Written By: Lisa & Anthony Petrarca
We just wrapped up an unforgettable road trip from California to Tennessee! Our kids and grandkids recently relocated to Texas and Tennessee, so we jumped at the chance to explore the South and visit family. From breathtaking landscapes to quirky roadside stops, we embraced the van life experience and uncovered hidden gems along the way. We took the I-10 Route out and looped back home on the I-40 to maximize the exploring! Whether you’re planning a similar adventure or just looking for inspiration, here are the highlights and must-see stops from our journey.
Stop 1: Arizona
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park (Pine, AZ)
- Home to the world’s longest travertine bridge, tucked away in the mountains.
- Trails: Short but steep (Waterfall, Gowan, Anna Mae).
- Pro Tip: Wear sturdy shoes, pack extra water, and note that pets are only allowed on upper paved trails.
Saguaro Lake (Mesa, AZ)
A serene spot surrounded by iconic Saguaro cacti—perfect for a picnic or a relaxing lake day.
Saguaro National Park (Tucson, AZ)
- Known for its stunning saguaro cacti and diverse trails.
- Note: We skipped this due to extreme heat but couldn’t resist adding it to our must-visit list for next time.
Nearby Campgrounds:
- Tonto National Forest (Chandler)
- Lost Dutchman State Park (Apache Junction)
- Usery Mountain Regional Park (Mesa)
- McDowell Mountain Regional Park (Fountain Hills)
- Gilbert Ray Campground (Tucson)
Quirky Roadside Attraction:
- The Thing (Benson): Be sure to stop and check this place out. It has a museum, aliens/dinosaurs and a fun “What if?” take on it all. There’s food and a gift store. Great place to stretch your legs and see something out of the ordinary.
- **Dog friendly inside too!
Stop 2: Texas
After a late-night arrival, we used the IOverlander app to find a quick, free overnight spot. The beauty of van life? Home is where you park it! The next morning we re-routed up to the Texas Hill country to visit friends, and stayed at this beautiful park/campground:
Inks Lake State Park (Burnet, TX)
- Gorgeous lakeside camping with scenic hikes.
- Trails: Devil’s Waterhole Trail, Pecan Flats Trail, Cedar Ridge Nature Trail, and more.
Other Hill Country Gems:
- Krause Springs (Spicewood, TX): Natural spring pools, a rope swing, and a small waterfall.
- Fossil Rim Wildlife Center (Glen Rose, TX): Drive through a wildlife preserve. Free roaming giraffes come right up to your window for a snack!
- Fort Worth/Family Visit:The next day we finally arrived at our kids home and were met with welcome signs and hugs!
Recommended Campgrounds
Places to stay if you don’t have a driveway to camp in:
- Dinosaur Valley State Park (Glen Rose)
- McKinney Falls State Park (Austin)
- Lake Mineral Wells State Park (Mineral Wells)
Stop 3: Arkansas
We made a quick stop here after saying goodbye to our kids/continuing on to Tennessee for more family time.
Hot Springs National Park
These Hot Springs weren’t what we expected at all, they’re all capped off (to preserve from contamination.) The hot water pours underground directly into the bath houses. There’s no entrance fee as the park is in the town. However, they do charge to soak in the Bath Houses.
- Stroll along historic Bathhouse Row and enjoy the Promenade.
- Highlight: Take the Mountain Tower elevator ($14) for panoramic views and history exhibits.
- Pro Tip: Visit for its unique history rather than the typical “park vibes”—it feels more like a city walk.
STOP 4: Tennessee
We found a great, free overnight camping spot at an unusual place centrally located in Memphis. It can be a bit loud (the designated camping is under a bridge overpass) but we’d stay here again.
Bass Pro Shops Pyramid (Memphis, TN)
This larger-than-life spot offers overnight camping, history, and plenty of entertainment. Inside, you’ll find:
- Big Cypress Lodge (a 100-room hotel)
- An archery range, bowling alley, and even a saltwater aquarium
- The tallest freestanding elevator in the U.S., leading to the Lookout Restaurant & Bar
Fun Fact: The pyramid originally hosted basketball games, concerts, and even Tyson’s famous boxing match before transforming into this unique destination!
Sun Studio (Memphis, TN)
- The birthplace of rock ’n’ roll, where legends like Elvis and Johnny Cash began their careers.
Crystal Shrine Grotto (Memphis, TN)
- A hidden gem: a man-made crystal cave inside a cemetery. Intriguing and worth a visit!
Other Famous Places
- Graceland (Memphis, TN): Elvis Presley’s home/tours/camping.
- Beale Street (Memphis, TN): Known for its vibrant night life and rich musical history!
Recommended Campgrounds:
- Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park (Millington)
- T.O. Fuller State Park (Memphis)
- Montgomery Bell State Park (Burns)
- Memphis East Campground (Lakeland)
Franklin/Nashville Area:
After arriving at our final Southern destination (Tennessee kids/grandkids home), we spent time exploring Nashville’s vibrant music scene, enjoying lunch and walking across the city’s scenic pedestrian bridge.
Broadway (Nashville, TN)
- Famous music scene full of honky-tonk bars, restaurants and live music.
- Grand Ole Opry (Nashville, TN): Famous country music venue.
- Parthenon (Nashville, TN): Full scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens, Greece, located in Centennial Park.
Hikes:
We were able to squeeze in a couple of waterfall hikes, (definitely many more on the list check off, but they’ll have to wait for future trips.) We highly recommend these:
- Machine Falls: A must-see waterfall hike.
- Rutledge Falls: A short, privately owned, dog-friendly trail with stunning views.
Recommended Campgrounds
- Bledsoe Creek State Park (Gallatin)
- Long Hunter State Park (Hobson Pike)
- Montgomery Bell State Park (Burns)
- We had an amazing time in Tennessee visiting family and exploring its beauty.
- It sure was hard to say goodbye though.
- Stops on the Way Back (via I-40)
STOP 5: Arkansas
Maumelle Campground (Little Rock, AR): A peaceful spot, complete with a surprise alligator sighting!
STOP 6: Oklahoma
Sandy Beach Campground (Oklahoma City, OK) Enjoy lakefront views and quiet camping.
STOP 7: Texas
Cadillac Ranch (Amarillo, TX) Bring spray paint and leave your mark on the colorful Cadillacs sticking out of the ground. Create your art masterpiece! Tip: bring white or black spray paint for the background, then a vibrant color to stand out.
Big Texas Steak Ranch (Amarillo, TX)
Stop for a hearty meal at this iconic Texas eatery.
Stop 8: New Mexico
- Ice Cave & Bandera Volcano (Grants, NM): Hike lava trails to a volcano and a natural ice cave that stays frozen year-round. The campground is right on the property.
- El Morro National Monument (Grants, NM): Marvel at ancient petroglyphs along the Inscription Rock Trail (0.75 miles). There is also a campground here!
STOP 9: Arizona
- Forest Road 237 (Flagstaff, AZ): Wild camping with unbeatable stargazing and it’s free!
Pro Tips for Your Road Trip
- Stay flexible—unexpected detours often lead to the best adventures.
- Use apps like IOverlander and Harvest Host to find unique overnight stops.
- Always pack extra water, sturdy shoes, and remember to leave no trace wherever you go.
This journey was more than a road trip—it was a deep dive into the soul of the South. From natural wonders to cultural landmarks, we hope this inspires your next adventure.
Safe travels!