After spending 2.5 years on the street and visiting 28 completely different states, my household and I’ve created a lifetime of reminiscences. Each time I share my journey tales, individuals typically ask two questions: “What’s your favourite state?” and “What state have been you content to lastly go away?”
Whereas I can shortly reply these questions, I’ve by no means put a lot thought into rating the very best states to go to in USA.
So why not try this in the present day? Let’s take a experience collectively and discover the 28 states I’ve visited. I’ll rank them from my favourite (the place I’d like to reside sometime) to my least favourite (the one you’ll by no means catch me in once more). Buckle up, and let’s get began!
1. Oregon
My favourite state, certainly, is Oregon. In case you’re an out of doors lover like we’re, Oregon has every little thing. From the breathtaking views of Mt. Hood, the excessive desert, the Tillamook Rainforest, and the Pacific Shoreline, Oregon has a world of pure wonders.
I fell in love with Oregon throughout our first journey to Bend. Our go to to Lava Lands within the Deschutes Nationwide Forest was like nothing I’d ever seen.
Then, visiting Mt. Hood and spending time at Trillium Lake solely reaffirmed my love for the state.
And simply once I thought it couldn’t get any higher, we visited the Pacific Shoreline. From the sand dunes in Florence to Haystack Rock in Cannon Seaside, it’s unattainable to disclaim Oregon’s pure magnificence.
When our full-time RV life is all executed, Oregon would be the state we name residence.
2. Washington
I like Washington for most of the similar causes I like Oregon. In case you’re an out of doors lover, Washington is difficult to beat. Fortuitously, it’s the northern neighbor of Oregon, so with just some hour’s drive, you’ll be able to get pleasure from each states!
Visiting the Washington Coast marked my first time visiting the Pacific Ocean, one thing I by no means thought I’d be capable of do.
We additionally spent appreciable time close to Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens. The views of these two mountains are one thing I’d by no means get used to. Washington was additionally the primary time I went cliff leaping, and I received to do it with my two adventurous boys! That makes the reminiscences even sweeter.
Washington additionally had glorious library techniques, which is essential to us as we elevate our boys.
3. New Mexico
New Mexico was a really surprising favourite of ours. What was supposed to only be a “stopover” state was a state we beloved.
Our first cease in New Mexico was Roswell. In case you don’t learn about Roswell, it’s the place the UFO incident occurred in the summertime of 1947, when a rancher found unidentifiable particles in his sheep pasture.
So the city was stuffed with aliens, which the boys beloved! We visited the Worldwide UFO Museum & Analysis Heart, which was a blast! We additionally did a fairly enjoyable “spacewalk” that made us really feel like we have been on a special planet.
Other than the out-of-this-world experiences in Roswell, we additionally beloved White Sands Nationwide Park, which, coincidentally, additionally makes you are feeling such as you’re on one other planet. I felt like Luke Skywalker exploring distant galaxies on the huge dunes of pure white sand.
However as an alternative of taking off within the Starship, we hopped on a sled and rocketed down the dunes. In case you’ve by no means thought of visiting New Mexico, I extremely advocate it.
4. Utah
We solely stopped in two completely different locations in Utah, however that was sufficient for it to crack the highest 5. Our first cease in Utah was in a tiny little city that gave us some “hills have eyes” vibes, so I gained’t name it by identify in case 1 of the 50 individuals in that city find yourself studying this text.
However, our boondocking spot was on an deserted playground, so the boys had a blast opening the entrance door and stepping proper onto a playground. We additionally discovered the historical past of the Historic Coke Ovens, which was an added bonus.
However the very best a part of Utah was boondocking at the Bonneville Salt Flats. In case you don’t know, the Salt Flats have been shaped when historical lake Lake Bonneville dried up. Now, this majestic panorama serves because the racing grounds for generations of land pace racers from all over the world.
There’s nothing like getting your truck as much as 90mph on a speedway a number of the quickest automobiles in historical past have pushed on.
We additionally had a lot privateness and panoramic views of a few of America’s most lovely pure wonders.
