There is nothing like heading out on the open road, watching the miles roll by in the comfort of your Class A RV, Toy Hauler or other RV, anticipating your next great destination. The United States is home to many magnificent landmarks and natural wonders, some of which may not even be on your radar yet. RVT has compiled a list of eight breathtaking, lesser-known destinations for you to consider on your next RV adventure, so get your RV camping bucket list ready for some new entries!
1. Fly Geyser, Gerlach, Nevada
You’ll find the unusual green-and-red Fly Geyser about 20 miles outside of Gerlach, Nevada, and two hours north of Reno, on the edge of the Nevada Black Rock Desert. While it’s clearly visible from the side of the road, this unique geothermal formation is located on private land and you’ll need to book a tour if you want to see it up close. The three-hour guided nature walk, available through the Friends of Nevada Black Rock High Rock, explores much of the Fly Ranch, including the geyer and hot springs. The limited-capacity tours fill up fast, so make sure you book in advance. No pets are allowed.
What else can we do?
Apart from the Fly Geyser, Bruno’s Cafe/Bar is a hub for locals and visitors alike. Hiking and rockhounding are also popular in the area. A visit to the Gerlach Water Tower Park will provide a shady respite if you need a cooler space. Planet X Pottery, located 14 miles up the road, offers one-of-a-kind paintings and pottery.
Where can we camp?
Limited dry camping is available at the Iveson Ranch and Wildlife Preserve. They have few services, so make sure you are well-stocked before arriving and avoid these common boondocking mistakes. The nearest grocery store is about 100 miles away. There are many hiking trails to enjoy in the area. Iveson Ranch is also a gateway to the backcountry.
2. Hanging Lake, Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Located 10 miles east of the town of Glenwood Springs, this exceptional area is a designated Natural National Landmark. The lake is accessed via a steep, mile-long hike and is a rare example of a travertine geological formation, where the lakebed has dropped away from the valley above it. Water flows into the lake over the stunning Bridal Veil Falls. The area also includes Spouting Rock waterfall and beautiful hanging plant gardens. Keep in mind that this is a sensitive natural area. Pets are not allowed, nor is swimming, fishing, or standing on top of the waterfalls. A reservation and permit are required.
What else can we do?
There are many things to do in the Glenwood Springs area, including hiking, fishing, shopping, the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, and enjoying the area hot springs.
Where can we camp?
There are several RV Parks in the Glenwood Springs, CO area.
3. Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness Study Area, Bloomfield, New Mexico
This unusual, remote, little-known area featuring eroded rock formations is located in San Juan County, New Mexico, approximately 50 miles south of Bloomfield, NM. The Wilderness Study Area is centered along Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wash, which runs through a broad, barren valley. The area is lined by ravines and badlands containing balanced rocks, hoodoos, petrified wood, and other unusual formations. Fossils and dinosaur bones may also be found in the area. There is an official trailhead, and much of the Wilderness Study Area can be seen in half a day. Other interesting areas at the north side of the valley and to the west could take a day or more to fully explore.
This area is way off the beaten track. Using Google Maps and AllTrails is the easiest way to locate this unique space, but have them queued up ahead of time because cell phone reception is spotty and may be non-existent in some areas.
The Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness Study Area is best accessed by RVers with 4×4 adventure vans, or who have RVs that can handle 18 miles of silty, sometimes rocky road. The high desert area is hot in the summer, so make sure you have light clothing, sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. The road may be impassable in inclement weather.
What else can we do?
There are several things to do in the Bloomfield, NM area. The city is the gateway to several attractions beyond Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah, including Angel Peak Scenic Area, Aztec Ruins National Monument, Chaco Culture National Historic Park, Salmon Ruins and Heritage Park, Navajo Lake State Park. Fishing, mountain biking, and hiking are popular in the area.
Where can we camp?
Boondocking on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land is available near the Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness Study Area, or there are several RV Parks near Bloomfield, NM.
4. Hall of Mosses, Forks, Washington
This short, gorgeous hike is perfect for families. The trail is filled with old-growth Sitka Spruce and big-leaf maples draped in green and brown hanging mosses. It’s less than a mile round-trip on a gravel pathway and features educational signage. It’s a great way to experience the lush rainforests of Washington. The trailhead is near the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center.
What else can we do?
The Hoh Rainforest has other trails beyond the Hall of Mosses, including the 1.2 mile Spruce Nature Trail and the Hoh River Trail, an out-and-back trail about 18.5 miles long. Forks, Washington, made famous by the Twilight movies and books, is a great base for visiting the Olympic Peninsula and coastline. Opportunities abound for nature lovers, including kayaking, fishing, hiking, and surfing. Beaches in the area include Second Beach, Ruby Beach, and Rialto Beach. Stop at the Forks Chamber of Commerce/Visitor’s Center for shopping and activities recommendations.
Where can we camp?
There are several RV Parks in the Forks, WA area.
