After a decade of full-time RV living, the Shinpaugh family has parked their rig in some of the most jaw-dropping locations across North America. From snow-covered mountain towns to crystal-clear glacier lakes, they’ve experienced camping adventures most people only dream about. But out of everywhere they’ve been in 10 years, these 10 destinations rose to the top—and their reasons why might just inspire your next trip.
Whether you’re planning your first big RV adventure or you’re a seasoned road warrior looking for fresh inspiration, this list delivers the kind of unforgettable experiences that make RV life worth every mile. The best part? These aren’t just pretty places—they’re destinations where memories are made, families grow closer, and the adventure truly begins.
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1. Breckenridge, Colorado – Where Winter Wonderland Dreams Come True
You know a place is special when one family returns three different winters in a row. The Shinpaughs didn’t just visit Breckenridge—they lived there for seven months straight, from September to April, turning their fifth wheel into a cozy snow globe home.
Staying at Tiger Run Resort put them just 3.5 miles from the ski lifts. The kids enrolled in season-long ski lessons while mom and dad squeezed in morning runs before work. Talk about taking “PE class” to the next level!
Making this work required serious preparation. They built skirting around the entire RV, used space heaters to keep pipes from freezing, and basically became winter camping experts overnight.
The Real Scoop: If you’re from Florida and can somehow convince your family to spend winter in Colorado, you’re either crazy or a genius. Turns out, the Shinpaughs proved you can be both. Watching your kids transform from beach babies to ski pros while you’re still logging in for work calls from a snow-covered campsite is the kind of flex most RVers only dream about.
2. Denali National Park, Alaska – Wild, Untouched, Unforgettable
Denali isn’t just a national park—it’s an experience in raw wilderness that few places on Earth can match. The Shinpaughs celebrated a birthday here (because apparently they only celebrate in epic locations), and spent their days waiting for the iconic mountain to reveal itself through the clouds.
The family took the 6 a.m. informational bus tour through the park, where wildlife sightings around every corner made it feel like a real-life nature documentary.
The highlight? A mama grizzly and her two cubs walking just feet from their bus. Then there was the “grizzly and cub walk-by” moment that left everyone speechless—one of those once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters that reminds you why you travel.
Fun fact: Denali has no formal hiking trails in much of the park, so you literally forge your own path through untouched wilderness.
The Real Scoop: Picture this: You’re from Florida. You’ve probably never seen a grizzly bear outside of a zoo. Now imagine one walking past your tour bus close enough that you can see its breath fog up the window. That’s the kind of adventure that makes you forget about everything stressful back home—at least until you realize you still have to cross paths with that bear on the way back.
3. Valdez, Alaska – The Port Town That Stole Their Hearts
The Shinpaugh’s introduction to Valdez started with an accidental parking spot—right in front of Horsetail Falls, one of the most photographed waterfalls in the area.
Instead of angry tourists, they were greeted by friendly visitors who either took photos around the bus or recognized them from their YouTube channel. Some even became lifelong friends who attended future rallies.
The Stan Stevens Glacier and Wildlife Cruise delivered seals, sea lions, eagles, puffins, otters, and multiple whale species—all under blue skies and warm weather. The salmon hatchery offered a fascinating self-guided tour that taught the family more about Alaska’s iconic fish than they ever expected.
The campground was perfectly located in the middle of town with full hookups, making it easy to walk to the waterfront and explore.
The Real Scoop: Only the Shinpaughs could accidentally park their massive RV in front of a major tourist attraction and somehow turn it into a networking opportunity. Most people would panic and move immediately. This family? They made friends, took photos, and probably booked three new clients while they were at it.
4. Banff National Park, Canada – Breathtaking Doesn’t Even Cover It
Banff was the Shinpaugh’s first major stop after crossing into Canada on their way to Alaska. Getting a campsite required entering a lottery system and booking months in advance—but they scored big with a spot that had rim trail access right across the street.
They spent over a week hiking to Lake Louise and conquering the Plain of Six Glaciers trail, which included a stop at a tea house perched in the mountains. The server convinced them to hike just a bit further for a view overlooking the lake, hotel, and parking lot—basically halfway around the entire lake.
Emerald Lake and a waterfall by a train tunnel cutting through the mountains added to the jaw-dropping scenery that makes Banff feel almost unreal.
According to Parks Canada, Banff National Park welcomes over 4 million visitors annually, making it one of the most visited national parks in North America.
