Unlocking Life’s Greatest Adventures: The Bucket List Journey
Once you retire from punching the clock, it is time to hit the road in your RV or travel trailer. You likely have quite a few stops to check off your bucket list. Studies have shown you can save money by visiting these places in an RV or travel trailer. Here are the top 50 locations throughout the U.S. that you should consider adding to your bucket list of upcoming vacation stops.
Disney World
FLORIDA
You may have visited Disney World with your kids or even your grandkids in the past. However, visiting Disney World as a retiree without children is entirely different. You will be able to experience the attractions, rides, and other park events in a way you have never done before – especially with all the new additions and improvements that Disney continues to make year after year.
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort in Orlando is a haven for retirees, designed to cater to large groups and RVs. Each site is equipped with premium amenities like picnic tables and charcoal grills, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely outdoor meal. The full hookups ensure a comfortable stay, especially when you have multi-day passes to explore the Disney parks at your own pace.
Plan your adventure: Disney World
New York City
NEW YORK
You cannot enjoy everything New York City offers in a single day or even on a single trip. For instance, you can enjoy a one-day sightseeing tour of the city or participate in a group tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. You could also visit the 9/11 Memorial Museum or the Metropolitan Museum of the Arts.
You may even want to see a Broadway show or go to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck. Everyone should experience Times Square at least once – especially when the sun goes down and the entire street lights up before your very eyes. You cannot park an RV in city spaces for over 24 hours, but there are nearby RV parks that you can consider – such as the year-round RV camping at Camp Gateway in Brooklyn or Liberty Harbor RV Park in New Jersey.
Plan your adventure: New York City
Yellowstone National Park
WYOMING
You can spend countless hours traveling throughout Yellowstone National Park, enjoying and experiencing all that this amazing vacation spot has to offer. Perhaps you want to camp in the backcountry. On the other hand, seeing the Old Faithful geyser in person may be on your bucket list.
Regardless of your reason, you should add this national park to your bucket list of RV trips. The Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park in West Yellowstone, Montana, offers a variety of full hookup options—including sewer, water, and cable—in addition to 30-50 amp electric service. Its layout lets you enjoy views of the wooded areas and lakefront during your stay.
Plan your adventure: Yellowstone National Park
Mount Rainier
WASHINGTON STATE
Few peaks outside the Rocky Mountains have such a high peak as Mount Rainier. If you want high adventures, being 14,000 feet above sea level will fulfill that goal. For an extreme experience, you could even hike up the side of an active volcano during your stay.
There are no RV camping sites available with hookups within this park. However, you can go to White River or Cougar Rock for an RV dry camping experience. It is best to use an off-site campground for your overall accommodations and visit Mount Rainier as a trip highlight.
Plan your adventure: Mount Rainier
Grand Canyon National Park
ARIZONA
Visiting the Grand Canyon is already on your bucket list. However, it should be near the top of that list! The South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park is easier to access and open year-round. With an average elevation of 7,000 feet above sea level, it is an unforgettable sight and experience.
Just wait until sunset to see the starry sky in a way you may never have seen before due to Arizona’s low light pollution rate. There are plenty of campgrounds and RV parks available, including the Mather Campground in Grand Canyon Village and the Zion River Resort in Virgin, Utah.
Plan your adventure: Grand Canyon National Park
New Orleans
LOUISIANA
Whether you want to have fun or learn a lot on your vacation, New Orleans is another great place to add to your bucket list. If you want a taste of the jazz-filled nightlife, head to the French Quarter or Bourbon Street. You can also enjoy a little art and culture at Jackson Square or the first-class architecture and history of the 18th-century St. Louis Cathedral.
Don’t forget about Mardi Gras each year in late February/early March. Perhaps scheduling your trip around when Mardi Gras starts will allow you to truly experience New Orleans at its peak. The French Quarter RV Resort is a popular choice for RV travelers, but the Pontchartrain Landing RV Park is another feasible option to consider as well.
Plan your adventure: New Orleans
The Kentucky Derby
KENTUCKY
The Kentucky Derby horse race is held on the first Saturday in May each year, ending the two-week Kentucky Derby Festival. For years, fancy hats and seersuckers have been worn to this race, making it a popular attraction and a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many people.
Perhaps you can show up to the Kentucky Derby in your own “derby outfit” to blend in and sip on a mint julep while watching the race. You could even head to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail when the race is over to spend some time at the local distilleries. The Derby Park Expo Five, Louisville South KOA, and the Trackside RV Park are just some available options for extended accommodations.
Plan your adventure: The Kentucky Derby
Nashville Music City
TENNESSEE
The city of Nashville is an attraction simply because of all the historical elements and entertaining attractions found within it. For instance, you can visit the Grand Ole Opry or Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum to taste music history.
While you are there, you could even see the Tennessee homes of several celebrities and country music stars, such as Toby Keith and Martina McBride.
Even a night trolley tour allows you to see the city illuminated after dark. The Safe Harbor RV Resort or Two Rivers RV Park has comfortable and spacious RV sites with first-class amenities and hookups.
Plan your adventure: Nashville Music City
Niagara Falls
NEW YORK
Have you ever seen waterfalls taller than 160 feet that flow more than 2.2 liters per second? If you have visited Niagara Falls, you can answer that question with a resounding “YES!” If that is not your answer, do yourself a favor and add this to your bucket list.
You may need a passport to travel, but it will be worth it to realize that Niagara Falls is essentially an international boundary that separates the United States from Canada. If you have seen it in daylight, then you will love to see it illuminated at night. The Niagara Falls State Park and the Branches of Niagara Campground & Resort are great choices for RV accommodations during your stay.
Plan your adventure: Niagara Falls
Joshua Tree National Park
CALIFORNIA
The Arch Rock Trail is still one of the most popular parts of the Joshua Tree National Park. It is only a half-mile hike, so you can get the fresh air and exercise you need without feeling exhausted and stuck out in the wilderness. Quite a few tourists enjoy taking pictures or selfies while standing in Arch Rock. However, there are many other rock formations that you can enjoy just as much (if not more) by taking the time to enjoy the scenic route of the entire trail. The Jumbo Rocks Campground and the Belle Campground are relatively close, so you have multiple options for RV parking accommodations.
Plan your adventure: Joshua Tree National Park
