August warm and generally pretty sunny, so you can get outdoors in all the places you want to visit. Whether you’re traveling for the entire month or just heading out for a few days here and there, you can find plenty of ideas to consider and different parts of the country to travel to. Here are 10 of the top van destinations to check out in August 2022, so you can have an epic and enjoyable summer experience.
The Florida Keys
By visiting the Florida Keys, you get the opportunity to see a unique part of the country. Enjoy the blue-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, and experience a community of travelers and tourists who love the island life. The Keys are separated by beautiful, expansive bridges, and you can sink your toes into the sand on every island, where you can also swim in the water and make memories. August is a great time to visit, but be mindful of the potential for tropical weather systems.
Redwood National Park, California
When you take a trip to Redwood National Park, you can get out of the August heat and sink into the lush beauty and comfort of the redwood forest. There are hiking trails, campgrounds, biking opportunities, a gift shop to explore, and the constant, cool feeling of the shade from the trees. It’s a lovely area to experience some of the best of nature, and the warm summer days and cooler nights make it great for seeing all the sights.
Olympic National Park, Washington
If you visit Olympic National Park, you’ll be able to experience the feeling of a rain forest, even in the warmer months. It’s a great location for anyone who wants to be close to nature, and also experience a cool, comfortable feeling in the heat of the summer. Many areas of Western Washington State are often cool, even in the summer months, so it’s a nice break if you want to get out of the heat for a little while. Hiking and biking are popular there, and campground options are abundant.
The Outer Banks, North Carolina
One of the best places to visit in August is the Outer Banks, North Carolina. While it’s warm and sunny, you can swim in the ocean, enjoy campfires and cookouts, and explore all the beauty of standing where the land meets the sea. Be mindful of the chance of tropical weather, as the area can get hurricanes and tropical storms, but it’s easy to find out about those in advance and adjust your plans accordingly.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
A trip to Rocky Mountain National Park gives you breathtaking beauty that’s unlike anywhere else. You can hike in the mountains, bike and walk on trails all around the area, and find a campground that meets your needs and gives you a comfortable place to stay. With so much going for it, you can also hike to higher elevation and experience a cool reprieve from the summer heat, as well.
Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
If you’re over near Kentucky, you’ll want to check out Mammoth Cave National Park. Exploring the depth of some of the biggest caves can leave you awestruck, and the coolness of being deep in the earth is a pleasant shock on a hot summer day. The caves are some of the best in the country, and they’re the largest, as well. Along with the caves there are gift shops, camping options, and areas to hike and explore in and around the park, so there’s something for everyone.
Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Who doesn’t like enjoying the water when it’s hot outside? At Lake Tahoe, you can boat, fish, swim, or just play in the water or on the sand. You can get to Lake Tahoe from Nevada or California, since the lake sits right on the border of the two states. But a lot of the best opportunities for camping and exploration are on the Nevada side of the water.
Button Bay State Park, Vermont
Over in the northeast, you can experience the beauty of Button Bay State Park. Vermont offers a lot of natural beauty, and you can camp, hike, and explore the entirety of the park. In August, the area is warm and comfortable, with moderate temperatures and cool nights you can spend outdoors with friend and family. Being close to the water is also a benefit of this great location, where you can enjoy water sports throughout the summer months.
The UP of Michigan
The Upper Peninsula (UP) of Michigan offers a diverse opportunity to do all kinds of interesting things. You can explore the water, hike, camp, bike, fish, and walk trails all over the area. There are plenty of shopping and dining locations, too, so you don’t have to be too far off the grid unless you want to. With campgrounds all over the area, you’ll never be at a loss for a great place to stay.
Denver, Colorado
Check out the mile-high city of Denver, Colorado to hike the mountains and explore the city, all while taking in the blue skies and comfortable temperatures that come with higher elevations. In and around Denver you can do everything from high-end shopping to fishing and hiking, all close by and conveniently situated. With big-city life meeting natural beauty, you can’t go wrong with this as a vacation destination.
Ready to get started on your van adventure? August is a great month to see the sights and check out all kinds of great places around the country. You can find some excellent locations close to home, or spend a few days on the road, getting to far-away destinations. Whichever you decide to do, you’ve picked the right month to experience great weather and the chance to have outdoor adventures you can remember fondly all year round.
