2025 was quite the year — one that took us around the entire perimeter of the United States.
If you had told us at the beginning of the year that we’d drive even more than in years past, we would have laughed. We’ve driven as far as Alaska and the Arctic Ocean and even down to Baja California, Mexico — but this year topped it all.
We started 2025 in Florida and traveled all the way to Southern California, up the entire West Coast, across the Great Plains, into the mountains of New England, and finally down through Tennessee before reaching North Carolina, where we celebrated the holidays with family. We covered thousands of miles and are thankful to have explored some of the most beautiful places the United States has to offer.
Living and traveling full-time in our 2024 nuCamp Cirrus 820 gives us the feeling of home on the road. It allows us to move at our own pace, chase good weather, and say yes to adventure whenever it finds us. Out of everywhere we adventured to this year, these five places stood out — even after having visited some of them in the past.
1. California’s Highway 395 – The Ultimate Road Trip
California’s Highway 395 has a way of reminding you how wild and diverse the West actually is. In just one long stretch of highway, you travel from open desert to the towering granite walls of the Eastern Sierra, passing dense boulder fields and hidden alpine lakes along the way.
We loved the calm of every morning out here. Most of the time — aside from Alabama Hills — it felt as if we were the only ones out exploring. The remoteness of each beautiful place along this Highway doesn’t feel possible considering it runs through one of the most populated states. At night, the skies lit up with endless stars thanks to the lack of light pollution, and if you looked close enough, you could see the Starlink satellites flying above doing their job.
Another highlight: the abundance of free boondocking is out of this world. Each night, we found a free, beautiful, and safe place to stay.
Our favorite places from this beautiful Highway were the Alabama Hills, the Crowley Lake Columns, and the Hot Creek Geological Site. The endless beauty to be seen here will blow your mind. While we did take some time exploring from south to north, we know we’ve only scratched the surface‚ and we can’t wait to come back for more.
2. Oregon’s Coastal Gems – Samuel H. Boardman & Cannon Beach
Oregon’s coastline feels like stepping straight into a magical daydream. One minute you’re driving through towering trees, and the next you’re staring at cliffs that drop into turquoise ocean water below. The mix of rugged cliffsides, ocean mist, and moody days is something we’ve always loved about the Oregon coast.
What we loved most about Oregon is that every stop was as stunning as we remembered.
At Samuel H. Boardman, we spent time wandering the cliffside trails that opened up to viewpoints so picturesque that they looked like paintings. What stood out the most to us was the Natural Bridges area. It’s the kind of place where your jaw drops every time you visit, and we can’t see it “getting old” any time soon.
Cannon Beach was another epic spot. The last time we visited, it was typical PNW weather with fog and rain, but this time was different. Sunset at Haystack Rock is something everyone should experience at least once. The soft light and the sound of waves crashing against the sea stacks create a moment you want to relive over and over.
The best thing about this coastline is how easy it is to explore from our truck camper. Every morning we woke up to fog drifting past the windows, and every night we watched the sky shift from golden to gray in a way only the Pacific Northwest can deliver. It’s one of those places you drive away from already planning your return.
3. South Dakota – Custer State Park & Badlands National Park
South Dakota was one of the biggest surprises of our year on the road. You don’t really understand how diverse this state is until you’re exploring it. One moment you’re surrounded by pine forests and granite rocks, and the next you’re staring out over canyons that look like a different planet —maybe Mars. We’ve never been, but the photos seem spot-on.
Custer State Park instantly became a favorite. The Cathedral Spires Trail felt like hiking through an outdoor cathedral built by nature. Sylvan Lake at sunset was peaceful, with still water that we just had to jump in — cold plunges for the win. The Wildlife Loop Road lived up to the hype, too. From bison, deer, pronghorn, and endless rolling hills, this place deserves a spot on your bucket list.
Another unforgettable stop was the Badlands, which offered a completely different kind of beauty. With so many easily accessible pull-offs and trails, it’s perfect whether you want to take a day to drive the park or spend a few days exploring the trails. We thought the Badlands were pretty cool, and it was nice to revisit since we hadn’t been since 2021. ALSO, don’t forget to stop at Wall Drug for a fun little side quest.
What makes South Dakota so underrated is how dramatically the landscape changes in such a short distance. If you’ve never been … what are you waiting for?
4. New Hampshire – The White Mountains
The White Mountains were a dream. After spending so much time out West, stepping into New Hampshire’s forests, cool air, and rugged mountains felt completely different — in the best way possible. It gave us Colorado vibes, but in New England, which made it even more epic.
One of our favorite days of the entire year was hiking Franconia Ridge. Walking along the top of those mountains with endless peaks stretching in every direction is a moment we’ll remember forever. We planned our visit strategically, and even with the short, dry fall season, we were lucky enough to catch peak colors for about three days, which is almost as long as it lasted.
There’s a calmness to the Northeast that we enjoy. Trails covered in fallen foliage, views that feel earned after a nice hike. The nights were cold, perfect for cozying up in the camper after long days exploring. New Hampshire showed us a completely new version of mountain life, and it quickly became one of our favorite stops of the year.
5. Tennessee – The Great Smoky Mountains
The Smokies made for a perfect ending to a year filled with travel. There’s something about the way fog sits between the ridgelines in the morning, with mountains layered in the distance like watercolors.
Time in the Smokies slowed down, giving us a much-needed reset after a busy year. We woke up early to explore Clingmans Dome, where the mountains looked painted in every direction. What stood out was how peaceful the Smokies felt after months of constant movement. These mountains have a way of keeping you still, reminding you to live a little slower.
It was the perfect final chapter to a year full of exploration.
What This Year Meant to Us
Traveling coast to coast — from Florida to California, up through Oregon and Washington, across the country to Maine, and down to Tennessee — reminded us how diverse and beautiful the United States truly is.
It also reminded us why we love traveling in our nuCamp Cirrus 820. Having everything we need with us turns every day into a chance to explore somewhere new, wake up to a different view, and build memories we’ll cherish forever.
We hope this list inspires your next adventure. Maybe we’ll cross paths out there on the road.
Safe Travels,
Grayson & Ashleigh
One response to “Top 5 Places We’ve Visited This Year in Our nuCamp Cirrus 820”
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I have been enjoying following your YouTube channel this year. We bought our first camper this year (24 920) and you both have been a true inspiration for wanting to get out more. One day, we might just follow your breadcrumbs on a similar journey. May God continue to bless your travels and your marriage