10 Great Places to Spend the Spring Equinox in Your RV
Hit the Road in Search of Wildflowers, Birds, Fish, and Family Fun
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The birds are chirping, the snow is melting, and the days are growing longer. The coming of spring signals the end of the dark and cold days of winter. For campers and explorers such as yourself, this means it’s time to get your gear together. What better way to celebrate the spring equinox than by picking a perfect location for the first camping trip of the season?
Depending on the geographical location, celebrating the coming of spring can look very different. Folks in the northern states are just happy to see the ice melt and animals come out of hibernation. Temperatures in the 40’s and 50’s Fahrenheit are welcome and embraced. If you hail from the sun belt however, you’re in prime location to enjoy blooms, birds, and warming temps.
With so many great places to visit, choosing that perfect destination to welcome springtime may seem like a difficult task, but we’re here to help find the inspiration you need. Explore the following destinations, covering a variety of camping interests, to enjoy this seasonal shift.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee for Wildflowers
For many folks, one of the clearest signs that spring has sprung is a big bloom of wildflowers. The explosion of colors and smells is a party for your senses and can get anyone excited for warmer weather on the way. One of the best places to take in a major spring bloom is at Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. With miles of hiking trails to trek, explore the blooming spectacle of Lady Slippers, Bleeding Hearts, and Violets. With plenty of camping spots to be had, you’ll have the perfect home base to enjoy the spring equinox.
Smokey Mountain National Park meadow
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for Family Fun
If springtime means beach fun to you, Myrtle Beach in South Carolina may just be the perfect destination for you and your travel companions. Pristine sandy beaches along the Atlantic Coast are met with an world-class entertainment industry featuring amusement parks, fine dining, and shopping as far as the eye can see. Temperatures in the upper 60’s and lower 70’s Fahrenheit this time of year will make your trip a comfortable one.
New Orleans, Louisiana for Food and Culture
When it comes to a spring destination that offers a little bit of everything, it’s really tough to beat New Orleans. ‘The Big Easy’ is home to one a diverse blend of cultures, cuisine, and traditions in the country. Take in some live jazz down on Frenchman Street, enjoy a beignet at the famous Cafe du Monde in the French Quarter, or hit up Bourbon Street for parties like you’ve never experienced before.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Galveston, Texas for Angling Action
For sportsmen and women, springtime is beloved as an incredible fishing season. As the fish come out of their slow winter patterns their appetites ramp up as they prepare for breeding. The hot angling opportunities can’t be beaten in Galveston, Texas.
Fishing in the shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico, anglers will find tons of ravenous redfish, speckled trout, and black drum that will be in prime feeding form in late March. You don’t necessarily need a boat or a guide service either as there are tons of public piers that are well-situated to land you some fish.
Galveston Early Morning Sunrise
Branson, Missouri for Lounging on the Lake
Midwesterners not wanting to travel too far afield should head to Branson, Missouri for a bounty of indoor and outdoor activities. Just minutes from the incredible Ozark Mountains, the Branson area has tons of hiking opportunities, golf courses, and all the boating fun one could hope for on massive Table Rock Lake. Modern entertainment options also include a variety of amusement parks, theaters, and the impressive Titanic museum.
Platte River, Nebraska for Beautiful Bird Watching
People aren’t the only creatures that get itchy feet come springtime. Many migratory bird species also look to the seasonal transition to fly across the country in impressive numbers. Nebraska in mid-March may not sound like the most obvious choice for a springtime destination, but for birdwatchers, a trip to the Platte River is an avian lover’s dream. This time of year, nearly half a million Sandhill Cranes congregate along the river for one of the most impressive displays of sights and sounds in the birding world.
Sandhill cranes in the Platte River waking up and grooming on a sunny spring morning
Washington D.C. for Cherry Blossoms
Our nation’s capital hosts one of the most stunning spring spectacles in the plant world. The blooming of the iconic cherry blossoms, a gift to the U.S. from Japan in 1912, is attended by thousands of visitors each year. An annual festival to commemorate the event offers tons of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy. In addition to the festival, D.C. has world-class national museums with fascinating rotating exhibits for all interests.
Washington DC, USA at the tidal basin with Washington Monument in the spring season.
Joshua Tree National Park, California for Superblooms
In the summer months, deserts are typically dry and desolate places with unbearably hot temperatures. In the spring, however, they can be surprisingly comfortable and teeming with life. Springtime at Joshua Tree National Park in southern California has plenty of blooming wildflowers, expansive starry nights, and fantastic temperatures in the mid ’70s.
Joshua Tree Boondocking
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona for Small Crowds
When spring rolls around, it may be the absolute best time to visit one of the country’s most iconic national parks. The Grand Canyon in Arizona attracts over 6 million visitors every year who come for the jaw-dropping views. In the spring, the already beautiful pinks and reds of the canyon walls are dotted with many new colors from a variety of wildflowers. In addition, the spring months are far less busy and far more comfortable (mid-70’s) than the peak summer season.
Everyone should visit the Grand Canyon at least once in their life. (Image from Unsplash)
Bahia Honda State Park, Florida for Tropical Vibes
Perhaps you’re looking for a touch of the tropics to ring in spring? Zoom on down to the southern tip of the U.S. to Bahia Honda State Park in the Florida Keys for an incredible way to kick off the new season. Enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, camping, and all the beach sun you could hope for.
Bahia Honda Park
No matter how you like to commemorate the transition to spring, let your hobbies and interests introduce you to a whole new place.
