Month: April 2025

April 2025 RV Manufacturer Recalls: 16 Recalls Involving 9 RV Manufactures: Is Your RV on the List?

Your recreational vehicle may be involved in a safety recall and may create a safety risk for you and your passengers. Safety defects must be repaired by a certified dealer at no cost to you. However, if left unrepaired, a potential safety defect in your vehicle could lead to injury or even death.

Thousands of RVs are affected by the latest RV recalls issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Before you head out with your RV, check the latest roundup of NHTSA recalls to see if your RV is affected.

What is a recall?

It’s always important to keep up with the latest recalls, no matter how small the issue may appear to be. Each week, NHTSA publishes the latest information on recalls from minor to major defects. NHTSA releases its most recent list of recalls each Monday.

When a manufacturer or the NHTSA determines that a recreational vehicle or item of RV equipment creates an unreasonable risk to safety or fails to meet minimum safety standards, the manufacturer is required to fix that vehicle or equipment at no cost to the consumer.

Per strict NHTSA protocols, manufacturers will next notify its dealer partners of the recall notice. Each notice will include details of the affected vehicles as well as the appropriate remedy.

It should be noted that RV recalls are related to vehicle safety and not product quality. NHTSA has no interest in an air conditioner failing to cool or slide out failing to extend or retract—unless they can be directly attributed to product safety.

Information on previous safety recalls follow:

Settlers Point RV Resort, Washington, Utah © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Common types of RV recalls

There are three main types of RV recalls. Those issued by the RV manufacturer, the motorhome chassis maker, and third-party suppliers.

RV manufacturers, such as Forest River Inc., REV Group, Thor Industries, and Winnebago Indristies are the most common recalls. 

RV manufacturer recalls can be for various reasons such as a problem with the structure of the RV, an issue with the electrical system, or a problem with the plumbing. 

The motorhome chassis manufacturer such as Ford, Chevrolet, or Mercedes issues the second most common type of recall typically because of a problem with the vehicle components of the motorhome. 

The third type of recall is issued by a third-party supplier for various reasons, such as a problem with water heaters, appliances, and other non-OEM components. 

Regardless of the type of recall, it’s vital to have it fixed as soon as possible to avoid any further damage to your RV.

Register your RV with NHTSA

I recommend you register with NHTSA’s Recall Notification Email System. By registering with NHTSA, you can get recall information sooner!

Here’s what you need to know…

Campground USA, Apache Junction, Arizona © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

April recalls

NHTSA announced 16 recall notices during April 2025. These recalls involved 9 recreational vehicle manufacturers—Forest River (6 recalls), Jayco (2 recalls), Alliance (2 recalls), Thor Motor Company (1 recall), Winnebago (1 recall), Keystone (1 recall), Tiffin (1 recall), Starcraft (1 recall), and Highland Ridge (1 recall).

Forest River, Inc.

2025 Coachmen Apex and Remote travel trailers

Solar panel wiring may melt causing fire

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2025 Coachmen Apex and Remote travel trailers. The solar panel wiring may be incorrectly wired to the battery, causing it to melt.

What owners included in the recall should do

Dealers will inspect and rewire the solar panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 14, 2025. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-8205. Forest River’s number for this recall is 224-1912.

Forest River, Inc.

2025 Coachmen Brookstone BKF398MBL fifth wheels

Sewer gas inside cabin

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2025 Coachmen Brookstone BKF398MBL fifth wheels. The wastewater holding tank pipe may not extend to the exterior of the vehicle, allowing sewer gas to enter the cabin.

What owners included in the recall should do

Dealers will extend the ventilation pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 20, 2025. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-7101. Forest River’s number for this recall is 110-1914

Forest River, Inc.

Coachmen Catalina BCAT154RBX travel trailers

Sewer gas inside cabin

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain Coachmen Catalina BCAT154RBX travel trailers. The wastewater holding tank pipe may not extend to the exterior of the vehicle, allowing sewer gas to enter the cabin.

What owners included in the recall should do

Dealers will extend the ventilation pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 20, 2025. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-4995. Forest River’s number for this recall is 203-1917.

Forest River, Inc.

2024-2025 Coachmen Catalina, Forest River Aurora, Cascade, Cedar Creek, Cherokee, Sandpiper, Sierra, 2025 Campsite Reserve, Impression, Pause, Puma, Sabre, Salem, Vengeance, and Wildwood fifth wheel and travel trailers

Removable steps may detach while in use

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Coachmen Catalina, Forest River Aurora, Cascade, Cedar Creek, Cherokee, Sandpiper, Sierra, 2025 Campsite Reserve, Impression, Pause, Puma, Sabre, Salem, Vengeance, and Wildwood fifth wheel and travel trailers, equipped with a removable step assembly. The clip-on bracket mounting bolts may come loose, allowing the steps to detach.

What owners included in the recall should do

Dealers will inspect and repair or replace the clip-on bracket as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 24, 2025. Owners may contact customer service at Aurora & Catalina (1-574-825-4995), Campsite Reserve, Cascade, Cherokee, Sabre, Vengeance (1-260-499-2100), Cedar Creek (1-260-593-4000), Impression (1-574-327-2716), Pause (1-574-327-2681), Puma (1-574-642-0588), Sierra & Sandpiper (1-574-534-4574), and Salem & Wildwood (1-574-534-3167). Forest River’s number for this recall is 51-1915.

Forest River, Inc.

2025 East to West Bravado BRC33DSF motorhomes

Slide-room floor may not properly retain the seat belt

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2025 East to West Bravado BRC33DSF motorhomes. The slide-room floor may detach from the vehicle in the open position. Additionally, the slide-room floor may not properly retain the seat belts during a crash.

What owners included in the recall should do

Dealers will properly secure the floor, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 28, 2025. Owners may contact East to West customer service at 1-574-264-6664. Forest River’s number for this recall is 504-1919.

Forest River, Inc.

2024-2025 Forest River Aurora and Coachmen Catalina travel trailers

Wiring missing circuit protection

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Forest River Aurora and Coachmen Catalina travel trailers. Please see the 573 report for the complete list of model numbers. The front exterior accent lights, awning, and auto-leveling system may be incorrectly wired and not have proper over current circuit protection.

What owners included in the recall should do

Dealers will add circuit protection to the accent lights, awning, and auto leveling system, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed by May 28, 2025. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-4995. Forest River’s number for this recall is 300-1922.

The Springs at Borrego RV Resort, Borrego Springs, California © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Jayco, Inc.

2024-2025 Entegra Anthem, Aspire, and 2025 Reatta XL motorhomes

Fuel filter hoses may disconnect and leak fuel

Jayco, Inc. (Jayco) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Entegra Anthem, Aspire, and 2025 Reatta XL motorhomes, equipped with Cummins L9 diesel engines. The remote fuel filter hose may separate from the fitting, causing a fuel leak and an engine stall.

What owners included in the recall should do

Cummins will replace the fuel hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 30, 2025. Owners may contact Jayco customer service at 1-800-283-8267.

Jayco, Inc.

2025 Entegra Aspire, 2025-2026 Entegra Anthem, and Cornerstone motorhomes

Damaged fuel filter housing may cause fuel leak

Jayco, Inc. (Jayco) is recalling certain 2025 Entegra Aspire, 2025-2026 Entegra Anthem, and Cornerstone motorhomes. The fuel filter housing may become damaged from contact with the rear cap support bracket, causing a fuel leak.

What owners included in the recall should do

Dealers will install a new mounting plate and relocate the rear cap support bracket, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 16, 2025. Owners may contact Jayco customer service at 1-800-283-8267. Jayco’s number for this recall is 9903625.

Alliance RV, LLC

2025 Avenue 23ML travel trailers

Incorrect weight information on label

Alliance RV, LLC (Alliance) is recalling certain 2025 Avenue 23ML travel trailers. The Federal Placard may have the incorrect Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW) and Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC) information, allowing the trailer to be overloaded.

What owners included in the recall should do

Dealers will replace the Federal Placard, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2025. Owners may contact Alliance customer service at 1-574-218-7165.

Alliance RV, LLC

2025 Benchmark 42LFT travel trailers

Removable steps may detach while in use

Alliance RV, LLC (Alliance) is recalling certain 2025 Benchmark 42LFT travel trailers, equipped with a removable step assembly. The clip-on bracket mounting bolts may come loose, allowing the steps to detach.

What owners included in the recall should do

Dealers will inspect and repair or replace the clip-on bracket as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 20, 2025. Owners may contact Alliance customer service at 1-574-218-7165.

Mesquite Trails RV Resort, Mesquite, Nevada © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Thor Motor Company

2023-2026 Axis, Chateau, Four Winds, 2023-2025 Coleman, Echelon, Freedom Elite, Geneva, Outlaw, Quantum, Vegas, 2025 Eddie Bauer, Freedom Traveler, Pasadena, and 2024-2025 Magnitude motorhomes

Slide-out room may extend while driving

Thor Motor Company (TMC) is recalling certain 2023-2026 Axis, Chateau, Four Winds, 2023-2025 Coleman, Echelon, Freedom Elite, Geneva, Outlaw, Quantum, Vegas, 2025 Eddie Bauer, Freedom Traveler, Pasadena, and 2024-2025 Magnitude motorhomes. The slide-Out room can be deployed without the parking brake engaged allowing the room to extend while the vehicle is in motion.

What owners included in the recall should do

Dealers will replace the park brake harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 5, 2025. Owners may contact TMC customer service at 1-877-855-2867. TMC’s number for this recall is RC000325.

Winnebago Towable

2025 Access and Voyage travel trailers

Incorrect tire inflation information/FMVSS 110

Winnebago Towable (Winnebago) is recalling certain 2025 Access and Voyage travel trailers. The tire inflation information listed on the federal placard is incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, “Tire Selection and Rims.”

What owners included in the recall should do

Winnebago will mail corrected labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 30, 2025. Owners may contact Winnebago customer service at 1-574-825-5280 Ext. 5220. Winnebago’s number for this recall is CAM0000042.

Keystone RV Company

2025 Kodiak 2900FKSP and 308BHSL travel trailers

Patio latch may detach during transit

Keystone RV Company (Keystone) is recalling certain 2025 Kodiak 2900FKSP and 308BHSL travel trailers. The patio travel latch screws may become loose, causing the patio latch to detach during transit.

What owners included in the recall should do

Dealers will replace the latch screws with bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 15, 2025. Owners may contact Keystone customer service at 1-866-425-4369. Keystone’s number for this recall is 25-464.

Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc.

2025 Zephyr motorhomes

Incorrect location of secondary emergency exit

Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc. (Tiffin) is recalling certain 2025 Zephyr motorhomes with floorplan 45PZ. The secondary emergency exit is incorrectly located on the same side as the primary emergency exit.

What owners included in the recall should do

Dealers will install an egress window on the driver’s side wall, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 23, 2025. Owners may contact Tiffin customer service at 1-256-356-8661. Tiffin’s number for this recall is TIF-144.

Hilltop RV Park, Fort Stockton, Texas © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Starcraft RV

2025 Autumn Ridge travel trailers

Incorrect safety chains may fall

Starcraft RV (Starcraft) is recalling certain 2025 Autumn Ridge travel trailers. The installed safety chains are rated at 7,600 lbs. and the actual Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is 7,995 lbs. This can cause the chains to fail, allowing the tow vehicle to separate from the trailer.

What owners included in the recall should do

Dealers will install new safety chains, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 9, 2025. Owners may contact Starcraft customer service at 1-800-283-8267. Starcraft’s number for this recall is 9902624.

Highland Ridge RV

2025 Highland Ridge GO Play travel trailers

Incorrect GAWR and tire information/FMVSS 110

Highland Ridge RV (Highland Ridge) is recalling certain 2025 Highland Ridge GO Play travel trailers. The certification and tire information labels may have the incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) and state the incorrect tire and rim size. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, “Tire Selection and Rims” and the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, “Certification.”

What owners included in the recall should do

Jayco will mail owners new labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 23, 2025. Owners may contact Highland Ridge customer service at 1-800-283-8267. Highland Ridge’s number for this recall is 9904628.

Please Note: This is the 72nd in a series of posts relating to RV Manufacturers Recalls

Worth Pondering…

It is easier to do a job right than to explain why you didn’t.

—Martin Van Buren

The Best RV Camping May 2025

Explore the guide to find some of the best in May camping across America

Where should you park yourself and your RV this month? With so many options out there you may be overwhelmed with the number of locales calling your name.

Maybe you’re an experienced RV enthusiast, maybe you’ve never been in one—regardless, these RV parks are worth your attention. After finding the perfect campground, you can look into RV prices, the different types of RVs, and learn how to plan a road trip. Who knows, maybe you’ll love it so much you’ll convert to full-time RV living.

I didn’t just choose these RV parks by throwing a dart at a map. As an RVer with more than 25 years of experience traveling the highways and byways of America and Western Canada—learning about camping and exploring some of the best hiking trails along the way—I can say with confidence that I know what makes a great RV campground. From stunning views and accommodating amenities to friendly staff and clean facilities, the little things add up when you’re RV camping. And these campgrounds are truly the cream of the crop.

Here are 10 of the top RV parks and campgrounds to explore in May: one of these parks might be just what you’re looking for. So, sit back, relax and get ready for your next adventure at one of these incredible RV parks!

RVing with Rex selected this list of parks from those personally visited.

Planning an RV trip for a different time of year? Check out my monthly RV park recommendations for the best places to camp in April. Also check out my recommendations from May 2024 and June 2024.

Grand Canyon Railway RV Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Grand Canyon Railway RV Park, Williams, Arizona

Did you know there’s an RV park that will provide you with a high-definition digital TV? You’ll find it near the Grand Canyon, in Williams, Arizona. The park also comes with free Wi-Fi, access to an indoor swimming pool and hot tub at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, as well as shower facilities.

Leave Fido at the on-site pet resort while you’re exploring the Grand Canyon, and enjoy basketball and volleyball courts, horseshoes, and a picnic area. This RV park would make a great stop on the ultimate American road trip.

Ambassador RV Resort © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Ambassador RV Resort, Caldwell, Idaho

Ambassador RV Resort is a 5-star resort that is easy-on, easy off (I-84 at Exit 29) with 188 full-service sites, pool, spa, sauna, and 5,000 square foot recreation hall. Features 30-foot x 85-foot short term pull-through sites, 35-foot x 75-foot long term pull through sites, 45-foot x 60-foot back-in sites and wide-paved streets. Pets are welcome if friendly and owner is well trained.

Located near Idaho’s wine country and convenient to the Boise metro area, the Ambassador is the perfect home base for all your activities.

The Barnyard RV Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Barnyard RV Park, Lexington, South Carolina

Barnyard RV Park offers 129 level and grassy sites with paved interior roads. All sites include water, sewer, electric (30 and 50 amp), and cable TV. Most sites are pull-through and can accommodate large units including a tow car. Amenities include bath and laundry facilities, Wi-Fi available at site, and a dog park. Barnyard RV Park is located 8 miles from downtown Columbia.

From Interstate 20, take Exit 111 west on US-1 to the park. On weekends, experience Southern hospitality at the huge Barnyard Flea Market. The RV Park is located behind the Flea Market.

Columbia Sun RV Resort © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Columbia Sun RV Resort, Kennewick, Washington

Big-rig friendly, Columbia Sun RV Resort is a new 5-star resort that opened in 2013. Spacious sites, manicured grass on both sides, wide paved streets, and a perfect 10/10*/10 Good Sam rating.

Washington’s Tri-Cities area—Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland—is a great area to visit to explore the outdoors while still being close to shopping, dining, and wineries. The Columbia Sun Resort has a heated swimming pool, hot tub, fitness room, game room, dog runs, sports court, and a playground.

Laura S. Walker State Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Laura S. Walker State Park, Waycross, Georgia

Located near the northern edge of the Okefenokee Swamp, this park is home to fascinating creatures and plants. Walking along the lake’s edge and nature trail, visitors may spot the shy gopher tortoise, saw palmettos, warblers, owls and great blue herons. The park’s lake offers opportunities for fishing, swimming, and boating. Kayaks and bicycles are available for rent. The Lakes 18-hole golf course features a clubhouse, golf pro, and junior/senior rates.

The park’s namesake was a Georgia writer, teacher, civic leader, and naturalist who loved trees and worked for their preservation. 64 RV and tent camping sites are available, 44 with electric service. A dump station is available. The park is located 9 miles southeast of Waycross on SR-177. From 1-75 take Exit 62, follow US 82 east through Waycross.

Hidden Lake RV Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Hidden Lake RV Park, Beaumont, Texas

Hidden Lake RV Park offers 72 large pull-through and back-in sits (60-60 feet), full hookups with 30/50 amp at every site, free satellite TV cable, free Wi-Fi, private bathroom/shower rooms, laundry facility, lakeside sites, some shady sites, nature trail, and catch and release fishing.

Jackson Rancheria RV Resort © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Jackson Rancheria RV Resort, Jackson, California

New in 2008, Jackson Rancheria RV Resort is part of a casino complex. Big rig friendly 50/30-amp electric service, water, sewer, and cable TV are centrally located. Wide, paved interior roads with wide concrete sites. Back-in sites over 55 feet with pull-through sites in the 70-75 foot range.

Amenities include walking trails and dog park, heated pool and spa, and laundry facilities. We would return in a heartbeat. Reservations over a weekend are required well in advance. Jackson Rancheria is conveniently located in the heart of Gold Country.

Sun Outdoors Sevierville Pigeon Forge © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Sun Outdoors Sevierville Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, Tennessee

Formally known as River Plantation, Sun Outdoors Sevierville Pigeon Forge is located along the Little Pigeon River in eastern Tennessee. The park is located near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the popular attractions of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.

Big rig friendly, guests can choose from a selection of modern and spacious, full hookup RV sites that include +concrete pads, a fire ring, and picnic table. Our back-in site was in the 75-foot range with 50/30-amp electric service, water, sewer, and Cable TV centrally located. Amenities include a swimming pool with hot tub, basketball court, game room, fitness center, outdoor pavilion, fenced-in Bark Park, and dog washing station.

Irvins RV Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

iRVin’s RV Park & Campground, Valemont, British Columbia

Big-rig friendly with pull-through sites in the 70-foot range, iRVin’s RV Park & Campground is a 5-star park with full-service sites including water, sewer, and electric power (choice of 30 or 50 amps). The park is nestled in the Robson Valley with a 360-degree mountain view, a quiet place where deer wander by occasionally.

Wi-Fi worked well from our site (#27). No problem locating satellite. iRVin’s is conveniently located one mile north of Valemont on Highway 5 in route to Alaska and an hour from Mount Robson and Jasper National Park.

Mountain Valley RV Resort, Heber City, Utah

Less than an hour from Salt Lake City, Mountain Valley RV Resort offers RV living at its finest. Paved roads, level concrete pads, grass between sites, trees appropriately placed, picnic tables. Spacing is generous and hookups are well placed. The family friendly side of the resort has 98 sites varying in sizes from 40-foot back-ins to large 80-foot pull through sites. All sites have full hookups and free Wi-Fi and cable. This section of the resort has two pools and two hot tubs, basketball court, three pickleball courts, and two laundry rooms.

The phase 2 (adults only) has 95 large 80 foot x30-foot full hook-up sites. All amenities in phase 2 are for adults—clubhouse, pool, spa, laundry room, pickle ball courts, restrooms, and dog park. The new clubhouse features a conference room with kitchen, indoor/outdoor fireplace, exercise room, large foyer with large screen TV and pool table. We were only here for several days but would definitely come back for a longer stay.

Worth Pondering…

Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of intelligent effort.

—John Ruskin

National Scenic Byways: 6 of the Most Beautiful Road Trips in America

We almost take for granted that the great American road trip should be on a highway—but we’re forgetting about a far more attractive alternative: scenic byways

In “This Land is Your Land,” Woody Guthrie sang the words, “As I went walking that ribbon of highway / I saw above me that endless skyway.” If Guthrie was singing about some of the most beautiful ribbons of highway in the United States, there’s a good chance he was talking about one of the country’s scenic byways.

Cutting through prairies, grasslands, mountains, forests, and deserts, many of our scenic byways are not only modes of transport but destinations in themselves. While highways are wide traffic-filled roads connecting major cities, byways tend to be narrower, secondary roads in more rural areas.

The National Scenic Byways Program began in 1991 to promote roads of special aesthetic or cultural significance in one of six topics: archaeological, cultural, natural, historic, recreational, or scenic. Those that meet two or more criteria are designated All-American Roads.

2021 was the first year since 2009 that new routes were added to the list of National Scenic Byways—for a total of 34 byways and 15 All-American Roads across 28 states.

Now is a great time to go out and explore them. And best of all, they can be done in a day or a long weekend depending on how many stops you want to take.

