Written by Rex Vogel, RVing with Rex explores North America one meaningful place at a time through destination guides, history, slow travel, and thoughtful storytelling. Drawing on years of RV travel and firsthand experience, the site helps readers move beyond simply seeing places to truly experiencing them.
Explore the guide to find some of the best in June 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 June: 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 May. Also check out my recommendations from June 2024 and July 2024.
Big-rig friendly, Red Bluff KOA Journey (formerly Durango RV Resort) is a 5-star resort located on the Sacramento River. The park is well laid out and designed.
Most sites are pull-through, 70-90 feet in length and 30-35 feet wide. In addition there are 11 riverfront sites and 21 water-feature spaces (fountains); these sites have utilities on both sides of the concrete pads enabling fifth wheels and travel trailer to back onto the sites and motorhomes to drive forward maximizing the view and water features. In addition, there are a number of buddy sites.
Utilities including 20/30/50-amp electric service, water, sewer, and cable TV are centrally located. Wi-Fi works well. Interior roads are paved. We have stayed at Durango on several occasions and would return again in a heartbeat.
The park is conveniently located on I-5, Exit 649 (Highway 36/Antelope Boulevard).
Countryside RV Park is a great place to stay for a night or a week. It’s a well-maintained park with long strips of green grass in-between sites. The park is easy to navigate with lots of room between sites. Pull through and back in sites for easy access and is big rig friendly. The hook ups were well maintained and right where they should be for easy connections.
The owner was very welcoming and told us they had just purchased the park in June (2023) and had cleaned up the park and removed all the fulltime residents. I can’t say enough about the owner.
Dillon is a cute little town and worthy of a visit. Plenty of fishing locally and a beautiful scenic drive to the mountains on Highway 278 close to the park entrance.
Named the Best State Park for RVers by USA Today, Vogel State Park sits at the base of Blood Mountain inside Chattahoochee National Forest. Vogel is particularly popular during the fall when the Blue Ridge Mountains transform into a rolling blanket of red, yellow, and gold leaves. RV campers can choose from 90 campsites with electric hookups.
While at Vogel, you can hike the park’s 17 miles of trails, ranging from easy to more advanced. Go fishing and paddling in Lake Trahlyta. Nearby, hike to waterfalls like Helton Creek Falls and Desoto Falls and don’t miss the opportunity to see the view from Brasstown Bald, the state’s highest point.
A new RV park, 12 Tribes Casino opened in 2018 with 21 pull-through full-service sites 72 feet long and 42 feet wide. Interior roads are asphalt and sites are concrete. Amenities include paved patio and picnic table, individual garbage container, cable TV, Wi-Fi, and pet area.
Guests of the RV Park are welcome to enjoy the pool, hot tub, sauna, and workout facility located in the hotel. The casino also offers gaming, fine dining, and café.
The farm that inspired the imagery in Stephen Foster’s famous song, “My Old Kentucky Home, Good-Night!” is Kentucky’s most famous and beloved historic site. Built between 1812 and 1818, the three-story house was originally named “Federal Hill” by its first owner Judge John Rowan.
Located near Bardstown, the mansion and farm was the home of the Rowan family for three generations spanning a period of 120 years. Tour the historic mansion, enjoy a round of golf, camp at the campground, stroll the grounds and explore the interpretive panels, and see the Stephen Foster Story in the summer months.
Admire the beautiful grounds of My Old Kentucky Home State Park in the 39-site campground. Convenience is guaranteed with utility hookups, a central service building housing showers and rest rooms, and a dump station.
The endless river traffic of the Mississippi is the main attraction at Tom Sawyer RV Park and most of the sites are 100 feet or more. The atmosphere is relaxed, laid back, and peaceful. The interior roads and sites are mostly gravel. Tom Sawyer’s is located so close to the Mississippi River, sometimes the park is in it!
The Mississippi River can cause the park to close periodically anytime from December into early June but most often April or May. The Corps of Engineers and National Weather Service provides river stage forecasts which gives the park 10 to 14 days advance notice as to when the Mississippi River will force the park to temporarily shut down.
Cedar Pass Campground, Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Located near the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, the Cedar Pass Campground has 96 level sites with scenic views of the badlands formations. Enjoy the stunning sunsets, incredible night skies, and breathtaking sunrises from the comfort of your RV. Camping in Cedar Pass Campground is limited to 14 days.
The campground is open year-round with limited availability in the winter season. Due to fire danger, campfires are not permitted in this campground and collection of wood is prohibited. However, camp stoves or contained charcoal grills can be used in campgrounds and picnic areas.
This 1,327-acre park is situated in the wetlands of Mobile Bay and offers picnic facilities and modern camping sites with utilities. Meaher’s boat ramp and fishing pier will appeal to every fisherman. A self-guided walk on two nature trails includes a boardwalk with an up-close view of the beautiful Mobile Delta.
Meaher’s campground has 61 RV campsites with 20-, 30- and 50-amp electrical connections as well as water and sewer hook-ups. The campground features a modern bathhouse with laundry facilities. Located near Meaher State Park is the Five Rivers Delta Resource Center; which features a natural history museum, live native wildlife, a theater, gift shop, and canoe/kayak rentals.
A fantastic RV Park! Rollin’ Home is a newer park (opened in 2023) located just off I-15 with wonderful view of Mt. Nebo. The park is well laid out with ample space between sites, long paved sites, nice patch of grass, picnic table, and the services conveniently located with dual septic ports. Excellent Wi-Fi.
Barbecue! The state legislature designated the city of Lockhart as the “Barbecue Capital of Texas” in 1999. Three miles southeast of Lockhart, Lockhart State Park offers 10 sites with water and electricity in the Clear Fork Camping Area and 10 full-hookup sites that will accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in the Fairway View Camping Area.
Play golf at the nine-hole golf course built by the Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps over 80 years ago.
Worth Pondering…
Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of intelligent effort.
If you’re dreaming of where to travel to experience it all, here are my picks for the best places to RV in June
When you run into something interesting, drop everything else and study it.
—B.F. Skinner
In a 1956 issue of the medical journal The American Psychologist, Harvard professor and psychologist B. F. Skinner published an article in which he takes an alternate look at the scientific method. Instead of focusing on one subject in a formal setting, Skinner suggests taking things moment by moment and following whims to reach the best results.
This approach can work wonders in everyday life as well. Following where our passions and curiosity may lead can open up a world of creativity and inspiration. We may even discover something completely new and fascinating just by breaking free of routine.
June is a popular month for RV travel as it offers warm or hot weather throughout the United States and Canada making it ideal for camping and outdoor activities. The month also marks the beginning of summer solstice travel which has the longest period of daylight allowing more time to enjoy a vacation.
Planning an RV trip for a different time of year? Check out my monthly travel recommendations for the best places to travel in April and May. Also check out my recommendations from June 2024 and July 2024.
Located within the Thompson Nicola region of British Columbia, Wells Gray Park is known as Canada’s waterfall park. This park is home to 41 named waterfalls and almost half of them are just minutes from the main road through the park, Clearwater Valley Road.
Helmcken Falls is perhaps the most popular. With a spectacular 463-foot drop, this waterfall is breathtaking. It’s also the fourth-tallest waterfall in Canada. For an up-close and personal look, the Helmcken Falls Rim Trail (5 miles) follows the Murtle River until it plunges over the falls, giving you a birds-eye view.
Wells Gray Park has two vehicle-accessible campgrounds with a total of 116 unserviced campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis or by reservation up to four months in advance.
2. Louisiana Peach Festival
Discover the homegrown flavors, art, music, and culture of Ruston, Louisiana, at the 75th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival, June 7, 2025. This festival features 12+ hours of live music, a curated arts market, food vendors, kids’ activities, and more peachy fun in the heart of charming Downtown Ruston. The festival is free admission for the entire day including the evening concert.
The Louisiana Peach Festival is a long-standing Ruston tradition dating back to 1951. The event was originally created by area peach farmers to promote their industry throughout the region and has since become one of the longest-running agricultural festivals in Louisiana. Over the years, the Peach Festival has attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors to Lincoln Parish and pumped millions back into the local economy.
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.
National Bourbon Week is an annual event celebrating bourbon in Bardstown, Kentucky. The 2025 edition will take place from June 10-15 featuring world-class distilleries, exclusive tastings, and unique educational experiences.
During National Bourbon Week, attendees can expect a variety of activities such as bottle releases, pop-up distillery events, food and drink specials at downtown restaurants and bars, and extended shopping hours. This event will also include the release party for the 2024 Bardstown Collection, a unique collaboration between seven Bardstown-area distilleries.
With Bardstown home to some of the most iconic distilleries, National Bourbon Week is more than just a festival—it’s a tribute to the past, present, and future of bourbon.
June brings warm but not oppressive temperatures ideal for hiking and fossil hunting in the Badlands National Park. The park’s layered rock formations are striking under the summer sun and you’ll find this park to be less crowded than some of the others.
During the month of June, you’ll miss some of the crowds that tend to make their way once school gets out. July and August are the busiest months of the year so visiting in June will help you miss some of the crowds.
Cottonwood is an ideal base for exploring central Arizona’s diverse and colorful landscapes. Situated along the Verde River and surrounded by high desert plateaus, this vibrant small town offers both riverside relaxation and quick access to dramatic red rock formations.
One of the highlights is Dead Horse Ranch State Park where lagoons and tree-lined trails invite kayaking, birdwatching, and camping. The Verde River itself is one of the few flowing rivers in Arizona, perfect for tubing or scenic paddles with views of cottonwoods and desert cliffs.
Nearby, Tuzigoot National Monument offers a fascinating look at ancient Sinagua ruins nestled in the hills.
Cottonwood is also known for its local vineyards and walkable historic downtown making it a great place to unwind after a day outdoors.
Whether visiting Cottonwood to hike, float, or sip wine with a view, Cottonwood blends nature and culture in a laid-back, scenic setting.
The National Audubon Society’s Francis Beidler Forest located in Four Holes Swamp, South Carolina, contains within its 17,500 acres the largest remaining stand of virgin Bald cypress and Tupelo Gum swamp forest left anywhere in the world. 1,000-year-old trees and native wildlife abound in this pristine sanctuary that has been untouched for millennia.
