Travelling across the United States, you’ll find no shortage of spectacular spots: From national forests to sunny beaches, mountain ranges to canyons…
And travelling in an RV, you can scope out the best spots with ease!
Here, we’ll take a look at some of the best places to travel in an RV, including: A place where you can mine for diamonds, an ancient crater, a rainbow “Salvation mountain”, a ghost desert, and maybe… a prime spot to see UFOs.
#1. Meteor Crater, Winslow, AZ
50,000 years ago, a meteor travelling over 30,000 mph collided with the Earth. The meteor vaporized on impact, leaving only a few fragments within the crater.
The vestiges of this impact is now a visitor’s attraction called Meteor Crater, in Winslow, Arizona.
Taking a trip to Meteor Crater, you’ll have the opportunity to take a 2-hour, guided tour around the crater, have some fun in the Learning Center, and peruse Meteor Crater’s gift shop.
Driving your RV to Meteor Crater for a fun and educational trip is easy: They host an RV park located just five miles away from the attraction. Amenities include:
- Pet Friendly
- Water + Electric Hookups
- Daily, Weekly, Bi-Weekly, + Monthly Rates
- Recreation Room
- Picnic Tables
- Complimentary Morning Coffee
RV park pricing is determined by hookups used and length of stay, ranging from $30 for dry/boondocking, $55 per night for W/E hookups, all the way up to $800 for a full month’s stay!
#2. Marfa Mystery Lights, Marfa, TX
The first reported sighting of strange lights hovering above the landscape of Marfa, Texas, was by a rancher in 1883.
This rancher, thinking the lights must have a terrestrial origin, believed them to be Apache fires, and told local authorities.
Upon investigation, however, there was no evidence to suggest there were any fires started, and no evidence as to the origins of the lights.
Today, they still remain a mystery.
Over 130 years later, thousands of people still flock to Marfa, Texas, in hopes of seeing these “Ghost Lights” appear, flicker, change color, and move against the backdrop of hills.
There are plenty of theories about what causes the lights to appear: Gas, “haze heat” reflections, car lights, or… lost souls.
Whatever the cause of the lights, people are enamored by the possibilities.
If you’re looking to see the Marfa Lights, Tumble In RV Park is the RV park nearby.
Amenities include:
- Water/Electric/Sewage Hookups
- 30/50 amp hookups
- Free WiFi
- Laundry
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- Kitchen
- Lounge
For pricing, call Tumble in the RV Park directly.
#3. Crater of Diamonds, Murfreesboro, AR
Mine for diamonds and keep your bounty! At the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, visitors can dig for diamonds in volcanic soil.
On this 37-acre plowed field of volcanic soil, visitors can also unearth other minerals and rocks that catch the eye: Agate, amethyst, garnet, casper, and quartz.
On-site staff can help identify the type of mineral or gem stone uncovered during mining sessions!
For RVers, or even those camping in a tent on one of the park’s available “tent pads”, amenities include:
- 30/50 amp hookups
- Water/Sewer Hookups
- Free WiFi
- Dump Station
- Bathroom
- Showers
- Dog-Friendly (check with campground for further information)
Nightly costs for RVs begin at $36 per night, which includes access to all the site’s amenities. Tickets to enter the park and start mining is $10 for adults, $6 for children between 6-12, and free for children under the age of 6.
The largest diamond ever found in the US was found here: A 40.2 carat diamond! Make a trip down to the Crater of Diamonds, maybe you’ll strike it rich!
#4. Slab City, Imperial County, CA
Slab City is not for the faint of heart. Situated in the Sonoran Desert of Imperial County, CA, Slab City is in the middle of nowhere, with many dubbing it the “Last Free Place in America”.
Home to “snowbirds”, outcasts, and those looking to live off-grid, Slab City is filled with art, RVs, tents, and a unique community.
The biggest attraction for visitors is “Salvation Mountain”. Created by Leonard Knight in the 1980’s, Salvation Mountain began as a pile of sand, cement and junk found in the area. Later, he added the colorful paint and prayers, with his biggest message near the top of the mountain: “God is Love”.
If you decide to venture out to the “Last Free Place in America”, make sure you load up on supplies, food, and water. Located in the desert, temperatures can get up to 120 degrees, and being many miles away from any major city, you won’t find too many creature comforts nearby.
There is no formal parking in Slab City, so if you visit in your RV, just find an unclaimed piece of land and set up shop. There are no hookups, and no rent. Here, you’ll be completely off-grid, so make sure you have a generator or solar panels ready, and fill up with plenty of water.
#5. UFO Watchtower, CO
Image: Flickr
Originally a cattle ranch, the UFO Watchtower has now become a popular site for stargazing and UFO-aficionados.
Located in Hooper, Colorado, the UFO Watchtower is isolated from the busyness of bustling cities and light pollution, making it prime real estate for sightings.
With crystal clear skies, wide open spaces, and mountains as the backdrop, the UFO Watchtower is a unique place to visit.
Campers are welcome, with an entrance free of $2 per person or $5 per car.
There are no hookups, so RVers will need to boondock on the land while enjoying the night sky. For more detailed camping/RV info, contact UFO Watchtower directly.
Since it’s inception in 2000, the UFO Watchtower boasts having over five dozen sightings!
Whether you see something unexplainable flying through the sky, or just enjoy the sparkle of millions of stars above you, the UFO Watchtower offers a bit of mystery and immense beauty.
Wrap Up
As RVers, we can camp in some of the most spectacular spots in the US: Visiting deep craters, digging for diamonds, and stargazing.
Some of these destinations offer campgrounds with full hookups, while others will require RVers to “dry” camp; Make sure you plan accordingly and understand the amenities offered, ensuring your adventure is enjoyable.
So, get your supplies and pack up: These amazing sites await!