These are the byways to keep in mind for your next road trip.

Red Rock Scenic Byway Visitor Center © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

1. Red Rock Scenic Byway

  • Location: Arizona
  • Best time of year to go: Spring to fall

Notable stops:

  • Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
  • Airport Mesa
  • Chapel of the Holy Cross
  • Cathedral Rock
  • Bell Rock
  • Devil’s Bridge Trail
  • Red Rock State Park
  • Oak Creek Canyon

Central Arizona is the heartland of Red Rock Country hence the name of this scenic byway that runs from artsy, spiritual Sedona through the hills of Coconino National Forest to a small community called the Village at Oak Creek. Spanning just 7.5 miles, the drive only takes about 30 minutes without stops but the hiking here is too good to pass up.

Be sure to stop by the Red Rock Ranger District Visitor Center to map out all the best trails especially the ones that take you up close and personal to world-famous sandstone formations like Chapel of the Holy Cross and Cathedral Rock. And if you really want to stretch out your visit, take your time soaking in Sedona’s spas, art galleries, gourmet restaurants, boutiques, and golf courses before or after exploring the many wonders of the Red Rock Scenic Byway.

Mural depicting birds of the Keys © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

2. Florida Keys Scenic Highway

  • Location: Florida
  • Best time of year to go: Anytime

Notable stops:

  • John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo
  • Anne’s Beach, Islamorada
  • Seven Mile Bridge
  • Bahia Honda State Park, Big Pine Key
  • Mallory Square, Key West
  • Ernest Heminway Home and Museum, Key West
  • Southernmost Point Buoy, Key West
  • Dry Tortugas National Park

Covering 110 miles of US Route 1 which runs all the way down the East Coast from the Canadian border to the tip of Florida this route connects some of the most coveted real estate in the Sunshine State. It stretches from Key Largo, the northernmost of the Florida Keys, to Key West, the southernmost point in the continental US. In between, drivers cross a network of bridges that cut between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of America to island hop across one of the most breathtaking archipelagos in North America.

Beaches, reefs, and the parks that protect them—including John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and Bahia Honda State Park—are a big part of what brings travelers to this part of the country. But the Keys have plenty of cultural heritage too with influences ranging from Cuban to Bahamian and historic sites like Fort Taylor, a 54-acre national historic landmark housing the world’s largest collection of Civil War weaponry and equipment. In the 1930s, author Ernest Hemingway bought a house across from the Key West Lighthouse, both of which are easily accessible from this scenic highway and Florida’s only All-American Road.

San Juan Skyway © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

3. San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway

  • Location: Colorado
  • Best time of year to go: Summer and fall

Notable stops:

  • Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
  • Old Hundred Gold Mine
  • Historic Strater Hotel
  • Uncompahgre Gorge
  • Mesa Verde National Park
  • Chimney Rock national Monument
  • Mount Sneffels
  • Bridal Veil Falls

Driving the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway gets you a front-row seat to 236 miles of Rocky Mountains. The byway loops through several historic towns in southwestern Colorado that got their start as mining hubs including Telluride, Durango, and Silverton. Surrounding these towns are the incomparable San Juan and Uncompahgre National Forests—there’s a reason the stretch of byway connecting Ouray to Silverton is called the Million Dollar Highway.

It’s hard to say when the best time to drive the byway is. Spring ushers in lemon-yellow wildflowers while fall is awash in golden foliage. Thankfully, the area’s natural, archaeological, and cultural sites are explorable year-round from Telluride’s waterfalls to the ancient cliff dwellings of nearby Mesa Verde National Park to the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Badlands Scenic Byway © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

4. Badlands Scenic Byway

  • Location: South Dakota
  • Best time of year to go: Summer and fall

Notable stops:

  • Notch Trailhead
  • Big Badlands Overlook
  • Saddle Pass Trailhead
  • Fossil Exhibit Trailhead
  • Panorama Point
  • Sage Creek Rim Road
  • Burns Basin Overlook
  • Yellow Mounds Overlook
  • Pinnacle Overlook

Rugged, ancient, and expansive, South Dakota’s badlands are a world unto themselves. Geologic wonders like buttes and spires rise overhead while the fossils of extinct species are buried deep beneath the grasslands. The Badlands Scenic Byway loops through Badlands National Park to showcase the best of the region from wildlife like prairie dogs and buffalo to numerous hiking trails and 16 official scenic overlooks.

The byway itself is a relatively unremarkable two-lane road that stretches just 39 miles of South Dakota Highway 240. Though the drive technically only takes about an hour to complete, plan to dedicate several hours or more to the excursion. The photo opportunities alone can keep you busy for an entire day. I recommend starting your visit from the Badlands Northeast Entrance near Cactus Flat as opposed to the Pinnacle Entrance near Wall so you can map out an itinerary at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center before heading out.

Utah Scenic Byway 12 © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

5. Scenic Byway 12

  • Location: Utah
  • Best time of year to go: Spring to fall

Notable stops:

Stretching 122 miles from Panguitch to Torrey, Utah, Scenic Byway 12 connects US 89 with SR 24. It cuts right through the Dixie National Forest, offering views of the Henry Mountains, Grand Staircase-Escalante, and Capitol Reef National Park from the road’s 9,000-foot viewpoint. Scenic Byway 12 is also an All-American Road, a special designation meaning it has unique features you won’t find anywhere else in the country.

While the full drive takes just three hours, you could easily spend multiple days exploring the surrounding state and national parks including Kodachrome Basin state park and Bryce Canyon national park. The road connects Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef national parks passing through two red arches in Red Rock Canyon, the surreal sandstone stairs of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and the meadows of Boulder Mountain.

Santa Fe © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

6. Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway

  • Location: New Mexico
  • Best time of year to go: Summer and fall

Notable stops:

  • Wheeler Peak
  • D.H. Lawrence Memorial
  • Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park
  • Artesanos de Questa
  • Red River
  • Eagle Nest Lake
  • Elizabethtown
  • Angel Fire ski and shopping resort

The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway is a circular route that starts in Taos on NM 522, the home of the first Vietnam War memorial in the US. It runs through the hiking and camping areas of Cabresto Lake, Mallette Canyon, and Midnight Meadows, the old mining town of Red River – now known for its beautiful alpine scenery then into Bobcat Pass and into the Moreno Valley, before finishing back in Taos.

The byway encircles Wheeler Peak, the highest mountain in New Mexico at 13,100 feet and home to some of the oldest rocks in the southwest dating back two billion years. One of the road’s most unique aspects is the many artist galleries and studios along the Taos Canyon stretch as the area is home to a community of artists. Painting, pottery, bronze casting, and woodworking studios are open to the public, and you can watch the artists themselves at work.

Worth Pondering…

I had spent the day, as Chuck Berry once sang, with no particular place to go. And getting there was half the fun.

10 Amazing Places to RV in May 2025

If you’re dreaming of where to travel to experience it all, here are my picks for the best places to RV in May

Freedom is something that dies unless it’s used.

—Hunter S. Thompson

Hunter S. Thompson refused to be bound by any conventions especially in his writing. As a reporter in the 1960s and ‘70s he made no attempts at objectivity and often anointed himself a main character in narratives he was dispatched to just observe.

This quote derives from one of the last career-spanning interviews he granted, a 2003 conversation with Salon. Thompson was speaking not about how he emerged as gonzo journalism’s leading voice but about complacency in general. Exercising our liberties is how we build a better world for ourselves, our communities, and future generations.

Planning an RV trip for a different time of year? Check out my monthly travel recommendations for the best places to travel in March and April. Also check out my recommendations from May 2024 and June 2024.

Mesa Verde National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

1. Mesa Verde National Park

After living atop the mesas for 600 years, the Ancestral Pueblo people moved their homes to the mesa walls and became cliff dwellers. They kept their crops and fields atop the mesa but lowered their harvest down to food storage rooms. There, they dwelled for another hundred years before beginning their migration further south. Descendants teach their children that their ancestors only inhabited such areas for a time before journeying on as their deity bid.

Today, Mesa Verde National Park protects the rich cultural heritage of 26 tribes and offers visitors a mind-perplexing glimpse into the lives of those who once lived here. You’ll also find guided and self-guided tours, hiking trails, camping, an evening program, stargazing, bird watching, and seasonal events.

Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

2. Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival

If you’re craving Cajun or Creole music and food, there’s no better place to find it than at the Crawfish Festival.

At the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival (May 2-4, 2025) eat your weight in mudbugs, shimmy your way to victory in the zydeco dance contest, and set your lawn chair in front of the Crawfish or Festival stage to hear incredible local music. You’ll love cheering on the critters during the crawfish races. Back in your RV, make your own crawfish étouffée using the recipe from three-time Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival étouffée cook-off champion Mike Huval. 

Lassen Volcanic National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

3. This California National Park is a Mini Yellowstone

Lassen Volcanic National Park in Northeastern California has the four types of volcanoes found on Earth—cinder cones, composite, lava, and shield volcanoes—with 300 active domes. Lassen has a fraction of Yellowstone’s visitors but has many similar landscapes and geothermal sites.

You’ll come across sulfur vents, fumaroles, mud pots, wildflower meadows, mountain lakes, waterfalls, lava tube caves, and boiling hot springs. Don’t miss the Bumpass Hell trail leading to the largest of the eight hydrothermal areas and the easy-to-reach Kings Creek Falls.

There are more than 150 miles of trails in the park, 700 flowering plants, and 250 vertebrates. Hike the Cinder Cone Volcano in the park’s Butte Lake section and you’ll see breathtaking 360-degree views of the Painted Dunes and the volcano’s crater. The most famous volcano in the park, Lassen Peak also offers skiing in the winter.

Salt River Canyon © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

4. Salt River Canyon Scenic Drive

This classic Arizona scenic drive beginning in Globe and ending in Show Low is well worth taking because of the amazing landscape and the exhilarating thrills it offers with its winding, steep stretch. Plus, in addition to mountain scenery the journey is considered one of the many scenic canyon road trips in Arizona as it heads to the striking Salt River Canyon.

Starting at the intersection of US Routes 60 and 70 in Globe, this scenic mountain Arizona road trip route takes US Route 60 northeast across undulating terrain. Later on, it drops into the magnificent Salt River Canyon which provides sweeping vistas of rocky outcrops, meandering rivers, and vibrant rock formations.

