Starting any memorable road trip begins with proper prep, and our first move was staying put at Carson RV Resort close to our house. This genius move made packing way less stressful because we dodged the extra 10-mile drive to the RV storage. You know what they say, packing well sets the tone for the journey.
Once packed up, we hit the road on 04/18, covering a solid 370 miles from Carson City to the Longstreet Hotel Casino & RV Resort. Along the way, we made a pitstop in Goldfield, NV, for fuel. This kinda break not only fills our RV’s tank but also lets us stretch a bit and snag some snacks.
Arriving at Longstreet Hotel Casino & RV Resort was like hitting pause after a long day. It’s a charming place to crash overnight, though it sits 15 miles off the main drag. The gravel sites paired with gusty winds weren’t quite what we’d expect right off the main highway. In hindsight, we could’ve chosen a place more conveniently located on the main route.
But hey, no trip goes without its quirks. The spot is just a stone’s throw from the California border and Death Valley National Park, which is cool if you wanna spice up your travel itinerary with a quick detour.
The appeal of a stop like Longstreet lies less in its highway proximity and more in unique amenities that break the monotony of a long drive. So, while it wasn’t right on the highway, being near such iconic spots is definitely a perk worth considering. Hint: Check in is inside the casino.
Exploring Arizona: The Road to Meteor Crater
When hitting the open road on 04/19, the journey from Longstreet Hotel Casino & RV Resort to Meteor Crater RV Park near Winslow, AZ was nothing short of an adventure. Covering 395 miles sure does sound like a lot, but with the right pit stops, it was more scenic than stressful.
The route itself is a blend of vast landscapes and calm horizons, making the drive a blend of relaxation and adventure. We made sure to fuel up twice during the day, a smart move to avoid any unwelcome surprises in areas without frequent service stations.
Arriving at Meteor Crater RV Park felt like finding a hidden gem. This park is perfectly positioned for anyone with a penchant for unique sights, given its closeness to Meteor Crater. The park struck the right balance with amenities and location, providing everything we needed to unwind after a long drive.
Meteor Crater itself is a must-see. It’s intriguing, providing a mix of natural wonder and educational value. Watching documentaries and hiking around the rim is totally worth it.
A stop like this makes a long travel day rewarding. It’s crucial to have these rewarding pauses to break up the long stretches of highway life. Strategically choosing our rest points to be near fascinating locations not only enriches the journey but also offers unparalleled on-the-road experiences.
The Road to New Mexico: A Quiet Stop at Zia RV Park
Hitting the road on 4/20, we rolled from the Meteor Crater RV Park to Zia RV Park in Moriarty, NM, clocking about 330 miles and one good fuel stop along the way. Rolling across state lines, the change in scenery kept the drive fresh and engaging.
Zia RV Park might not win any beauty contests, set out there on the prairie. It’s pretty plain and mostly full of folks living there full-time. But when we’re road-tripping, every stop has its own charm, and the function matters way more than the frills. This place ticked the boxes for a clean, serviceable rest.
The office was shut due to remodeling, which is a bummer if we prefer face-to-face check-ins or have questions about the area. But rolling with the punches is all part of the RV lifestyle, right? We learn to adapt, embrace a little grime, and appreciate the pragmatic perks like a good night’s sleep.
Staying in places like Zia RV Park opens our eyes to the RV culture and its community spirit. Long-timers, with stories to share and wisdom to impart, make these stops enriching in their own way. We’re reminded that RVing isn’t just about the destinations—it’s the people we meet along the way.
Nabbing a spot here was about resting up before the longer haul into Texas. With wide open skies and flat roads, the New Mexico stint was all about decompressing and prepping for the longest stretch ahead.
Crossing Texas: Love’s RV Stop in Sweetwater
Setting off towards Sweetwater, TX on 4/21 marked the trip’s longest haul, spanning about 400 miles. This stretch, though hefty, was eased by the promise of something new—our inaugural stop at Love’s RV Stop.
Love’s RV Stop wasn’t just an ordinary pitstop. A blend of modern tech and RV-friendly amenities made it a surprisingly smooth experience. Checking in was as easy as clicking a link we got on arrival. After that, a quick email gave us a gate code, and everything—from utilities to site access—just worked effortlessly.
The Sweetwater location was pretty slick. Given its relatively new status, cleanliness was on point, and everything worked like a charm. It’s not every day we find that in roadstop RV parks.
The automated setup turns our utilities on once we check in, and they’re programmed to shut off at noon on our departure date. This system saves a lot of hassle, especially after a long day on the road and makes us appreciate tech-savvy travel solutions that enhance convenience.
It’s one of those places that leaves a lasting impression. So much so that we’re thinking of making Love’s RV Stops a consistent part of future routes when possible. Their model amps up ease without sacrificing service quality, bridging the gap between a traditional stop and a seamless digital interaction.
This stop, amid the vast Texan backdrop, gave us both rest and the realization that road trips can keep pace with our gadget-laden lives, offering both charm and comfort at just the right times.
Home Base and Beyond: Final Stop at Leisure Lane RV Resort
April 22nd marked the end of this particular journey, wrapping up another memorable series of travel days by rolling into Leisure Lane RV Resort in Pinehurst, TX. This last leg was about 375 miles—feels like a breeze once we’re in the groove of cross-country RVing.
Leisure Lane RV Resort isn’t just any park for us; it’s where our full-time RV adventure kicked off back in November 2020. Over time, it’s become a familiar and fav park for reconnecting with family and friends whenever journeying back to Texas.