A 1.75-mile self-guiding boardwalk trail allows visitors the chance to safely venture deep into the heart of the swamp to experience the peace and serenity that have characterized the area for centuries, to hear the sounds of bird and bug and breeze that have echoed through the trees for ages, to take a relaxing and informative walk back into time, and to see a swamp the way nature intended them to be.
Early in the day there are fewer visitors and wildlife sighting is at its best. Naturalist-guided boardwalk tours, bird walks, canoe and kayak tours, and night walks are available in season and by reservation
Note: There is no camping at Francis Beidler Forest although there are sites at Givhans Ferry State Park.
Luling will serve up a juicy slice of summer during its annual Watermelon Thump the last full weekend in June (72nd annual, June 26-29, 2025). Held since 1954, the festival draws an estimated 30,000 visitors to the small town for a range of activities including live music, a parade, car rally, carnival rides, and of course, watermelons—topped off with a seed-spitting contest.
An engineering marvel, the Hoover Dam tamed the mighty Colorado River to provide much-needed water supplies and hydroelectric power for the parched southwest creating Lake Mead in the process. Rising 726 feet above the canyon floor, five million barrels of cement, 45 million pounds of reinforced steel, and more than 20,000 workers were involved in the dam’s creation.
Today, the iconic art-deco-influenced structure continues to provide a spectacular contrast to the stark landscape with tours starting from the visitor center.
The Trail of the Ancients which traverses Colorado and Utah is America’s only national scenic byway dedicated solely to archaeology and will take you to some of the most famous sights in the country including Four Corners, Monument Valley, and Mesa Verde National Park (see above).
You could make this 480-mile drive straight through in one long day but following a six-day itinerary allows you to truly experience the Native American history along the route. The Trail of Ancients is paved save for a harrowing three-mile, switchback-laden stretch known as the Moki Dugway as it descends to the Valley of the Gods offering unrivaled panoramic views of this otherworldly landscape.
Worth Pondering…
It is the month of June, The month of leaves and roses, when pleasant sights salute the eyes and pleasant scents the noses.
The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30, 2025
Just a couple of months ago, the 2025 Atlantic hurricane storm names were revealed while experts made early predictions. The general outlook was that the Atlantic hurricane season was looking “above average.”
Experts said in February, “The big question is what are we expecting in the 2025 season. As of this point, early outlooks, subject to change, are suggesting we can see an average to slightly above average hurricane season.”
That outlook was remarkably accurate, especially given National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) highly anticipated predictions made late last week. The assessment was very similar although they did break down the types of storms to expect throughout the hurricane season.
I’ll take a closer look at NOAA’s assessment and identify the areas the storms may target. Given the results from last year, coastal locations aren’t the only areas facing weather threats in the upcoming months.
Prediction of an “above-normal” 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season
Above normal with a 60 percent chance of above-average activity
Thanks to its advanced models, NOAA was able to enhance its prediction accuracy for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season which is set to run from June 1st to November 30th. The current outlook is for an “above-normal” Atlantic hurricane season.
The breakdown:
30 percent chance of a near-normal season
60 percent chance of an above-normal season
10 percent chance of a below-normal season
Contributing factors to an active season
Together, these factors create a favorable environment for an above-average number of hurricanes
Continued ENSO-neutral conditions: This refers to the El Niño-Southern Oscillation cycle which can significantly impact hurricane activity.
Warmer than average ocean temperatures: Higher ocean heat content provides more energy to fuel storm development.
Weak wind shear: Reduced wind shear allows storms to develop and intensify without disruption.
Potential for higher activity from the West African Monsoon: This weather system is a primary starting point for many Atlantic hurricanes.
Reduced Saharan dust early in the season: Less Saharan dust means fewer dry air intrusions which otherwise suppress storm formation.
Local weather patterns and jet stream positioning: For example, if the jet stream is positioned over the Gulf of Mexico, it can increase wind shear and weaken tropical systems but this is variable and can influence regional impact.
NOAA collected other essential data for the forecast including a range of 13 to 19 total named storms with winds of 39 mph or higher. 6-10 of the hurricanes are expected to see winds of 74 mph or higher while 3-5 hurricanes are expected to be category 3, 4 ,or 5 with winds of 111 mph or higher.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick issued a statement related to NOAA’s 2025 Atlantic hurricane season predictions.
“NOAA and the National Weather Service are using the most advanced weather models and cutting-edge hurricane tracking systems to provide Americans with real-time storm forecasts and warnings. With these models and forecasting tools, we have never been more prepared for hurricane season.”
NOAA adds that the threat may also exceed the coastal communities as we saw last year.
“As we witnessed last year with significant inland flooding from hurricanes Helene and Debby, the impacts of hurricanes can reach far beyond coastal communities,” said Acting NOAA Administrator Laura Grimm. “NOAA is critical for the delivery of early and accurate forecasts and warnings, and provides the scientific expertise needed to save lives and property.”
The projections certainly didn’t put anyone at ease. On the other hand, the Central Pacific hurricane season is expected to be relatively tame and less active.
NOAA predicts a less active 2025 Central Pacific Hurricane Season
Central Pacific is expected to experience a quieter hurricane season
The Eastern Pacific hurricane season officially began on May 15, 2025 and runs through November 30, 2025. For the Central Pacific, the season begins on June 1, 2025 and also ends on November 30, 2025.
Outlook (Eastern Pacific)
NOAA forecasts an above-average season for the Eastern Pacific, predicting:
12 to 18 named storms
5 to 10 hurricanes
2 to 5 major hurricanes
NOAA predicts a less active central Pacific hurricane season, with a:
30 percent chance of below-normal activity
50 percent chance of a near-normal season
20 percent chance of an above-normal season
The forecast calls for 1-4 tropical cyclones across the central Pacific. A near-normal season has 4 or 5 tropical cyclones.
Contributing Factors (Pacific):
Together, these factors create a favorable environment for a below-average number of hurricanes
ENSO-neutral conditions or weak El Niño influence: Unlike the Atlantic where neutral ENSO favors activity, the Central Pacific often sees reduced tropical cyclone formation under these conditions as El Niño typically enhances activity there by warming ocean waters and reducing wind shear.
Cooler or near-average sea surface temperatures (SSTs) and ocean heat content: The Central Pacific basin is expected to have near-normal or slightly below-normal ocean temperatures limiting the energy available for storm development and intensification.
Moderate to increased vertical wind shear: Higher wind shear in the Central Pacific can disrupt storm formation and weaken developing systems contributing to fewer tropical cyclones.
Atmospheric circulation patterns: The position and strength of the subtropical high-pressure system and trade winds influence storm tracks and genesis. For 2025, these patterns are not expected to favor enhanced cyclone development in the Central Pacific.
Lower frequency of tropical disturbances entering the basin: Compared to the Atlantic, fewer tropical waves or disturbances are expected to move into the Central Pacific from the eastern Pacific or western Pacific, reducing the seeds for cyclone formation.
These factors combine to produce NOAA’s forecast of 1 to 4 tropical cyclones in the Central Pacific for 2025 which is below the average of 4 to 5 storms for a typical season. NOAA assigns a 30 percent chance of below-normal activity, a 50 percent chance of near-normal, and only a 20 percent chance of above-normal activity in this basin.
Names for the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season
Names for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season includes 21 names, recycled mostly from the 2019 list with some updates
In addition to the above-average assessment for the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane season, the names have also been revealed. Humberto and Karen are among the most popular names on social media.
2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season storm names
Here are the 2025 hurricane names with pronunciations:
Andrea (AN-dree uh)
Barry (BAIR-ree)Chantal (shahn-TAHL)
Dexter (DEHK-ster)
Erin (AIR-rin)
Fernand (fair-NAHN)
Gabrielle (ga-bree-ELL)
Humberto (oom-BAIR-toh)
Imelda (ee-MEHL-dah)
Jerry (JEHR-ee)
Karen (KAIR-ren)
Lorenzo (loh-REN-zoh)
Melissa (meh-LIH-suh)
Nestor (NES-tor)
Olga (OAL-guh)
Pablo (PAHB-lo)
Rebekah (reh-BEH-kuh)
Sebastien (sus-BASH-chuhn)
Tanya (TAHN-yuh)
Van (van)
Wendy (WEN-dee)
Among the popular names for the Eastern North Pacific storms include Alvin, Ivo, Gil, Raymond and Zelda.
With hurricane season set to start in just a couple of days, let me know your thoughts on the NOAA’s projections. What are your expectations for the 2025 season? Have you started preparing?
No tropical cyclones are anticipated in the Atlantic basin before June 1
While the official start of hurricane season in the Atlantic is June 1st and in the Eastern Pacific is May 15th, tropical cyclones can and sometimes do form before these dates. However, it’s not a frequent occurrence for hurricanes (Category 1 or higher) to form before the official start. More commonly, if there is pre-season activity, it tends to be tropical storms or subtropical storms.
Here’s a breakdown…
Atlantic Basin (June 1 – November 30)
Infrequent for pre-season hurricanes: While tropical storms and subtropical storms have occurred in May, hurricanes forming in May are less common. For instance, Hurricane Able in 1951 was a May hurricane.
Recent trend of later starts: For the past four consecutive years (including 2025), the Atlantic basin has entered hurricane season without a named tropical system forming prior to June 1st. The last time a named storm formed before June 1st was in 2021.
Historical context: There was a seven-year stretch where storms consistently formed prior to June 1st which even prompted discussions about moving the official start date earlier. However, in recent years, this early activity has diminished.
Average first storm: The average date of the first named storm in the Atlantic is around June 20th.
Impact of early/late starts: A delayed start to the season doesn’t necessarily mean a quiet season overall. For example, in 2005, the first named storm didn’t form until June 10th yet it became one of the most active and devastating seasons on record. Conversely, statistically, seasons that begin without a named storm in June tend to be less active.
Eastern Pacific Basin (May 15 – November 30)
Earlier start date: The Eastern Pacific season officially begins earlier on May 15th making early season activity more “on time” compared to the Atlantic.