The canyon, one of the most incredible places in Arizona is about 40 miles from Globe where there are many other scenic stops en route such as the ghost town of Seneca. In Salt River Canyon Wilderness Area, a pair of bridges—a modern vehicle bridge and a historic pedestrian bridge—span the river and look awe-striking. Of course, there are many more canyons in Arizona besides the Grand Canyon and Salt River Canyon for those hoping for more adventures.

Pinnacles National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

5. Pinnacles National Park

Rock climbers and the endangered California condor seem to love the spires of Pinnacles National Park, located about two hours south of San Francisco. The cliffs were shaped by multiple volcanic eruptions about 23 million years ago plus wind and water erosion over the millennia. But as old as all that is, Pinnacles is the newest national park in California, joining the list in 2013.

A beautiful drive along Highway 101 or California State Route 25 gets you there past Big Sur, the coastal town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, and the wine region in Monterey County. Once there, canyon bottoms full of piney chaparral and oak woodlands provide over 30 miles of trails.

The most popular hike is the High Peaks Loop. For other wildlife fanatics, the easy Balconies Cave Loop to the talus caves includes sightings of 13 types of bats (including the endangered Townsend’s big-eared bat) and opens up to an incredible vista of pinnacles.

Historic Mobile © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

6. Celebrate spring in Mobile

Set along the Gulf of America at the head of Mobile Bay, Mobile is a historic city with beautiful old homes, lovely squares, and a vibrant cultural scene. This port city is also home to the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, one of the main attractions along this stretch of coast.

Nestled on the shores of Mobile Bay and grabbing a slice of the gorgeous Gulf shoreline from the Florida Panhandle, Mobile is a cultural epicenter steeped in rich history and tradition. Its endless list of attractions comprises numerous historical landmarks, four listed as National Historic Landmarks, and a family-friendly Mardi Gras celebration with all the pomp and glamour but not over-the-top like its French Quarter counterpart.

But that barely scratches the surface regarding what Mobile has in store for first-timers. From a delectable dining scene featuring savory soul food and seafood to a buzzing nightlife that can’t be replicated, the city is a treasure trove of top activities in Alabama. Here is the ultimate guide to The Gateway to the Gulf including the top things to see and do.

Badlands National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

7. Badlands Scenic Byway

Rugged, ancient, and expansive, South Dakota’s badlands are a world unto themselves. Geologic wonders like buttes and spires rise overhead while the fossils of extinct species are buried deep beneath the grasslands. The Badlands Scenic Byway loops through Badlands National Park to showcase the best of the region from wildlife like prairie dogs and buffalo to numerous hiking trails and 16 official scenic overlooks.

The byway itself is a relatively unremarkable two-lane road that stretches just 39 miles of South Dakota Highway 240. Though the drive technically only takes about an hour to complete, plan to dedicate several hours or more to the excursion. The photo opportunities alone can keep you busy for an entire day.

I recommend starting your visit from the Badlands Northeast Entrance near Cactus Flat as opposed to the Pinnacle Entrance near Wall (of Wall Drug fame) so you can map out an itinerary at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center before heading out.

Black’s Barbecue, Lockhart © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

8. How to Eat Your Way through the Barbecue Capital of Texas

A road trip to Lockhart, Texas is an irrefutable barbecue rite of passage. About 35 miles southeast of Austin and boasting a population of about 13,000, the town is officially known as the Barbecue Capital of Texas according to the Texas Legislature. Its home to three famous barbecue joints and one underrated one.

Located near San Marcos, roughly half-way between Austin and San Antonio, Lockhart is a small town with a lot of flavor—in more ways than one! Its four well-known barbecue joints draw visitors from far and wide looking to sample the best barbecue in the great state of Texas. So put on your comfy pants, maybe consider a bib, and head to Lockhart for some of the best barbecue you’ll ever taste.

Here’s a close look at all four of these necessary stops which together make up a full day’s itinerary. Arrive armed with your appetite, good friends, and plenty of napkins.

Patagonia State Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

9. Mariachi Festival 

Happy 50th anniversary to one of southern Arizona’s most beloved destinations! Since April 1, 1975, Patagonia Lake State Park has been delighting visitors with its exceptional recreational opportunities, gorgeous scenery, and rich biodiversity. Patagonia Lake and the adjoining Sonoita Creek State Natural Area are designated as an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society and offer world-class birding with a huge variety of avian species from raptors to waterbirds and more.

Cool off in the 265-acre lake with a refreshing swim or explore its tranquil coves by boat. If you don’t have your own, rent one from the park’s on-site marina. Anglers bring your gear—the lake offers excellent springtime bass and catfish angling opportunities. The spacious campgrounds provide a perfect base for extended adventures with RV sites that include electric and water hookups, comfortable camping cabins, and even boat-in campsites that help you disconnect from the hustle and bustle and simply relax in nature.

Join Patagonia Lake State Park at the 30th annual Mariachi Festival on May 17 to celebrate both the park’s milestone anniversary and Arizona’s rich cultural heritage. The festival features authentic mariachi bands and dancing performances, food trucks and wine tastings, and fun family activities against the backdrop of our beautiful lake and rolling hills.

Museum of Appalachia © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

10. Museum of Appalachia, Tennessee

The Museum of Appalachia is a living history museum, a unique collection of historic pioneer buildings and artifacts assembled for over a half-century by Irwin. The Museum portrays an authentic mountain farm and pioneer village, with some three dozen historic log structures, several exhibit buildings filled with thousands of authentic Appalachian artifacts, multiple gardens, and free-range farm animals, all set in a picturesque venue and surrounded by split-rail fences.

There are artifacts from some of the personalities of East Tennessee including Howard Baker and Dolly Parton. An impressive variety of handmade musical instruments demonstrates the ingenuity of the mountain folk. Other exhibits give you a glimpse into how they handled illness and death.

Check this out to learn more: Museum of Appalachia: Let the Past Touch Your Soul

Worth Pondering…

When April steps aside for May, like diamonds all the rain-drops glisten; fresh violets open every day; to some new bird each hour we listen.

―Lucy Larcom

These Parks Are Like a Mini Zion

Zion’s complex geography combines deserts, coniferous forests, riparian zones, and other types of woodlands while also offering some of the most breathtaking cliffs and canyon scenes anywhere in the country. Add Zion’s excellent hikes for every type of hiker and you get one of the top outdoor destinations in North America.

But Zion’s well-earned popularity does come with a price. In 2024, Zion welcomed 4,946,592 visitors putting it in the top three most-visited American national parks. The resulting crowds (not to mention the park’s $35 entrance fee) may have travelers pining for alternative destinations.

The good news is that alternatives do exist. As one-of-a-kind as Zion is several other parks do replicate some or even all of its grandeur on a smaller scale. These seven national and state parks are close enough to “mini Zions” to make for worthwhile destinations all their own.

Snow Canyon State Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

1. Snow Canyon State Park, Utah

Snow Canyon State Park is probably the closest approximation to Zion National Park in Utah itself. Despite flying under the radar compared to its much more famous neighbor, Snow Canyon features an equally impressive collection of towering red rock cliffs, deep rocky canyons, and sublime desert scenery that doesn’t quite look like anywhere else on Earth.

Despite its name conjuring images of white winter days, Snow Canyon actually protects an immense corridor of red sandstone canyon walls baking under Utah desert heat. As if that wasn’t hot enough, the park also contains several preserved lava flows from ancient volcanic eruptions.

Despite the heat, Snow Canyon is also a top destination for scenic hiking, camping, and horseback riding. And like Zion, Snow Canyon offers some of the best opportunities for canyoneering in the Southwest. Plus, with additional bonuses of large sand dunes and natural arches, Snow Canyon is one of Utah’s best obscure state parks to visit as a national park alternative.

  • Entry fee: $10 (Utah residents); $15 (Non-residents) per vehicle daily
  • Opening hours: 6 am-10 pm
  • Nearest cities: St. George
  • Best hiking trails: Snow Canyon Trail, Scout Cave Trail
  • Best time to visit: Spring and fall
Red Rock State Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

2. Red Rock State Park, Arizona

Occupying perhaps the most photogenic area of Arizona outside of the Grand Canyon, the city of Sedona is home to some amazing hiking trails. Cathedral Rock Trail and other scenic hiking routes in the Coconino National Forest draw hikers from all around the world to experience the region’s mesmerizing beauty in person. But one of the most spectacular destinations in the vicinity of Sedona especially for anyone looking for a Zion National Park vibe is the appropriately named Red Rock State Park.

As its name implies, Red Rock State Park contains a magnificent collection of towering canyon walls, buttes, mesas, and other prominent geological features all forged from the same striking red sandstone that defines other iconic natural wonders like the Grand Canyon. Similar to Zion National Park, Red Rock State Park gives visitors ample opportunities to hike through the canyon directly all while admiring the epic cliffs towering on all sides.

Despite the foreboding terrain, Red Rock State Park does have several miles of accessible, family-friendly hiking trails that let visitors of all experience and mobility levels enjoy its out-of-this-world beauty. And the park is also an excellent location to view some of Arizona’s famed desert wildlife species including javelina, coyotes, and even river otters who make their home in the canyon’s central creek.

  • Entry fee: $7 per vehicle daily
  • Opening hours: 8 am-5 pm
  • Nearest cities: Sedona, Cottonwood, Clarkdale
  • Best hiking trails: Eagles Nest Trail, Javelina Trail, Kisva Trail
  • Best time to visit: Spring to fall
Valley of Fire State Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

3. Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada

The name Valley of Fire is dramatic enough to at least intrigue most potential visitors. But as interesting as it sounds, even that name doesn’t quite prepare you for the spectacular landscape of Nevada’s Valley of Fire State Park.

The “fire” in the Valley of Fire comes from the stark red of the park’s unique Aztec Sandstone which forms an intricate complex of canyons, cliffs, and other prominent rock formations that easily rival the best of Zion National Park. Across the park’s 40,000 acres, visitors can also find immense rocky arches, the preserved remains of ancient sand dunes, and other defining features of the region’s dream-like Mojave Desert.

Valley of Fire’s cliffs and canyon walls provide a great alternative to Zion but the park has a few advantages over its more famous national park analog. In addition to its geological wonders, Valley of Fire State Park also contains a prominent forest of petrified trees and even large collections of ancient petroglyphs carved into stone more than 2,000 years ago.