5. California
Whereas Oregon is my favourite state, California is residence to my prime two Nationwide parks. I’d by no means heard of Pinnacles Nationwide Park earlier than we visited, however it was a nice shock.
My favourite half was the cave trails. Pinnacles Nationwide Park has two important cave areas: the Bear Gulch Caves, that are close to headquarters within the East District, and the Balconies Caves, that are close to the Chaparral Picnic Space within the West District. In case you’re ever on the town, you’ll want to take a look at each.
Yosemite is gorgeous past phrases. Severely, nothing I write right here can do that nationwide park justice. In case you’re pondering of touring full-time, Yosemite HAS to be in your checklist of stops.
In case you’re questioning in regards to the energy and great thing about Yosemite, it led Roosevelt to develop federal safety of Yosemite, and it impressed him to signal into existence 5 nationwide parks, 18 nationwide monuments, 55 nationwide chicken sanctuaries and wildlife refuges, and 150 nationwide forests after visiting.
Yosemite Nationwide Park is an absolute must-visit for any out of doors lover.
6. Florida
The second time we received to Florida, we had no intention to go away. It’s the Sunshine State! No chilly climate, flip flops, and board shorts all yr. We completely beloved the Springs. Three Sisters Springs close to Crystal River, Florida, was our absolute favourite. We received to swim with Manatees!
We additionally noticed dolphins off the Gulf Coast and beloved spending time with the animals on the Hardee County Wildlife Refuge.
However, with the sunshine comes the warmth, and with Florida comes hurricanes. There’s nothing fairly like dodging a class 4 hurricane whereas towing your home and every little thing you personal behind you. One of many many challenges of RV life we confronted on the street!
And that results in insane insurance coverage costs within the state and intensely excessive total value of residing. So, despite the fact that Florida had its perks, we determined to pack the camper and preserve transferring.
7. Illinois
We went to Illinois for one motive – to see Superman. I’ve been a fan of the Man of Metal since Christopher Reeve made me imagine a person may fly a long time in the past. On the southern finish of Illinois sits Metropolis, the house of Superman.
And in Metropolis, IL is the Superman Museum.
The museum is stuffed with collectibles and artifacts commemorating and honoring Superman in his numerous varieties – books, comics, TV, films, and extra. In case you like the massive blue boy scout, you’ve received to go to Metropolis, Illinois.
8. Pennsylvania
We didn’t spend a lot time in Pennsylvania, however I made it some extent to go to the state to take the boys to Hershey Park. Hershey Park is an amusement park named after the chocolate firm. I visited Hershey Park annually rising up, so it was necessary for me to let my boys expertise it as nicely.
In case you’re a fan of amusement parks, it’s a must-visit. Along with the amusement park, you may as well go to Chocolate World and take a tour to learn the way Hershey makes its chocolate. And on the finish, you get a free sweet bar.
9. South Carolina
South Carolina is the place we lived earlier than we “launched.” I spent ten years in South Carolina, and it’s the place I met my spouse and the place my youngsters have been born. It can at all times be particular to me, however it wasn’t the place we have been meant to spend the remainder of our lives.
Port Royal, SC, was certainly one of our first stops once we began touring. It’s a stunning little seashore city the place all people is aware of all people. In case you’re ever in Port Royal, cease by the Zen Den to see “Mamma Bear.” You gained’t remorse it.
10. North Carolina
North Carolina is the place my spouse was born and raised. We visited her mother in Ocean Isle Seaside and hung out along with her brother in Stone Mountain. In case you’re ever close to Roaring Hole, NC, you need to take a look at Stone Mountain State Park. They’ve some glorious trails with unbeatable views, and you may be taught some historical past of the realm.
We additionally spent a while close to Emerald Isle Seaside, one other quaint little seashore city. In case you’re ever within the space, take a look at Sundown Slush.
11. Maryland
Maryland is the place I used to be born and raised. I grew up proper subsequent to the Appalachian Path and Antietam Battlefield, so it was good taking the boys out on a few of these trails and instructing them a number of the historical past of the realm.
In case you’re ever out close to the Antietam Battlefield in MD, you’ll want to hike as much as Weverton Cliffs for a improbable view of the Appalachian Mountains and the Potomac River.
