Exploring America’s National Parks: A Gay Couple’s RV Adventure to Experience Them All

It turns out that national parks are the perfect antidote for homesickness. They provide a sense of comfort and inclusivity, especially for a hiking-enthusiast gay man trekking through conservative areas.

America’s national parks have always been a wellspring of inspiration and rejuvenation for my husband Brad and me. So, when the chance arose to live in an RV and explore these stunning locations, I jumped at it. It felt a bit overwhelming, as I typically prefer to ease into new experiences rather than dive right in.

Why take the leap? Brad and I needed a living situation that suited our active lifestyles and work commitments. With both of us traveling frequently for work, we found ourselves spending less time together at home in Chicago, sometimes going weeks without seeing each other. It was Brad who suggested we consider buying an RV, something I had only dreamed about. Eventually, I realized it was a practical option for us. We both work remotely, travel constantly, and share a passion for national parks. This is a dream many aspire to, and we didn't want to let this unique opportunity slip away, and I'm so grateful we seized it.

A significant factor in our transition to RV life was Brad’s job as events manager for Burton’s Maplewood Farm, an Indiana-based maple syrup farm that has expanded its reach at farmers markets and special events across the country. His work required frequent travel and dictated our schedule as we traveled. Initially, long hours on the road felt daunting, especially with our small dog adjusting to the new environment. However, things gradually became more comfortable as we stopped at exciting places like Albuquerque for the International Balloon Fiesta, Las Vegas for the National Finals Rodeo, and Disney World for the Epcot Food & Wine Festival.

Throughout our journey, we always prioritize visiting national parks, whether it’s a quick afternoon stop or a week-long camping trip. While there are officially 61 national parks in the U.S., the National Park Service manages over 400 units nationwide, including national seashores, monuments, battlefields, and iconic parks like Yellowstone, Badlands, and Rocky Mountain. So, no matter our travel plans, there’s almost always a national park to explore, making them a consistent theme in our RV life.

Personally, I thrive on the dynamic lifestyle that comes with RV-ing through national parks. I quickly feel restless and anxious if we stay in one place for too long, which is why living on the road feels like home, especially surrounded by hiking trails in untouched nature. Leaving Chicago, where I had lived for 13 years and spent my entire adult life, was incredibly tough and hit me harder than I anticipated. Despite my excitement for this new chapter with my husband, leaving my friends, our cozy home, our cherished neighborhood, and the wonderful city we loved was an emotional challenge. Even after more than a year on the road, Brad and I often find ourselves reminiscing about the Chicago bars and restaurants we miss.

After the initial weeks of living in the RV (and a few tearful moments), our homesickness began to fade as we embarked on new adventures and created thrilling memories—from attending a Christmas parade near Arches National Park to kayaking among crocodiles at Everglades National Park. In every sense, I felt we were truly embracing life, immersing ourselves in national parks and experiencing moments that would stay with us forever. I still get homesick occasionally and return to Chicago to satisfy that longing, but America’s national parks have undeniably made this journey worthwhile in countless ways.

A few months after we started our RV adventure, Brad and I decided to create a podcast about our experiences living on the road and visiting national parks. In the summer of 2019, Parklandia was launched, a show produced by iHeartRadio, Christopher Hassiotis, and Myke Johns, featuring episodes focused on the national parks we've explored.

It’s been crucial for us to discuss topics like history, climate change, and the cultures of these areas while keeping the tone light and entertaining. We strike a balance, often making each other laugh by calling Abe Lincoln the Beyoncé of Gettysburg while respectfully addressing subjects such as Native American cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde or the best ways to navigate Carlsbad Caverns. For us, the podcast has validated this wild journey we’re on. We didn’t start traveling with the intention of podcasting; it just evolved naturally alongside our RV lifestyle.

Of course, it hasn’t all been fun and games. The RV lifestyle brings its own challenges, some of which I anticipated, like major downsizing, frequent trips to laundromats, and sometimes lacking basic amenities like running water. Other difficulties, however, have caught me by surprise. Along with the homesickness that gradually eases—especially since Brad adds personal touches like photos and board games to our RV—a more personal struggle has been reconciling my identity as a gay man in areas that aren't as open and accepting as Chicago.

In a big city, I never think twice about how I present myself, my voice, or how people react when they see Brad and me holding hands. But since we’ve been RVing, my style has become much more subdued; I wear fewer accessories and jewelry. Part of this is due to laziness and the limited storage space in our 26-foot RV, but when I find myself in small towns or areas far from my comfort zone, like Wyoming, North Dakota, or Arkansas, I become more self-conscious about how I’m perceived.

I occasionally feel embarrassed that I let external factors hold me back, particularly when it means I hesitate to hold Brad's hand in public. This has led to arguments and hurt feelings, but Brad is always understanding and compassionate. One summer day in Cheyenne, Wyoming, someone hurled a homophobic slur at me as I walked by in silence. It was the first time I’d faced such hostility, and it shook me to my core. For the first time, I genuinely felt unsafe and violated.

Yet, later that same day at a coffee shop, a friendly barista unexpectedly offered me a free iced coffee. It was a thoughtful gesture that came at just the right moment, reminding me that not everyone is judging or harboring hate. Most people are genuinely good. This has been another emotional thread in our travels: regardless of where we go, most people are welcoming and kind.

National parks, in particular, have become our ultimate safe havens. They are public spaces designated for everyone's enjoyment, showcasing a beautiful mix of cultures, ages, body types, races, and sexual orientations. We aim to highlight this on our podcast, illustrating that national parks aren't just for hardcore adventurers; they are inclusive spaces that offer something for everyone.

Our first year living in the RV was filled with incredible highs and some challenging lows. It’s far from a glamorous, endless vacation; the physical and emotional hurdles have been numerous. However, now that we've settled into a comfortable routine and personalized our RV to feel like home, things have never been better. The journey across America is what truly feels like home to us now.

Sure, dealing with physical mail can be a cumbersome chore, WiFi is often spotty in certain areas, and gathering quarters for laundromats can be frustrating, but it’s all part of this incredible adventure. Personally, I'm also learning to embrace myself more fully again. Even if some podcast listeners say I sound like a valley girl, I'm okay with putting myself out there. I'm happy to wear an absurd number of rings. Most importantly, I feel at ease walking down any street or trail, hand-in-hand with my husband.