  • Entry fee: $10 per vehicle per day
  • Opening hours: Sunrise to sunset
  • Nearest cities: Overton, Las Vegas, Mesquite
  • Best hiking trails: Fire Wave Trail, White Domes Trail, Fire Wave and Seven Wonders Loop
  • Best time to visit: Fall through spring
Canyon de Chelly National Monument © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

4. Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona

Known for its dramatic sandstone cliffs and rich geological history, Canyon de Chelly features towering rock formations such as Spider Rock which rises over 800 feet from the canyon floor. The canyon itself is approximately 24 miles long and showcases colorful rock walls shaped by eons of erosion and natural processes

This site is not only a natural wonder but also a place of deep cultural importance for the Navajo people who have inhabited the area for over 5,000 years. The canyon contains ancient Puebloan dwellings and rock art that reflect the history and traditions of its indigenous inhabitants.

While Zion does not have the same level of continuous indigenous habitation as Canyon de Chelly, it is also culturally significant. The area has historical ties to various Native American tribes and it features sites that highlight their historical presence.

Both Canyon de Chelly National Monument and Zion National Park are breathtaking examples of the American Southwest’s natural beauty. While they share similarities in their stunning landscapes and cultural significance, their access methods and visitor experiences differ markedly. Canyon de Chelly offers a more guided and culturally rich experience rooted in Navajo heritage whereas Zion provides broader access to diverse geological formations and hiking opportunities.

  • Entry fee: No entrance pass required
  • Opening hours: 24 hours
  • Nearest cities: Chinle
  • Best hiking trails: White House Trail
  • Best time to visit: Spring and fall
Capitol Reef National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

5. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

Capitol Reef National Park is characterized by the Waterpocket Fold, a prominent monocline that creates dramatic cliffs and colorful sandstone formations. This geological feature results from a complex history of sedimentation and tectonic activity leading to tilted rock layers and stunning landscapes including domes and canyons.

Similarly, Zion features impressive geological formations including the iconic Zion Canyon shaped by the Virgin River. The park’s rock layers represent a sequence of sedimentary deposits from various environments ranging from shallow seas to desert landscapes.

Capitol Reef has a rich cultural history with evidence of ancient Native American inhabitants including the Fremont culture. Petroglyphs and other archaeological sites reflect the historical significance of the region. The park features sites that highlight its indigenous heritage alongside more recent settler history.

Both Capitol Reef National Park and Zion National Park showcase the stunning natural beauty of Utah’s landscapes through their unique geological formations and cultural histories. While Capitol Reef offers a more tranquil experience with its striking Waterpocket Fold and colorful cliffs, Zion captivates visitors with its dramatic canyons and bustling trails. Each park provides a distinct yet complementary experience for those exploring the wonders of the American Southwest.

  • Entry fee: $10-20 per vehicle, valid for 7 days
  • Opening hours: Open 24 hours
  • Nearest cities: Torrey
  • Best hiking trails: Grand Wash Trail, Cohab Canyon Trail, Hickman Bridge
  • Best time to visit: Spring and fall

Worth Pondering…

Nothing can exceed the wonderful beauty of Zion…

In the nobility and beauty of the sculptures there is no comparison…

There is an eloquence to their forms which stirs the imagination with a singular power and kindles in the mind a glowing response.

—Clarence E. Dutton, geologist, 1880

How Many National Parks Are In America? The Answer Is Overwhelming!

Just how many national parks are there? The short answer is, quite a few!

The US national park system is one of the most breathtaking collections of landscapes in the world. Protecting diverse and often vulnerable ecosystems, the national park sites are a massive conservation success and popular visitor attractions.

But just how big is the national park system commonly referred to as the National Park Service (NPS)? After all, there are nine designated national parks just in California and nearly every state has a national park site so the numbers add up quickly.

In total, there are actually hundreds of national park sites in the US. How is that possible and where are these hundreds of national park sites located? Here are all the details on the overwhelmingly large national park system.

Arches National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Are there 63 or 433 National Parks?

Wait, how can there be hundreds of national parks? Aren’t there just 63 national parks in the US? Well, yes and no.

Within the national park system, there are 63 sites designated as “national parks.” These include many of the most famous destinations such as Zion National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, and Grand Canyon National Park.

However, NPS extends far beyond these 63 world-famous locations. There are currently 433 national park sites in the United States with more being added every year.

These national park sites include national monuments, national battlefields, national lakeshores, national historic sites, and more. These national park sites protect not just regions of ecological importance but historical and cultural areas as well.

In total, there are 19 naming designations for the national park sites protecting everything from hiking trails to historical buildings to thousands of square miles of pristine landscape.

Mesa Verde National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Most common types of National Park sites

National monuments are the most common type of national park site with 85 current units. National monuments can be created by presidential proclamation with the Antiquities Act of 1906 without congressional involvement.

National historic sites come in second with 76 operating destinations. These less well-known sites are often dedicated to significant individuals including Hopewell Furnace Historic Site in Pennsylvania and Fort Davis National Historic Site in Texas.

With 63 locations each, national parks and national historical parks are the third most common. While national parks are the most universally known locations, national historical parks like Appomattox Court House National Historical Park are far less familiar names.

National Park site designations

  • National Monuments: 85 units
  • National Historical Sites: 76 units
  • National Historical Parks: 63 units
  • National Parks: 63 units
  • National Memorials: 31 units
  • National Preserves: 19 units
  • National Recreation Areas: 18 units
  • National Battlefields: 11 units
  • Other Designations: 11 units
  • National Wild and Scenic Rivers: 10 units
  • National Seashores: 10 units
  • National Military Parks: 9 units
  • National Scenic Trails: 6 units
  • National Battlefield Parks: 4 units       
  • National Parkways: 4 units
  • National Rivers: 4 units
  • National Lakeshores: 3 units
  • National Reserves: 2 units
  • National Battlefield Sites: 1 unit
  • International Historic Sites: 1 unit

Note: Sites vs. parks, what’s the difference? Sites such as national historical sites protect a single place such as a historical building or monument. Parks on the other hand preserve a general area such as the neighborhood and included buildings where the Declaration of Independence was signed.

Montezuma Castle National Monument © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Which states have the most National Parks?

There are national park sites in all 50 states in the US as well as its territories. However, not every state has every type of national park site or even the most common types of national park sites.

California

California has the most national parks with nine official national parks. There are a total of 28 national park sites in California including Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Lava Beds National Monument, and Point Reyes National Seashore.

It is estimated that the national park sites bring in over $5 billion in tourism to California highlighting an additional benefit to preserving so much of the state through national park sites.

Alaska

Alaska has the second-most national parks with eight national parks and a total of 23 national park sites housing some of the most extreme hikes in Alaska. Interestingly, Alaska’s Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is the largest national park in the country.

In total, approximately 60 percent of Alaska is managed by the National Park Service, much of it inaccessible to the average visitor.

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Arizona

While California and Alaska are unsurprising candidates for most national parks given their size and geography, the state with the third-most national parks is a bit more of a wild-card.

Arizona, the Grand Canyon State has a surprising 22 national park sites in its relatively small region. While the state has only three national parks, it is full of striking national monuments such as Tuzigoot National Monument, Chiricahua National Monument, and Montezuma Castle National Monument.

Utah

Utah has five national parks affectionately known as the Mighty Five and a total of 16 national park sites. Zion National Park which brims with awe-inspiring views is undoubtedly the most famous and generally ranks as one of the top five most visited national parks in the US.

Like California and Alaska, Utah’s parks contribute significantly to the economy of the state bringing in more than $2.5 billion a year.

States with the most national park sites

  • California: 9 national parks; 28 NPS sites
  • Alaska: 8 national parks; 23 NPS sites
  • California: 9 national parks; 28 NPS sites
  • Utah: 5 national parks; 16 NPS sites
  • Washington: 3 national parks; 15 NPS sites
  • Colorado: 4 national parks; 13 NPS sites
  • Florida: 2 national parks; 11 NPS sites
Padre Island National Seashore © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

How often are new national parks added?

One of the most interesting aspects of the National Park Service is that it is constantly changing, continually adding to its preservation ranks.

National parks have a long history of improving sustainability and conservation efforts in the US. These efforts paired with the boost they give to the local economies make them a popular investment for every state in the US.

The National Park Service generally adds several new units a year depending on political factors. Most new units are national monuments or national historical sites both of which can be authorized by the sitting President of the United States.

Three new sites were added in 2024, two national historical sites and a national monument. 2023 brought four new additions: a national monument and three new national scenic trails.

While new national park sites are relatively common, not every designation is as simple to add as signing a paper. National parks, the most recognizable national park sites require congressional approval to be designated.

The newest national park is New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia. Originally New River Gorge National River, West Virginia’s first official national park was designated in December 2020.

White Sands National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Newest national parks (and year designated)

  • New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, West Virginia: 2020
  • White Sands National Park, New Mexico: 2019
  • Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana: 2019
  • Gateway Arch National Park, Missouri: 2018
  • Pinnacles National Park, California: 2013

The National Park system is famous thanks to the likes of Great Smoky Mountains, Arches, and Sequoia & Kings Canyon but the reality of the national parks is far bigger than these heavy-hitters. With 433 national park sites (and counting), the size of the national park system can be overwhelming.

Whether visiting one of the well-known national parks or detouring to hidden gem national monuments, there is no doubt every one of America’s national parks is worth visiting.

Worth Pondering…

National parks are sacred and cherished places—our greatest personal and national treasures. It’s a gift to spend a year adventuring and capturing incredible images and stories in some of the most beautiful places on Earth.

—Jonathan Irish, photographer

This California National Park is a Mini Yellowstone

When most people think of mud pots, geysers, and thermal pools, Yellowstone National Park immediately comes to mind. In Northern California, Lassen Volcanic National Park features many of the same geothermal wonders as Yellowstone with a fraction of the crowds.

With multiple twinkling cities, an expansive coastline dotted with pristine beaches, a diverse culinary scene, and the majestic Sierra peaks, California is one of the most captivating states in America. Its nine national parks are among its most celebrated natural wonders with Yosemite being the most visited.

In the Southern Cascade Range in northern California there is a lesser-visited national park, Lassen Volcanic which only welcomes about half a million tourists annually yet is equally fascinating. The park makes a perfect alternative to Yellowstone, the oldest and one of the most popular national parks in the US.

Although it isn’t near the vastness and diversity of America’s first national park, its features like hot springs and volcanoes make it worth more than the attention it gets. Discover why California’s most underrated yet scenic national park, Lassen Volcanic is a mini Yellowstone.

Lassen Volcanic National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

What to know about Lassen Volcanic National Park

The area was made a national park in 1916 after facing its largest volcanic eruption on May 22, 1915

Lassen Volcanic had humble beginnings as two separate national monuments: Cinder Cone National Monument and Lassen Peak National Monument established by Theodore Roosevelt in 1907.

