home. You have just finished a Catskills vacation, one you will remember for a long time to come.
 Grand Canyon from the South Rim An RV vacation to Grand Canyon turns your getaway into something special. You can visit Grand Canyon National Park many times in a lifetime and never run out of things to do and see. The breathtaking views are only the beginning of a journey of discovery.
The best way to plan your trip is to allow plenty of time, and simply arrive! You can stop at the different visitor centers to get important information on access, as well as sights you can put on your itinerary. Ensure you plan on going to both the South Rim and the North Rim so you can see all the park has to offer.
Enter the park via the East entrance, as this way you will be driving along the South Rim and have the opportunity to stop at numerous overlooks along the way. The Desert View Information Center is inside the entrance and here you can pick up a lot of information about the attractions within Grand Canyon National Park.
Three miles west of Desert View are the famous Tusayan Ruins (PDF), an inspiring spot where you can see how Pueblo Indians lived here more than 800 years ago. A ranger-led walk will provide you all the history of these ancient people. When you leave here in your RV and head for Grand Canyon Village, you will experience all the wonders available along Desert View Drive for the next 25 miles. Stop at every pullout. You will learn a lot about the canyon and see the red rock walls in all their glory.
Once you get to Grand Canyon Village, Canyon View Information Plaza on Mather Point is a great place to stop, with outdoor displays and rangers available to answer questions so you can find out more about what’s to come on your RV trip through the park.
From Grand Canyon Village, it’s easy to get to the Yavapai Observation Station where you can view the panoramic scene of the canyon from a glass-enclosed space. You will be able to pick out each layer and formation in the colorful canyon walls. Get some exercise by hiking from the point back to the visitor center then back again to get your RV. It’s an easy walk with additional views.
Just south of the Southern Entrance to the park you’ll find the National Geographic Visitor Center in Tusayan. Pick up additional tips on where to go and what to see. Take some time to see the interactive exhibits and watch the Grand Canyon IMAX movie. From here you can also make special forays on mules, helicopter tours and much more.
Back to Grand Canyon Village and a visit to the Hopi House. Shop here for gifts to take home. You are not far from the train depot and it’s always fun to ride the train to Williams, Arizona and back again. There is always a lot happening to make it a fun trip on Grand Canyon Railway. Stay the night at Trailer Village, great RV camping right in the park. The maximum length allowed is 50 feet.
Now it’s time to take off for the North Rim. Driving to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is simple, but can only be done in the summer months when Highway 67 and the North Rim are open. When you arrive, stop by the North Rim Visitor Center for maps and more information on what to see on this high rim.
To see a stunning view from a natural arch, walk out to Angels Window. It’s only about a half-mile walk, and gives you an incredible view of the canyon. Bring your camera as you won’t find many better places for photo opportunities. Dramatic views are also available at Bright Angel Point (PDF), a paved but somewhat steep trail in places taking you out to the point.
Drive out to Point Imperial, which is the highest overlook in the Grand Canyon. You can see as far as the Painted Desert from here. Head for Cape Royal, and when you get to Vista Encantada, you should stop and have a picnic overlooking Walhalla Plateau. More views await you at Cape Royal and some nice hiking trails. Head back to the North Rim Visitor Center and you can spend the night at the North Rim Campground, a great RV park with a 40-foot limit and great amenities.
Your RV vacation doesn’t have to end here. If you’ve allowed enough time, you have a lot more to see on both the North and South Rim. It’s bound to be a vacation of a lifetime!
Picture credits: The picture of the Grand Canyon is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.
 Mount Rainier Washington State offers premium sights and activities to those who want to experience the best of the state. Traveling from Tacoma, Washington and circling Mount Rainier on a scenic route, you will have a wonderful RV vacation. While in Tacoma, stop for an evening of music at the Tacoma Musical Playhouse, and if you have kids with you, take them to tour the Children’s Museum of Tacoma. You’ll find RV camping at Holiday Park.
Taking Highway 167 out of the city and branching off on Highway 410 is the best route. This will take you by Mud Mountain Lake where you can pull out that two-wheeler and take a bike ride. You can also hike or simply relax and watch the wildlife. Another place to enjoy outdoor recreation is Federation Forest State Park, along the White River.
