RV Parts

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: the very best road trips aren’t about the destination.

Especially in the RV world, it’s all about the journey — and making that trip as memorable, comfortable, and beautiful as possible. Seeking out the scenic view has been a road trip tradition since road trips were a thing. In fact, that’s one of the most attractive aspects of road tripping in the first place: You actually have the time (and are generally traveling slowly enough) to take in the beauty of the road you’re traveling. Don’t get us wrong, the views out of an airplane window can be beautiful… but it’s hard to pick out individual details from 35,000 feet!

We think RVing goes hand in hand with taking the back roads, the slow roads, the roads that don’t necessarily get you where you’re going fast… but which you’ll always remember. And many of the roads we’re about to talk about are so beautiful, you’ll be glad they aren’t getting you anywhere fast. In fact, you may just wish they went on even longer!

 

So buckle up, campers! It’s time to hit the road. And while it may not be a short journey, it’s definitely going to be a good one.

Best Scenic Drives in the USA

Alright, enough chatter about logistics. You’re looking to take the ultimate American road trip, right?

If stunning scenery is what you’re after, here are 17 of the very best US trips to consider.

1. 17-Mile Drive, California

Don’t get us wrong: You should definitely take the Pacific Coast Highway through Big Sur. (In fact, for best results, start in San Diego and don’t stop until Vancouver.)

But this short, privately-owned drive around the jutting coastline of Pebble Beach is lesser known, though just as stunning. Coastal cliffs on one side and snow-white sand beaches on the other, all under the perfect everpresent breeze of central coast California… how can you go wrong?

Do note, however, that admission to 17-Mile Drive does require a fee of $10.25 per vehicle, which can be paid in cash only. This price is reimbursed with a $35 purchase at most Pebble Beach Resorts restaurants, except for Pebble Beach Market.

2. Beartooth Highway, Montana and Wyoming

Winding its way through almost 70 miles of these two mountain momma states, Beartooth Highway is a must-do if you’re visiting nearby Yellowstone. It’s an easy way to get acquainted to one of the most biodiverse landscapes in the country — and a whole lot of natural beauty, to boot. Glacial lakes, forest-covered valleys, and waterfalls await, as do mountain goats, grizzly bears, and wolves. It’s definitely worth taking the slow way in the heart of America’s first federally-preserved ecosystems!

3. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia

Spanning more than 400 smoky, roaming miles, the Blue Ridge Parkway may just be correct in naming itself “America’s Favorite Drive.”  If you take on the entire thing, you’ll pass through two states and countless ancient mountain valleys — not to mention all the unique attractions and stops there are to make along the way. Whether you go during the lush greenery of summer or the leaf-changing transition of fall, the view is a hard act to follow.

Along with hiking, biking, and other outdoorsy opportunities, this part of the country is also well-known for its delicious, estate-grown wines and craft beers. In fact, the Blue Ridge Parkway winds right past Asheville, which has one of the highest numbers of breweries per capita in the entire country.

4. Bluebonnet Trails, Texas

Although it’s just 35 miles outside of Dallas, you may not have heard of Ennis, Texas — but if you want to see one of the most heartstopping displays of bluebonnets in the country, you may consider typing it into your GPS. Designated by the state in 1997 as the “Official Bluebonnet City of Texas,” the town is also the nexus of almost 40 miles of wildflower-strewn driving routes, bubbling over with these violet beauties each April.

Even More Gorgeous Road Trip Ideas

We’re not done yet! If you’re looking for a scenic road in America, here are just a few to pick from.

5. Death Valley Scenic Byway, Death Valley National Park, California

Lowest, hottest, and arguably most surreal: Death Valley is well known to be a land of extremes. But even if you’re not prepared to tackle this demanding landscape on foot, you can get some taste of its intensity simply by simply driving through it.

Spanning 81 miles of CA-190 between Olancha and Death Valley Junction, this scenic road cuts right through the heart of the National Park — which you will need to pay an entry fee for. (Psst: If you’re doing lots of National Park travel this year, consider upgrading to the annual America the Beautiful Pass; it’s only $80, or even less for certain demographics, and you’ll get into over 2,000 federal recreational sites free of charge!)

6. Florida’s Route 17 Scenic Highway

Yeah, yeah, we’ve all heard about the Overseas Highway and the Seven Mile Bridge. But if you want to see what real, old Florida looks like, you’ve got to head to the center, where live oak canopies are punctuated by vast fields of farmland that are still being worked to this day.

As you cut through the heart of the state on this 60 mile drive from Loughman to Sebring, you’ll pass citrus fields, farmhouses, lakes, and cold springs — which are definitely worth taking a detour for. At 74 degrees year round, there’s never a wrong time to take a quick dip!

7. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park, Montana

Another national park scenic byway, this drive may just be one of the most famous American roads on the list. But thanks to the area’s extreme northern latitude and elevation, you’ll have to time your trip right if you want to experience it!

Because of the ice and snow that give this Montana national park its name, many parts of Glacier are inaccessible for a broad swath of the year — including its most celebrated scenic route. The road may not be entirely plowed and clear for vehicular traffic until well into July, depending on the season.

But if you visit the Crown of the Continent in the summertime, you’ll be rewarded not only with this stunning drive, but with amazing hiking opportunities revealing high alpine lakes and forests that seem brought to life from a fairy tale. Just be sure to be safe with your food and hike in groups. Northern Montana is grizzly bear country!

8. Needles Highway, South Dakota

This 14-mile stretch of South Dakota Highway 87 was actually considered “impossible” to construct by its detractors back in the nineteen-teens — but sure enough, its builders persisted, creating a winding series of sharp turns through awe-inducing granite peaks and spires. The loop is only about 30 miles south of Rapid City, tucked in the northern section of Custer State Park. Since you’ll already be paying for entry, take advantage of the area’s ample hiking, fishing, and bison-watching opportunities — herds often graze and lounge just feet from the roadside.

9. Historic Columbia River Highway, Oregon

Known by locals as “the King of Roads,” this historic scenic byway winds its way through the gorge, past waterfalls, streams, wildflowers, and plateaus. You’ll definitely want to get out your hiking map to figure out where along the way to stop and explore on foot. Although some of the area is presently shut down due to wildfire damage, several trails remain open, according to the USDA.

10. Lemhi Pass, Montana and Idaho

Straddling the border of two of the most mountainous states in the union, Lemhi Pass passes through the Beaverhead range, a subset of the Bitterroot section of the Rocky Mountains. It follows the continental divide, meaning it’s a whopping 7,373 feet above sea level. And although it’s fairly easily accessible from either stateside (and has actually been designated a National Historical Landmark), it is an unpaved road, which means you may need to disconnect your tow vehicle before you venture down it!

11. Loneliest Highway, Nevada

U.S. Route 50 is actually a transcontinental road, running more than 3,000 miles from Ocean City, Maryland to Sacramento. That means it meanders through lots of rural landscapes — but the section that knifes Nevada in half was named “The Loneliest Road in America” by LIFE magazine back in 1986, and no one could really argue.

The nickname has stuck, as has the lack of population and traffic (so far). So if you’re looking to feel like you’re all the way out there, plan this driving route on the way to or from Las Vegas or Great Basin.

12. North Cascades Highway, Washington

Washington State Route 20 is the northernmost way across the Cascade Mountain Range, and is a subsection of the larger Cascade Loop, a 400-mile tour of this unique and stunning biosphere. Lush greenery, gem-like blue lakes, and precipitous cliff faces await the brave explorer who takes this trip through the American Alps.

13. Park Loop Road, Acadia National Park, Maine

Beginning (and ending) at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center inside Maine’s famous, granite-peak-studded Acadia National Park, this 27-mile drive showcases Acadia’s lakes, mountains, forest, and its signature rocky coast. If you drive a particularly large RV, however, be forewarned: much of the route is one-way traffic only, and it does traverse some narrow passages.

The Best Road Trips for Scenic Travel

Which is the best road? The most beautiful, of course.

14. The Road to Hana, Hawaii

You may have to fly (or boat, or… swim a long way?) to get there, but once you’re in — er, on? — the Aloha State, this epic drive awaits. Plush jungle landscapes and breathtaking coastlines combine to create one of the most visually diverse and stunning driving experiences in the country, all punctuated with fascinating historical and cultural sites where you can learn more about the early days of Hawaii.

15. Silver Thread Scenic and Historic Byway, Colorado

This 120-mile drive through some of the most beautiful parts of consistently-stunning Colorado will wind you by pouring waterfalls, glassy lakes, and small towns dotted with interesting attractions. Creede, Colorado, for instance, has a population of less than 300 — but its Repertory Theater was named “one of the 10 best places to see the lights way off Broadway” by USA Today. Creede is also home to the Underground Mining Museum, which can help you learn more about the silver boom to which the town owes its foundation… and the hardscrabble lifestyle of the men who actually did the digging.

16. Ten Mile Drive, Rhode Island

This scenic drive may be a short one — but it packs a whole lot of beauty into its handful of miles. (Besides, what else would you expect from the smallest state in the union?)

Traversing the perimeter of the peninsula south of Newport, this drive is divided into four legs:  Brenton Cove Shore, East Passage of Narragansett Bay, Ocean Drive, and Bellevue Ave. You’ll see historic homes and mansions bespeaking a gilded age, when wealthy New Yorkers would make their way south to their Rhode Island summer homes in the late 1800s. You’ll also pass the state’s stunning Brenton Point State Park, whose windswept beaches draw both amateur and competitive kite flyers.

