Exploring
Below is a list of fun and adventurous places to explore throughout Southern California I believe any van or RV nomad will enjoy. Each of these locations is easily accessible for a van or RV.
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a must-visit for any van or RV lifer. The sight of seeing hundreds of balloons floating in the air is worth the price of
Aliso Beach
Aliso Beach is one of those hidden jewels that most van and RV nomads neglect to visit. The beach is beautiful with tidepools and amazing scenery. The waves here are
Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves
The Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves is a memorable adventure for any van or RV nomad looking to explore the Anza-Borrego Desert Park. If you like exploring the middle of the
Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park
Overview: The Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park is a great adventure for any van or RV nomad looking to explore all of the Antelope Valley. The park is
Austin Texas
Austin, Texas, welcomes van lifers with a vibrant mix of outdoor adventures, cultural history, and lively city experiences. This eclectic city boasts something for everyone, from scenic hiking trails to
Balboa Park
Balboa Park is one of my favorite places to spend the day and explore. The park offers a wide variety of activities to include hiking, cycling, golfing, frisbee golf, swimming,
Big Bear
Big Bear has it all; hiking, camping, mountain biking, snow skiing, boondocking, sailing, horseback riding, good restaurants, bars, and much more. This makes it one of the best places in
Bisbee Az
Bisbee Arizona is a hidden jewel that every Vanlifer must visit if in Southern Arizona. Bisbee is an old mining town that has a rich history and thriving art and
Blackbird Airpark / Joe Davis Heritage Airpark
Overview: Blackbird and Joe Davis Heritage Airpark is worth a visit for any van or RV nomad who loves aviation. Both parks have amazing aircraft on display from the SR-71,
Blythe Intaglios
Overview: A trip to the Blythe Intaglios makes for a memorable adventure for any van or RV nomad. The Intaglios are located on Highway 95 15-miles north of Blythe Ca
Cabrillo National Monument
The Cabrillo National Monument makes a good day trip for any van or RV nomad looking for a little California history. The Monument is located at the southern tip of
Calico Ghost Town
Calico Ghost Town is a unique spot for any van lifer wishing to visit and explore a relic of the past. The ghost town was founded in 1881 and is
California Citrus State Historic Park
California Citrus State Historic Park is one of the lesser-known state parks in California. It is a great place for any van or RV nomad looking to learn a little
Catalina Island
Santa Catalina Island is located 29 miles from Long Beach and is an amazing destination for any van or RV lifer looking to adventure. Activities on the island offer hiking,
Cedar Breaks National Monument
Cedar Breaks National Monument is one of those hidden jewels in Utah that everyone must visit. It often gets overshadowed by its more popular parks but it still has the
Coachella Valley Preserve
Previous Next Overview: NEEDS UPDATE Afton Canyon is one of the hidden gems for spring and fall camping in the Mojave desert. The campground is a first-come, first-service basis and
Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park captivates van lifers with its awe-inspiring beauty. Marvel at the deepest lake in the United States, formed in a volcanic caldera, and soak in its sapphire-blue
Desert Bar
Nellie E Saloon Desert Bar is a unique location that every van lifer must visit once if you find yourself around Parker or Lake Havasu. The bar offers a great
Desert View Tower
No trip along the I-8 Freeway to/from the Anza Borrego desert is complete without a stopover at the unique Desert View Tower. The tower is located near Jacumba and Ocotillo
Evergreen Aviation Space Museum
At the Evergreen Air and Space Museum, a van lifer can immerse themselves in aviation and aerospace history. They can marvel at iconic aircraft like the Spruce Goose, explore interactive
Exotic Feline Breeding Compound
Overview The Exotic Feline Breeding Compound, or the Cat House as the cats like to call it, is a fun place to visit for any van or RV nomad looking
Flaming Gorge Recreational Area
Flaming Gorge National Recreational Area is a popular attraction for van lifers and the RV community for years. It is a vast reservoir providing an outstanding opportunity for boating, fishing,
Franklin Canyon Park
Franklin Canyon Park is one of the hidden jewels of Los Angeles. The park is located less than 3-miles from the crowds and is an excellent place for any van
Glacier National Park
Embarking on a vanlife journey in Glacier National Park promises boundless adventures. Roam along the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road, with its breathtaking vistas. Hike scenic trails like Highline or Hidden Lake,
Griffith Park
Griffith Park is home to the Griffith Observatory and Los Angeles Zoo and is a perfect van or RV nomad escape within the city. Within the park, you can enjoy
Holtville Hot Springs
Holtville Hot Springs Long-Term Visitor Area (LTVA) is located east of Holtville, Ca, on the US and Mexican Border. The hot springs have two small artificial tubs with a nozzle
Holy Toledo
As a van lifer venturing into Toledo, Oregon, prepare for an authentic small-town experience. Embrace the charm of this quaint community nestled amid the lush coastal landscape. Engage with friendly
Kate Sessions Park
Kate Session Park is a 79-acre park perched high atop Lamont Street at Soledad Road on the border between Pacific Beach and La Jolla. It’s named after noted local horticulturalists
Lake Havasu
Lake Havasu is a popular destination during the cooler months for van lifers and RV dwellers. You will find plenty of nomads boondocking on the BLM lands just outside the
Manzanar National Historic Site
Manzanar National Historic Site is a place every van or RV nomad should visit. It’s located 5-miles north of Lone Pine on US Highway 395. The site is the location
McCall, Idaho
Van dwellers will never run out of things to do in McCall, Idaho. Kayaking on Payette Lake is the perfect warm-up for a hike up Brundage. Enjoy the rush of
Montezuma Castle National Monument
Montezuma Castle National Monument in Arizona is a captivating destination for van lifers seeking to explore the rich history and natural beauty of the American Southwest. This unique site features
Mount Wilson
Mount Wilson and the Mount Wilson Observatory make a great day trip out of the city. The parking lot at the top of Mount Wilson offers amazing views of the
Old Town San Diego
Old Town San Diego Historic Park makes an excellent day trip for any van lifer looking to explore San Diego’s birthplace to eat, shop or drink tequila. Its many
Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park beckons van lifers with its breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Explore lush rainforests, hike to picturesque waterfalls, and stroll along rugged coastlines. Witness the grandeur of Mount
Paso Robles
Paso Robles is a great destination for any van lifer who loves wine, olive oil, and the beauty of vineyards. Driving around the area is breathtaking and well worth an
Prescott Arizona
Prescott is a wonderful place to visit for any van lifer. This medium sized town offers a rich history, hiking, camping and amazing restaurants. The town square is dates back
San Juan Hot Springs
San Juan Hot Springs adjacent to Highway 74 has seen better days. There is not too much left except for a couple of pools of hot steamy water. Back in
Silver City, NM
Silver City, New Mexico, beckons van lifers with a tapestry of outdoor adventures. From hiking in the Gila National Forest to fishing in the Gila River, mountain biking rugged trails,
St. George
St. George has it all for any van or RV lifer. This medium sized town of 180k people has some of the most beautiful parks our country in its backyard
Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area
As a Van lifer exploring the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, prepare to be enchanted by rugged coastal beauty. Marvel at the iconic Yaquina Head Lighthouse, learn about its rich
Zion National Park
Zion National Park needs no introduction. It’s arguably one of the most beautiful national parks in all of America. It is a must-visit location for any van lifer. The amount
Zzyzx Road
Zzyzx Road is a great out-of-the-ordinary adventure for any van or RV nomad driving to/from Las Vegas. ZZYZX is just west of Baker California on I-15 and is an