Occasional early formations: While the season officially starts May 15, named storms can sometimes form very quickly around that date. For example, in 2025, the first tropical system was anticipated to form in the Pacific shortly after the May 15th start.
Typical first storm: The first named storm in the Eastern Pacific typically forms in early to mid-June. The first hurricane tends to form in late June, and the first major hurricane in mid-July.
While it’s not unheard of for tropical systems (especially tropical storms) to form before the official hurricane season dates, it’s less frequent for them to reach hurricane strength. The majority of hurricane activity occurs during the peak months of the season (August-October in the Atlantic, and late June-early October in the Eastern Pacific). Regardless of when the first storm forms, preparedness is always key.
Worth Pondering…
In reality, you don’t ever change the hurricane. You just learn how to stay out of its path.
One may wonder what makes a destination truly life-changing. Is it a place so otherworldly that it leaves one spellbound? Or one that’s so beautiful and fun-filled that it leaves visitors with core memories? Whatever the case, there are places and life-changing trips in the US that go beyond mere getaways.
It’s said that traveling is the only thing we buy that makes us richer. Not in the sense that traveling adds extra zeros to our bank balance; quite the opposite, actually. But spontaneous or long-awaited escapades often become life-changing trips that very moment we realize how much they add to our lives once we return home.
While I believe that any experience is a good experience (hence any destination is worth traveling to), our resources, both time- and money-wise, are often limited. Thus it’s essential to identify what our hearts gravitate toward the most.
And while everyone’s travel bucket list should be individual, certain top travel destinations top most lists. Most commonly, it’s the natural wonders, historical heritage sites, architectural landmarks, or geographical locations of historical or popular events. And while some of the popular travel destinations will probably be known to you, you’ll likely discover something new as unique travel destinations span the country from coast to coast.
Below, I’ve compiled a list of the best travel destinations and what many travelers agree to be trips that will change your life. These destinations offer a variety of landscapes, cultural experiences, and natural wonders that can profoundly impact your perspective and create lasting memories on an RV trip across America.
Breathtaking national park featuring the world’s largest gypsum dune field
White Sands National Park is a destination that feels like stepping into a dreamscape. Located in New Mexico, this unique park boasts one of the world’s largest gypsum dune fields covering approximately 275 square miles of the Chihuahuan Desert. The surreal beauty of the gleaming white sands with a wave-like structure under a clear blue sky creates an otherworldly landscape perfect for exploration and contemplation.
The stark contrast between the dunes and the surrounding desert adds to the park’s stunning visual appeal. Moreover, the dune field showcases the park’s unique natural features and ecosystems, supporting over 800 animal species thriving in the seemingly harsh but beautiful environment. Visitors come here to hike, backcountry camp, and witness breathtaking sunsets that transform the landscape into a scene straight out of a fairytale.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall for best weather
Admission fee: $15-25 per vehicle, valid for 7 days
White Sands National Park offers a life-changing experience through its surreal and otherworldly landscape, unique natural phenomena, and immersive outdoor activities that deeply engage visitors.
Otherworldly landscape: The vast expanse of glistening white gypsum sand dunes creates a strikingly unique environment that feels like stepping onto another planet. This unusual setting inspires awe and wonder providing a powerful sense of escape from everyday life and a fresh perspective on nature’s diversity.
Sensory and emotional impact: Visitors often describe the experience as mesmerizing and surreal noting how the dunes affect sound acoustics and even technology signals which adds to the feeling of being in a place unlike any other. The interplay of light and shadow on the white sand especially at sunrise and sunset creates breathtaking visual moments that can evoke deep reflection and inspiration.
Engaging activities: Hiking across the soft gypsum sand, sledding down towering dunes, and participating in ranger-led programs connect visitors physically and intellectually to the environment. These activities foster a sense of adventure and accomplishment enhancing the emotional impact of the visit.
Connection to history and science: The Park preserves ancient fossil footprints of megafauna and humans linking visitors to deep time and ancestral stories. This connection to both natural history and Native American cultural heritage enriches the experience making it not just a scenic visit but a meaningful encounter with the past.
Stargazing and solitude: Its remote location offers some of the clearest night skies in the US allowing visitors to experience profound moments of solitude and cosmic perspective under brilliant stars which many find transformative.
In summary, White Sands National Park’s combination of surreal beauty, unique sensory experiences, physical engagement, historical depth, and cosmic solitude creates a life-changing encounter that leaves visitors inspired, humbled, and deeply connected to the natural world.
One of the world’s geological phenomena that leaves visitors in awe of nature
A picture may be worth a thousand words but seeing the Grand Canyon will leave you speechless. The sheer enormity of this jaw-dropping natural wonder is incomprehensible at first glance. As you walk around the rim—stopping at various viewpoints—geological history will unfold before your eyes.
The Grand Canyon is undoubtedly one of the planet’s most iconic natural wonders listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The canyon’s immense scale and colorful layers of rock carved by the Colorado River over millions of years reveal an ancient landscape that leaves visitors in awe.
Adventurers can explore this magnificent wonder by embarking on a day hike along the Bright Angel Trail leading into the canyon’s depths. Alternatively, those seeking awe-inspiring canyon views without exerting too much effort have six viewpoints to explore along the Desert View Drive.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall for best weather and fewer crowds
The Grand Canyon is life-changing because it offers profound personal transformation through its vast, awe-inspiring natural beauty and immersive wilderness experiences. Visitors often describe a deep shift in perspective and emotional growth during and after their time in the canyon.
Emotional and mental transformation: Extended trips such as multi-day rafting expeditions through 225 miles of the Colorado River challenge fears and foster resilience, independence, and connection. For example, one visitor reported overcaming fears and physical limitations, finding renewed strength, and a sense of wholeness after personal loss. The quiet moments in the canyon-before rapids or while taking in expansive views-allow for reflection and appreciation of life’s journey inspiring mindfulness and humility.
Perspective on life and nature: The immense scale of the canyon and the river’s symbolic “ribbons of water” evoke feelings of humility and acceptance of life’s stages. Visitors often feel small yet connected to something much larger which can lead to lasting changes in how they view themselves and the world.
Physical and spiritual challenge: Backpacking and hiking in the canyon push people beyond their comfort zones fostering endurance, perseverance, and self-discovery. The sensory experiences—the sights, sounds, smells, and tactile sensations of the desert and river-create a deep, embodied connection to nature that enhances wisdom beyond intellectual knowledge.
Cultural and historical connection: The Grand Canyon is also a place of rich Native American heritage. Recent efforts to create an inter-tribal cultural heritage site at Desert View deepen visitors’ understanding of the canyon’s significance to indigenous tribes, adding layers of cultural meaning and fostering respect for ancestral connections to the land.
Memorable moments and shared experiences: Whether it’s watching a sunset paint the canyon walls, sharing stories around a campfire, or encountering wildlife, these moments create lasting memories and a sense of belonging to a community of adventurers and nature lovers.
In summary, the Grand Canyon’s combination of breathtaking natural grandeur, physical challenge, cultural depth, and reflective solitude creates a powerful, life-changing experience that leaves visitors inspired, humbled, and transformed.
Sedona is a deeply photogenic place. Its most distinguishing and dramatic feature is the stunning red rock formations. Of course, hiking (or, in some cases, scrambling) tops my list of must-do activities. I’d put traversing the rust-tinged trails in the category of a religious awakening.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall for best weather and fewer crowds
Sedona’s red rocks are life-changing primarily due to their unique spiritual and energetic significance combined with breathtaking natural beauty. Visitors often experience profound personal transformation through connection with these iconic formations in several key ways:
Powerful energy vortexes: Sedona is famous for its energy vortexes-specific sites around the red rocks where swirling centers of earth energy are believed to facilitate healing, meditation, and self-exploration. Many people report feeling inspired, recharged, and uplifted after spending time at these vortexes which can amplify spiritual growth and emotional clarity.
Spiritual sanctuary: The red rocks create a sacred, cathedral-like environment that invites deep reflection, healing, and rejuvenation. The landscape’s natural beauty combined with the perceived energy fosters a sense of peace and heightened awareness helping visitors release old patterns and embrace new perspectives.
Cultural and historical depth: Native American tribes have long regarded Sedona’s red rocks as sacred using the area for prayer and ceremonies. This rich cultural heritage adds layers of meaning, connecting visitors to ancient traditions and the land’s spiritual power.
Enhanced meditation and mindfulness: The tranquil setting and energy of the red rocks enhance meditation and mindfulness practices. Many find their focus deepens and their spiritual connection strengthens when meditating in these surroundings, often leading to transformative insights and emotional healing.
Creative and cognitive stimulation: The vivid red-orange color of the rocks is known to be neuro-stimulating enhancing creative thinking and problem-solving. This sensory impact combined with the natural beauty and serenity can inspire new ideas and personal breakthroughs.
Connection to nature and inner self: Being immersed in Sedona’s striking landscape encourages visitors to slow down, be present, and connect with both nature and their inner selves. This often results in a renewed sense of purpose, clarity, and emotional balance.
In essence, Sedona’s red rocks offer a life-changing experience by blending awe-inspiring scenery with a unique energetic and spiritual environment that supports healing, self-discovery, and personal transformation.
Visit the world’s largest trees at Sequoia, America’s second national park. Located in the southern Sierra Nevada range, the parks’ elevations extend from 1,300 feet in the foothills to 14,491 feet at the summit of Mount Whitney, the highest mountain in the contiguous 48 states. Plunging in the opposite direction, far below the surface, are over 200 marble caverns, many with endemic cave fauna.
Best time to visit: Spring to fall for best weather
Admission fee: $20-35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days
Sequoia National Park offers a life-changing experience primarily through its awe-inspiring natural features and the profound sense of perspective it instills in visitors. Here’s why a visit can be transformative:
Encounter with the world’s largest trees: Standing among the giant sequoias, some over 2,000 years old and towering hundreds of feet tall creates a humbling and almost spiritual experience. Visitors often describe being “lost for words” and feeling deeply moved by the sheer scale and age of these living giants which outlast modern civilizations and remind us of nature’s endurance and resilience.