Between May 1914 and 1917, Lassen Peak, the park’s dominant feature and the world’s largest plug dome experienced a series of eruptions, the most powerful on May 22, 1915. The eruption altered the surroundings raining volcanic ash as far away as 200 miles to the east.

This eruption came after 27,000 years of being a dormant volcano earning the area public recognition. As a result, the U.S. Congress made the area a national park including the two national monuments. It covers nearly 106,000 acres today with about 79,000 acres designated as a wilderness area.

Lassen Volcanic National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved
  • Admission fee: $10-$30 for a standard pass, valid for 7 days; $55 for an annual pass
  • Hours of operation: 24 hours
  • Year established: 1916
  • Size: 106,000 acres
  • Highest point: Lassen Peak, at 10,457 feet 
  • Lowest point: Hot Springs Creek, at 5,275 feet
  • Main attractions: Bumpass Hell, the Devastated Area, Lassen Peak, and other geothermal and volcanic features
  • 2024 visits: 357,651

Although Lassen Volcanic National Park’s Visitor Center (Kohm Yah-mah-nee) remains in operation throughout the year it closes during bad weather and many roads and facilities might also close in winter. However, the park is surrounded by communities that offer year-round accommodation options.

Lassen Volcanic National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

A hidden gem

With incredible hydrothermal features (including a geyser) and volcanoes this hidden gem is a perfect miniature of Yellowstone, yet rarely visited

Lassen Volcanic National Park’s claim to fame is its incredible volcanoes. It’s one of the few places in the world with all four types of volcanoes: plug dome composite, cinder dome, and shield—which is one of the main reasons it’s among the national parks better than Yellowstone.

Like Yellowstone, Lassen Volcanic National Park’s hydrothermal features include boiling pools, steaming fumaroles, mud pots, and hot springs, the remains of its past volcanic eruption. Although its thermal features aren’t as numerous as Yellowstone’s, they are just as vigorous and worth your time.

Bumpass Hell, reachable via the three-mile Bumpass Hell Trail is the park’s largest hydrothermal area. The trail, one of the most popular hikes in the park starts in the parking lot about seven miles from Southwest Entrance. The basin has a boardwalk allowing visitors to enjoy an up-close view of the incredible hydrothermal features.

Another area you’ll be happy to experience is the Little Hot Springs Valley, a steep valley with steam vents that travelers can only see from the park road via binoculars. Sulphur Works, the easiest-to-visit hydrothermal area in the park accessible via a sidewalk hosts steam vents and boiling mud pots. Other areas include Devil’s Kitchen and Boiling Springs Lake.

Lassen Volcanic National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Lassen Volcanic hosts Terminal Geyser which is barely burping—nothing like Yellowstone’s Old Faithful but incredibly magical. Nestled in Warner Valley the geyser is accessible from the Warner Valley trailhead.

With less than 500,000 yearly visits this park has far fewer crowds than Yellowstone which welcomes about four million tourists annually. So, if you want to escape crowds you should ditch Yellowstone for Lassen Volcanic’s geothermal features.

Thanks to its alpine lakes, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks, Lassen Volcanic offers a bit of Yosemite. Combined with the incredible hydrothermal features this national park rivals both Yosemite and Yellowstone.

Like Yellowstone this park offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts from hiking to fishing.

In addition to the beautiful thermal features, Lassen Volcanic, like Yellowstone offers endless options for fun outdoor adventures. Whether you are interested in water activities, a strenuous hike, or admiring the view of the night sky there is something for everyone.

Lassen Volcanic National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Over 150 miles of trails wind around hydrothermal areas, alpine lakes, meadows, and volcanic peaks. Manzanita Lake and Summit Lake are suitable for water sports like boating, fishing, swimming, and camping.

If you are more into swimming, head to Summit Lake which offers scenic camping. The park’s stargazing opportunities are fantastic. According to NPS, you can enjoy the beautiful night sky from anywhere in the park but it guarantees a more expansive view near a meadow, a lakeshore, or a parking spot.

Outside of America’s oldest national park there are very few places to explore active volcanic features like Lassen Volcanic which is why it’s one of the California National Parks worth adding to your bucket list.

Check this out to learn more:

Worth Pondering…

Lassen’s Peak looks sharper from this side than any other, and views seen from among these pinnacles and rocks are some of the most picturesque imaginable. A series of photographs would be treasured indeed.

—William H. Brewer, Up and Down California (Journals; 1860-1864)

How to Get Inspired: 9 Simple Things You Can Do

How inspiration works

If you’re looking for fresh inspiration then you’ve come to the right place.

I’m all out of doom and gloom.

All I have to offer you today are life-changing, amazing, stupendous, brilliant, mind-blowing things you can do to get inspired.

Sometimes when you’re in a rut for long enough it starts to look like home.

But it’s not!

There are great things in store for you and many journeys yet to come.

So let’s do some stuff!

Here are nine simple things you can do to get inspired.

Hiking in Snow Canyon State Park, Utah © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

1. Climb, swim, run, bike, hike

Find a physical activity you love to do and then do the hell out of it.

Whether it’s climbing, swimming, running, biking, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, playing football or hockey, pickleball, snowshoeing, cross-country sking, blazing a trail, picking wildflowers, jogging with wild goats, or caving, get out there and bask in the fresh air.

If you tend to be a more indoorsy person, it’s also possible to find a lot of great indoor physical activities from karate, dance, and fitness to using a climbing wall to going bowling (yes, bowling counts—just go easy on the nachos).

When you get active your body starts humming like a fine-tuned machine. You start feeling like you can take on the world.

And you can!

For more inspiration read:

Try a new hobby © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

2. Hurry up and try a new hobby

New hobbies are a super way to spend your free time and they keep you healthy and active.

Whether you want to try birdwatching or designing a board game, hobbies can be an endless source of pleasure and accomplishment.

Growing up my main hobbies was collecting stamps and hockey cards. Now my main hobbies are RVing, hiking, photography, and birding.

Try out something new whether it’s surfing or riding horses.

You’re going to have a great time and find all sorts of new ways to enjoy life and get inspired.

What’s your choice?

3. Write a journal

Journals are cool. For many years I’ve kept one with a focus on our RV lifestyle.

Even if it’s just a brief entry each day, you’ll be surprised how mentally cleansing it feels to get a few thoughts and observations down on paper.

It’s up to you what you want to do with your journal.

Maybe you just want to write how you feel every day or what your main goals are for the day.

Maybe you want to write down an interesting person you meet each day so you’ll remember those weirdo years from now when you think back.

Journaling is great and quite useful. The actor Matthew McConaughey wrote his book Greenlights based on his old journals.

For more inspiration read:

Spending time in nature at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, Washington © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

4. Spend time in nature

There’s nothing quite so healing and spiritually revivifying as spending time in the great outdoors.

Listening to the loons out on the lake and contemplating the horizon or walking a quiet forest trail as shafts of sunlight danced between the trees has a kind of magic that nothing else can match.

Nature has been linked with the divine and with spiritual regeneration since the earliest days of humankind and it’s still a place of refuge and peace every day for people all across the world.

As Taoism founder Lao Tzu put it: Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.

An amazing insight for all of us to ponder!

For more inspiration read:

Find your happy place © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

5. Find your happy place

Do you have a happy place?

It’s important to have a happy place because when the world comes crashing down around you it’s very crucial to remember just how good it can be.

Having a happy place isn’t about escapism. It’s more like keeping a refuge of spiritual inspiration that you can always return to now and then.

6. Laugh in the face of chaos

As the shaman, Rudá Iandê teaches, sometimes the best thing you can do is laugh in the face of chaos.

Let’s face it: none of us are getting out of here alive.

And life’s going to hit all of us pretty hard and throw some sidewinders that knock us to the curb.

We can scream and shout about how we’ve been victimized and sometimes it’s true. But we can also learn to laugh.

Right in the face of the maelstrom.

Right in the middle of all the constructed systems and programming.

Right in the materialist mashup that’s got us trapped on its hamster wheel.

Laugh in the face of chaos. Just try it, I dare you.

7. Read at your own speed

These days everything seems to be about bigger, faster, better. More things, more money, quicker speed, and so on.

The same is true when it comes to reading.

Many of us feel pushed to speed read, to learn to scan emails like a cyborg that operates at lightning speed.

Wouldn’t it be nice to slow down and turn the pages slowly and savor what you’re reading?

To get lost in a great novel or autobiography and even forget where you are for a moment?

There’s actually a way to read that’s much more enjoyable and satisfying than the way many of us read and it’s much better for our mind as well.

Picking apples © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

8. Get into flow?

Getting into flow is actually terrible advice. The problem is that it’s not explained well. If you go with the flow and just let life slide by you aren’t really getting into the flow. You’re just letting things slide.

Truly getting into flow is about pursuing your passion and becoming so wrapped up in what you do that you lose track of time and everything else.

If it’s a musical instrument, mathematics, or picking apples, the point is to actually do it.

Truly going with the flow is less about letting go of everything and more about holding on to only one thing.

To do this you need to find your intuitive expertise and then capitalize on it.

Cultivate mindfulness while bird watching © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

9. Cultivate mindfulness

You encounter thousands of events, decisions, and objects in everyday life—but if you don’t notice them, they can’t trigger inspiration. Practicing mindfulness helps you pay closer attention to ordinary events and find environmental triggers for inspiration. 

Many inventors and entrepreneurs become successful by noticing what’s not in the environment rather than what is and finding ways to fill the gap.

For example, Uber’s founders had the idea for Uber when they couldn’t get a taxi in Paris while Mary Anderson invented windshield wipers after watching her streetcar driver clean snow off the windshield. 

For more inspiration read:

Are you inspired yet?

I hope this article has left you inspired.

Actually, I hope you stood up halfway through and started doing some of the things listed and forgot to even read the rest until later.

But if you’re still reading—or have returned here after some exploration—thank you for joining me for this inspiring guide!

Remember:

  • The perfection of life lies in its imperfection
  • Your journey has power, beauty, and validity in it
  • Your existence has deep wildness at its heart
  • You are linked to the verdant forests and rushing crystalline, aquamarine waterfalls; rugged mountains, and shimmering golden deserts
  • You were born to be wild
  • You were born to be inspired

Let’s go!

Capitol Reef National Park: A Guide for RVers

Capitol Reef National Park is a stunning destination for RVers offering a unique blend of natural beauty and recreational activities. Before you plan your trip, here are some essential tips to consider.

