Let Your Love of Nature Inspire Your Next RV Trip!

Let Your Love of Nature Inspire Your Next RV Trip! 
Plus, learn how RVers can prioritize sustainability.
 
By: GoLife Staff
 
It is no surprise that most RVers are passionate about the outdoors. Choosing to travel by RV often means you have a love for camping in nature and being close to activities like hiking, bicycling, skiing, and watching wildlife. 

With Earth Day just around the corner, we want to thank the amazing Winnebago GoLife Community for all the ways you celebrate and protect the outdoors during your RV travels! Plus, we are sharing a collection of wonderful Winnebago owner stories to help inspire your next nature-focused RV trip as well as some tips for making your RV travels even more environmentally focused.

Ideas for a Nature-Inspired RV Trip!

While Earth Day officially takes place on Aprill 22 each year, we encourage you to get out and celebrate our wonderful world every chance you get! Here are some inspiring outdoor adventures that have been shared on the GoLife Blog over the years that really showcase some of the special ways RVing connects travelers with nature ...

Explore, Hike & Camp in National Parks 

Exploring the many awe-inspiring outdoor places managed by the U.S. National Park Service has been the inspiration for countless RV adventures. From unique geological formations to stunning mountain hikes and plenty of amazing views in between, there is a park out there for every type of outdoor lover! 

Did you know National Park Week also takes place every April alongside Earth Day? Learn more here.

Ready to plan your trip? The NPS has a great tool to Find A Park by state, activity, or topic. This article is also a wonderful, detailed guide for RVers.

Here are some national park road trip ideas from fellow RVers:

• See highlights from a multi-park, six-month national park road trip in an RV.
• Read this article to learn about RVing to Florida’s national parks.
• See how one family enjoyed Utah’s “Big Five” national parks in winter, here.
• Don’t forget about National Monuments and other lesser-known sites in the National Park System. Learn about these hidden gems.

Of course, Canada has some spectacular national parks also! Read this guide to Banff for some inspiration for a trip north of the border!

Visit a Wonder of Nature!

There are so many amazing natural wonders to behold in North America. Of course, the Grand Canyon will show up at the top of most lists, but there are hundreds of other attractions that are also very awe-inspiring. Here are some ideas:

• Did you know you can see the world’s highest tides at the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia? Read about that epic experience and more in this RV road trip recap.
• See iconic rock formations in Utah – in and out of the national parks. 

• Explore the iconic Niagara Falls from the U.S. or Canada, or both! Learn more.
• Find solitude by boondocking on a remote barrier island in North Carolina.
• Have you ever camped out to stargaze during a celestial event? Check out this list of Dark Sky Preserves to visit.

Take a Leaf Peeping Road Trip this Fall

This is a popular fall activity for RVers who want to embrace the change of season by viewing the iconic yellow, orange, and red leaves of autumn. Peak leaf peeping dates vary each year depending on the region and weather, but here are some stories to inspire you to start researching the best time to go this year:

• Read about a fall trip one family took to Minnesota’s North Shore, here.
• Visit Colorado in your RV to watch the Aspens turn gold and enjoy agritourism.
• Explore Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Rocky Mountain National Parks in fall!
• Tour the Blue Ridge Parkway to enjoy fall foliage.
• Take an RV trip to Eastern Canada to take in amazing autumn leaf colors.

Go On an Epic Outdoor Adventure

From kayaking to skiing gear, multiple Winnebago RVs now have large gear garages to pack full of whatever supplies you need to make the absolute most of your time in the great outdoors! Read these stories about adventurous RVers for inspiration …

• Read this story, and watch the awesome accompanying video, to learn what RV life looks like for a professional kayaker!
• Take a bucket list RV trip through Alaska! See trip highlights to include.
• Want to minimize your gear and still have an amazing time exploring? Try geocaching!
• Take a trip down to Baja, Mexico, for an unforgettable whale watching experience. Read about this adventure along with more tips for visiting here.
• Read this exciting recap to get inspired by an adrenaline-packed ski trip in an RV.

Ideas for Prioritizing Sustainability on Your RV Trips

Many RVers have already taken on sustainable practices simply by being aware of their consumption and considerate of their surroundings. Traveling by RV often means limiting water and power usage as well as practicing “Leave No Trace” principles. However, here are some more ideas for prioritizing sustainability and helping to protect our cherished outdoor places.

1. Help Preserve Natural Places

Consider volunteering at national parks to help with trail restoration, shoreline cleanups, and other projects. (Learn more about what it is like to volunteer at national parks.) The U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management also need campground hosts and volunteers to help with other projects. See the full searchable list of opportunities at Volunteer.gov. 

You can also keep an eye out for Winnebago GoLife Community groups that are planning outdoor cleanups or volunteer days in nature. Or you can simply plan an event yourself and invite your group members to join in! 

There are plenty of ways to contribute on solo trips as well, read these tips for preserving our national parks for inspiration. You can also sign up for CamperGigs to view and apply for unique volunteering opportunities for RVers.

2. Choose Solar Power & Other Eco-Friendly Features

Sustainability is top of mind for Winnebago, with new RV models already including energy-efficient appliances and features. High-quality insulation, LED lighting, instant water heaters, dual-pane windows, and solar power are common inclusions. 

If you are in the market for a new RV, consider purchasing a Winnebago that already comes with solar power and other sustainable features and power solutions, like the EcoFlow products that are included in many new Winnebago RVs (check out the 2025 Winnebago Revel!). 

If you have an older model and would like to benefit from the reliability, convenience, and sustainability of these products, GoLife Perks members can save 10% on EcoFlow products, which include portable power stations, solar technology, and smart devices.

Winnebago also has an ongoing partnership with the National Park Foundation which includes RV designs inspired by the national parks (see the Winnebago Solis NPF and Winnebago Vista NPF). Plus, see Winnebago’s vision of an even more sustainable future of RVing with the all-electric, zero-emission eRV2 prototype!

3. Avoid Disposable Products When Possible

If you want to make your RV life even more eco-friendly, consider using reusable water bottles, shopping bags, and containers to avoid disposable and single-use items. Recycling and finding creative ways to reuse items can also help reduce your waste. 

Note: If your RV needs DEF, there are gas stations with it available at the pump, so you don’t have to buy it in plastic containers!

4. Maximize Fuel Efficiency

Maximizing your fuel efficiency can be beneficial for the environment and your bank account! Keping up with RV maintenance (including getting new tires as needed) is key for better fuel economy because a well-maintained RV uses less fuel and runs better.

Other ways to maximize your fuel efficiency: 

• Avoid driving your RV in high winds.
• Stick to a slower, consistent speed (cruise control is a big help for this!).
• Plan your route to limit unnecessary driving.
• Avoid times of day with more traffic to limit the need for rapid braking.
• Drive with the windows down, when possible, instead of using the A/C.

Learn more about saving on fuel (including apps and discount cards) in this article.

These are just a few ways to make your RV life a little more “green.” Read additional ideas for being a more environmentally conscious RVer here. And for even more sustainable RVing tips, check out this list.

How do you celebrate and protect the great outdoors while RVing? Please share your stories and suggestions in the comments!