Connection to timeless nature: The Park’s vast wilderness including deep canyons, soaring cliffs, and serene mountain landscapes invites reflection and a break from the pace of modern life. Many visitors report feeling grounded and gaining clarity about what truly matters inspired by the trees’ persistence to “push onward and upward” despite millennia of challenges.
Immersive outdoor adventures: With over 800 miles of hiking trails, horseback riding, stargazing, and opportunities to explore caves and alpine lakes, visitors engage deeply with nature. These activities foster a sense of accomplishment, wonder, and connection to the natural world that can shift one’s outlook on life.
Perspective and ego check: Seeing the General Sherman Tree—the largest living tree by volume—often provides an “ego-check” making visitors feel small in the grand scheme of things. This perspective can inspire humility and a renewed appreciation for the environment and life itself.
Educational and reflective opportunities: The Giant Forest Museum and ranger-led programs help visitors understand the ecology, history, and conservation of the sequoias deepening respect and awareness that can lead to lasting changes in attitudes toward nature and stewardship.
In sum, Sequoia National Park’s combination of monumental natural wonders, immersive wilderness experiences, and educational opportunities creates a powerful, often life-changing encounter that leaves visitors inspired, humbled, and connected to something far greater than themselves.
Tranquil destination known for its vast old-growth bottomland hardwood forest
Congaree National Park is a unique and life-changing destination known for protecting the largest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. It features some of the tallest trees in the eastern US including ancient bald cypress over 500 years old and towering loblolly pines creating one of the highest temperate deciduous forest canopies in the world.
Best time to visit: Fall and spring for mild temperatures and low mosquito activity
Congaree National Park is life-changing because it immerses visitors in one of the last and largest old-growth bottomland hardwood forests in the United States offering a rare chance to connect deeply with an ancient, vibrant ecosystem. The park’s towering champion trees-some over 500 years old and among the tallest in the eastern US-evoke awe and a profound sense of nature’s resilience and longevity which can shift perspectives on time, life, and human impact.
The park’s unique floodplain environment with its slow-moving creeks, oxbow lakes, and diverse wildlife creates a tranquil and restorative wilderness experience. Visitors often find peace and grounding in the serene reflections on swamp waters, the play of light through dense canopies, and the rich biodiversity that includes bobcats, otters, and numerous bird species. This intimate encounter with nature fosters mindfulness, emotional renewal, and a deeper appreciation for ecological complexity.
Outdoor activities like paddling Cedar Creek, walking the accessible boardwalk trail, birdwatching, and fishing engage visitors physically and mentally encouraging exploration and discovery. The rarity of this ecosystem-once widespread but now largely lost-adds urgency and significance to the experience inspiring a sense of stewardship and environmental respect.
Moreover, Congaree holds deep cultural and historical significance preserving the heritage of Indigenous peoples, African Americans, and early settlers. This connection to human history enriches the visit, prompting reflection on cultural resilience and the intertwined relationship between people and the land.
In essence, Congaree National Park offers a life-changing blend of ancient natural beauty, peaceful wilderness immersion, rich biodiversity, and cultural depth that leaves visitors inspired, humbled, and more connected to the natural world and our shared history.
These destinations combine natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and cultural experiences, making them transformative journeys for RV travelers.
Worth Pondering…
Once you have traveled, the voyage never ends, but is played out over and over again in the quietest chambers. The mind can never break off from the journey.
When planning to camp in a national park, check the specific park’s regulations on campsite occupancy, length of stay, RV size limits, reservation policies, and fire rules. RV length and combined vehicle length are among the most important restrictions that can affect your ability to camp.
When planning to use an RV for camping in national parks, it’s crucial to check several restrictions to ensure a smooth trip. One of the most important is RV length limits. These restrictions can determine whether your vehicle will fit into a national park campground—or if you’ll need to look for sites outside park boundaries. Whether you’re renting a rig or bringing your own, knowing the dimensions of your RV—especially its length—can make or break your trip.
And while length is often the most limiting factor, it’s not the only one. Here’s what else you need to know before you book your site.
National park RV length restrictions vary significantly from park to park
If you’re heading out this summer to some of the best national parks for breathtaking scenery and epic adventures, it’s time to get prepared, especially when it comes to RV size restrictions.
While most RV-accessible national park campgrounds can accommodate vehicles at least 12 feet long, options shrink significantly as RV size increases. For instance, a 19-foot RV fits into about 98 percent of RV-friendly national park campsites.
However, if your RV is 32 feet long, that access drops to just 81 percent. With a 40-foot RV, only 53 percent of campgrounds can accommodate you. For rigs longer than 41 feet, the options become very limited—only 7 percent of campgrounds can host them.
These restrictions also vary widely by state. In Colorado, many state parks allow RVs between 30 and 40 feet while Florida is more generous with parks accommodating rigs up to 45 feet. Utah and Wyoming offer flexible ranges from as short as 19 feet to as long as 50 and 45 feet, respectively. Meanwhile, South Dakota stands out as a rare exception—state parks there do not impose any formal length limits at all.
Adding to the complexity is the concept of combined length limits. In some parks, both your trailer and tow vehicle must fit within the stated site length. This also applies to motorhomes towing a car. If your total setup exceeds the allowed combined length, you might not be allowed to stay—even if your RV alone meets the limit.
Note: Some parks do offer longer sites—but they often come with an extra charge. Be sure to check the fine print or use a campground’s online reservation system to view pricing and site size details in advance.
The height of an RV can also impact your travel plans
While most national park visitors focus on length, your RV’s height can also derail your plans. Most RVs today stand between 10 and 12 feet tall but rooftop additions like air conditioning units, solar panels, and satellite dishes can easily push your clearance needs even higher. That might not be a problem at your campsite—but it can be a serious issue when navigating park roads, tunnels, or bridge underpasses.
One iconic example is the Mount Zion Tunnel in Zion National Park where RVs over 11 feet 4 inches must obtain a special escort. And it’s far from the only park with clearance concerns.
To avoid surprises, always know your RV’s exact height—including rooftop accessories—and keep it written down where the driver can easily see it. Even better, use an RV-specific GPS app designed to avoid low-clearance routes.
Length and height aren’t the only dimensions that matter. Some national and state park campgrounds are narrow making RV width an issue—especially if you have slide-outs. Acadia National Park, for instance, requires that slides stay entirely within your reserved space. Always double-check your site’s width to ensure a safe and comfortable fit.
Age of vehicle can also be a restriction—though more common in commercial RV parks, the so-called “10-year rule” can still apply in or near some parks. This rule allows campgrounds to turn away RVs more than 10 to 15 years old, regardless of their condition. If you’re driving an older vehicle, be sure to check campground policies before you book.
Another important consideration is that not all parks treat trailers and motorhomes the same. Some campgrounds prohibit trailers entirely even if the site length would accommodate them. Others allow longer motorhomes than trailers. For example, Yosemite National Park permits motorhomes up to 40 feet but limits trailers to 35 feet.
Lastly, longer sites are limited, so if your RV is on the larger side, booking early is key. Some parks open reservations up to six months in advance and long sites are often the first to go.
Measure your exact height, including rooftop items
Use an RV-specific GPS to avoid low-clearance routes
Confirm width with slide-outs extended
Reserve early if your rig is longer than 30 feet
Check for motorhome vs. trailer rules
Be aware of the “10-year rule” at private or commercial sites
If you’re hitting the road in an RV, the single most important restriction to check before booking a campsite in a national park is your rig’s length. This one measurement can dramatically limit your options—or open up nearly every campground in the system.
But don’t overlook height, width, and even vehicle age, as all can affect your travel plans. With a little preparation, you can enjoy a smooth, scenic, and unforgettable trip through America’s national parks.
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.
Travel journaling is a personal practice that allows travelers to document their experiences, thoughts, and emotions during their journeys. It serves as a way to reflect on adventures, preserve memories, and share stories with others.
Recording your RV adventures—does this mean keeping a written journal? Are my travel and RV adventures worth recording? Where do I begin? What special tools or equipment do I need? What if I don’t write well or don’t enjoy writing? Is this going to take up a lot of my time?
So many questions but don’t worry, I’ve got answers to all of them and more in this ultimate guide to journaling your road trips.
Capturing your RV adventures
Recording your travel and RV adventures can be a rewarding experience allowing you to capture not only the destinations you visit but also the emotions, surprises, and small details that make each journey unique.
Whether you’re a seasoned RVer or a weekend adventurer, documenting your roads trips and experiences can enhance the event and help preserve memories for years to come. In this guide, I’ll explore different ways to record your travel and RV adventures and offer tips on how to make the most of your travel journaling.
Warning: This one is a whopper. There is so much info I want to share with you! So, make a big cuppa joe or tea or whatever your beverage of choice is, pull up an easy chair, and settle in for a good long read!
But first, let’s review my previous articles on journaling.
Whether you’re brand new to the concept of journaling or you’ve journaled in the past and fallen out of practice, my guide to journaling will inform you of everything you need to know to help you make journaling one of the best things you do. You’ll learn not only how to journal but also about the benefits of journaling, the famous journaling of the past 2,000 years, the best journals to use, and more.
Journaling is an art and a daily practice that allows you to write your life and find your way, one sentence at a time. While there are no set rules for what a travel journal has to be or how to create one, here are some thoughts to get you started.
Journaling is a timeless way to capture thoughts, emotions, and experiences. For RV travelers, journaling goes beyond a mere record of places visited. It can serve as a creative outlet, a personal travel log, or a family keepsake to pass on to future generations. Here are a few reasons why journaling your travel and RV trips are so meaningful:
Preserve memories: Writing helps you recall special moments long after your RV road trip has ended
Reflection: Journaling allows you to reflect on your experiences and learn from them
Creativity: It’s a space to be artistic through writing, drawing, or even crafting
Family connection: It’s a fun way to involve family members, creating a shared travel diary
Personal growth: Revisiting old journals can show how your perspectives and RV travel habits have evolved over time
Maybe these things are important to you, maybe not. The point here is that journaling is a way to keep experiences alive long after they are finished.