17. The High Road to Taos, New Mexico

Yes, there are more direct routes from New Mexico’s capital to its favorite ski bowl — but this slightly longer drive is sure to show you why artists like Ansel Adams and Georgia O’Keeffe found the high desert landscape so intriguing. After taking 84 north to the south end of Española, you’ll cut east on 76 to pass through the charming little town of Chimayo, before meandering through a few more small towns within the pine-filled (and decidedly un-desert-like) Carson National Forest.

Finally, you’ll arrive in Taos, where the well-known mountains loom large over the striking cut of the Rio Grande Gorge. Don’t miss a stop on the bridge of the same name — but even if you’re not normally afraid of heights, be sure to prepare your stomach.

Ready to take a Road Trip in the USA to Remember?

Here’s the thing: considering how large and lovely this country of ours is, pretty much any American road trip can be one to remember. No matter which state you start in or what destination you’ve got your sights set on, there’s a gorgeous USA road that’ll take you there — even if it does take just a little bit longer than the most direct route.

Happy trails to you, campers. May they always be the most scenic ones available, even if they’re not the fastest! After all, it’s not a race — it’s a journey.

Lichtsinn RV, America’s closest dealer to Winnebago Industries, has been named Top North American Winnebago Dealer by Winnebago Industries for the last four consecutive years. We proudly sell New RVs manufactured by Winnebago Industries as well as Used RVs.

Post originally seen on RVShare.com 

Taking your first trip in an RV is beyond exciting. There’s the thrill of trying something new, the ease of camping with your own bathroom and kitchen, and the anticipation of adventure when you get to your destination. Even the chore of packing can be kind of fun! Of course, before you start loading up your rig, you’ll want to make an RV checklist.

In many ways, packing for an RV trip is similar to packing for any other road trip. But there are certain things that, as a beginner, you may not realize. (For example, did you know there’s a special kind of toilet paper made just for RVs?) Don’t worry — we’re here to help. Read on to learn more about what to pack for an RV trip.

 

RV Trip Planner
To start making your RV checklist, we recommend thinking about your day from the moment you get up in the morning. Start in bed, for example. Do you have a favorite pillow? Do you like to bundle up with several blankets? Do you have a hard time sleeping without a box fan? Add those items to your list so you can be comfortable during your trip.

Next, you’ll probably want a cup of hot coffee and something to eat for breakfast, so you’ll want to make sure your RV has a coffee maker or French press. Don’t forget to think about plates and silverware! Some people prefer the ease of disposable utensils, while others are fine washing their own dishes to prevent waste. If you plan on washing dishes, be sure to bring a sponge, some dish soap, and some clean dish towels to get the job done.

By mentally going through your day step-by-step, it’s easy to see what RV supplies need to be packed. You can use this method to figure out whether you’ll want some folding chairs and string lights for sitting outside, or to remember to pack some plastic wine glasses to use at dinner. While you want to be prepared, be cautious not to overpack. Remember: Every item you bring with you is extra weight that you’ll be hauling down the highway, which in turn reduces your overall fuel efficiency.

Camping Checklist
Many people like traveling in an RV because it gives them the opportunity to cook meals at home. Before you head to the supermarket to stock up, make an RV grocery list of all the drinks, snacks, and kitchen essentials you think you’ll want on the road. This is where meal planning really comes in handy — if you’re so inclined, you can even think of creative ways to reuse your leftovers for another meal!

Again, cooking in an RV is a different experience than cooking in a regular kitchen, so be sure to prepare accordingly. For example, you may not have an oven or a full-sized refrigerator, which means you would need to think of recipes that can be cooked on a stovetop or without a lot of perishable items. And if you’re planning on grilling, don’t forget to pick up some charcoal (and a portable camp grill if there won’t be one at your campsite).

RV Essentials
Now for the fun part — RV accessories! There are so many RV camping supplies on the market that sometimes it can be hard to determine what things are optional and what truly are the camping necessities. For the most part, using items you already own is more than OK. While the aforementioned RV toilet paper is nice to have, you should be fine with any thin, single-ply version that can be easily picked up at your regular grocery store.

As far as a camping supplies list, we recommend stocking up on:

bug spray
a fan to keep you cool and ward off bugs
camping chairs
sunscreen
a folding trash can
matches or a lighter to start a fire or grill
string lights for ambiance and more outdoor visibility
anything else that makes your trip more comfortable and convenient
In the end, you really don’t need the latest RV camping gear or gizmos to have a fun and memorable trip. If we could summarize our packing advice in a few thoughts, we’d say to make a list in advance, come prepared, and avoid overpacking. After that, don’t stress — your fellow RV-ers tend to be a friendly bunch and will more than likely be happy to let you borrow anything you forgot. Safe travels and happy camping!

Lichtsinn RV, America’s closest dealer to Winnebago Industries, has been named Top North American Winnebago Dealer by Winnebago Industries for the last four consecutive years. We proudly sell New RVs manufactured by Winnebago Industries as well as Used RVs.

Post originally seen on RVShare.com