I’m on the road again traveling nature’s highways. Let’s stop on our RVing trip at Wayne Wonderland National Monument. Don’t recognize that name? That is because on August 2, 1937, FDR proclaimed it as Capitol Reef National Monument with 37,711 acres. In 1958 Ike added another 3,040 acres. Then in 1968, LBJ added an additional 215,056 acres. Finally, President Nixon made it a national park adjusting the 1969 boundary for 243,921 acres.

On the list of most-visited parks, Capitol Reef National Park ranks at number 22 with 1.422 million visitors in 2024. Capitol Reef offers more than desert rock. It holds fruit orchards and petroglyphs as well.

Capitol Reef National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Why is it called Capitol Reef National Park if there’s no reef?

It’s nowhere near a capitol and it certainly doesn’t look like the color reefs you’ll find in Hawaii or off the coast of Australia. 

So why is this Utah National Park called Capitol Reef?

It’s not as complicated as you may think but the answer is a two-part explanation. 

If you’ve ever been to Capitol Reef, its name will start to make sense in a moment. If you haven’t been to the park, you need to understand its geology first. 

Located in south-central Utah, Capitol Reef is part of the Waterpocket Fold, a warp in the Earth’s crust that stretches on for nearly 100 miles. Hundreds of millions of years ago, Capitol Reef was more like the Saharan Desert, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Then it became wet, sporting tropical forests, ferns, and swamps. 

But then, about 180 million years ago, the area became dry again. Then, 40 million years later, it turned into a coastal area depositing layers of sandstone and shale still seen in the park. 

Capitol Reef National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

After those layers were formed, tectonic forces raised rock layers thousands of feet. The layers remained mostly horizontal and formed mountains except for one part: the Waterpocket Fold. 

Here, layers folded instead of breaking like the rest of the region. Erosion has since led to some of the most notable features like Capitol Dome. 

This brings us to the first part of Capitol Reef’s name: Capitol. 

Some early settlers to the area likened the white domes in the area to the white dome of the Capitol building in Washington, D.C. Nowhere is that more apparent than the aforementioned Capitol Dome. 

Early visitors to the park are also responsible for the second half of its name, Reef. 

It was prospectors, many of nautical background that thought the Waterpocket Fold resembled a reef, according to NPS. Though not exactly the Great Barrier Reef, the Waterpocket Fold did serve to deter some from venturing through the now-park. 

While Capitol Reef fits the park now, as mentioned above, it nearly had a different name. 

Brothers-in-law Ephraim Portman Pectol and Joseph S. Hickman who later became state lawmakers were calling for the south-central region of Utah to be protected as early as 1914, NPS records show. They hoped to make it Utah’s first state park offering the name Wayne Wonderland after the county it was located in. 

Capitol Reef National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Getting there

We are driving up from Bryce Canyon. Naturally, we want the scenic route that gives us some waypoint stops. So, we leave on Utah Scenic Byway 12 east towards Tropic/Cannonville. Capitol Reef National Park is down the road about 105 miles. You will intersect State Route 24, turn left to Torrey, then turn right to Capitol Reef Visitors Center. However, should you make a waypoint stop or two the drive will take longer than 2.5 hours. Truly a scenic drive, Utah Route 12 travels through some interesting side stops. 

Kodachrome Basin State Park lies just outside of Cannonville. One can hike several easy trails through its palette of desert colors against a bright blue sky, thus the name. Basin Campground has 13 reservable full-hookup sites.

Escalante Petrified Forest State Park northwest of Escalante gets its name from a 145-million-year-old fallen forest of now petrified trees. Along Main Street (UT-12) in Escalante are a few old houses c. 1900 worth stopping to see.

Anasazi State Park Museum is on the grounds of an Ancestral Puebloan community occupied from A.D. 1160 to 1235 by as many as 250 people. Visitors can walk around the excavated site and view many artifacts uncovered there. You will find it about a mile after UT-12 turns left in Boulder. Before you make that turn, look for Hell’s Backbone Grill, a James Beard semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurant in 2022 and 2023.

Capitol Reef National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

RVing Capitol Reef National Park: Staying at the park

Inside Capitol Reef National Park, Fruita Campground offers 65 reservable sites. Full hookups, or any utilities for that matter, are unavailable. Should you want to stay there, reservations are a must—the earlier the better, as it fills quickly. A closure of the campground is scheduled for June 3 through 14, 2024. During this time period, the campground will be repaved and no reservations are available.

If you are up to it, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and National Forests provide other places to camp. Just remember that these are mostly primitive sites.

As Scenic Byway 12 intersects Utah Route 24, a left turn takes you into Torrey with a few RV parks. If you take a right turn, you are on the way to the Capitol Reef National Park Visitor Center. During our visit, we stayed at the Wonderland RV Park, located just before the intersection. 

You are there. Now what?

Capitol Reef National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Visitor center

The visitor center is located about 5 miles from the UT-24/12 intersection. As with any national park, this should be your first stop. National Park Service (NPS) recently renovated the interpretive exhibits as well as adding some new ones. Be sure to download the NPS Audio Description Tours mobile app to lead you through the exhibits.

Driving tours

Capitol Reef National Park is a vast geologic park with several magnificent driving tours. However, most require a high-clearance vehicle, 4-wheel drive, and even overnight camping. One drive has you fording the Fremont River. Should you take any of these, always check in at the visitor center for conditions, suggestions, and back road passes, if required.

The Cathedral Valley Driving Tour winds through beautiful high desert scenery. The 60-mile loop begins and ends at UT-24 from the Hartnet Cathedral Road to the west and Caineville Wash Road at the east end. It takes approximately 6-8 hours to drive the road nonstop.

Another exciting drive is the Loop-the-Fold Driving Tour. This 4- to 6-hour, 125-mile loop meanders through shades of gray, blue, purple, and red geologic formations of the Waterpocket Fold. You will pass 95-million-year-old oyster shell fossils and enter Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Capitol Reef National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Fruita

Amongst the stark beauty of the black boulders, Navajo Sandstone, Mancos Shale, and the Waterpocket Fold, beside the confluence of Fremont River and Sulphur Creek sits the ghost town of Fruita. Established in 1880 by a Mormon group, it was renamed Fruita. The town became known as the Eden of Wayne County for its 3,000 fruit, berry, and nut trees. With the NPS purchase in 1955, it was noted as a National Historic District for its cultural significance. 

Fruita is home to a surprisingly large number of orchards maintained by the National Park Service (NPS). The orchards are dotted throughout the Fruita Campground and grow cherries, apricots, peaches, pears, apples, plums, pecans, almonds, and walnuts.

You can plan your trip around flowering and harvesting times. Fruit trees begin to flower about April 1 and blooms last until May.

Cherries are often the first fruit to ripen becoming ready by the second week of June. Apricots can usually be picked in June and July, peaches and pears in August and September, and apples in September and October,

You’re welcome to explore the unlocked orchards and eat as much ripe fruit as you want. Fees are charged for fruit picked and removed from the orchards with prices being similar to those found in supermarkets.

Capitol Reef National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Hiking trails

Capitol Reef National Park is a long (60 miles) and narrow (6 miles) 242,000 acres. Yet it contains a multitude of hiking trails that resemble hiking Zion but without the crowds. Even though the Scenic Drive closure may preclude some popular trails, the ones at Fruita and adjacent to UT-24 will provide plenty of opportunities. A couple of my favorites are Sunset Point (easy 0.8 miles) and Hickman Bridge (moderate 1.8 miles). Visit AllTrails for a great overview of the best. Remember, you are at an elevation of 5,500 feet, so hike accordingly.

Flora and fauna

Capitol Reef National Park hosts six species of snakes, the non-venomous Golfer snake (Pituophis catenifer) being the most prevalent. However, you may come across the Midget faded rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus concolor), so watch your step. 

Speaking of reptiles, lizards come in ten species. Be on the lookout for the Western whiptails (Aspidoscelis tigris).

Around Fruita expect to see rock squirrels (Spermophilus variegatus) and yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventris). 

Of the 230 bird species identified around Capitol Reef most are seasonal migrators. Still, you may spot canyon wren (Catherpes mexicanus), pinyon jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus), and mountain bluebird (Sialia currucoides) hovering around the orchards.

Let’s not forget the plants: Over 840 plant species are restricted by soils, slopes, and elevation. This includes more than 40 rare and endemic plant species, six listed as threatened or endangered.

Capitol Reef National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Wait. What?!

The red rocks are red because of the iron oxide hematite also found abundantly on the red planet Mars.

Want more travel ideas for this area?

Next stop: Canyonlands National Park. Until then, happy travels.

Worth Pondering…

 …of what value are objects of a past people if we don’t allow ourselves to be touched by them. They are alive. They have a voice. They remind us what it means to be human; that it is our nature to survive, to be resourceful, to be attentive to the world we live in.

—Terry Tempest Williams, Exploring the Fremont

The Best of the South

Join me as I celebrate the region

I’m always eager to capture the natural beauty of a region sharing the top state parks and scenic drives for weekend trips and once-in-a-lifetime adventures. (Yes, if you need that extra nudge, this is the year to make that spectacular Blue Ridge Parkway journey.)

In Best of the South, I hope you’ll be inspired to explore new hidden gems and rediscover old favorites. Join me in celebrating the people, places, and communities that make the South more vibrant than ever.

Charleston © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

City: Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is a city steeped in history, beauty, and Southern charm

There are countless reasons Charleston continues to top the list of the South’s best cities. Year after year, readers extol the city’s incredible architecture, world-class restaurants, and vibrant arts scene. Whether you’re searching for fresh oysters on the half shell, ambling waterfront parks and quiet sidewalks, or spending your afternoons, gallery and museum hopping, this city has an adventure waiting for you.

That’s why I wrote Charleston Bucket List: 20 Things to See and Do in Charleston

Greenville © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

 City on the Rise: Greenville, South Carolina

Upcountry South Carolina delight

Greenville has been on the rise for years and it just keeps getting better. With fantastic parks and trails—like Falls Park on the Reedy; Paris Mountain State Park; the Swamp Rabbit Trail; and the new Unity Park, which is currently under construction—a visit to Greenville is an invitation to get outside and explore. Add that to great restaurants, breweries, and food halls, and you have a city with an exciting future.

Small Town: Midway, Kentucky

The place that time forgot—but in a good way

Midway is a uniquely friendly and quaint town with a noticeable spirit. Among the cheery storefronts that line Main Street, you’ll find an array of antique shops, specialty boutiques, and restaurants with a little something for everyone.