5. Nine Mile Canyon, Carbon County, Utah
This 46-mile canyon is known as ‘the longest outdoor art gallery’, featuring miles of abundant, well-preserved petroglyphs created by the Ute, Fremont, and Archaic people. It’s said that the canyon got its moniker when a topographer named F.M. Bishop did a nine-mile triangulation of the area in 1869, which he called Nine Mile Creek. The Nine Mile Canyon Road provides a smooth, paved route through the canyon. While driving is the swiftest way through, take time to explore the canyon and see the petroglyphs at close range. There are several pullouts along the route. Photos are permitted, but please don’t touch the artwork. The area also offers excellent mountain biking trails.
What else can we do?
There are several other attractions in the Carbon County area, including the Prehistoric Museum, Western Mining and Railroad Museum, the Coal Miner’s Memorial, Huntington State Park, and the Basso Dino Mine Park .
Where can we camp?
Nine Mile Ranch is the only place to camp inside the canyon. There are 18 campsites available on this working cattle ranch. Campsites can fit two to three vehicles per site. Pets are permitted for a fee. Other RV parks are located outside of the canyon.
6. Crater Lake, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Crater Lake is an exquisite natural wonder born from a catastrophic volcanic eruption. Mount Mazama erupted and collapsed approximately 7,700 years ago, forming the lake. The deep blue waters are 1,943 feet deep, making it the deepest lake in America. It’s also one of the cleanest and clearest because it is fed only by rain and snow. Swimming is possible at designated areas, but it is typically very cold. The 33-mile Rim Drive takes you on a scenic loop of the lake with over 30 pullouts to enjoy vistas like Pinnacle Overlook, Discovery Point, and Pumice Castle Overlook. Wizard Island is the largest island in the lake. In the summer, visitors can take a boat tour out to the island and climb to its summit.
The Crater Lake National Park is home to some magnificent old-growth forests. Rivers, waterfalls, and gorgeous green expanses are all part of the park experience, with many beautiful trails for hiking, snowshoeing, and wildlife viewing. Crater Lake also offers some great mountain biking, but the landscape is very hilly and requires endurance, so make sure you have experience in this type of terrain before you attempt to ride it. All roads, trails, and amenities are fully open from July through September, making it the ideal time to visit. Snow can remain in the area until June. There are several restaurants available in the Crater Lake National Park.
What else can we do?
Popular activities in the area include hiking, mountain biking, fishing and birdwatching. The city of Klamath Falls also offers many attractions, including Moore Park, Link Trail, three museums, plus shopping and restaurants along its historic Main Street.
Where can we camp?
Diamond Lake RV Park and Mazama Campground both feature RV sites in the national park. Make a reservation before you go. There are also several RV parks in the Klamath Falls, OR area.
7. Southern Grace Lavender Farm, Southport, Florida
If you’re in the Panama City, FL area, check out the beautiful Southern Grace Lavender Farm. Located just a couple of minutes north of downtown Panama City and 40 minutes from Panama City Beach, this fragrant urban farm is a delight to visit. Over 45 species of lavender plants are located onsite, with over 2,500 different varieties. The main lavender harvest is in June and July, but some lavender may be in bloom at other times of the year. The onsite gift shop is open Tuesday through Saturday.
What else can we do?
Nearby Panama City Beach offers a variety of activities and attractions, including 27 miles of white sand beaches, airboat and jet ski tours, parasailing excursions, scuba diving, and the Cobra Adventure Park.
Where can we camp?
Camping is available onsite, or at many area RV parks.
8. Glory Hole Falls, Fallsville, Arkansas
Glory Hole Falls in the Ozark National Forest is a sight to behold. This unique waterfall was formed by the creek boring a hole in the ceiling of an overhang cave and falling 30 ft. to the rocky bottom. The 1.8 mile round-trip hike to the falls is short and beautiful, but may not be easily accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. It’s rocky and steep in some areas, and is mostly downhill going there, and uphill on the way back. The hike runs along Dismal Creek and features a forested landscape with overhanging cliffs and small waterfalls. The Glory Hole is best seen after a rain for the greatest effect, otherwise it may not be much more than a trickle. There are no washrooms on site. Make sure you have sturdy footwear for the rocky and sometimes damp terrain. If you’re hiking in the summer, bring bug spray. Due to the remote location, cell reception is hit and miss. Pets are permitted in the Ozark National Forest. Remember to bring your camera!
What else can we do?
The Buffalo National River area features hiking, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, with plenty of waterfalls, caves, and wildlife to view.
Where can we camp?
The Buffalo Outdoor Center in Ponca offers RV camping with full hookups.
With the new RV camping season on the horizon, consider adding one or more of these breathtaking, out-of-the-way spots to your itinerary this year. Have you been to any of these vacation spots, or have others you think should be on the list? Let us know in the comments. If you’re looking for a new or used RV near you to join you on your next adventure, take a look at the available units at RVT.com!
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