And whereas it’s not in MD, cross the border into West Virginia to spend a while in Harpers Ferry.
12. Virginia
We handed via Virgina twice. The primary time, we spent a while at Ridge Valley Alpacas. The boys completely beloved hanging out with the Alpacas, and the house owners of the farm have been nice.
The second time we have been in VA, we caught COVID. After dodging it for 2 years, it lastly caught as much as us. All of us felt like loss of life, and our reminiscences of VA are tainted by COVID. Fortuitously, all of us made a full restoration and saved touring.
13. Ohio
Ohio was enjoyable for us as a result of we visited associates we hadn’t seen shortly. We have been solely within the state for just a few days, however seeing some outdated faces on the street was very nice. We did take the boys to the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery in Dayton, Ohio. Out of all 28 states, Boonshoft was by far our favourite museum. There was loads for the boys to do, they by no means received bored, they usually needed to remain longer.
In case you’ve received youngsters, it’s essential go to the Boonshoft Museum.
14. Mississippi
Talking of museums, Mississippi had our second and third favourite museums we’ve visited to date. We took the boys to the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum and the Mississippi Museum of Pure Science. Each are in Jackson, MS, and each are price a visit should you’re ever within the space.
15. Indiana
Admittedly, we didn’t do a lot in Indiana. The campground we parked in was among the best we’ve stayed at, so we didn’t wander too far off. It was a kind of stops the place we simply wanted to relaxation and recharge. The campground had a pleasant playground for the boys, loads of locations to take a pleasant stroll, and a giant pond to observe the geese and geese.
We did get out just a few instances, although, and stopped by the Walnut Avenue Selection Store. It’s an eclectic little retailer with one thing for everybody, and it’s positively price stopping by should you’re within the space.
16. Nevada
We boondocked in Nevada on our solution to the Pacific Northwest. Boondocking will be demanding, however when you get the hold of it, it gives a lot peace and leisure away from the world. We stayed on the Water Canyon Recreation Space and loved a while in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of the “actual world.”
Nevertheless, as you’ll be able to inform from the image, we needed to take care of some smoke from the wildfires within the space. That’s at all times one thing to be aware of when touring within the West at the moment of yr.
17. Iowa
Iowa was one other spot the place we Boondocked away from all of it and didn’t do a lot within the exterior world. Even when we needed to get out and discover the realm, there wasn’t a lot to do.
So we settled in on the Waubonsie Campground for just a few nights and received some work executed. We additionally made just a few new associates, as you’ll be able to see within the image.
18. Missouri
Missouri was a one-night stop-through. At this level, we have been shortly heading again throughout the nation and wanted a spot to spend the night time. We ended up at Montauk State Park. In case you prefer to fish, this State Park is for you. It’s in a ravishing, distant location, and it’s a trout fishing hotspot.
19. Colorado
We didn’t spend practically as a lot time in Colorado as I’d’ve favored to. Generally, issues simply don’t work out the way you’d like them to. However, we did get an opportunity to go to a pleasant small city with superb mountain views. We stayed in a Hip Camp in Colorado, the one time we used that service, however it was nicely price it.
Nevertheless, we initially was the flawed driveway and have been met with a warning shot. We rotated actually shortly and received out of there! We’ll always remember the time our GPS virtually received us shot!
20. Alabama
The campground we visited in Alabama was very nice. It had a pleasant pool, clubhouse, and an honest laundry room (laundry is crucial!). Nevertheless, there actually wasn’t the rest round. We have been 20-Half-hour from a tiny city after which about one other 20-30 to get to any main conveniences. This was one other state we simply took a while to chill out and luxuriate in being disconnected.
The image above is our outdated camper and truck earlier than catastrophe struck in our least favourite state (preserve studying to seek out out what occurred!)
21. Georgia
We discovered each of our tenting spots in Georgia on Boondockers Welcome. The primary spot we stayed at was owned by the nicest household we’ve encountered on the street. They handled us like we have been a part of the household and even invited us to a cookout at their residence. It actually was a good time, and we’ll perpetually cherish the reminiscences we made there.
