Is the RV Dream of Traveling the Country as Fulfilling as Imagined?

The life of traveling the country in an RV has become a popular dream for many, but is it as fulfilling as people imagine? For many, the dream is indeed realized, and the joy of exploring new places dwarfs the occasional feeling of homesickness.

During our six-month stays on the road, we rarely miss our full-size homes. In fact, we are currently in the process of discussing with property managers and realtors to decide whether to sell or rent out our home to fully commit to RV living. This transition has been made easier by our remote work capabilities, allowing us to strike out at a younger age than many of our peers—most of whom are in their sixties.

We have met numerous individuals who have been living this dream for over a year. Many of them are older than us but a few are families with children. While we have encountered a couple of people looking to sell their RVs to return home, this is an extremely rare occurrence.

Challenges and Solutions

A common challenge is the lack of familiar faces. Meeting new people is engaging, but having familiar faces around sometimes is also essential. For us, this challenge was mitigated by creating a network of friends across the country. For others, this might mean traveling in groups or having regular meetups with those they have met on the road.

One growing concern is the need to find a sense of purpose. Many individuals are turning to volunteer work as a solution. State and local parks, for example, offer a place to park and full utilities in exchange for acting as camp hosts. We have also met individuals who enjoy occasional work stops, which can be particularly suitable for those with specialized skills like nursing or seasonal work at stores like Walmart or Home Depot.

Reflections from Our Journeys

We have met numerous people in campgrounds across the country, and our experiences have been overwhelmingly positive. However, a common refrain has been the limited reseources available, such as the finite number of National Parks to visit. It’s also worth noting that visitor obligations, such as helping family members, can become exhausting.

For those seeking to add purpose to their RV travels, we recommend exploring volunteer opportunities or taking advantage of programs that provide a place to park and utilities. You can find more information on this website:

Explore Volunteer Opportunities Consider Work Stop-offs Explore Camp Hosting Programs

Happy Travels

Embrace the journey, stay flexible, and enjoy the endless adventures that await you on the road. Happy travels!

Explore Volunteer Opportunities

There are numerous volunteer programs available that can help you give your RV life a sense of purpose. Look for opportunities that align with your interests and skills, such as

Cleaning and maintenance at parks and campgrounds Assisting with conservation efforts in protected areas Teaching art or music classes to children in underserved communities

Consider Work Stop-offs

Partial or seasonal work can add to the richness of your RV life. Think about

Cleaning and organizing at ski lodges in winter Seasonal retail work at popular camping areas Medical professionals conducting telehealth sessions

Explore Camp Hosting Programs

State and local parks often offer the option to park and receive utilities in exchange for hosting campers. This can help subsidize expenses and offer a sense of community.