The Real Scoop: You know you’ve reached peak RV life when your “quick hike” turns into a several-mile trek because a tea house server casually mentions a “little bit further” view. Spoiler: It’s never just a little bit further. But when the payoff is a view that makes your Instagram followers think you Photoshopped it, those extra steps suddenly don’t seem so bad.
5. Glacier National Park, Montana – A Park That Keeps Calling You Back
The Shinpaughs have visited Glacier three times, and they’d go back every chance they get. Each visit delivered completely different experiences, from overlooks where you can actually see glaciers to peaceful hikes through cypress-style forests alongside creeks leading to glacier lakes.
Going-to-the-Sun Road alone is bucket-list worthy—one of the most scenic drives in America with waterfalls, pulloffs, and mountain peaks at every turn.
The family also celebrated a birthday here (noticing a pattern?) with paddle boarding on Lake McDonald and paddling down the creek. One classic Glacier moment involved Sarah and dad jumping into the freezing water, only to scramble right back out.
They’ve stayed on both the east and west sides of the park, finding beauty and unique advantages to each location. The east side served as a perfect staging point before heading into Canada and Alaska.
Glacier National Park covers over 1 million acres and contains 130 named lakes and more than 700 miles of trails.
The Real Scoop: Three visits to the same park? That’s not indecision—that’s the mark of a place that’s actually worth the hype. When your “quick glacier dip” turns into a shrieking race back to shore because mountain water is basically liquid ice, you’ve officially earned your RV traveler street cred. Bonus points if you still smiled for the camera.
6. Fort Myers Beach, Florida – Where Community Meets Paradise
As Florida natives, the Shinpaughs never imagined Fort Myers Beach would make their top 10. But after buying a lot at an RV resort and spending several months a year there, it’s become one of their most treasured destinations.
It’s not just about the location (though being 3.5 miles from the beach doesn’t hurt). It’s about the people and the community. Their resort has become a second family, with Christmas dinners, happy hours, and friendships that grow deeper every season.
The resort’s amenities—pool, pickleball courts, and walkability—create an ease of life they genuinely value. Plus, the infrastructure around Fort Myers Beach makes day-to-day living convenient, from package delivery to grocery shopping.
Florida’s RV industry generates $10.6 billion annually in economic impact, with Fort Myers being a major destination for winter snowbirds.
The Real Scoop: Buying a lot at an RV resort is basically the “I’m not just visiting anymore” level of commitment. It’s like when you stop saying you’re “seeing” your hometown and start calling it your “home base.” When your Christmas dinner guest list keeps growing because you’ve befriended half the campground, you’ve officially found your people. Palm trees, pickleball, and permanent neighbors? That’s the trifecta.
7. Asheville, North Carolina – Food, Hiking, and Family Roots
Asheville has been on the Shinpaugh family radar for decades. Jason has been visiting since he was a kid, and the area holds deep family meaning. The farm-to-table food scene and endless hiking options make it a perfect RV destination.
Restaurant favorites include:
- 12 Bones – Pulled pork, ribs, Godzilla sandwich, green beans, sweet potatoes, cheese grits
- White Duck Taco – All the queso, all the time
- Sierra Nevada Brewery – Incredible food and atmosphere
Hiking spots like DuPont State Forest, Gorges State Park (which they lovingly call “Gorgeous State Park”), and Kataba Falls deliver stunning waterfalls and views. They even drive into Tennessee for hikes when staying in Asheville.
Asheville’s craft brewery scene boasts over 30 breweries, earning it the nickname “Beer City USA.”
The Real Scoop: When your hiking trail is nicknamed “Gorgeous” instead of “Gorges,” you know you’re in a place that delivers. Asheville is proof that sometimes the best destinations aren’t the flashy new discoveries—they’re the places your family has loved for generations. And if your trip includes cheese grits and pulled pork between mountain views, you’re doing RV life exactly right.
8. Zion National Park, Utah – Diversity, Beauty, and Adventure
Zion holds a special place in the Shinpaugh family’s heart. After a first visit that was “just okay” for Jason, their second trip six or seven years later changed everything.
Better planning meant staying just 10 minutes from the park instead of 45 minutes away. This time, they could truly experience Zion’s incredible diversity—from climbing to the top of ridges overlooking entire valleys to hiking through riverbeds with waist-deep water.
Angels Landing became a family challenge. While mom and dad stopped at the chain section (after Jason’s previous via ferrata scare in Colorado), the kids continued to the summit and came back down in the dark with flashlights.