Our second spot was….completely different. Let’s name it Farmer Joe’s. Farmer Joe’s was a farm with donkeys and horses that will stroll proper as much as your camper. The boys beloved it. There have been additionally chickens, geese, and goats (we received to carry a child!) It was superb being surrounded by cattle in each path.
However, there have been some unusual vibes at this place. It sort of felt like a cult. Individuals we have been by no means launched to would simply pop up, engaged on the farm. They wouldn’t converse to us. They have been simply there, working. It was odd, however we have now some unimaginable reminiscences of using horses and feeding donkeys.
22. Kentucky
We drove via some lovely spots in Kentucky. We additionally drove via Louisville the weekend of the Kentucky Derby, which wasn’t very sensible on our half. Pulling a 36-foot journey trailer via dense metropolis visitors isn’t enjoyable.
Nevertheless, we have been solely in Kentucky for one night time and slept in a relaxation space. Generally, that’s life on the street. One night time, you’re on the aspect of a ravishing mountain, and the subsequent night time, you’re parked subsequent to an 18-wheeler in a relaxation space.
23. Lousiana
Similar to Kentucky, our journey to Louisiana wasn’t very thrilling. Whereas we drove via some lovely locations, we didn’t camp anyplace spectacular. Except you depend the car parking zone of a Cracker Barrel spectacular.
In case you don’t know Cracker Barrel, it’s an old-style diner serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Every restaurant options distinctive native finds that mirror the group’s historical past, so you’ll be able to be taught in regards to the space you’re in whilst you dine. We had an incredible breakfast earlier than we hit the street once more.
24. Arizona
Arizona is sizzling. There are some lovely locations in Arizona, however it’s sizzling. We stayed at a pleasant campground with a river flowing via it, and I spent a whole lot of time hanging on the market with the boys. We additionally went on a very nice hike on the Cliffrose Path close by.
One other time we have been in Arizona, we Bondocked subsequent to massive cacti close to Saguaro Nationwide Park. We don’t have cacti like that on the East Coast, in order that was an incredible expertise. The go to to Saguaro Nationwide Park can be nicely definitely worth the go to.
We might later discover out that our canine received parvo that just about killed him once we have been in AZ, and that sort of soured us on the state. Nobody ever advised us about parvo on the East Coast, so should you’re heading to the southwest, be certain your canine are updated on their parvo vaccine.
25. Idaho
Idaho was an journey for all the flawed causes. We deliberate to remain on the Frank C. Jones entry space for the night time, however issues didn’t fairly work out as anticipated. The campground was smaller than it regarded within the footage, so I went out on foot to test it out earlier than we pulled in, and I used to be positive we’d be high-quality.
We weren’t.
I pulled the camper down the twisty, slim driveway to the spot the place we have been going to camp for the night time, however we have been too lengthy to show round to get into the spot.
The world was too slim for our lengthy truck and camper to show round, leaving us with one selection – again the truck and camper up the slim, steep, curvy driveway.
It was demanding and examined my driving expertise, however we made it out with out getting caught or damaging the truck or camper. After that, we went again to a relaxation space we handed just a few miles down the street and stayed there for the night time.
26. Nebraska
I used to be excited once we pulled into the campground in Nebraska. It was a boondocking spot, and the place was virtually empty. We discovered a HUGE spot proper on the river. It was excellent.
For an evening.
The subsequent day, a tent camper selected the spot proper subsequent to us (despite the fact that your entire park was open), however we didn’t assume something of it. We’ve found in our travels that some individuals identical to to be near different individuals.
Nevertheless, one morning, I regarded out at our generator, and there was a cellphone and a cellphone charger plugged into it, however they weren’t ours.
Our neighbor, who we later came upon was homeless, helped himself to our generator with out ever talking to us. I spoke to the man, and he turned out to be innocent, however he utterly destroyed our peace and quiet.
We let him cost his stuff on our generator, however we left a few days sooner than we had deliberate. We at all times err on the aspect of warning due to our boys.
