Table of contents for Issue 27 in RV Destinations Magazine

Just outside Santa Fe, you'll find Bandelier National Monument, which protects historic cliff dwellings and frequently hosts cultural demonstrations throughout the year. On the opposite side of the country, you might be surprised to discover Miccosukee and Seminole culture in South Florida. Beyond the urban sprawl of Miami, Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve offer a nature-based escape and a window into Indigenous life. Visit the Everglades National Park's Shark Valley section, and you'll find the Miccosukee Indian Village nearby. It's one of the last places where you can witness alligator wrestling—a thrilling demonstration rooted in tradition. Originally a hunting technique, it became a tourist fascination in the 20th century. Today, it's a preserved cultural practice shared with visitors. (No alligators are harmed.) Just across the road, take…

Did you know that the United States has a secret rainforest? This hidden gem of the Pacific Northwest is just one of the spectacular natural biomes tucked away within Olympic National Park. The Hoh Rain Forest may be one of the most special natural treasures in our country that you likely have never heard of. Read on to learn why you should add this stop to your RV travel bucket list. LIKE SOMETHING STRAIGHT OUT OF THE MOVIES Isn't it wild how much you can learn simply by traveling? As a family from the Midwest, we've been awestruck by the unique natural treasures we've discovered across the U.S. Some, like the Hoh Rainforest, we never knew existed. But we aren't the only ones. Even many visitors to Olympic National Park…

Florida's northeast coast is a snowbird's happy playground. Sunny white-sand beaches, abundant golf options, delicious seafood and fun on-the-water adventures create a perfect warm-weather haven. Traveling from Palm Beach to Jacksonville, you'll encounter Daytona Beach, St. Augustine, Cocoa Beach, Jupiter and more. Whether you're sitting in the sand or grappling with a deep-sea catch, the coastal life is perfect for escaping the bone-chilling, frosty season. The drive from West Palm Beach to Jacksonville is just under 300 miles with lots to explore along the way. I've highlighted a few of the many adventures this road trip provides and hope they'll spark your creativity to craft a personalized itinerary for your next Florida getaway. THE PALM BEACHES The Palm Beaches are a desired destination for a growing flock of snowbirds. Each…

There are two ways into Grand Vue Park, and let me say, only one of them is RV-friendly. The other? Let's call it an unplanned thrill ride. Picture steep hills, tight curves and that heart-dropping moment when you're wondering if your GPS has a personal vendetta against you. Don't forget to double-check your route before heading up the hill. Once we made it safely into Grand Vue Park, all that white-knuckle driving melted away. This park became our home base for exploring some of the most fascinating corners of Northern West Virginia—Wheeling, Moundsville and New Vrindaban—each packed with more history, mystery and unexpected beauty than we ever imagined. WHEELING WHERE HISTORY HANGS IN THE AIR (AND OVER THE RIVER) Our first stop was Wheeling, West Virginia's very first capital and…

Big Cypress RV Resort & Campground Operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, this Everglades campground is a fantastic base for exploring the national park. It offers a wide range of amenities and proximity to the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum. The View Campground Located within Monument Valley and owned by the Navajo Nation, this site offers 360-degree views of the iconic landscape and some of the most stunning night skies in the country. Happy Holiday RV Village This Native-owned campground in Cherokee, North Carolina, sits near Great Smoky Mountains National Park and offers easy access to outdoor adventures and cultural sites. Highbanks Campground Overlooking the Allegheny Reservoir in Steamburg, New York, this peaceful spot is owned and operated by the Seneca Nation. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Shannon Murray and her husband Bobby have…

Alabama has a secret that stretches a mere 60 miles along the nub of the state that dips down along the Gulf. Along that stretch of land lies 32 miles of powdered sugar-sand beaches that kiss the warm, blue waters of the Gulf. It's here that Alabama has serious bragging rights when it comes to being home to some of most beautiful beaches in the United States. All it takes is for one foot to touch that silky, soft sand as the warm, salty breeze wraps around you, and you'll wonder why you didn't visit sooner. This part of Alamba is home to more than just stunning beaches. It offers great food scene, an annual festival schedule, tours, a local art scene, an impressive state park and even a famous…

Photo Credits Day 1 – Dark Sky over Mackinaw City – ID 57616355 | Mackinaw City © Kenneth Keifer | Dreamstime.com Day 2 – Grand Hotel – Mackinac Island – Option 2 – ID 90624174 | Mackinac Island © Alexey Stiop | Dreamstime.com Day 2 – Grand Hotel – Mackinac Island – Option 1 – ID 151037545 | Mackinac Island © Michael Deemer | Dreamstime.com Day 2 – Mackinac Island – Option 3 – ID 114012342 | Mackinac Island © Michael Deemer | Dreamstime.com Day 3 – Alpena – Shipwreck – imagixian Day 4 – Tawas Point Lighthouse – ID 102626765 © Craig Sterken | Dreamstime.com Day 5 – Oscoda – Rifle River – ID 983439 © Dreef | Dreamstime.com Day 6 – Frankenmuth – ID 44312229 | Mi ©…

Before we began RVing, I thought the U.S. was all the same. I traveled around the globe seeking “culture.” Once we hit the road, however, I was struck by the natural beauty of the United States and the distinct cultural pockets spread across the country. More than anything, I fell in love with the cultures of Indigenous America. From the Crow to the Navajo to the Cherokee and beyond, there is a rich tapestry of tradition and modern life that many of us never truly encounter. One of the best ways to explore Indigenous culture is through the RV lifestyle. Whether you're planning a trip during Native American Heritage Month or simply seeking a deeper connection with the first peoples of this land, you'll find Indigenous culture across every corner…

Imagine parking your RV under radiant Utah skies, surrounded by sweeping red-rock canyon panoramas—and knowing that just a few steps away, hundreds of rescued animals are waiting to meet you. That's the magic of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, a truly epic stop on any RV road trip through the Southwest. Nestled in the heart of Angel Canyon, the Sanctuary is the largest no-kill animal sanctuary in the United States, caring for as many as 1,600 animals daily. Dogs, cats, pigs, horses, rabbits, parrots and wildlife find refuge here, each with a story of resilience and hope. It's also the heart of the national no-kill movement, with a bold vision of making the entire country no-kill. But this destination isn't just about animals—it's about travelers, too. With 18 full-hookup…

Each summer, travelers flock to Traverse City for its beaches, wineries and famous cherry festival, but those in the know don't stop there. Just north of the city lies the Leelanau Peninsula, a narrow strip of land that juts into Lake Michigan and offers some of the state's most stunning scenery and memorable dining. Dotted with small towns, family farms and lakeside vineyards, this is where Northern Michigan's relaxed pace meets a vibrant local food scene. We loved our time exploring the peninsula from our base at Wild Cherry RV Resort in Lake Leelanau, centrally located and ideal for exploring in every direction. A few other campgrounds dot the peninsula, but Wild Cherry provided a peaceful setting with rolling hills and easy access to the small towns that define this…