SOUTHERN USA ROAD TRIP IN NOVEMBER

Updated November 26, 2023

With the American border close and November knocking on the door, it’s an ideal time to dream of your next destination, but also to go on a road trip to the south! We have unforgettable memories there. We made several road trips in the USA in November and December, months where we swap the gray and the cold for the sun and discovery on the road… it’s just perfect!

The South of the United States is vast and its many attractions are just as vast. Lovers of the beach, contemplation or treks in majestic panoramas, nature enthusiasts? No matter your area of interest, you can hit the road in Vanlife mode! And contemplate all these majestic panoramas…

Dream panoramas for Vanlife lovers

In this article, we propose some places with diverse horizons where Vanlife enthusiasts can spend weeks or months and experience escape, adventure, discovery and relaxation in the southern United States.

MINIVAN CAMPER, SYNONYMOUS OF FREEDOM, SPONTANEITY AND COMFORT

A trip in a minivan is particularly safe and comfortable. It is also a relaxing means of transport, both on winding roads and on highways, because the ride is as flexible as a car and not cumbersome and tossing as is the case with a large RV. In short, escape will be there and not stress…

AFFORDABLE DREAM

In the national parks, camping will be more than affordable with unlimited access for an annual subscription at the low cost of US$80 with the “National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass”! This subscription also gives free access to camping in several BLMs (otherwise the daily cost generally varies between $10 and $25 per night). Boondocking sites (free) can also be found with applications like iOverlander, see our article on this subject. Paid state or private campsites are also available.

We limit ourselves here to the south where the months of November and December offer the mildest regions of the United States.

SUN AND BEACHES IN FLORIDA

For a beach holiday, apart from California, Texas and Louisiana, apart from California, three circuits in Florida catch our attention for your road trip in the USA: The Keys (from Key Largo to Key West) long and magnificent arm of the sea ; the west coast from Clearwater to Naples, a more European Florida and its northern belt adjacent to Louisiana of which you can see some souvenir photos above and below.

PENSACOLA BEACH AND EDWARD BALL WAKULLA SPRINGS STATE PARK

Samuel and I have memories there of dolphins swimming and leaping along the coast. We were heading east along the northern belt of Florida after visiting New Orleans, Louisiana. Manatees also particularly charmed us at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park. On the other hand, the further we advance towards winter, the less warm it will be, compared to the south of the state.

LOUISIANA

During your road trip in the USA, consider stopping in Louisiana. The bayous of Louisiana offer a mild climate and New Orleans is known for its festive character. Some photos from our stay in 2019.

Arizona

A territory that is both desert and dotted with mountains, Arizona is a refuge for those seeking a dry climate. With its breathtaking landscapes and mountainous circuits, it is also a paradise for Vanlife.

The Grand Canyon, the Cascades of the Havasupai reserve, the spectacle of starry nights, the grandiose views of Monument Valley, Sedona, the Saguaro National Park and its desert landscapes are all extraordinary places where life will be good: walking, relaxing, cycle, visit, camp for days or weeks.

As for us, Arizona is a big favorite, among all that the American West has to offer travelers. However, the further we advance towards winter, the more the south of the state will be favored, because regions further north and at higher altitudes like the Grand Canyon will be more comfortable earlier in fall or spring. On the other hand, even in the south, the nights will be cool.

Whether you leave for a few weeks or months for a road trip in the USA, the southern United States is a vast and majestic territory to discover. Equipped with your RoadLoft conversion equipment, a feeling of sweet freedom and accessibility will be added to your stay in simplified Vanlife mode.

Do you dream of a Road Trip but fear the costs of the RV? Discover our article resulting from a detailed analysis of the costs of a month-long trip where we traveled with our converted minivan more than 10,000 km in the United States for as little as $20 per day!

Laurence Dufour, co-founder of Roadloft