RV Out West

Washington is home to incredible lakes that offer some of the best RV camping in the Pacific Northwest. We’re sharing six lakes where you can park your RV just steps from the shoreline and spend your days swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, boating, or simply relaxing by the water.

The lakes we explore in this episode highlight what makes each destination worth the trip. You'll learn about each lake's location, size, campground amenities, RV hookups, dump stations, campsite availability, and the recreational opportunities that make these lakes ideal for a summer camping adventure.

From full hookup campsites at state parks to peaceful forest campgrounds and private waterfront RV resorts, these destinations offer something for every style of RVer. If you're traveling in a travel trailer, fifth wheel, or motorhome, you'll find practical information to help you choose your next Washington lake camping destination.

You'll also hear about our conversation with world class whitewater kayaker Dave Fusilli, who shares valuable paddling safety tips that apply to everyone spending time on the water, including kayakers, canoeists, and paddleboarders exploring calm lakes.

If you're planning an RV trip in Washington State or searching for waterfront campgrounds with easy lake access, this episode is packed with ideas to inspire your next adventure. Grab your swimsuit, load up the paddleboards, and discover six Washington lesser known lakes that deserve a spot on your RV travel list.

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From towering waterfalls and dramatic basalt cliffs to alpine lakes and Oregon's tallest peak, the Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood are two of the Pacific Northwest's most unforgettable destinations. In this episode of the RV Out West Podcast, host Brooks welcomes Oregon photographer & RV wanderer, Kristy, of Willa Wanders to share the story behind her passion for exploring the region and why these landscapes continue to inspire her adventures.

Kristy takes listeners on a journey through the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, highlighting some of her favorite viewpoints, waterfalls, hiking trails, scenic drives, and small towns that make this stretch of the Pacific Northwest a must-visit destination. If you're planning your first trip or looking to experience the Gorge beyond the most popular stops, you'll discover practical travel tips and firsthand advice.

The conversation then climbs into the shadow of Mount Hood, Oregon's highest peak and a year-round playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Kristy shares recommendations for exploring Mt. Hood's scenic byways, hiking opportunities, historic landmarks, and seasonal activities, along with advice for RV travelers looking to make the most of the area.

If you're searching for the best things to do in the Columbia River Gorge, planning a Mt. Hood road trip, looking for Oregon travel ideas, or seeking RV-friendly destinations in the Pacific Northwest, this episode offers just what you need for planning your own Oregon and Pacific Northwest adventure.

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We’re heading to John Day, Oregon, a destination filled with incredible scenery, outdoor adventures, fascinating history, and some of the best lesser-known experiences for RV travelers.

Located in Eastern Oregon, the John Day area is a great getaway for RVers looking to explore beyond crowded campgrounds and discover wide-open landscapes, scenic drives, and memorable places to visit. From the dramatic colors of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument to the winding roads of the Journey Through Time Scenic Byway, this region showcases a side of Oregon that feels far from the coast and the Cascade Mountains.

In this destination episode, we’ll share what makes John Day a must-visit stop for Pacific Northwest RVers, including where to camp, what to see, and the outdoor adventures waiting around every corner. We’ll explore hiking opportunities, geological wonders, local character, and the rich history that makes this part of Oregon so special.

If you’re planning a weekend RV getaway, building an Eastern Oregon road trip itinerary, or searching for new places to explore with your family, John Day deserves a spot on your travel list.

We’ll also share tips to help you plan your visit, including things RVers should know before hitting the road, what makes this destination stand out for campers, and why shoulder season may be one of the best times to experience the area.

The Pacific Northwest is full of incredible destinations, and John Day, Oregon is a reminder that some of the best adventures are found when you take the road less traveled.

So grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and get ready to discover your next RV adventure.

Listen to this episode of RV Out West and start planning your John Day, Oregon getaway today.

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For more than 15 years, Jeremy Puglisi has explored North America by RV, building a lifetime of experiences that have inspired thousands of campers through RV Atlas. In this episode of RV Out West, host Brooks Smothers sits down with Jeremy for an honest conversation about family travel, campground culture, and the lessons that only years on the road can teach.

Jeremy reflects on how a simple decision to buy a pop up camper evolved into a career creating RV content while also giving his family countless opportunities to explore the United States together. He shares why RV travel remains his favorite way to vacation, the value of slowing down, cooking outdoors, and connecting with friends around a campfire. The conversation also explores raising kids who genuinely enjoy spending time outside, navigating the teenage years while keeping family camping traditions alive, and why the campground community continues to be one of the best parts of the RV lifestyle.