The wild volcanic landscapes never fail to amaze. At the Norse Peak Wilderness Area you’ll witness steep rocky terrain and narrow valleys with sparkling mountain lakes. Forests of Douglas Firs and Ponderosa Pine beckon you into the backcountry.
Even in the summer, Crystal Mountain offers fun for the whole family. Take a scenic gondola ride, play a game of disc golf or go horseback riding. You will find plenty of RV camping in the area with great amenities so you can settle in for a lengthy visit.
Now to plan your visit to Mount Rainier National Park, the major attraction of this Washington RV excursion! Here you will visit what is considered to be one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. It can be seen dominating the horizon during your entire drive. With a multitude of outdoor fun available in the park, you will want to spend some time here. Many hiking trails throughout the park will give you the opportunity to exercise and get some of that fresh air into your lungs.
Be sure to stop at the historic Paradise Inn, the guest lodge built in 1916. Enjoy the nearby hiking trails and smell those wildflowers blooming everywhere. The Pacific Crest Scenic Trail also stretches nearby and skirts lakes between Highway 410 and White Pass. Don’t miss out on exploring the Cayuse Pass while you’re here.
Now you’ll take Highway 410 to Highway 123 south and cut over to Highway 706 heading west. You’ll shortly run into the Tatoosh Wilderness Area, an amazing spot with subalpine meadows and more lovely wildflowers. Head out to Tatoosh Lookout. Prepare yourself for a lengthy hike on the Tatoosh Trail. It’s almost 9 miles long but worth the trek in every sense.
After going through Longmire, you will soon come upon the Glacier View Wilderness Area, your last stop to take in the volcanic landscapes and astonishing views before heading home. You should stop in Ashford, Washington for dinner out before heading north on Highway 7 back to Tacoma. You’ll be happy you came and will no doubt want to come back again for a scenic Washington vacation in your RV.
Picture credits: The picture of Mount Rainier is by Walter Siegmund and is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported, 2.5 Generic, 2.0 Generic and 1.0 Generic license.
 Mount Shasta Northern California offers some amazing scenery and plenty of outdoor recreation. One particular route provides the best of the best, and that is a Northern California loop taking you up to the Oregon border and back. Start out in Red Bluff on Interstate 5, north of Sacramento. While you are there, be sure to visit some of the attractions, such as the famous clock tower in downtown Red Bluff and the Coleman National Fish Hatchery a short distance north of town.
Drive your RV along Interstate 5 to Redding, another California town offering some intriguing attractions. With exhibitions, an aquarium and beautiful botanical gardens, the Turtle Bay Exploration Park, Redding will be a sure hit with the whole family. Shop the boutiques for gifts to take home.
Outdoor lovers will want to include Whiskeytown National Recreation Area on the itinerary. A huge lake surrounded by lovely mountains inspires you to get busy with some water recreation. You can also hike the trails and see at least four waterfalls. If visiting in the heat of summer, you’ll have to stop at Castle Crags State Park for a swim in the Sacramento River. Plenty of camping around here, and about 28 miles of hiking trails.
A short side trip east will bring you to McCloud, California, an old lumber town. Have you ever wanted to learn to square dance? Well, here’s the place to do it. You can stop in at the Heritage Junction Museum to see historical exhibits as well as photographs and artifacts on display.
Still traveling north on I-5, you will come at last to one of the most important stops on your RV journey, Mount Shasta! The second highest peak in the Cascades, Mount Shasta last erupted in 1786, and could go again at any time, although no one knows exactly when. You are in Siskiyou Country and are going to find so many outdoor activities available you won’t know what to do first. We suggest fishing the McCloud River for redband trout. You will find RV camping at the Mount Shasta City KOA.
Continuing north on I-5, you will finally come to Weed, a wonderful community where you can stop at the visitor center to ensure you aren’t missing an important event in town. When ready to move on, this is where you will now veer off onto Highway 97. At Klamath National Forest, you can enjoy the views and try your hand at rock climbing or simply fish or swim in the lake. Whitewater rafting is also a real adventure.
Before you reach the Oregon border with California, and a little way past Dorris, you’ll come to Highway 161 where you will cut across the top of California and come upon the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Reserve. It doesn’t matter if you love birding or not, you might just take it up as a hobby once you see the many species of birds throughout the marshes and grasslands. You will then head south on Highway 139 and see another place of refuge for migrating fowl, the Tule Lake National Wildlife Reserve. Take your RV on a ten-mile tour at any time of year for some amazing wildlife viewing.
The things to do on this RV adventure never seem to end. Now there is the Lava Beds National Monument, where you can explore caves, visit historical sites and take part in some informative summer events. Believe it or not, there are more than 700 caves that have been explored, with 22 of those that have been developed. Dress appropriately, with boots and gloves and long-sleeved shirt and pants.
Catch 139/299 south and take a side trip to Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park. This is a wilderness area with plenty of trails and aqua bays to explore. As you drive south on Highway 89 and it turns into 44/89, you will come to Lassen Volcanic National Park and a wide variety of recreational activities for the whole family, including horseback riding, swimming, hiking and fishing. One more stop at Lassen National Forest on Highway 36 west as you head for the end of your Northern California loop back at Red Bluff.
What an RV trip it has been! You have experienced some of the best Northern California has to offer and all in one big entertaining loop. It may be time to head home, but you can rest assured that Northern California will be here for a long time to come and will welcome you to return once again for a summer of fun.
Picture credits: The picture of Mount Shasta is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
 Stream Along the Coronado Trail If you love to experience dramatic changes in scenery, adore the desert solitude as much as you do the alpine meadows, you will enjoy this trip along the Coronado Trail Scenic Byway. This four-to-five hour drive offers not only breathtaking views, but a little added excitement when traveling on an RV vacation. There are more than 400 switchbacks, some hairpin turns and steep grades. However, it is well worth the additional concentration you will put in, as the sights are tremendous. But length of vehicles is limited to 40 feet.
Begin your RV journey in Clifton, Arizona, where the spirit of the Old West still lingers. You really must make it a point to stop and see the first jail of Clifton, carved into a mountain. If you want to start out early on your trip on this route that was taken in the 1500s by Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, you may want to camp at the North Clifton RV Park.
Stopping at the Morenci Open Pit Mine gives you the flavor of how the pioneers worked at taking the copper from the land. You can get a free tour of this still-operational mine. When you move on, as you drive into the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, you will experience the natural wonderland of Arizona.
History buffs will want to visit the old Stargo Cemetery, going back to the 19th century. Be sure to keep an eye out for the many species of wildlife here. Watch to see if you can catch a glimpse of the Mexican Grey Wolf, a black bear or a mountain lion. Bighorn sheep are common as are wild turkey, elk and antelope.
Pull your RV to a parking spot and wander out onto the edge of the Mogollon Rim where you will view the desert floor from up to 2,000 feet above it. Blue Vista viewpoint gives you the best in photographic opportunities. Look over to the East to see the Blue Range Mountains. Take a short hike on the lovely nature trail.
Carry on and look forward to reaching the Blue Range Primitive Area. If in good physical condition, you can trek the many rugged trails through the forests and through desert terrain. Be sure you take adequate water with you.
Hikers are sure to love the area around Hannagan Meadow, with a multitude of trails to explore. Surrounded by national forest, the views are not the only attraction. With a number of lakes and reservoirs, you can take your fishing pole with you for a relaxing time going after your trophy catch in these woodlands.
About 22 miles further on, traveling north from Hannagan Meadow, you will discover the Escudillo National Recreation Trail where you can stretch by hiking this moderate 3-mile path to the top of Escudilla Mountain. The views are amazing. There are also trails fit for mountain biking in the area.
The town of Alpine used to be a small fort, later becoming the hub of commercial dealings of ranchers and settlers in the region. Many streams around Alpine invite you to cast in a line. You can also hunt here. Then move on to Nelson Reservoir, where you can launch a boat and get out in the sunshine to have a go at catching some rainbow, brook or German brown trout.
Perhaps you attached your bicycle to your RV for just such an opportunity as you’ll find at Nutrioso. It’s the perfect place to hop on a bike and see the sights.
As you near the end of your trip, you’ll be glad to know the fun isn’t quite over yet. The sister towns of Eagar and Springerville still await you. The high mountain valley helps to melt away any worries or cares that have managed to cling on this long. There are more lakes to fish, more trails to hike and plenty of history to view.
Don’t forget to tour the museums that highlight the pioneer era and take full advantage of this friendly country lifestyle. The Pre-Columbian ruins at Casa Malpais Pueblo are definitely worth a visit. This archaeological park is in downtown Springerville, and there is parking nearby so you can easily hike to the ruins. This is no small site, as it covers 17 acres and contains catacomb burials, petroglyph markers and an astronomical observatory.
It’s time to go home and it may be hard to drag yourself away from these incredible landscapes of Arizona. You will just have to remind yourself that this RV vacation was one of the best yet, and you can always return for another magical experience.
The Jewel of the Ruby Mountains is a trip not to be missed. Nevada is an enticing spot for an RV vacation, with its glacier-carved canyons, tall peaks and flowered meadows. This scenic journey will start in Elko, Nevada and take you into Lamoille Canyon to your final destination – Road’s End and a picnic to remember.
If coming from the East, you will take Interstate 80 West, through Salt Lake City and to Elko. Stop in Elko, Nevada for a meal in a nice restaurant before beginning your adventure into the wild outdoors. When you begin your RV trip, take Lamoille Highway (Route 227) south, passing through Spring Creek. Before you reach Lamoille, Nevada, you’ll see signs for Lamoille Canyon Recreation Area, and you’ll turn on Forest Service Road 660, which is Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway.
Now you are entering the canyon area of the beautiful Ruby Mountains. You can follow the interpretative signs for your own self-guided tour. The Ruby Mountain Wilderness encompasses more than 90,000 acres and here you’ll find many outdoor activities to keep you and your loved ones busy the whole day through. Don’t fail to stop at the many overlook spots along the route. You’ll marvel at the spectacular views.
Lamoille Canyon contains sights much like Yosemite National Park, with hanging valleys, towering mountain peaks, lakes and meadows. You will no doubt look in awe at Ruby Dome, where climbing and mountaineering are popular. Wildlife consists of mountain lion, elk, bighorn sheep, coyote and mule deer. You can fish the lakes and streams to catch rainbow and brook trout.
Those who love to get out and stretch those driving-weary muscles will enjoy the many trails that take you into the backcountry. You’ll discover your favorite trail among the 100 miles of trails in this region. When far enough along Lamoille Canyon Road, you’ll be in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest with a long list of day hikes to enjoy within the Ruby Mountains Ranger District. Hike part of the Ruby Crest Trail or the whole 40 miles if you feel up to it.
Camping is available, with the Thomas Canyon Campground offering RV camping for vehicles up to 45 feet. Picnic on the natural terraces, fish in Lamoille Creek, and relax in the shade of the cottonwood and aspen. A trail from the campground will take you past a couple of lovely waterfalls and through an alpine meadow.
When you come to Road’s End at the very end of the byway, you can spread a picnic lunch while contemplating all the fun you’ve had so far in the great outdoors. If you head back to State Route 227 and continue south, you’ll come to Lamoille, Nevada, another charming stop to put on your itinerary. As long as you are so close, it is well worth the few extra miles. In the winter this little town is alive with skiers hitting the Ruby Mountain slopes for some fun. In the summer, it’s a great place to visit as a gentle re-entry point to day-to-day life.
The desert blooms in the spring, and this is the best time to embark on an RV vacation through the diverse landscapes of New Mexico. You get everything – from majestic mountains towering over the desert to scenic desert drives with abundant wildlife. The wonders never cease!
If you begin your adventure in Albuquerque, you will want to stop as you drive down Interstate 25 at Leasburg Dam State Park, have a picnic or go for a hike, or both! Check out the visitor center with many interesting exhibits. From Aguirre Springs National Recreation Area, take off into the backcountry of the Organ Mountains where you’ll discover history of the most fascinating kind. Explore the Indian rock art and quiet isolated caves.
Hiking enthusiasts love the area around Aguirre Springs, with a couple of trailheads for amazing treks to the Ponderosa Pines at the higher elevations. Choose the Pine Tree Trail, a 4 ½ mile hike on a steep loop, or the 6-mile Baylor Pass Trail, taking you up and up to more than 4800 feet.
 Dunes at White Sands National Monument The spot you really must put on your itinerary is White Sands National Monument. There is no passing up this amazing natural wonder. Take a sunset stroll around the dunes. The closest camping spot is at Oliver Lee Memorial State Park, 24 miles to the southeast. There are RV sites with a dump station.
Continuing north on Highway 54, you will at last come to one of the largest rock art sites in the southwest. The Three Rivers Petroglyph National Recreation Site offers over 21,000 glyphs of all manner of human, animal and plant life. You’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy hiking or backpacking. The Three Rivers Campground has two RV sites if you wish to stay a while.
After turning east on Highway 380 towards Roswell, you will see signs for the Capitan Mountains Wilderness. The birthplace of our friend, Smokey the Bear, this wilderness area contains a wide range of terrain, including high peaks, juniper woodland and Ponderosa Pines. If you can tear yourself away from this paradise of outdoor activity, you will carry on to at last reach Roswell, New Mexico. There are so many things to do in Roswell, it is impossible to list them all. Suffice it to say, you can spend days in this city with never a lack of fun.
Your RV trip is now going to take you south, where you will be happy you stopped to take a walking tour of historic Artesia. Step back in time to the late 1800s and early 1900s as you visit the train depot and other buildings from pioneer days.
Don’t miss Carlsbad Caverns, where you can take advantage of educational ranger-guided tours and see the mass exodus of bats from the cave. Carry on south on Highway 62/180 to Guadalupe Mountains National Park for more outdoor recreation before coming to your final destination in El Paso, Texas.
 Mt. Bachelor Behind Hosmer Lake Discover Oregon on an RV vacation along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. You’ll find a large number of lakes as well as amazing lava flows and beautiful meadows. When you stay on this scenic route, it may take up to five hours to travel from one end to the other, but you should plan for a longer trip because you’ll want to stop and spend time at some of the special places.
Start your trip in Bend, Oregon but before embarking, be sure to stop at Drake Park. Relax and get in the mood for your excursion. Once you take off and move through Deschutes National Forest, you’ll begin to appreciate what this vacation trip is going to be like. Lovely forests hold nature’s wonders, and you’ll want to get out there and absorb the beauty.
Turn off to make your way to Dutchman Flat, an expanse of desert area right in the middle of the lush forests. Hiking trails will beckon, so ensure you are ready to pull on those hiking shoes and take off on a trek you are sure to enjoy. The Tumalo Mountain Trail is short enough for the novices. Further along the byway you’ll come to Swampy Lakes and the Swampy Lakes Trail. These marked trails vary in length for different levels of hikers.
You can ski even through June at Mt. Bachelor Ski Area. The snow-covered slopes accommodate beginning or experienced skiers. In the summer you shouldn’t miss the lift taking you to the summit with panoramic views all the way to California and Washington State.
This part of Oregon is a hiker’s paradise. Moving along your scenic route, you will come to Green Lakes Trailhead where you can access the Three Sisters Wilderness Area. The wildlife is abundant. Be sure to bring your camera to catch some photos of the Clark’s Nutcracker making a racket overhead. You’ll also see deer and cute little ground squirrels. Within Three Sisters Wilderness there are about 260 miles of trails. You can even hike a portion of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. Take a bike, hike or go horseback riding through the forests for a real Oregon experience.
There’s nothing like an adventure of rafting or kayaking on the Deschutes River or camping along Lava Lake. You’ll find convenient RV camping by the lake where you can catch some fish or go sailing. At Osprey Observation Point you can park in their parking lot and take a trail to the observation area to view the Osprey feeding and breeding. Watch the birds dive from huge heights to catch a meal.