27. Wyoming
We didn’t get pleasure from Wyoming. Wyoming was alleged to be a fast stopover for one night time, however it was our second most demanding cease (our most demanding cease is subsequent). Driving down the interstate to our boondocking spot, my spouse instantly observed the camper was sitting inconsistently.
I pulled over to examine issues out, and after a fast inspection, we observed that certainly one of our leaf springs snapped proper in half. All issues thought of, we have been extraordinarily fortunate. When the leaf spring broke, it wedged itself within the undercarriage of the camper. If that didn’t occur, we may’ve misplaced management of the camper, and it may’ve resulted in catastrophe. It’s one of many some ways by which street journeys will be harmful.
We have been solely a mile away from our boondocking spot, so we slowly pulled the camper there and parked. We tried fixing the leaf spring ourselves, however we couldn’t get a corroded screw out. We referred to as round to a couple mechanics, however in such a small city, there weren’t a whole lot of choices, and those that have been accessible have been charging astronomical costs.
We didn’t have a ton of cash to spend on the restore, so we tried to repair it once more ourselves till we have been referred by a neighborhood campground to a cell RV mechanic who occurred to be staying within the space on the time.
After they came upon what occurred, they mounted the leaf spring freed from cost. They have been superb individuals, they even gave the boys free hats. We will likely be perpetually grateful to them, and I’ll at all times pay their generosity ahead.
28. Texas
The whole lot is greater in Texas, together with the disasters. At one cut-off date, Texas was on our brief checklist of states we’d calm down in once we stopped touring. However now it’s ranked because the worst state we visited.
And, in Texas’s protection, it’s primarily as a consequence of horrible luck.
It began on our solution to the 7IL Ranch when our truck began breaking down. I misplaced energy steering on the best way to the ranch, however we nonetheless made it. Nevertheless, whereas attempting to again into our spot, I noticed I couldn’t flip the truck sharply sufficient and hit a tree.
I left a large gap within the roof that we needed to cowl with a tarp whereas we waited 4 days for an insurance coverage adjuster to indicate up. And this was within the lifeless of summer time, so it received HOT in that camper.
When the insurance coverage adjuster lastly confirmed up, he mentioned the camper, our home, was totaled. Now we’re homeless with nowhere to go. Fortuitously, insurance coverage paid for a lodge whereas we figured issues out. We ended up within the lodge for per week with every little thing we owned in a Uhaul trailer within the car parking zone.
We didn’t know what would occur, and we have been ready to finish up crashing at certainly one of our mother or father’s homes till we figured issues out.
However, on my birthday, we have been fortunate sufficient to finance a model new camper, and after unloading the Uhaul and getting all of our stuff into the camper, we have been again on the street.
However the ‘enjoyable’ didn’t cease there. After a few week within the new camper, my spouse totaled our pickup truck. Fortuitously, everybody was okay, however it actually shook up my spouse, and we have been left with no solution to pull our camper.
Now, identical to we had to determine find out how to get a brand new camper, we had to determine find out how to get a brand new truck.
Bear in mind we had simply changed our first truck after the incident with the ability steering that led me to complete the primary camper.
So now we’re truck procuring. It took us a few month to get issues located with insurance coverage after which discover a truck we may afford and use to tug the trailer. We ultimately did and received again on the street, however every little thing had modified.
We won’t be again to Texas.
Reflecting on a Journey: 28 States, Infinite Recollections
As our journey throughout 28 states involves a detailed, it’s clear that every place has left its distinctive mark on our household’s story. From the awe-inspiring pure great thing about Oregon to the surprising challenges in Texas, our travels have been a mosaic of experiences, instructing us in regards to the range and richness of the USA.
These rankings are greater than only a checklist; they’re a tapestry of reminiscences, classes discovered, and the enjoyment of exploration. Whereas some states captured our hearts greater than others, each cease alongside the best way contributed to our household’s journey, shaping our perspective and enriching our lives.
As we proceed our travels, we feature with us not simply souvenirs, however the invaluable experiences of every state we’ve visited. To fellow vacationers, might your journeys be simply as enriching, and to the states that hosted us, a heartfelt thanks for the reminiscences that can final a lifetime.
