Drive: Home Is Where The Road Is

When the world shut down due to pandemic, Americans hit the road. Domestic outdoor travel, with its abundance of fresh air and built-in social distancing, became the de facto form of entertainment for a cooped-up nation. As a result, RV sales soared to record highs in 2021, surpassing the previous peak in 2017 by nearly 100,000 units. 

Though RV adoption has since dipped, America’s renewed love affair with homegrown attractions has proven to have staying power. That includes yours truly. I consider myself a well-traveled gent, but four years ago, I had never set foot in a national park. So, trading cabin fever for the inimitable highs of the open road, I set off from the Hudson Valley to experience the awe-inspiring grandeur of Yellowstone by RV.

I arrived in Bozeman, MT, at the tail end of September; a time when crowds thin and roadways clear in the park. (Although 2021 set a record for highest visitation numbers, there was still plenty of traffic.) Of all the memories—from seeing the chromatic brilliance of Grand Prismatic Spring up close to watching herds of bison thunder across the plains—the one that lingers most is coming face to face with a bull elk in the dead of night at a campground near Mammoth. That’s the kind of experience you can only have when traveling by RV.

No matter if you’re cruising down the Taconic or navigating Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park, an RV decked out with bikes and gear is always going to scream adventure. So whether you’re planning local weekend getaways or an epic cross-country journey to all 63 national parks, these three RVs can help get you there in style—because when the open road calls, the right ride makes all the difference.

Tiffin Zephyr 45 

MSRP: $962,000

For the ultimate in “Who bothers with gas prices?” extravagance, look no further than the newest Zephyr (pictured above) from Tiffin Motorhomes. A marvel of craftsmanship and engineering, it delivers the comfort of a high-end apartment while cruising down the highway. Semi-customizable with two spacious layouts—including options for one-and-a-half baths—the Zephyr ensures you and your family can travel in style without compromising a single iota of comfort. Depending on the configuration, it sleeps three to five people, making it perfect for small families or those who like to entertain like a rockstar on tour.

Inside, luxury abounds: quartz countertops, large panoramic windows, upscale stainless-steel appliances. With 237 cubic feet of exterior storage—roughly the volume of a minivan—the Zephyr has ample room to accommodate all your gear. Its advanced technology package provides seamless control over climate, lighting and media, ensuring a smooth travel experience for everyone on board. But fair warning: you may need a seasoned road warrior to handle this behemoth.

Winnebago Revel 

MSRP: $254,000

For those who live for off-road escapades, the Winnebago Revel is a rugged yet functional camper van designed to conquer the vast wilderness. Built on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, it’s equipped with a turbo-diesel engine and automatic overdrive transmission, delivering 211 horsepower and more than 330lb-ft of torque. With its 4×4 capability, the Revel is ready to tackle everything from rocky backroads to muddy trails. Inside, a power lift bed for two retracts to reveal ample storage space, making room for outdoor gear like bikes, kayaks or hiking equipment.

While all RVs offer some escape from civilization, the Revel takes that ethos to another level. Solar panels, lithium-ion batteries and an advanced power management system let you power appliances, charge gadgets and even run the air conditioner—all without plugging into traditional hookups. (Its all-new water tank also holds an impressive 35 gallons of water.) With this self-sufficient setup, you can stay off-grid for up to seven days. Burning Man, anyone?

eleMMent Palazzo Superior

MSRP: $3 million

And if the Zephyr isn’t luxe enough, there’s always the eleMMent Palazzo Superior from Marchi Mobile—or the absolute pinnacle of luxury RV-ing. Powered by a Volvo six-cylinder inline engine delivering up to 600 horsepower, this rolling palace is built for both power and prestige. A master suite with a king-size bed, a spa-like rain shower and a retractable rooftop lounge bring five-star amenities to the open road. With its yacht-inspired interior featuring marble floors and leather upholstery, the Palazzo Superior isn’t just an RV—it’s a statement. And with only eight ever built, each customized exactly to its owner’s vision (and costing up to $5 million), it’s as rare as it is extravagant.