Finding the Right Fit: Seasonal Sites vs. Full-Time Nomadic RVing

Last weekend was a whirlwind of 4th of July festivities with our family. It’s moments like these that make me so grateful to be close to our hometown, joining in the traditions we’ve made over the years.

As a full-time RVer, I also found myself looking for ways to escape the holiday crowds at the campground! Now that we’re stationary at a seasonal site (we had one a few years ago too), I thought it would be the perfect time to share some pros and cons of seasonal stays versus full-time nomadic travel. If you’re trying to decide which path might be best for your family, I hope this helps you weigh your options.

Seasonal Sites

Seasonal sites can be a great choice if you’re looking for more stability. Here’s what we love (and don’t love) about them:

Pros:

• Cost savings: Seasonal sites often offer highly discounted rates compared to nightly or weekly stays.

• Feels like home: You can truly settle in, think outdoor couches, sheds, and even a cozy gazebo setup.

• Convenience: Perfect if you need to stay in a specific area for work, kids’ school, or to be close to family.

• Community: You can build a local network, join homeschool co-ops, or sign the kids up for sports.

Cons:

• Repetitive: You might miss the excitement of discovering new places, hikes, and attractions.

• Routine-heavy: Over time, it can start to feel more like living in a traditional house, with the same day-to-day patterns.

Nomadic Travel

There’s something special about the freedom of constantly being on the move, we have been lucky enough to travel to 27 states and are working our way to the lower 48 by the time our oldest graduates (only 4 more years to go)

Pros:

• Endless exploration: There’s always a new place to discover and adventure waiting around the corner.

• Ultimate flexibility: Don’t like a spot? You can simply pack up and move on.

Cons:

• Cost: Fuel and campground fees can add up quickly.

• Connectivity challenges: Reliable Wi-Fi and work setups can be harder to come by.

• Logistics: Scheduling doctor and dentist visits on the road isn’t always easy.

• Lack of stability: It can be hard to feel fully settled anywhere, but it’s definitely never boring!

Which Is Right for You?

Whether you choose to settle into a seasonal site or chase new sites year-round, both options offer their own kind of magic. It really comes down to what works best for your family, your lifestyle, and your current season of life.

If you’re still deciding, don’t worry, there’s no one “right” way to RV. You might even find yourself switching it up over time, just like we have!

Have you tried both? I’d love to hear which one you prefer and why! Hit reply and share your story with me.

📚 Books on Board

Last week, I finished Still Beating by Jennifer Hartmann. It started out feeling like a thriller but surprised me by turning into a romance. It was such a powerful story of character growth, with some meaningful life lessons woven in — definitely one that stuck with me.

“love doesn’t exist without sacrifice. Sometimes those sacrifices are waking up ten minutes early to make your partner coffee. Sometimes it’s taking on a second job to support your family. Sometimes it’s staying up all night with a newborn so your significant other can finally sleep. Sometimes it’s shoveling the other person’s car out of the driveway after a snowstorm.” She places her palm against my wet cheek and smiles softly. “And sometimes it’s making the ultimate sacrifice and walking away for the greater good.”

I also read Slow Burn Summer by Josie Silver. This quick, beachy read was just what I needed! It’s a sweet romance about an out-of-work actress who, after her divorce, takes a job impersonating the author of a new viral book — and unexpectedly finds love along the way. Perfect if you’re looking for a light, feel-good summer escape.

I’m currently reading Lisa Jewell’s newest release, Don’t Let Him In. Stay tuned for my thoughts on it next week!

📍 Worth the Stop

This week, we went to a fun science day at our local library as part of their summer reading program. They did the classic volcano experiment with vinegar and baking soda, which my 7-year-old absolutely loved! We had just watched the new Jurassic Park movie over the weekend, so he was extra excited and even wanted to build his own volcano at home to play with his dinosaurs.

Where was I going with this? Oh right, while we were at the library, they started talking about real volcanoes, and Logan (my 7-year-old) proudly shared that we had actually visited one. It made me realize that if it stuck in his memory, it was definitely worth sharing here too!

In Arizona, we visited two amazing volcano sites near Flagstaff:

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument - We hiked the trails and explored the on-site museum, learning all about the eruption that created the crater nearly 1,000 years ago.

Lava River Cave - This mile-long lava tube was formed about 700,000 years ago by flowing molten rock. Getting down into the cave is a bit challenging, but it’s absolutely worth it. Just don’t forget to bring multiple flashlights, it’s pitch black inside!

While exploring, we stayed at the nearby Village Camp RV Resort. We loved the large paved sites, and the premium sites even had beautiful outdoor kitchens, perfect for relaxing after a day of adventure.

These trips are such a great reminder of how learning can come alive through travel. And who knows, maybe your next adventure will inspire a fun science project at home too!

🛒 What’s in My Amazon Cart

With Prime Days happening this week, my cart was definitely full! Now that we’re staying put for the rest of the summer, I wanted to make our outdoor space extra cozy and inviting. Here are a few things I added to create the perfect hangout spot:

• An L-shaped patio set for reading & lounging

• A deck box to keep all the kids’ toys organized

• An outdoor garbage can (to keep things clean)

• A grill gazebo to make summer cookouts even better

I can’t wait to enjoy all these little upgrades and soak up the rest of the season outside!

📬 Before You Go…

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