People ask where we like to go and what do we like to do. Well, mostly we prefer the great outdoors when it comes to selecting a campsite. National and State Parks are at the top of our list of places to take our adventures. We are also not above boondocking and finding a home for a few days without any services.
National Parks can prove to be a little difficult since we are traveling in a 36 foot motorhome. But we have been able to find a few that allow vehicles that big. Most state parks will accommodate us with ease if I do the research and find sites that long. The experiences we have in the parks completely outweigh the lack of services.
We enjoy the ability to feel as if we are alone with peace and quiet that most state parks offer especially during the off season when the crowds are sparse. We have also learned to avoid state parks on the weekends during the peak season.
The Corp of Engineers offer great campgrounds across the country but most are east of the Mississippi River. We have visited many of them in our area and for the most part they are very similar. All are on a lake or river and many close to a dam. They usually offer water and 50 amp service and a few even have full hookups. The ones we have visited are off the main roads and far away from the major cities which is fine with us. Most are well maintained with nice spacious sites.
We enjoy hiking and just walking all the trails around every place we stay. While our age prevents us from strenuous hiking it does not keep us from the longer medium hikes. Most times I have researched the area and know all the trails available long before we arrive at our destination.
Our trips are planned to allow plenty of time to explore, walk, hike and enjoy everything about the state and national parks. One of our objectives on every trip is to view the wildlife. rarely do the National and State Parks disappoint.
One of our favorite State Parks is Ridgway near Ouray in Colorado. Beautiful park with three campgrounds. We prefer the one on top of the mountain because of the views and the spaciousness of the sites. The park offers several trails where we have seen beavers and deer regularly.
It is also near Ouray and not far from Silverton. Numerous dirt roads surround the park allowing for days of exploring. If you ever get that way be sure to drive the Million Dollar Highway between Ouray and Durango. Just do not try it in an RV. It is considered one of the most scenic drives in the country but it is not for the faint of heart and steep drop offs and narrow roads are along most of the route.
Favorite Hikes and Walks
- Rainey Lake – North Cascades National Park – Washington
- Pacific Ocean Coast – Oregon
- Emerald Lake – Rocky Mountain National Park – Colorado
- Salt Creek Recreation Area – Port Angeles Washington
- Lake Louise – Canada
- Along the shores of Lake Tahoe – California
- Through the Redwoods – Redwoods National Park California
- The Narrows – Zion National Park – Utah
- South Rim – Grand Canyon National Park – Arizona
- Jenny Lake – Grand Teton National Park – Wyoming
- Lake MacDonald – Glacier National Park – Montana
- Hoh Rainforest – Olympic National Park – Washington
- Laurel Falls – Smoky Mountain National Park – Tennessee