Types of journals and other ways to record your RV travel adventures
There are numerous ways to document your RV adventures. Whether you’re a writer, a photographer, or a visual artist, there’s a journaling method that suits your style.
I have used multiple ways to record our RV adventures—from hard copy paper journals to computer journals to blogging. Each one has a different purpose but don’t worry, you can start with just one! Check out these different—yet all popular—ways to record your RV travels.
Paper journals
Long-form travel journal: Perfect for those who enjoy writing detailed accounts of daily adventures, observations, and reflections
Bullet journal: Combines journaling with organization through to-do lists, mood trackers, and quick notes, offering a structured approach
Watercolor art journal: For those who prefer expressing their RV travel experiences through painting, sketching, and short notes
Scrapbook journal: Capture memories through a combination of writing, photos, and small mementos like tickets, maps, and postcards
Junk journal: A creative and eclectic way to document your travels using recycled paper, maps, fabric, and other materials
Digital journals
If paper isn’t your thing, digital journals offer flexibility and convenience. You can easily journal on-the-go with the help of apps or digital platforms. This is especially helpful for travelers who prefer typing or those who want multimedia features. More to follow on this!
Photos and photo books
If you’re more visual, you might prefer to document your RV road trips through photography. Creating photo books or scrapbooks online can be a wonderful way to capture the highlights of your RV trips. You can even add captions to each photo to recall specific moments.
Collage and shadow boxes with mementos
If you’re a tactile creator, consider making collages or shadow boxes filled with small souvenirs from your trip—brochures, shells, coins, or ticket stubs. These create a visual and physical representation of your journey.
Maps
Tracking your route on a map and marking the spots you’ve visited can be a fun, visual way to see your progress and revisit memories. You can write short notes next to each location, recalling what you did or felt there.
Hey—that’s what I do here at rvingwithrex.com! Starting an road travel blog allows you to share your experiences and tips with a wider audience. Blogging combines journaling with storytelling. It offers an outlet to share your adventures, tips, and travel insights with others as well as provide inspiration and motivation for others to get out and experience their own RV adventure.
What do you need to start recording your RV trip memories?
Getting started with journaling your RV travels is easier than you might think. Depending on your journaling style, here’s a quick list of essentials you’ll need:
Paper journals or notebooks: Choose one that matches your journaling style (lined, blank, or dot grid pages)
Pens, markers, and watercolors: Creative tools to embellish your entries
Digital journal app or platform: If you’re going digital, download an app that suits your needs (see list below)
Camera and/or smartphone: Essential for capturing photos and moments to complement your journal
Mementos: Collect small items from your travels to include in your journals or scrapbooks
Maps: Physical or digital maps for tracking your journey
Using Microsoft Word
Using Microsoft Word for your RV travel journal can be a convenient and flexible way to document your adventures. Here are a few suggestions on how to effectively utilize MS Word for this purpose.
Choose a template
Pre-made templates: Microsoft Word offers various travel journal templates that can streamline your journaling process. You can find templates directly in Word or download them from online resources like The Goodocs or Template.net which provide customizable options suitable for different styles.
Create your own template: If you prefer a personalized touch, you can create your own journal layout. Start with a blank document and set up your preferred margins, font styles, and headings.
Daily entries
Date and location: Begin each entry with the date and the location of your travels.
Content structure: You can structure your entries with bullet points for highlights, detailed paragraphs for experiences, or even sections for reflections and lessons learned.
Incorporating multimedia
Photos and maps: Insert images from your travels to complement your writing. You can easily add photos by dragging them into the document or using the “Insert” tab.
Links and references: If you’re documenting places visited or resources used (like travel blogs), consider including hyperlinks for easy reference later.
With the increasing popularity of digital journaling, RV travelers now have access to a wide variety of apps that make it easy to document their adventures in real time.
Whether you want to capture written thoughts, photos, videos, or track your journey on a map, digital journal apps offer versatile tools to record your experiences.
How to use digital journal apps for recording your RV adventures
Getting started with a digital journal app is simple and it offers several advantages over traditional paper journaling. With digital apps, you can journal on the go, add multimedia elements like photos and videos, and often sync your entries across devices. Here’s a basic overview of how to start:
Download and install the app: Choose an app that fits your needs from the list below and install it on your phone or tablet
Create an account: Some apps require you to create an account to save and sync your entries across devices
Start a new entry: Once you’re set up, you can create a new journal entry by writing text, uploading photos, or adding location data
Customize your entry: Most apps allow you to format text, add tags, and organize entries by date or location
Add media: Use your device’s camera to add photos, videos, or voice memos that complement your journal
Track your route: Some apps let you map your route, mark your stops, and create a visual timeline of your journey
Sync and backup: Many apps offer cloud backup, so your memories are safe even if your device is lost or damaged
Now, let’s dive into 10 of the top travel journal apps for RV adventurers and travelers looking how they work and what makes them stand out—each one is unique.
Polarsteps automatically tracks your journey as you travel, mapping your route in real time. You can add photos, notes, and location data to create a visual timeline of your adventures. The app generates beautiful travel logs that you can share with others or print into a photo book.
Best for a comprehensive journaling experience with multimedia
Day One is one of the most popular journaling apps offering a sleek interface where you can combine text, photos, audio recordings, and videos into one entry. It also captures metadata such as weather, location, and activity, adding context to your adventures.
How to use: Start a new entry by adding text or media. The app automatically logs your location and weather providing a rich overview of your experience.
I have to admit, I love Day One. Using only the free version I can record a synopsis of each day and add a photo to go along with my paper journal and blog.
In my mind, Day One is a quick and easy way to make note of the day so that when there’s more time, you can flesh out details in a paper journal. It’s also simple to look back in the calendar mode to find a particular trip date, which I use to reference the paper journal entries and write blogposts.
Journey is a versatile app that allows you to write journal entries, add photos, and track locations. It offers Google Drive integration for backup and sync making it easy to access your entries across devices.
Features: Photos, location tracking, cloud sync, Google Drive backup
How to use: Create new entries by adding text or media and tag your location. The app automatically syncs across your devices for easy access.
Penzu is a customizable digital journal app with a focus on privacy. You can lock your journal with military-grade encryption and add tags to organize your entries. It’s perfect for those who prefer a private space to document their thoughts and travels.
Best for automatically importing social media and photo data
Momento is designed to capture your memories by automatically importing data from your social media accounts. This makes it easy to collect photos, posts, and check-ins which can then be combined with written journal entries to document your travel experiences.
Features: Social media integration, photo imports, timeline creation
How to use: Connect your social media accounts to the app and let it automatically pull in your posts and photos to create a cohesive travel timeline.
Note: If you post a lot on social media then this might be the app for you
Lifecraft offers a unique journaling experience by combining mood tracking with traditional journaling. You can log your emotions alongside your daily adventures and the app will generate insights based on your entries over time.
Features: Mood tracking, text and photo entries, cloud sync
How to use: Write journal entries and log your mood for each day. The app will track trends and offer insights based on your emotional state and activities.
Best for versatile notetaking and multimedia integration
While Evernote isn’t exclusively a journaling app it’s great for travel journaling thanks to its versatility. You can create entries with text, photos, web clippings, and checklists making it an all-in-one tool for organizing your RV adventures.
Features: Notes, checklists, photo uploads, cloud sync, web clipping
How to use: Create a notebook for your RV travels, and add text, media, and even links or checklists to each entry. Sync across devices for easy access.
Best for creating online travel journals to share with others
Travel Diaries is a travel-specific journaling app that lets you create beautiful, shareable travel stories. You can add photos, maps, and detailed descriptions of your trip and share them with family and friends or publish them online.
Features: Maps, photo uploads, travel story creation, online sharing
How to use: Start a new travel diary, add locations, photos, and stories, and share your adventures with others through an online link.
Best for organizing journal entries by location and date
Diaro is a user-friendly journaling app that allows you to organize your travel entries by date, time, and location. It offers multi-device sync and a secure space for your notes making it a solid choice for RV travelers who like to keep things organized.
Best for mapping your route and adding notes along the way
My Maps by Google allows you to create custom maps of your RV travels. You can mark specific locations, add notes, and even upload photos to each pin creating a visual representation of your journey.
If you’re unsure where to start with journaling, try using prompts to guide your writing. Here are some ideas:
What was the highlight of today’s adventure?
Describe the most memorable person you met during your trip.
What made this location different from others you’ve visited?
How did this trip change your perspective on RV travel or life?
List three things that surprised you about your destination.
What smells, sounds, or tastes stand out from today?
Travel journal prompts for active adventures
When you’re out on an active adventure, it can be helpful to focus on the sensory details, the challenges you faced, and the highlights of the day.
Here at RVing with Rex, I love RV adventures that take us to places where we can hike, bird watch and explore nature, and/or discover historic sites. If you’re like me, these prompts will help you document the unique aspects of each of these kinds of journeys.
Hiking prompts
Which trail did you hike today and what was its difficulty level?
What was your favorite part of the hike today? Was it a viewpoint, a section of trail, or something unexpected?
How did you feel at the beginning, middle, and end of the hike? Did your energy or mood change?
Describe the natural surroundings on your hike—what did you see, hear, smell, or touch?
Did you encounter any wildlife, plants, or interesting geological features on the trail?
What challenges did you face on the hike (elevation gain, rough terrain, weather)?
How did the weather impact your hiking experience today?
What surprised you the most about the hike?
How did this trail compare to others you’ve hiked before?
If you could hike this trail again, what would you do differently?
Bird watching prompts
Where did you watch birds today and how would you describe the habitat?
hat was the most exciting part of your birding experience—was it observing a new bird or a favorite bird or a colorful bird?
Select a bird you observed today and describe its features—relative size, head feathers and markings, type of beak, body feathers and colors, wing feathers
Describe the landscape of the area. Were there any standout features like a river or creek, a lake or seashore, a hilly or mountainous terrain, or a dense forest?
Did you go solo or with a group? How did it affect the experience?
How did the day’s birding experience change your perspective on the area you explored?
What lessons did you learn from today’s outing that you’ll apply to future adventures?
Did you combine any other outdoor activities with bird watching, e.g., photography?