The Narrows had significantly more water during their second visit, creating a completely different experience. Even if you don’t want to wade in, the paved trail to reach the Narrows is accessible and absolutely worth it.
Biking through Zion Canyon made it into mom’s top three bike rides ever—and they plan to do it every return trip.
Zion National Park sees over 5 million visitors annually, making it one of Utah’s most popular destinations.
The Real Scoop: Letting your teenagers hike the sketchy chain section of Angels Landing while you stay behind requires either complete trust or total denial. The Shinpaughs chose trust—and got epic summit footage in return. Meanwhile, biking through Zion Canyon is the kind of activity that makes you wonder why anyone would drive when you could be pedaling through literal paradise. Pro tip: Bring a lock for your bike and don’t skip this experience.
9. Hilton Head, South Carolina – Easy, Laid-Back, and Oh-So-Fun
Hilton Head is what happens when you find a destination that just feels easy. The Shinpaughs stayed at Hilton Head Motor Coach Resort, where the pickleball scene was active, social, and downright fun.
The island’s bike trails made exploring effortless and enjoyable. For this family, being able to ride together, take in scenery, and make the journey just as fun as the destination is always a win.
One unexpected highlight? The lantern parade—a unique local event that caught them off-guard in the best possible way. Those unplanned moments often become the most memorable.
The food scene delivered coastal flavors, relaxed vibes, and meals that made you want to linger just a little longer.
Hilton Head Island features 60 miles of bike trails, making it one of the most bike-friendly destinations in the Southeast.
The Real Scoop: Hilton Head is the RV equivalent of a deep exhale. No stress, no rush, just easy living with a side of pickleball and bike rides. When your biggest surprise is a lantern parade you didn’t even know existed, you’ve found a place that knows how to keep life interesting without trying too hard. Sometimes the best destinations are the ones that don’t demand anything from you—they just invite you to enjoy.
10. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming – A Month That Changed Everything
The Shinpaughs had visited the Tetons several times before—quick stops, short stays, “check the box” visits. But their month-long boondocking adventure transformed everything.
After spending 6+ months out of their bus, they were ready to reconnect with their home on wheels. They moved between different forest locations surrounding the park, staying in each spot for the allowed time before relocating closer to different hikes and lakes.
This rhythm let them revisit favorite places instead of rushing through once. They could take an after-work walk on a Tuesday, return to a beloved lake, or choose a trail simply because they were in the mood.
Sarah’s birthday featured a full day of biking and hiking. The family completed their longest hike ever—over 11 miles—on a canyon trail behind Jenny Lake. Taking the boat across Jenny Lake saved their legs for the unexplored miles on the backside.
Grand Teton National Park spans 310,000 acres and includes 200 miles of hiking trails, offering endless exploration opportunities.
The Real Scoop: Spending a month boondocking in the Tetons is the RV equivalent of that friend who casually mentions they “just did a little camping” and then shows you photos that look like they’ve been living in a screensaver. Moving campsites every few days to stay near different hikes? That’s commitment. Completing an 11-mile family hike? That’s borderline madness—but the kind that makes for legendary stories around the campfire.
Why These Destinations Matter
After 10 years of full-time RV travel, the Shinpaugh family proves that the best destinations aren’t just about stunning views or perfect weather. They’re about birthdays celebrated in incredible places, challenges overcome together, friendships formed on the road, and memories that last a lifetime.
From winter in Breckenridge to a month boondocking in the Tetons, these 10 spots represent the heart of what makes RV life so special: being together while experiencing the extraordinary.
Whether you’re planning your first trip or your fiftieth, let this list inspire you to chase the destinations that call to your heart—and to make memories now, not someday.
SOURCES:
- Parks Canada – Banff National Park Visitor Statistics: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff
- National Park Service – Glacier National Park Facts: https://www.nps.gov/glac/index.htm
- Florida RV Trade Association – Economic Impact Data: https://www.florida-rv.org/
- Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau – Brewery Information: https://www.exploreasheville.com/
- National Park Service – Zion National Park Statistics: https://www.nps.gov/zion/index.htm
- Hilton Head Island Tourism – Bike Trail Information: https://www.hiltonheadisland.org/
- National Park Service – Grand Teton National Park: https://www.nps.gov/grte/index.htm
- The Shinpaughs YouTube Channel – RV Bucket List Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkfweZRJKdE
