Where to go with your campervan for the best summer vacation!
Nothing beats the unforgettable thrill of a campervan road trip in the summer. The sense of freedom you get when you take to the open road. The space you have for friends and family to relax on the drive. And the endless possibilities that wait along the way. Make the most out of the summer this year with an amazing campervan adventure!
To help you out, here’s a guide to the best summer vacation destinations in the Southwest. With perfect beaches, astonishing hikes, breathtaking landscapes, and dynamic cities, this shining corner of America truly has something for everyone.
1. Coconino National Forest, AZ
Coconino National Forest contains almost 2 million acres of protected land with an astonishing variety of stunning landscapes. It features the iconic red canyons that the region is so famous for, complete with grassy valleys and bubbling rivers. There’s also the pine forest itself, which covers the park’s imposing mountains and surrounds vast recreational lakes.
Additionally, you can spot many great animals in the woods or wildflower meadows, such as deer, elk, foxes, and squirrels. The forest is also home to over 300 bird species, including the symbolic bald eagle. Just be careful not to disturb the wolves, black bears, and mountain lions that roam through the park.
Coconino National Forest is the perfect summer destination. It’s the best spot for shady hikes and it’s a great area for lake activities. It’s even the best place to go dispersed camping, meaning you can park your campervan anywhere within the designated locations for a memorable wilderness experience.
2. Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve, CA
A coastal paradise made up of peaceful beaches and rolling sand dunes, Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve is the perfect spot for a summer getaway in Southern California. Over 2 miles of white-sand beaches are open for swimmers, surfers, and sunbathers to enjoy. Bird spotters will also appreciate the chance to see pelicans, gulls, ducks, plovers, and more sea birds.
The highlight of the preserve is, of course, the pristine sand dunes that stretch along the shoreline. Immense mounds of soft sand, reaching over 500-foot above the Pacific, the Rancho Guadalupe Dunes are a sight to behold. Coastal trails lead you between and over the dunes, which are a lot of fun to walk on.
3. Great Basin National Park, NV
This diverse natural wonderland in Nevada is the best destination for a summer adventure. The Great Basin National Park is a peaceful display of crystal clear streams twisting around towering mountains, all dotted with pine and juniper trees.
The lakes and woodlands of the Great Basin keep you cool in the heat of the summer, but there’s one activity that will cause you to sweat. The 13,000-foot Wheeler Peak dominates the landscape and offers up a challenge to any passionate mountain climbers.
You can also head inside the mountains for a tour of the awesome stalactites in the Lehman Caves. Furthermore, the park is one of the best stargazing destinations, presenting a dark sky overflowing with stars to every nighttime visitor.
4. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, CA
The Torrey Pines Reserve is a stunning example of California’s famous rugged coastline. One of the best summer vacation spots for surfing and swimming, Torrey Pines Beach is a 4 ½-mile stretch lined with captivating sandstone cliffs. There’s also Black’s Beach, a secluded cove to the south of the reserve that can be accessed by trekking over the bluffs, known to be clothing-optional.
The cliffs and bluffs that form the reserve are a spectacular setting for a nature hike. There are many acres of the park to explore, both along the coast and further inland. Wildlife spotting opportunities in Torrey Pines include deer, coyotes, gophers, hawks, and various sea birds. Looking out into the Pacific from atop the cliffs, you might even see a migrating gray whale.
5. Pinnacles National Park, CA
Born from ancient volcanic activity, Pinnacles National Park is known for the intriguing spiky rocks that line the ridges of its mountains and valleys. A picturesque setting with rusty stone cliffs and savannah vegetation, Pinnacles is one of the best secluded national parks. It’s a great place to spot California condors and several species of bats. Pinnacles National Park is also an amazing hiking destination.
Indeed, there are many interlinking trails that pass over the mountains and through the woodlands. If you want to stay out of the sun, consider exploring one of the park’s refreshingly cool caves. The Bear Gulch and Balconies Caves run along the valley floor, where you can find moss-lined walls and trickles of water that pool on the floors of the caverns.
6. San Francisco, CA
The action-packed ‘City by the Bay’ is the best urban summer destination with plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy. Beach-lovers will find soft sand in central San Francisco at Aquatic Park Cove or the Crissy Field East Beach. History fans can visit Alcatraz Island for a look into the past at one of the world’s most famous prisons.
Dive into a cultural experience at the Palace of Fine Arts Theater and Lagoon. Tour downtown San Francisco with the historic cable cars and tramways. Kids of all ages will love the interactive exhibits of the Exploratorium and the Walt Disney Family Museum (which features the life of the man, not the mouse). Don’t forget to take lots of pictures of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge!
Feel Inspired?
You can be at any one of these incredible destinations this summer, all you have to do is choose a date and rent a campervan!
If you already have a camping vehicle (RV, motorhome, truck camper, trailer, etc.) then contact us to find out how you can use it to earn extra income.
Do you love to travel with your pet? Then come back this Friday for tips and tricks on how to travel in a campervan with cats and dogs.