Embellished with local shops, cozy tea rooms, restaurants, and beautiful local architecture, the streets of Midway offer visitors an exceptional, relaxing experience. Because of its special charm and small-town appeal visitors always leave Midway in high spirits and vow to return.

That’s why I wrote Meet Me in Historic Midway.

Edisto Beach © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Beach Town: Edisto Beach, South Carolina

A coastal island destination, a state of mind, anytime…any season

Edisto Beach bills itself as one of the last family-friendly South Carolina beaches thanks to minimal development. With only about 1,000 year-round residents, Edisto Beach is very residential and as such, devoid of the crowds that descend on other South Carolina vacation spots. Instead of high-rise hotels and resorts, visitors will find charming vacation rentals and quiet beachfront campgrounds. Spend your days exploring the shore that snakes along Palmetto Boulevard or head on over to Edisto Beach State Park for hiking and biking trails and a nearly 2-mile stretch of seashell-covered sand.

Here are some helpful resources:

Mountain Town: Gatlinburg, Tennessee

The mountains are calling!

Head to the mountains to enjoy all that Gatlinburg, a gateway to the Smokies, has to offer. Book a stay in a rustic log cabin, set out on mountain hikes, see the sights from the Space Needle observation tower, and explore the family fun of downtown Gatlinburg.

That’s why I wrote Smoky Mountain Day Trips from Gatlinburg.

Mount Dora © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

 Lake Town: Mount Dora, Florida

Festival City

An hour north of Orlando, you’ll find this small quaint town full of antique shops and historic charm on the edge of Lake Dora. Stay at Lakeside Inn, Florida’s oldest continuously operating hotel, and get your fill of delicious Florida cuisine, offered by chef Norman Van Aken at his restaurant 1921. Be sure to make a stop at the iconic Mount Dora Lighthouse, one of only three registered freshwater lighthouses in the country.

If you need ideas, check out: 11+ Sensational Things to do in Mount Dora

RV Resort: Bella Terra of Gulf Resorts, Alabama

Minutes from the sugar white sands of the beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast

This upscale resort on the Gulf Coast isn’t short on luxury. Expect to find an upscale Class A motor coach ownership resort with paved interior roads. Daily, weekly, and monthly stays are welcome. Lot sizes range from 3,500 to 4,500 square feet with paved pads approximately 16 feet x 75 feet and a paved patio. Select from pull-in facing the nine-acre lake pull-through, or back-in sites. Cable TV, Wi-Fi, telephone, and 200 amp service capability.

Once settled in, consider the 6,000 sq. ft. clubhouse and zero entry infinity pool with Jacuzzi and patio overlooking the lake. Inside you will discover the great room with large screen TV, movie theater room, fitness center, dry sauna, pedicure/massage room, and lounge/bar area.

The resort has its own lake stocked with fish for catch-and-release fishing and fenced-in dog parks with ample space for your furry friends to run freely. Plus, the resort is located minutes from the white sandy beaches of the Gulf Coast.

Hunting Island State Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

State Park: Hunting Island, South Carolina

South Carolina’s single most popular state park

Located roughly 17 miles east of the charming small town of Beaufort and midway between Charleston and Savannah, two top East Coast vacation spots, the most-visited state park in South Carolina draws nature lovers with a saltwater lagoon, marshy landscape, wildlife and, of course, 5 miles of unspoiled beaches.

When they’re not walking the shoreline searching for shark teeth, visitors at Hunting Island State Park can fish, stop by the nature center for a glimpse of native animals (including alligators) or head to the historic Hunting Island lighthouse. What’s more, since this park offers two campgrounds, it makes for an excellent budget-friendly beach vacation. 

Here are some helpful resources:

National Park: Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee and North Carolina

Most visited national park…and we can see why

America’s most visited national park, Great Smoky Mountains, is an ideal getaway. Hike, camp, and experience one of America’s oldest mountain ranges.

Established in 1926, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is comprised of ridge upon ridge of seemingly endless forest on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. Called the Smokies due to the ever-present morning fog, this mountain range is world renowned for the diversity of its plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and its history of southern Appalachian mountain culture.

With nearly 80 historic buildings, spectacular displays of wildflowers, and abundant wildlife, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers myriad activities to enjoy.

If you need ideas, check out:

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

National Wildlife Refuge: Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia

Land of the trembling earth

The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge conserves the unique qualities of the Okefenokee Swamp and is the headwaters of the Suwannee and St. Marys rivers. The refuge provides habitat for threatened and endangered species such as the red-cockaded woodpecker, indigo snake, and wood stork along with a wide variety of other wildlife. It is world renowned for its amphibian populations.

More than 600 plant species have been identified on refuge lands. There are three major entrances to the Okefenokee.  From the open prairies of the Suwannee Canal Recreation Area to the forested cypress swamp accessed through Stephen C. Foster State Park, Okefenokee is a mosaic of habitats, plants, and wildlife.

National Forest: Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, Georgia

Georgia’s only national forest offers 867,000 acres of scenery, history, and culture to explore

Georgia’s Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests are a hiker’s paradise. Winding trails lead visitors through scenic mountains and rolling hills, by wild rushing rivers and cascading waterfalls. Ten wildernesses, 1,367 miles of trout streams, and 430 miles of trails enrich the Chattahoochee-Oconee  National Forest. The famous 2,135-mile Appalachian Trail begins here and hardy hikers don’t see the end until they reach Maine.

Drive along the Ridge and Valley Scenic Byway which tours the Armuchee Ridges of the Appalachian Mountains. Don’t forget to stop at Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest peak at 4,784 feet. Trails traverse the mountain and the observation deck offers breathtaking panoramic views of mountains and valleys.

Woodford Reserve © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Bourbon Distillery Tour: Woodford Reserve, Kentucky

A spectacle for the senses

Woodford Reserve Distillery is an award-winning distillery that produces a range of whiskeys including limited-edition releases like the Kentucky-only Distillery Series. Established by Elijah Pepper in 1812 the distillery is one of the oldest distilleries in Kentucky and is listed as a National Historic Landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places.

Formerly known as the Old Oscar Pepper Distillery and later the Labrot & Graham Distillery, the distillery produces several whiskeys including Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Woodford Reserve Straight Rye Whiskey, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, and Woodford Reserve Wheat Whiskey. Visitors can enjoy guided tours and tastings at the facility which is eight miles from Versailles.

Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Historic Site: Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site, Louisiana

Cultural Interplay along the Bayou Teche

Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site, the first in the Louisiana State Parks system, honors the story of Evangeline and the author who made her famous. The main attraction here is Maison Olivier, a Creole plantation built around 1815 that once grew indigo, cotton, and sugar. Sitting on the banks of Bayou Teche (pronounced “tesh”) on the northern edge of St. Martinville, Maison Olivier features a mix of French, Creole, and Caribbean architectural influences that were typical of the early 1800s.

Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site explores the cultural interplay among the diverse peoples along the famed Bayou Teche. Acadians and Creoles, Indians and Africans, Frenchmen and Spaniards, slaves and free people of color, all contributed to the historical tradition of cultural diversity in the Teche region. French became the predominant language and it remains very strong in the region today.

Here’s a helpful resource: Cultural Interplay along the Bayou Teche: Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site

Museum of Appalachia © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Museum: Museum of Appalachia, Tennessee

The Museum of Appalachia is a living history museum, a unique collection of historic pioneer buildings and artifacts assembled for over a half-century by Irwin. The Museum portrays an authentic mountain farm and pioneer village, with some three dozen historic log structures, several exhibit buildings filled with thousands of authentic Appalachian artifacts, multiple gardens, and free-range farm animals, all set in a picturesque venue and surrounded by split-rail fences.

There are artifacts from some of the personalities of East Tennessee, including Howard Baker and Dolly Parton. An impressive variety of handmade musical instruments demonstrates the ingenuity of these mountain folk. Other exhibits give you a glimpse into how they handled illness and death.

Check this out to learn more: Museum of Appalachia: Let the Past Touch Your Soul

Birding: Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Florida

Wildlife observation and photography opportunities

Florida’s Space Coast, which includes Cape Canaveral and Titusville, among other towns, sits right along the Atlantic Flyway and is a haven for winter birding, with roughly 40 great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail sites to explore (more than any other county in Florida can claim). 

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge here support more threatened and endangered species than any other refuges in the continental U.S. and are home to such species as bald eagles, wood storks, warblers, songbirds, roseate spoonbills, and so much more.

To date, 358 bird species have been identified at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, where the 7-mile-long, self-drive Black Point Wildlife Drive makes it easy to journey deep into the refuge. Stop and get out of your car at lookout points along the way to see birds, alligators, and other wildlife, or wander along one of six hiking trails popular with winter birders.

Ambrosia Bakery © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Bakery: Ambrosia Bakery, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Home of the Fresh Strawberry Cake

The Ambrosia Bakery is a Baton Rouge, Louisiana institution with an incredible selection of cookies and cheesecakes. They also offer sugar-free chocolate chip cookies and classic chocolate chip cookies for those who want something a little less sweet. The bakery is brightly decorated with cafe seating, perfect for breakfast or lunch bites.

The Fresh Strawberry Cake, a beloved delicacy from Louisiana, stands out as a local favorite that tantalizes taste buds with its unique blend of flavors and textures. This delightful dessert centers around a foundation of moist yellow butter cake, carefully crafted to achieve the perfect balance between richness and tenderness. But what truly sets this confection apart is its signature filling and icing – a closely guarded secret that has become synonymous with indulgence.

Family Getaway: Orlando, Florida

The possibilities are endless

Kids and adults alike love Orlando, a fact that regularly launches it into the top spots on annual lists of great family getaways. The city’s resorts and theme parks invite visitors to make memories among the attractions, both the nostalgic and the new, though there’s plenty to do, see, and enjoy beyond the park walls too.

Blue Ridge Parkway © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Scenic Drive: Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina

America’s Favorite Drive

Those who have found themselves on the Blue Ridge Parkway know that of all the drives in the South, this one is extra special. In between the charming small towns, inviting inns, and bed-and-breakfasts that lie along the route from North Carolina to Virginia, there are also panoramic vistas over the hazy mountains that will encourage you to stop and marvel—and take a photo or two.

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Worth Pondering…

I am southern—from the great state of South Carolina. They say, ‘You can take the girl out of the South, but you can’t take the South out of the girl.’ And it’s true. —Ainsley Earhardt