An RV traveler who has been to all 50 states shares the 6 most van-friendly states
Dylan Regan/Lita Talisman
- Lita Talisman is a seasoned van traveler who has been to every state in the US.
- Having camped at different sites, she's figured out her top states for van lifers.
- Her favorite campsite was in Alaska, but she says states with large open land are most RV-friendly.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a road-trip reawakening in the US.
Campgrounds around the country became the go-to travel spots, with 57 million households taking a camping trip in 2021 and 15 million taking at least one RV trip, the RV Industry Association reported in 2022. During and after the pandemic, campgrounds received billions of dollars in investments for upgrades, according to a 2023 report by trade publication RV Business.
Travel creator Lita Talisman and her husband, Dylan Regan, were among those who turned to the van life.
In 2021, they bought a new van for $40,000 (including taxes) and customized it to suit their needs, fitting it with a mini stove, a washbasin, six overhead closets, and a raised bed with storage underneath.
Once their van was complete, the couple traveled the country for three years, driving through every state in the US. Having firsthand experience of campgrounds around the country, Talisman has identified the most van-friendly states.
"The best states are those that have wide open spaces," she told Business Insider.
From Montana and Arizona to Oregon, Talisman said these are the six best states for RV living.
Dylan Regan/Lita Talisman
Talisman said the Last Frontier is a great place to visit if you're willing to drive there.
"Alaska is the hardest to get to but is very van-friendly," she said. "The best campsite is this place right outside Seward near Kenai, where all the van and RV people stay because of a big dry river bed."
The site has plenty of room to spread out and is popular because of its proximity to Seward, a small town of about 2,700 residents, and the Kenai Fjords National Park.
It's also a great spot for activities like boating and hiking.
"You're literally in a river bed surrounded by these gorgeous mountains above you," Talisman said.
For the most part, Alaska is welcoming of RVers. However, travel experts caution that van dwellers should check for road closures, especially during summer, watch out for wildlife, and map out their journey in advance, given that there are long stretches with no cellphone network.
Dylan Regan/Lita Talisman
Utah's vast empty grounds offer plenty of privacy and space for van-life living.
Talisman said her go-to spots include "parts of southwestern Utah, the desert areas around the five national parks, and Moab."
She recommended taking advantage of the mobility RVs offer and seeing all the five national parks in the state because "each [park] is unique and beautiful in its own way."
In Moab, Talisman added, there's lots of opportunity for free camping.
"It has a big van community because there's so much to do in Moab," she said. "It's where Arches and Canyon Lands National Park are, but it's also where a lot of people go off-road and Jeep, and to rock climb or raft."
When you've enjoyed the outdoor adventures, head to the nearby town to sample some "really good food trucks and cafes," she said.
Another benefit is that fuel prices are slightly lower in Utah than in other West Coast states, making it a more affordable destination.
Utah has also shown to be welcoming of van-lifers. Earlier this year, KSL News Radio reported that hundreds of RVers flocked to Salt Lake City ahead of the NCAA men's basketball tournament. In exchange for free parking within city limits, RV drivers supported local businesses by buying everyday goods from them.
Dylan Regan/Lita Talisman
"Montana has tons of wide open spaces where you'll see lots of RVs and vans," Talisman said.
Her favorite spot is a "beautiful area near Glacier National Park that's also next to a riverbed," however it's a popular location and only available on a first-come, first-served basis. But other campsites, like the Many Glacier, allow reservations in advance.
Nature lovers are in for a picturesque treat as they hike through the nearby Grinnell Glacier, where they might spot wildlife like moose and brown bears on their way.
While spotting wildlife can be exciting, people should be cautious not to provoke or engage with any animals en route. Experts at RV Share, a local blog documenting RV life, recommend carrying bear spray for emergencies. They also suggest keeping track of natural disasters, especially wildfires and earthquakes.
Dylan Regan/Lita Talisman
Talisman said Arizona's landscape is similar to Utah's, with wide open spaces enveloped by red rocks.
"Sedona has a lot of beautiful free camping," she said. "They're getting stricter, but there are still many beautiful spots to choose from as long as you're respectful."
In recent years, the USDA Forest Service has reduced the number of sites designated for RV camping in Sedona and its surrounding areas because, on many occasions, people have "damaged resources, including native plants and wildlife," per a 2022 memo by the authorities.
"It's really important if you're a van person, to make sure to pack in, pack out, be respectful," Talisman said. "Don't be in places you shouldn't be. Follow the rules and treat the earth well."
Dylan Regan/Lita Talisman
"In Idaho, I prefer camping around the Sawtooth Mountains," said Talisman.
The Glacier View Campground — home to about 65 campsites — sits at the base of the mountain range and is a particular favorite of the creator.
By camping here, she said, visitors get unobstructed views of Mount Heyburn and easy access to the trail system for hiking or the river for some fishing.
Other fun activities to partake in include paddleboarding and kayaking.
Dylan Regan/Lita Talisman
For her final pick, Talisman said, "Bend is a great spot."
She also considers the state's southern coast, which features rivers flowing into the Pacific, old forests, several walking trails, and unique campsites.
And while she has her favorite van-friendly spots, Talisman said she's never limited herself to those states only.
"I might choose places that aren't the most van-friendly but are still beautiful and good places to explore," she said. "You just have to get more creative at finding where to stay."
from Business Insider https://ift.tt/IAe9E2C
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