Given the infamous Texan weather mix of storms and hail, opting for a covered site this time was a no-brainer. It helped cut costs on electricity, especially since we were planning on a month-long stay. We always enjoy the conundrum of keeping comfy while being mindful of the power bill.
Have You Hit the Open Road Lately?
We’d love to hear your stories! Whether you’ve tackled a cross-country RV adventure or just wrapped up a favorite weekend route, drop a comment below and share your experiences. What were your most memorable stops? Any hidden gems or lessons learned along the way? Let’s swap stories and help each other make the next journey even better.
Staying longer doesn’t just reduce road fatigue; it offers a chance to recharge personal connections. Catching up with loved ones and sharing tales from the road is something we cherish deeply. Part of this Texas stop was about tackling practical matters—like emptying out a storage unit and bringing whatever’s left back to Nevada.
When the time comes to roll out again, there’s a side trip on our radar. We’re hoping to swing by Wyoming, with Grand Teton’s National Park and maybe Yellowstone being prime spots on the docket. This Southern spree, a mix of business with pleasure, maintenance with connection, captures the very spirit of RV living.
About the Author
Jim has 3.5 years of experience living and traveling full-time in an RV. From “moochdocking” with family and friends to navigating the financial intricacies of RV life, he shares practical advice rooted in firsthand experience. His goal is to help fellow adventurers embrace the RV lifestyle with confidence and ease.
What a fantastic travel log, Jim—thanks for taking us along for the ride! I really appreciated the balance you struck between practical tips and honest reflections. From the strategic start at Carson RV Resort to the tech-savvy ease of Love’s RV Stop, your route offered both challenges and gems. It’s great to hear how places like Meteor Crater and Leisure Lane bookended the journey with meaning, whether through awe or nostalgia. I especially liked your point about embracing imperfections and valuing the people and stories along the way—so true for RV life. Looking forward to hearing more about your upcoming trek through Wyoming and the Tetons!
My wife and I still work full time, but we work remotely. I have often suggested that we sell our house and buy an RV, so we can travel before we retire from a full time job. She usually just rolls her eyes and says something like “Our grandchildren live a half mile from us” and that ends the conversation. I know there would be so much to consider before buying an RV. We have some friends that had an RV and sold it after a few years because of the upkeep. What are some considerations before hitting the road in an RV?
—Scott
Hi Scott—thanks so much for your kind words! It means a lot to know the post resonated with you. I really enjoy sharing not just the logistics but also the “in-between” moments that make RV travel so meaningful.
You bring up a great question—what to consider before hitting the road in an RV—and it’s one I get often. My wife and I traveled full-time for a few years while working remotely, so we’ve lived many of the pros and cons firsthand.
Here are a few key things to think through:
1. The “Why” Behind the Wheels:
It helps to get crystal clear on why you want to travel. For us, it was about adventure, flexibility, and visiting faraway family. For others, it might be about saving money, living simply, or chasing better weather. Knowing your “why” makes it easier to navigate the challenges.
2. The Family Factor:
Your wife’s point about the grandkids is no small thing. Being close to family—especially grandkids—is a powerful anchor. You might consider a hybrid approach: travel for a few months at a time, then return home. Some RVers even keep a small home base near family and still get to explore.
3. Work Setup:
If you’re still working full-time, make sure your internet setup can handle it. We used a combination of Starlink, campground Wi-Fi (when usable), and cell data plans with signal boosters. It takes some planning, but it’s very doable.
4. The Realities of Maintenance:
Your friends aren’t wrong—RVs require regular upkeep. Tires, roof seals, slideouts, plumbing… it’s basically a house on wheels. But if you’re handy or willing to learn, a lot of it becomes manageable. That said, budgeting for repairs and having an emergency fund for big fixes is wise.
5. Downsizing and Letting Go:
This one hits harder than expected. Letting go of “stuff” and the routines of home life can be emotional. But it can also be incredibly freeing. We found that less clutter meant more time, more focus, and a deeper appreciation for the simple things.
If you’re ever seriously considering a trial run, renting an RV for a week or two can give you a solid feel for the lifestyle without a full commitment. Happy to answer any questions along the way, and I hope you get a chance to test the waters—even if just for a short getaway.
Looking forward to hearing what your next adventure might look like!
—Jim
Hi Jim,
I really enjoyed reading about your journey—sounds like a well-paced adventure with some fun (and functional) stops along the way.
My husband and I attempted a road trip with my parents in 2023, heading from Nevada to Texas… or so we thought. Three days in, we were still only five hours away from Las Vegas. ???? Tensions ran high, plans changed, and we ended up in Pinetop, Arizona instead—which, thankfully, turned out to be a lovely detour.
Quick question: on those 400-mile days, how long did it actually take you? Did you stop often or power through? And do you find RVing to be more budget-friendly than doing the hotel-and-car route?
Looking forward to your next post!
Hi there! Thanks so much for sharing your story—I had to smile at your detour to Pinetop. Funny how those unexpected turns sometimes lead to the best memories.
On the 400-mile days, we typically spent about 7 to 9 hours on the road, including fuel stops, rest breaks, and a quick lunch. We try not to rush but also like to make decent progress. I’ve found that RVing can definitely be more budget-friendly overall—especially if you boondock or stay at affordable parks—and it gives you so much flexibility. That said, it really depends on your travel style and rig.
Appreciate you following along, and I’ll have more posts coming soon!