If you could improve one bird watching skill, what would it be?
To get the most out of your journaling experience, keep these tips in mind:
Be consistent: Set aside a specific time each day to write, even if it’s just a few lines
Get creative: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different mediums—photos, sketches, or even video clips
Use prompts: If you’re stuck, use journal prompts to spark ideas
Don’t aim for perfection: Journals are personal and don’t need to be polished—let your thoughts flow freely
Share with others: If you’re comfortable, consider sharing your entries with family, friends, or online followers
Review and reflect: Take time to look back at your entries and reflect on your journey.
Collect mementos: Add physical mementos like postcards or ticket stubs to enhance your journal.
Track your routes: Use maps to trace your path and mark significant stops along the way.
Have fun: Above all, make journaling a fun and relaxing part of your travel routine.
Journal On!
Whether you prefer writing, photography, or crafting, recording your RV travel memories is a wonderful way to preserve the magic of the open road.
With so many journaling options to choose from, there’s a method for every traveler.
Start small, stay consistent, and enjoy the process of reflecting on your adventures. One day, when you’re over 60, going gray, and getting a little forgetful, you’ll look back and be grateful you took the time to record these priceless memories because once they’re gone, the story dies. Journals live on!
Worth Pondering…
For someone like me, it is a very strange habit to write in a diary. Not only that I have never written before but it strikes me that later neither I, nor anyone else, will care for the outpouring of a thirteen year old schoolgirl.
Canyonlands is an enormous National Park. Over 330,000 acres are filled with arches, buttes, mesas, canyons, hiking trails, dirt roads, campgrounds, and overlooks.
Canyonlands National Park is a vast and rugged wilderness area in southeastern Utah divided into four districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers themselves. As an RVer, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for adventure and exploration in this unique park.
I’m on the road again traveling nature’s highways to Utah’s largest national park covering 527 square miles, half the size of Rhode Island. On the list of most visited parks in 2023, Canyonlands National Park ranks at number 28 with 800,322 visitors. Canyonlands National Park offers an array of natural features. From the Island in the Sky, one can view a hundred miles of landscape. The Colorado and Green Rivers carved out the canyons of Canyonlands exposing over 300 million years of geologic layers. Canyonlands National Park camping has it all and it’s all there waiting for you to explore.
If you leave Torrey via Utah State Route 24, that will take you through Capitol Reef National Park. You are less than 70 miles from Canyonlands National Park as the crow flies. Unfortunately, you are not a crow, so your trip covers about 170 miles. The highway takes you through the Caineville Desert up to Hanksville. Again, Utah shows its unusual otherworldly beauty. So much so that Hollywood uses this area as a movie backdrop. Here are a couple of waypoints that might be of interest.
Burpee Dinosaur Quarry, northwest of Hanksville is an easy 5-mile hike. However, unless you are a paleontologist identifying the several taxa of dinosaur fossils may be trying. If you have an urge to participate in excavation, the Burpee Museum of Natural History offers a few field trips.
Mars Desert Research Station operated by the Mars Society offers professional scientists and engineers field studies for space missions specifically on Mars. As this is a private research facility, it is NOT open to the public. Still, it is interesting to know that it is there.
Goblin Valley State Park, about 25 miles further reflects that Martian landscape with its goblin hoodoos of Entrada sandstone. Hikes are an easy 1 – 4 miles long with plenty of alluring geology for the camera.
The town of Green River is at Interstate 70 Exit 160 offering a couple of decent RV parks, restaurants, and groceries. Also, you will find a Love’s RV Hookup (8 sites) and a Pilot Dealer. The Green River State Park sits on the river with 39 sites, water and electric only.
You will take Exit 182/US-191 toward Moab. In about 20 miles at State Route 313 follow the signs into Canyonlands National Park. From UT-313/US-191 you are only 15 minutes from downtown Moab.
(If you have time, and you like petroglyphs, drive up to Exit 187 toward Thompson Springs. That will bring you to the Sego Canyon Rock Art and ghost town.)
Willow Flat Campground at Island in the Sky has 12 sites with no hookups available. Needles District Campground has 26 individual sites with water only. Both are on a first-come, first-served basis. Needles Outpost and Campground offers that great solitude that you are looking for. It has 30 sites with no hookups, so fill that fresh water tank. Also, you are 40 miles from civilization.
If you like BLM camping, there are 26 available campgrounds in the Moab area. All are first-come, first-served with no hookups.
Dead Horse Point State Park lies at the edge of Canyonlands National Park upon a 2,000-foot mesa overlooking the Colorado River. There are several camping options including the Kayenta Campground and the Wingate Campground. Kayenta Campground has 21 sites with electrical hookups and four yurts while Wingate Campground offers 21 sites with electrical hookups, 11 hike-in tent-only sites, and four yurts.
Designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2016, park rangers lead full moon hikes and star parties regularly.
Canyonlands National Park has two visitor centers with the closest being Island in the Sky in the Northern District. It is the first that you will come to entering from Utah Route 313. At 1,000 feet above the canyon it attracts 60 percent of annual visitors. In the Southern District, you will find The Needles. Named for its red and white sandstone spires, it is not as easily accessed.
Driving tours
If you have a high-clearance, 4-wheel-drive vehicle, then Canyonlands National Park has three road tours for you. White Rim Road, a moderate drive of 2–3 days loops around Island in the Sky for 100 miles. The Needles and The Maze require 4WD. Check with the Ranger station for permits. A better way to explore is via commercial tour guides. These folks are the local experts at traversing the roads and the whitewater.
Island in the Sky holds a variety of trails from easy to moderate to strenuous. You do not want to miss two easy hikes: Mesa Arch (0.5 mile) loop with great views of the Colorado River and Grand View Point (2.0 miles) with stunning panoramic views. Another worthy hike is the Aztec Butte (2.0 mile/moderate) leading to Ancestral Puebloan granaries.
The Needles trails rank mostly strenuous with a couple of easy ones. Just past the Visitor Center Roadside Ruin (0.3 mile/easy) leads to an Ancestral Puebloan granary. Cave Spring (0.6 mile/easy) drops down to an old historic cowboy camp.
Pets are not allowed on any trail or unpaved road. You may keep them at campsites leashed at all times. Karen’s Canine Campground might be an alternative for daycare.
Canyonlands National Park is all about the geology. However, most of its 50 species of animals are nocturnal. You may see some mule deer, desert cottontail rabbits, a kangaroo mouse and, if you’re lucky, a bighorn sheep. You might note a few ravens or turkey vultures riding the currents but not much else. Along the riparian corridors, you can spot canyon wrens and blue grosbeaks. Riparian plants include Fremont’s cottonwood and net leaf hackberry. Around the desert grows cacti, yuccas, and pinyon pines.
Wait. What?!
Robbers Roost, located between Hanksville and Canyonlands, served as the hideout for Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch.
It has always been hot in Phoenix. People live through the heat, if they are fortunate, by adapting.
The Lut Desert in Iran, Al-Azizia in Libya, and Mitribah in Kuwait are some of the hottest places on earth with the highest temperatures ever recorded. The US also features numerous sizzling areas culminating in Death Valley National Park, considered the hottest place in the world for its record highs of 129 °F (in 2024) and 134°F (in 1913).
The closest metropolis to that below-sea-level basin, Las Vegas, isn’t the nation’s hottest city, though it’s in the top five. That designation belongs to Phoenix, the capital of Arizona.
Phoenix is the fifth-largest city in the United States and the hottest metropolis. It seamlessly borders a string of suburbs, some of them as large as other major US cities sprawling over the Valley of the Sun, an area as measured by the US Census of some 14,568 square miles.
People live through the heat. They work. They recreate and socialize.
They do this, if they are fortunate, by adapting. They get any outdoor exercise routines done early, right around sunrise. They seek out shaded parking spots. They meet friends inside air-conditioned restaurants and bars.
How hot does it get there, exactly, and what are the causes and implications of Phoenix’s scorching temperatures? Plus, what kind of activities would shield visitors from the scorching sun?
The Arizona capital city boasts countless activities for all tastes but suffers from excessive heat
Dallas, Tucson, and Fresno are a few of the hottest places in the US in the summer but Phoenix, Arizona’s most populated city tops the list.
This multicultural, perpetually sunny city is not only famous for its hot desert climate and scenic hiking trails. Phoenix also boasts exciting indoor and outdoor attractions and activities from luxurious resorts and spas to specialty museums, arts events, comedy shows, wine tasting, and the popular, 140-acre Desert Botanical Garden.
Still, for all its charm, Phoenix features mostly clear skies year-round with dry summers and cool winters. According to Weather Spark, temperatures generally range from 45°F to 107°F throughout the seasons and rarely drop below 37°F. The hottest period roughly lasts from May 28 to September 19 with temperatures that often climb above 98°F.
Note: The high for June 6 and July 5, 2024 in Phoenix was 113°F and 118°F, respectively
Total area: 519.28 sq mi
Elevation: 1,086 feet
Population: 1,662,607
Average high temperature in July: 106°F
Average low temperature in July: 85°F
Number of days per year when temperature climbs to at least 100 °F: 111
Number of days per year when temperature climbs to at least 90 °F: 173
Clearest month: June
Month with the least rain: June
Longest day: June 20 (14 hours, 22 minutes of daylight)
Causes and consequences of these extreme temperatures in Phoenix
Why is Phoenix getting so hot and how does it affect residents?
Phoenix’s average high temperatures have been consistently high during summer months with most days reaching at least 99°F from June through August. Based on data from 1991 to 2020, the average high temperatures for each month show a steady pattern indicating that the current temperatures are similar to those from ten years ago. For instance, the average high in June is 92°F, in July it is 95°F, and in August it is 93°F. These figures reflect the ongoing trend of extremely hot summers in Phoenix.
Phoenix is categorized as an urban heat island, i.e., a developed area where buildings and infrastructure absorb and reflect heat even more than its surrounding natural elements. Miles of dark and hard surfaces and population density are at fault here not to mention that less vegetation means less evaporative cooling.
To make matters worse, it’s not really that much cooler at night. Round-the-clock heat creates serious health risks especially for seniors, says Dr. Nick Staab, assistant medical director for Maricopa County Public Health.
It just doesn’t give the body enough time to recover from those really high temperatures that we experience during the day.
Staab’s department analyzed five years worth of local hospital records and found 150 percent more heat-related illnesses reported when low temperatures were in the 90s compared to days with lows in the 80s.
Phoenix for years has used libraries and public buildings as cooling centers in hot months to give vulnerable people places to get out of the heat.
Heat-related deaths in Maricopa County in 2024: 339
The Heat Relief Network is a regional partnership of the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), municipalities, nonprofit organizations, the faith-based community, and businesses. Each year, MAG coordinates the mapping of the Heat Relief Network, a network of partners providing water, cooling, and donation sites throughout the Valley with the goal of preventing heat-related illnesses and deaths among vulnerable populations. The map and directories are updated as new partners sign up throughout the summer season which runs May 1 to September 30.
Tip: Read up on the locations of the Heat Relief Network. Remember to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, and minimize sun exposure.
An urban heat island effect poses a major health challenge to the city
Extreme heat is one of the leading causes of weather-related deaths in the US. City-dwellers are particularly vulnerable because asphalt and metal absorb and then release the sun’s energy creating the urban heat island effect that magnifies heat waves.
Shade trees are the most natural solution. In a desert city like Phoenix that might mean planting mostly drought-tolerant native trees that cast light, lacy shadows—and interspersing them with leafier, thirsty trees where people can congregate. Phoenix is ramping up efforts to meet a 20-year goal set in 2010 of achieving 25 percent tree canopy coverage which will reduce temperatures nearly 8 degrees compared with bare areas.
Architects are contemplating a return to traditional materials such as adobe as well as courtyards featuring evaporative cooling towers and trees which together could cool buildings by up to 30 degrees. Solar panels could also be positioned over parking lots where they would shield sizzling blacktop and prevent cars from turning into mobile furnaces.
Some Phoenix parking lots have been covered with pale, pervious pavement that has the texture of a Rice Krispies treat. It allows stormwater to seep in and heat to escape at night reducing surface temperatures by 27 degrees compared with asphalt.
Fortunately, there are plenty of fun things to do in Phoenix to beat the heat
Arizona offers some of the most sweltering, deadly hikes from Bright Angel to Picacho Peak. Though there are both challenging and laid-back routes around Phoenix, visiting them is not recommended in excessive heat.
Whether you’re used to the heat or not, everyone needs to find refuge. Below are some tips for cooling down in Phoenix and other desert regions in Arizona.
Phoenix offers several activities to help you cool down during the hot summer months. You can visit water parks like Sunsplash in Mesa which offers thrill rides, a lazy river, and evening hours.
Ice skating is another option as there are several rinks in the Phoenix area including Great Skate in Glendale and Skateland in Mesa.
For a change of scenery and cooler temperatures consider a day trip to Prescott which is about 1.5 hours away and has average summer temperatures in the low-mid 80s. Flagstaff, a 2+ hour drive from Phoenix offers a significant escape from the heat with temperatures rarely exceeding mid-80s and often in the mid-upper 70s.
You can also find indoor activities in Phoenix such as visiting the Arizona Science Center which is air-conditioned and offers various exhibits. The Downtown Phoenix area has several cool places to visit including The Nash, a jazz venue recognized as one of the “Great Jazz Venues in the World”.
For a refreshing treat, you can visit ice cream spots like Creamistry, Handel’s Home Made Ice Cream (see photo below), or The Baked Bear in Scottsdale or enjoy frozen yogurt at various locations in the Valley.
There are 16 pools in Phoenix open all season long and an additional two pools, one in June and one in July, for a total of 18 pools this summer. Find a pool near you.
Lastly, if you’re looking for a more natural setting, consider visiting the Desert Botanical Garden which features diverse wildlife and a butterfly pavilion or take a scenic drive to Oak Creek, known for its cooler temperatures and scenic beauty.
Arizona Science Center: Offers various exhibits and is air-conditioned providing a cool environment to explore
Heard Museum: The internationally acclaimed Heard Museum is one of the best places to experience the myriad cultures and art of American Indians of the Southwest
Children’s Museum of Phoenix: The Children’s Museum of Phoenix is one of the top three children’s museums in the US known for its imaginative and inspiring environment
The Musical Instrument Museum: The largest museum of its kind in the world featuring over 15,000 musical instruments and associated objects from nearly 200 countries and territories
The Nash: A jazz venue recognized as one of the “Great Jazz Venues in the World”
Creamistry and The Baked Bear: Ice cream spots in Scottsdale that offer a refreshing treat
Desert Botanical Garden: Features diverse wildlife, a butterfly pavilion, and cooler temperatures.
Oak Creek: A scenic drive destination known for its cooler temperatures and natural beauty
Prescott: A day trip destination with average summer temperatures in the low-mid 80s
Flagstaff: Offers a significant escape from the heat with temperatures rarely exceeding mid-80s
Great Skate in Glendale and Skateland in Mesa: Ice skating rinks that provide a cool indoor activity
The shape of Lake Powell is roughly that of a snake with a porcupine in its belly
With its unique red-rock canyon walls and clear blue water, many consider Lake Powell to be one of the most beautiful spots in America.
Lake Powell is fed by the Colorado River, the main source of water for roughly 40 million people in the American Southwest.
Lake Powell is an excellent and beautiful place to visit. This lake is popular with visitors and locals in Utah and Arizona. As the second-largest man-made lake in the United States, it has some incredible facts you may not know. Here are 12 amazing facts about Lake Powell that you probably don’t know.
The Glen Canyon Dam located on the Colorado River in northern Arizona created Lake Powell
Sometimes referred to as the Painted Desert, Lake Powell was created by Glen Canyon Dam. The dam was constructed between 1956 and 1966 to provide electricity and irrigation water to the Colorado Plateau area. The Glen Canyon Dam is the second-tallest dam in the United States standing at 710 feet tall.
Its construction caused flooding in the area that created Lake Powell. Moreover, the dam is equipped with a hydroelectric generator that annually provides 4.4 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity. In addition, the lake has a capacity of 27 million acre-feet making it one of the largest reservoirs in the United States.
2. The second-largest water reservoir in the Southwest
Lake Powell has a capacity of 27,000,000 acre-feet, a surface area of over 161,000 acres, and a maximum depth of 532 feet
Lake Powell is the second-largest water reservoir in the United States. (The largest water reservoir, Lake Mead is also on the Colorado River.) It covers an area of about 1.25 million acres with roughly 186 miles of shoreline. The lake is more than 500 feet deep in some places and the surface area covers over 10,000 square miles.
The lake serves as an essential source of water for the region. Besides providing irrigation and drinking water, it is also a popular destination for recreational activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, and camping. Additionally, the reservoir is part of the more extensive Colorado River system which includes Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, and Hoover Dam.
Over 196 genially named canyons branch off from the main channel of Lake Powell along with uncounted side canyons.
More than 196 significant canyons branch off from the main channel of Lake Powell. These canyons are stunningly beautiful and many even have colorful names that reflect their unique characteristics. Some of the canyons that visitors will find are Labyrinth Canyon, Last Chance Bay, Forbidding Canyon, and Cross Canyon.
These canyons are surrounded by stunning red-rock walls and feature fascinating side channels that delight any explorer. In addition, some of the canyons are home to rare plants and animals making them an excellent destination for wildlife viewing. Moreover, the canyons of Lake Powell are a great place for kayaking and exploring.
4. Home to the world’s longest stretch of non-stop boating
Boaters and paddlers can find 94 major canyon sections to visit on the water
Lake Powell is home to the world’s longest stretch of non-stop boating. It takes about four days to make a complete round trip from the lake’s main channel to the farthest end of its tributary canyons. The lake is an excellent destination for boaters offering endless exploration and adventure opportunities.
In addition to power boating, sailing is popular on the lake. There are also plenty of houseboats available for rent throughout the lake making it a great way to explore the area. The lake’s many canyons offer plenty of secluded spots for camping and fishing such as Warm Creek Bay and Navajo Canyon.
Lake Powell’s almost 2,000 miles of shoreline can give explorers an almost never-ending experience
Dotted with nearly 2,000 miles of shoreline, Lake Powell is an explorer’s paradise. The shoreline features a variety of landscapes and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Boaters and adventurers can explore the lake’s many coves, bays, beaches, and side channels to find out-of-the-way places to explore.
Furthermore, the lake’s many sandstone cliffs provide a perfect backdrop for sunsets and stargazing. Moreover, the lake is home to various wildlife including desert bighorn sheep, bald eagles, and beavers. Overall, Lake Powell is a stunning destination for adventurers exploring the Colorado Plateau’s wild beauty.
6. Clear water and bottomless depths
Known for its crystal-clear waters and towering red rock cliffs
Lake Powell features crystal-clear water and bottomless depths. The reservoir is often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Colorado” because it features the same stunning rock formations, rugged beauty, and mysterious depths as its famous southwestern neighbor.
The lake’s waters are often a brilliant blue or emerald green and the sandstone walls are often painted with bright streaks of red, orange, and yellow. Besides its natural beauty, the lake is home to various fish species and aquatic plants. The reservoir serves as an essential water source for the region and its depths provide a perfect habitat for different fish species.
7. One of the most photographed lakes in the world
Lake Powell is known for its unique scenery
Due to its stunning natural beauty, Lake Powell is one of the most photographed lakes in the world. It has been featured in several movies and television shows and is a popular destination for photographers. The lake’s vibrant colors and unique rock formations make it an ideal backdrop for stunning photographs. In addition to its picturesque scenery, Lake Powell is also home to various recreational activities for visitors to enjoy.
From fishing and boating to camping and hiking, the lake offers endless exploration and magnificent photo opportunities. Nonetheless, the photographic potential of Lake Powell is sure to continue for years to come as it remains one of the most iconic and beautiful places in the world.
8. A popular place for watersports and outdoor activities
Lake Powell earns the title of the world’s longest stretch of non-stop boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding
Vacationers flock to Lake Powell yearly for its world-class watersports and outdoor activities. The lake’s warm, crystal-clear water makes it an ideal destination for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. For thrill-seekers, the lake is also home to various extreme sports such as wakeboarding and kiteboarding.
Nevertheless, visitors can explore the lake’s many hiking trails for water sports or take a leisurely boat ride to explore its remote canyons. The outdoor possibilities at Lake Powell are seemingly endless making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. And with its stunning views and abundant wildlife, Lake Powell will captivate visitors for years to come.
Some canyons provide a habitat for rare plants and animals
The waters of Lake Powell are teeming with aquatic life such as bass and striped bass. The lake is also home to a variety of birds, reptiles, and mammals. Visitors often spot bald eagles soaring through the sky or beavers building their homes near the lake’s shoreline. The lake has also become a popular destination for birdwatching.
Birdwatchers can often spot a variety of species such as blue herons, gulls, and pelicans. Lake Powell is a wildlife haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Its abundance of wildlife makes it an ideal destination for those looking to experience the natural wonders of the Colorado Plateau.
10. Houseboat vacation
Lake Powell is one of the world’s top houseboat and stand up paddleboard destinations
Lake Powell is a favorite destination for houseboat rentals. Vacationers can rent an all-inclusive houseboat and explore the lake’s many hidden coves and bays. From sunbathing on the deck to fishing off the boat, houseboat rentals offer a unique way to experience Lake Powell.
Renters can also enjoy various onboard amenities like kitchenettes and air conditioning. Houseboat rentals are a popular way for visitors to experience the lake in comfort and luxury. The Houseboat Capital of the World, Lake Powell, is sure to provide an unforgettable experience for visitors.
Numerous movies and TV shows have taken advantage of Lake Powell’s unique and stunning landscape to enhance their visual storytelling
While considering the endless side-gorge and barbed shore, Lake Powell has more than 2,000 miles of coastline. This is more than the whole west shoreline of America! This means there are a ton of sandy seashores, harbors, and private bays in this 186-mile long lake. Yet, Lake Powell isn’t simply greater practically every square inch is outwardly entrancing and takes on a marginally unique look consistently as water levels shift.
Lake Powell has been a shooting area for some TV series and movies including The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965),Gravity (2013), John Carter (2012), Doctor Who: The Impossible Astronaut and The Wedding of River Song (2011), Walking with Monsters (2005) —the BBC prequel to Walking with Dinosaurs as a substitute for inland Silurian, Evolution (2001), Planet of the Apes (both 1968 and 2001 adaptations), Maverick (1994), Koyaanisqatsi (1982).
12. Overnight Stars
Out-of-this-world sunrises, sunsets, and starry night skies
However carefree as Lake Powell may be by day, it settles the score better around evening time. Whether setting up camp at one of its many seashores or dozing on top of a houseboat, the two choices will keep you sufficiently bright under a star-filled sky. Known for its absence of light contamination, this is an amazing method for slowing down following an entire day of the experience.
The Western United States is home to some of the most breathtaking and diverse national parks in the country. Here are some of the best national parks in the Western US along with key highlights and tips for visiting.
From gravity-defying arches and expansive canyons to towering peaks and powerful volcanoes, the western US have some of the country’s most diverse landscapes. Fortunately, many of these awe-inspiring natural wonders are within the bounds of national parks so they’re not only protected for posterity but also accessible to visitors.
Because there are so many amazing national parks, choosing one (or more) to plan a trip around can be daunting. I’ve rounded up a few of my all-time favorite national parks in the West with insights about each one to help inspire your next road trip.
Due to staffing cuts, the National Park Service is stretched this year. Travelers can expect longer wait times, fewer services, and the potential closures of certain sections.
Scenic vieoints: Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point
Hiking trails
Night sky viewing
You really can’t go wrong with any of Utah’s big five national parks. But if you’re into geology—or you just enjoy marveling at funky, otherworldly rock formations—head to Bryce Canyon in the southwest corner of the state. Bryce Canyon tends to be about half as crowded as perennial favorite Zion National Park: last year, Bryce saw 2.5 million visitors compared to Zion with 4.9 million.
The hoodoos are the main attraction here. These tall, slender spires were shaped over millions of years by geologic forces as well as natural weathering and erosion. They’re weird, they’re awe-inspiring, and they’re incredibly photogenic (particularly at the golden hour). It’s really easy to immerse yourself in the hoodoos at Bryce Canyon—simply lace up your hiking shoes and start walking. The 35,835-acre park has miles of trails that meander above, below, and among hoodoos so you can get up close and personal and see them from different angles.
To learn more about Bryce Canyon National Park read:
2. Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park, California
Best national parks for tree huggers
Key highlights
Giant Forest: home to General Sherman tree (Sequoia National Park)
Grant Grove: home to General Grant tree (Kings Canyon National Park)
Cedar Grove: home to North Dome and Grand Sentinel (Kings Canyon National Park)
Moro Rock (Sequoia National Park)
Technically, Sequoia and Kings Canyon are separate national parks in central California. But they’re so close together that they might as well be one big park (the National Park Service manages them as such). If you’re making the trip to one, you’ll definitely want to hit them both.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon protect a majestic landscape from caverns and canyons to the Sierra Nevada foothills. But by far the biggest draws are the groves of ancient giant sequoias, the largest trees in the world. Even if you have no interest in botany, you’ll be wowed by their sheer size which can reach heights of up to 325 feet. Appreciate them by hiking, taking photos, or simply looking up.
Once you’ve had your fill of the trees, embark on a leisurely scenic drive down Generals Highway or Kings Canyon Scenic Byway. Along the way, you’ll pass through several ecosystems and see a variety of natural sights from craggy cliffs to waterfalls. Also be sure to drive through Tunnel Log, carved out of a giant sequoia that fell on the road in the 1930s.
To learn more about Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks read:
In southwest Texas along the border with Mexico, Big Bend National Park is a true bird-watcher’s paradise. More than 450 species of birds have been spotted within the bounds of this 1,252-sq-mile swath—the most of any US national park. If you’re hoping to add a few more birds to your life list, plan your visit for the spring or fall when many winged beauties are migrating through the park.
Beyond the birds, Big Bend has more species of scorpions, butterflies, ants, and bats than any other park—if you’re broadly intrigued by wildlife this is quite simply the ideal place for you. Since it’s so remote, you’ll likely want to plan a longer trip, at least a long weekend but preferably a week. Sleep under the stars at one of the four on-site campgrounds or book a room at Chisos Mountains Lodge.
Best national park for archaeology and Indigenous history
Key highlights
Cliff Palace
Balcony House
Mesa Top Loop Road
Square Tower House
Park Point: highest point in the park (8,572 feet)
Mesa Verde National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Established in 1906 the park covers 52,485 acres and protects some of the best-preserved Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites in the United States.
The park is renowned for its cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Puebloan people between 600 and 1300 including over 600 cliff dwellings and thousands of other archaeological sites such as pit houses, pueblos, and masonry towers. The most famous cliff dwelling is Cliff Palace, the largest known cliff dwelling in North America with over 150 rooms and 23 ceremonial kivas.
Visitors can explore the park through ranger-guided tours of Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and Square Tower House which offer unique insights into the lives and culture of the Ancestral Puebloans. Balcony House is known for its adventurous route involving ladders and tunnels while Square Tower House offers a more intimate experience with rock art and the tallest standing structure in the park5.
Mesa Verde also features hiking trails like the Petroglyph Point Trail, scenic drives such as the Mesa Top Loop Road, and the Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum which exhibits artifacts and information about the ancient Native American culture. The park is also designated as an International Dark Sky Park, offering excellent stargazing opportunities.
To learn more about Mesa Verde National Parks read:
South Rim viewpoints: Mather Point, Yavapai Point, Grandview Point
Desert View Watchtower
Hiking trails: Bright Angel Trail, South Kaibab Trail, Rim Trail
North Rim
Kolb Studio
Grand Canyon National Park covers about 1.2 million acres and encompasses 278 miles of the Colorado River and its adjacent uplands. The park’s central feature is the Grand Canyon itself, a vast gorge carved by the Colorado River renowned for its immense size, depth (up to 6,000 feet), and colorful rock layers dating back to Precambrian times. The canyon stretches about 277 miles from the Paria River near the Arizona-Utah border to the Grand Wash Cliffs near Nevada.
The park includes two main public areas: the South Rim and the North Rim. The South Rim is more accessible and accounts for about 90 percent of visitation featuring Grand Canyon Village which serves as the hub for visitor services, lodging, and amenities.
A prime spot for sunset views, Mather Point is easily accessible and offers memorable viewpoints. Yavapai Point provides panoramic views and includes the Yavapai Observation Station which offers three-dimensional geological displays and interpretive panels. Situated at just below 7,500 feet, Grandview Point offers grand views of the Grand Canyon. From here, you can see prominent buttes and a tiny stretch of the Colorado River far below. Situated on a cliff along the South Rim, Kolb Studio was once a family residence and photo studio. Today, it features vintage photos and paintings.
Located near the East Entrance, the Desert View Watchtower is a historic stone structure that offers panoramic views of the canyon and the Colorado River. The interior walls of the tower feature murals by Hopi artist Fred Kabotie.
To learn more about Grand Canyon National Parks read:
Best national park for stargazing and the iconic trees
Key highlights
Hidden Valley
Keys View
Jumbo Rocks
Arch Rock
Cholla Cactus Gaeden
Skull Rock
Joshua Tree is one of my favorites in a long list of spectacular national parks. It is arid, untamed, and remote. The super-sized boulders and wild-armed vegetation look like something from the pages of a Dr. Seuss book. The night sky is dark and splashed with stars. When the wind blows, it really howls. The boulders are the size of large vehicles and the landscape is ablaze with cacti and hardy desert vegetation.
The sprawling national park of almost 800,000 acres is the spot in southeastern California where the high Mojave and the low Colorado deserts converge. This transition zone of two distinct desert ecosystems is noteworthy creating a blended area of significant biological diversity. In desert ecosystems, elevation determines everything as desert plants and critters are extremely sensitive to the slightest change.
To learn more about Joshua Tree National Parks read:
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.
