Off-the-Beaten-Path Locations for RVers

There is no denying the popularity of RV camping and all the fun outdoor activities that go along with it. That popularity often means tons of RVers frequent the same campgrounds and destinations, where it can often get crowded—and noisy. So where can you go to truly escape all the chaos? Three of our proud affiliates and RV experts generously share their favorite off-the-beaten-path locations, and our very own Wholesale Warranties CEO reflects upon a cool local spot he has loved for many years now.

Bill Widmer — The Wandering RV

I found a hike called Little Si while traveling the Pacific Northwest. It’s this beautiful little trail in North Bend—and it rains a lot there. I found it when a friend, who was a local, invited us out. I highly recommend going when it’s drizzling a bit because it makes everything greener, and you get to feel like you’re hiking into the clouds. Because you are! The rain clouds hang low around the mountain, and you can hike right into them.

Click here to see what it’s like to hike into the clouds, and feel free to check out our website for more on RV travel!

Jeremy and Kendra — Countryside RVing

One of our favorite places to camp is a place I have been going to since I was one year old. There is a camping area called Slide Group Area in the middle of the Lincoln National Forest outside Cloudcroft, New Mexico.

My entire family, including my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, started camping here in 1987 and camped every year around the Fourth of July until 2003. At the time, there were 14 of us. When my grandparents passed away in 2017, we knew we wanted to get together for a memorial back at Slide Group Area. So, in 2018, our entire family, now much larger at 37 people, camped and spent the weekend remembering our times growing up with our grandparents.

Slide Group Area is about an hour away from the White Sands National Park and  sits on the Rim Trail, which is 30.5 miles of trail on the western rim of the Sacramento Mountains. It is a total boondocking location but has a pavilion with picnic tables, tent sites, a firepit, and a National Park Systems restroom. As of now, they provide a 300-gallon water tank with a pump for water!

 

Debra Benton — The Virtual Campground

We like going off the beaten track and boondocking to really get away from it all. While it requires a bit more planning, especially if you need Wi-Fi, we have found beautiful spots!  Our top choices for boondocking are in Sedona, AZ and near the Collegiate Mountains of Colorado. But our favorite find was Willow Creek Campground outside of Grand Lake, CO. Grand Lake is a cute mountain town nestled alongside gorgeous lakes and has the added benefit of being nine miles from the western entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Barry and I did not make a reservation in hopes we could boondock or get into one of the first-come, first-serve campgrounds. I took our Jeep out to scout sites while Barry hung back in the rig. Several of the roads were pretty torn up or too remote for the rig. I was getting worried that we were going to end up in a crowded campground when I saw the turn for Willow Creek. I loved the view and the camp, which seemed to have plenty of space, but wasn’t too sure about the rig getting into the narrow space. Barry is a braver driver than I and decided he could make it work. With careful maneuvering, he made it in a spot that we just fit in!  We had a beautiful view of sunsets over the reservoir. Our site was visited by grouse and deer. And to make it even more special, we had a small path down to our own private beach. With the short distance to Grand Lake and Winter Park, we had a wonderful couple of weeks.

Here is a photo of the Willow Lake campground from our website!

More Options for an RV Escape

Your options for remote travel destinations feel limitless. Our generous affiliates continue to share a variety of new and exciting locations with us—and all of you! It is understandably easy to fall into the comfortable routine and simplicity of a shared campground. However, our friends with The Virtual Campground would like to share six reasons why you should give boondocking a try. They provide helpful insight and share some of the beautiful locations they have found and loved. Here is a great YouTube video about their favorite places to go and things to do around the gorgeous Sedona, AZ and the Verde Valley.

For a few more options from our RV community partners, check out these RV destination features from Keep Your Daydream and Roads Less Traveled!

There are endless hidden gems throughout this gorgeous expanse of country, and you often don’t have to travel too far to find a perfect, private little enclave of your own—you just need to look in the right places. Folks love to escape to the forested mountains for a break from the bustle of life. However, if you happen to find yourself in a more popular location, like in our home city of San Diego, here is our owner’s top recommendation for a fun-filled beach vacation.

Jeff Shelton — CEO of Wholesale Warranties

One of my all-time favorite places has always been Campland On the Bay in San Diego, CA. This is one of the first places I went to visit when I moved out here 14 years ago, and although this spot is essentially in my “backyard” now, the activities, location, and atmosphere is still something I look forward to every summer, and are unbeatable for anyone looking to explore a lively beach area that San Diego is so well known for.

The location’s amenities are fantastic. The campground is located on Mission Bay with a marina that offers rentals for boats and all sorts of water toys. Other entertainment includes two pools, two jacuzzies, a game room, a basketball court, and horseshoes. They also feature live entertainment on many of the weekends throughout the summer. Although there is much to do and love about Campland, the thing I love most is meeting the various people that come from all around the country and world to visit and relax in this paradise that I now call home.

With all Campland has to offer, if you still get restless, the campground’s location is ideal for those looking to visit the most iconic beaches, bars, and restaurants in Southern California. Not only that, but its location just across the bay from Sea World is perfect for viewing fireworks displays on most summer nights. If you’re looking for a fun, lively spot to stay in, I’d highly recommend paying them a visit.

When you’re out on the road, especially in a remote location, the last thing you want is for something to go wrong with your RV. It’s always best to be prepared, so make sure you know your options when it comes to RV extended warranties! Protect your rig, your vacation fund, and your own peace of mind.