Brooks and Jeremy discuss common mistakes made by new RV owners, practical advice for reducing stress during trips, and why focusing on experiences instead of equipment leads to more rewarding adventures. They also revisit favorite destinations including Acadia National Park, Assateague State Park, Yellowstone National Park, Olympic National Park, and Nova Scotia.

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Some people chase adventure on well-marked trails. Paul Boomhower has built a life exploring where the pavement ends. Known to many as Smokey and the Vandit, Paul is a photographer and van traveler whose passion for the outdoors has taken him across the Pacific Northwest and beyond in search of unforgettable landscapes and incredible wildlife encounters.

Paul joins us for a conversation about photography, van life, outdoor travel, and the moments that have shaped his perspective on life. Years spent camping, wandering backroads, and waiting patiently for nature to reveal itself have taught him lessons that extend far beyond the camera lens. He shares stories from the road, the joy of slowing down, and the importance of staying curious while exploring the places many travelers overlook.

The conversation also takes a deeply personal turn as Paul reflects on a sudden medical emergency that changed the course of his life. He discusses the long road to recovery, the challenges he faces and how that singular experience strengthened his appreciation for every opportunity to get back outside and continue creating beautiful photographs.

Fans of RV travel, van life, camping, road trips, landscape photography, wildlife photography, and Pacific Northwest travel will find plenty of inspiration throughout this conversation. From remote campsites to unforgettable wildlife sightings, Paul's experiences offer a reminder that some of life's greatest rewards come from patience, persistence, and a willingness to explore beyond the familiar.

Subscribe to RV Out West for weekly conversations about RV travel, camping, outdoor recreation, and destinations throughout Washington, Oregon, British Columbia, Idaho, and the Pacific Northwest. If you enjoyed this conversation, follow the podcast, leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts, and share it with friends who love exploring the great outdoors.

Proud to be recognized as the #7 camping podcast on Feedspot's Best Camping Podcasts list, a ranking that reflects our passion for sharing RV travel, camping adventures, and outdoor destinations across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

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We take a step outside our normal focus on RV travel and camping for a special collaboration with Scott Cowan, host of the Explore Washington State Podcast. Armed with a field recorder and plenty of curiosity, Brooks and Scott spend the day walking through downtown Everett, Washington, visiting four outstanding independent coffee shops: Narrative Coffee, Nadine's Coffee, Loft Coffee Bar & Bakery, and Choux Choux Bakery.

Recorded entirely on location, this episode captures the sounds, conversations, and atmosphere of each stop while exploring the Pacific Northwest's thriving coffee culture. Along the way, Brooks and Scott share plenty of coffee talk and lighthearted banter, discussing AeroPress brewing, pour overs, French press coffee, espresso, favorite regional coffee roasters, best camp coffee setups, vinyl records, local restaurants, and why independent cafés help define a community.

While RV Out West is best known for helping you discover campgrounds, road trips, and destinations across the Pacific Northwest, this episode highlights another side of travel. Sometimes the best way to experience a place is on foot, taking time to visit local businesses and appreciate the stories that unfold over a great cup of coffee.

If you're planning a trip to Everett, searching for great coffee in Washington State, or simply enjoy conversations about travel, food, and coffee culture, this episode belongs on your playlist. It's an easygoing conversation filled with local recommendations, practical coffee tips, and plenty of laughs between two friends who share a passion for exploring the Pacific Northwest.

Grab your favorite mug, press play, and join us for a coffee crawl through downtown Everett that proves memorable travel experiences don't always begin at a campground; they can start with a walk around the block.

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Scenic Washington
Scenic Washington is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, promoting, and enhancing Washington State's 29 Scenic Byways. Through free travel guides, maps, and trip-planning resources, Scenic Washington inspires travelers to explore the state's most beautiful roads, charming communities, and unforgettable landscapes.

Get their FREE Scenic Byways Guidebook & Map

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Travel has a way of shaping our perspective, and few people understand that better than Jay Cullis, Content Manager at Airstream. Jay shares the journey that took him from newspaper reporting and teaching to helping tell the stories behind one of the most recognizable names in the RV industry.

We talk about several notable Airstream projects, including the Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired travel trailer, the Airstream x Stetson collaboration and AirLab, a creative initiative that brings together artists, designers, and storytellers. Jay also reflects on how years of travel have influenced his approach to family, creativity, and life on the road.

The conversation then turns to eastern Idaho, where Jay and his family spent nine weeks exploring the region surrounding Yellowstone National Park. From wildlife encounters and expansive mountain landscapes to the history of Earthquake Lake and the outdoor recreation opportunities around Island Park, Idaho, he shares the experiences that left a lasting impression and inspired him to return.

