Forum Discussion

GreenSalsa's avatar
GreenSalsa
Explorer
Oct 14, 2014

Southern recomendations near I-40 (NM, TX, OK, AR or TN)

Okay board, I am wrapping up my retirement camping trip and have just completed nearly 61 days on the road with the family.

We hit up Rocky Mountain NP, Dinosaur NM, Lassen NP, Redwoods NP, Big Sur area, Yosemite NP, Sequoia NP, Grand Canyon NP, Zion NP, and Bryce NP.

We are on our way to Arches NP and Mesa Verde NP and will be headed back east to Fayetteville NC on 19 Oct.

We don't need to be back "home" until 26 October and that got me thinking...I have some EXTRA time!

What other national park (or monument or attraction) would the board recommend as a quick one or two night stay along the way back to NC?

I was thinking of taking I-40 back through New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas, and Tennessee. I am willing to "divert" about 120 miles north or south. My daughters and I prefer to hike and see wildlife as opposed to city attractions, but the idea of hitting up places like Roswell is something we might go for...

BTW--I have a 40+ page trip report to post when I get back home to stable wifi if anyone is interested. This trip turned into both my retirement trip AND shakedown cruise. Lots happened and many, many memories.
  • Executive45's avatar
    Executive45
    Explorer III
    Oct 14, 2014
    You missed Meteor Crater, Petrified Forest and Painted Desert in Northern Arizona east of Holbrook. All along I-40. Close by are Four Corners, where you can put your body in four states at the same time, and Canyon de Chelly.

    You don't say how old your daughters are, but you can stand on the corner in Winslow Az, (Eagles fame) and see the wigwam motel of CARS fame in downtown Holbrook. If you ask they'll let you tour one of the wigwams.

    In NM, White Sands Missle Range is awesome! Carlsbad Caverns, is good, too..stay at the CC RV Park...it's nicer than the one closest to the entrance. They have a pet facility at the cavern entrance so you don't have to leave them in the coach. If going to Roswell, be sure to see the zoo there..it's free and worth the trip. We stayed at Bottomless Lakes State Park...camping at the water's edge....have a safe trip....Dennis
  • rvten's avatar
    rvten
    Explorer
    Oct 14, 2014
    Crossville, TN. Cumberland MT. State Park., Fall Creek Falls ST. PK. Sgt. Alvin York home and museum. Homestead Towers
    Good private RV PK is Spring Lake.
  • huachuca's avatar
    huachuca
    Explorer
    Oct 14, 2014
    Carlsbad Caverns isn't too far south of Roswell. Definitely recommend the lower cave tour. Brantley Lake SP is a nice Park or Dog Canyon in Guadalupe Mountain NP if you want something more remote.

    Palo Duro State Park is just off 40 near Amarillo and is a favorite stop of ours. Lighthouse trail is a good hike.

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