When you finish your RV excursion through Central Oregon, you will feel the nostalgic sorrow that comes at the end of a wonderful time. But you’ll be happy to know that this scenic drive is always here to enjoy another time. Come back every year! Journey into the forests of Oregon once again to feel the thrill of the sights and sounds of our great U.S.A.
Picture credits: The picture of Mt. Bachelor is from the National Scenic Byways Program website. It is copyright © 1999 Roger Keiffer and used here in accordance with the Terms and Conditions outlined on the website.
 Virginia Beach You’ll be making memories to last a lifetime with an RV vacation to Virginia Beach, Virginia. Outdoor adventures are abundant, and the ocean is inviting for enjoying many water sports and days filled with sun and fun. No matter your preference for recreation, you’ll find exactly what you are looking for in Virginia Beach. You also have the opportunity to soak up some American history.
Start your unforgettable RV excursion by finding a spot to park your RV. With many RV parks and campgrounds with RV hook-ups nearby, you’ll find the ideal spot for a home base. Folks love to socialize, and you can sit and swap stories of your adventures at the end of the day.
Of course, the beaches are a big attraction here. The Atlantic Ocean to the east and the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay to the north with small bays all around, you will indulge your every whim for beachside relaxation. Watch the sunset while you stroll along Chesapeake Bay Beach or spread out a towel along the sand dunes at Sandbridge Beach and try and name the species of seabirds keeping you company.
One popular focal point of Virginia Beach is its Oceanfront Boardwalk, a three-mile long walkway along the ocean. An RV excursion wouldn’t be complete without making your way to the boardwalk and taking in this marvelous carnival-like atmosphere. Great bands of yesteryear used to play on the bandstand and entertain those who walked casually along the oceanfront promenade. You can still visit the Cavalier Beach Club to see some fabulous shows. If you have kids along, they will love to experience all the exciting amusement rides.
Naturally, a motorhome trip to Virginia Beach will require visiting some of the nearby state parks and wildlife preserves. The unique False Cape State Park offers numerous trails for hiking. Make your way across pristine sands and through lovely marshes, with interior trails taking you into the forest. Another aspect to the adventure may be taking a boat or a canoe down the Back Bay. It’s all there waiting for you!
The Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge has more than 9,200 acres on a thin strip of coastline, where you can see all kinds of mammals and birds. You can experience all types of terrain, while you take photos of some of the endangered species living here, such as the peregrine falcons or the loggerhead sea turtles.
To get the ultimate taste of Virginia history, close your eyes for a moment and imagine approaching the shores in a ship captained by Christopher Newport. The coast would be bare of hotels, shops and people, truly a New World to be explored. Historic First Landing State Park provides a link with the past when you tour the lighthouse at Cape Henry or visit the Cape Henry Memorial where the English colonists first stepped foot.
Many RV vacations have the sole objective of finding and enjoying water activities, particularly around Virginia Beach. And there is no denying that you’ll discover superb outdoor recreation around this exciting city. Sailing and other adventures take on new meaning along these shores. Jet ski with the dolphins, hire a yacht and take to the high seas, even adventure onto a pirate ship and search for treasure. There is no end to the pleasures you will find on an RV excursion to Virginia Beach.
If you have had dreams of fishing on the Eastern seaboard, now is certainly your chance. Sport fishing offshore can be one of the top experiences of a lifetime. Simply fishing in the Bay will net you some flounder, sea bass, striper and more. You’ll find guided fishing tours for both ocean and Chesapeake Bay fishing. For a new and different activity (perhaps), kayaking is a great way to spend a day. Travel the rivers, bays and lakes to really absorb the beauty of Virginia’s miles of waterways. Become one with nature as you move through untouched landscapes and listen to the calls of birds and the splash of a fish jumping.
RV vacations allow you to shed those workaday world woes, relaxing the mind and soul. By taking your RV on an exciting vacation to Virginia Beach, you don’t have to rough it. You can be comfortable and cozy when not out there having the time of your life. Motorhome camping does something special for a vacation. Plan your unforgettable Virginia Beach RV excursion now, including at least some, if not all, of the vacation tips above
You’ll be making memories to last a lifetime with an RV vacation to Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Picture credits: The picture of Virginia Beach is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
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