Along the way, you'll hear stories about RV travel, Airstream ownership, remote work, road trips, camping, and the value of slowing down enough to truly experience a destination. It's a thoughtful discussion about curiosity, adventure, and discovering new places across the American West.

If you're planning an Idaho RV trip, dreaming about Yellowstone, interested in an Airstream, or simply looking for inspiration for your next road trip, this episode offers plenty of ideas to fuel your travels. Download the episode, settle in, and join Brooks and Jay as they explore the roads, landscapes, and experiences that continue to call them back for more.

Follow along on Jay's journey's over on his Instagram. @jaycullis

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Live music and RV travel have more in common than you might think. Both are built around experiences, memories, and the stories that stay with us long after the trip is over. A favorite song can instantly transport us back to a specific place and time, much like revisiting a beloved campground, scenic drive, or destination.

Your host, Brooks, takes you on a musical road trip through some of the Pacific Northwest's most celebrated music venues, exploring the stages, theaters, clubs, and amphitheaters that have helped shape the region's music culture. The journey includes stops at Seattle's Paramount Theatre, The Crocodile, Neptune Theatre, and Tractor Tavern, along with Portland's Crystal Ballroom and Roseland Theater, Boise's Egyptian Theatre, and several other memorable venues across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.

Along the way, Brooks shares the history behind these locations, the stories that make them special, and the reasons music fans continue to return year after year. From century-old theaters to intimate concert halls and world-class outdoor venues, each stop offers a different perspective on the live music experience and the role these places play in the communities they serve.

You'll hear stories of unforgettable performances, unexpected guest appearances, and the kinds of concert moments that can only happen when the stars align just right. Along the way, Brooks shares a piece of fatherly advice that might seem simple on the surface, but it could completely change the way you experience your next concert. Some lessons are learned the hard way. This one doesn't have to be.

If you’re an RV looking to plan a different kind of road trip, this episode offers inspiration to make live music the destination. Instead of mapping a journey around attractions or campgrounds alone, consider following the concert calendar and letting great venues guide the adventure. The result may be a road trip filled with new places, great music, and stories worth telling around the campfire for years to come.

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Part two with Edwin and Jessely Soto is here.

The Sotos, of From the Hatch, share stories from their travels across the Pacific Northwest, including the places that left a lasting impression, the stops they missed this time around, and the destinations already calling them back for another trip. If you love RV travel, road trips, van life, Airstream adventures, and exploring the Pacific Northwest, this conversation is packed with inspiration and real stories from the road.

You will also get an inside look at Edwin’s life as a musician and recording artist. Edwin opens up about how he continues to write, record, and produce music while living full time in an Airstream. From building a creative routine in a small space to balancing travel with artistic passion, he shares a fascinating look at what life as a traveling musician really looks like.

And then, Edwin drops a BIG surprise right here on the show that completely catches us off guard.

This is one of our longer episodes, but there was simply too much great conversation to cut. The stories, laughs, travel memories, and behind the scenes moments made this one impossible to trim down.

So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and join us for part two of our conversation with Edwin and Jessely Soto on RV Out West.

If you enjoy RV living, Airstream travel, Pacific Northwest road trips, camping culture, travel podcasts, and conversations with creative people living life a little differently, this episode is for you.

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In this special 200th episode of RV Out West, we sit down with Edwin and Jessely Soto, the couple behind From the Hatch, for a raw and honest conversation about full time RV living, family travel, and building a nomadic lifestyle from the ground up. What makes their story so different is that when they first started RV life, they had absolutely zero experience. In fact, I first met the Sotos over five years ago in a campground in Pennsylvania on their very first night living full time in an RV.

Since then, Edwin and Jessely have traveled across the country, navigated major RV breakdowns, worked through health challenges, and learned how to adapt to the ups and downs that come with life on the road. In this episode, they share why they chose the full time RV lifestyle, how their family and friends eventually came to understand their decision, and the ways travel has shaped them not just as individuals, but as a couple and as a family.

This episode is filled with heartfelt stories, honest reflections, and practical insight for anyone curious about RV living, van life, family travel, digital nomad life, or long term travel in an RV. If you are already living on the road or still dreaming about taking the leap into full time travel, Edwin and Jessely bring a relatable and inspiring perspective to the conversation.

Be sure to follow From the Hatch on Instagram and join us next week for part two, where we talk about their travels throughout the Pacific Northwest, creating music while living on the road, and how they make this lifestyle work for their family.

Visit our newest sponsor: Scenic Washington
Order your FREE Washington State Scenic Byway guide and map.

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