Epic Summer Road Trip Continues: From Ohio Family Time to Badlands Adventures

pisode 3 of Marrying Your Passions: Continuing our 2024 camping adventure from Bar Harbor west to the stunning Badlands

After exploring Maine's Acadia National Park, we continued our epic summer 2024 camping adventure, heading west with our teardrop camper. What started as a potential Canadian route became an incredible 8-day, 2,273-mile journey through family visits and stunning national parks.

From Maine to the Midwest

Leaving Bar Harbor behind, our first stop was Lake Lauderdale Campground in Cambridge, New York—a practical halfway point that delivered an unexpected highlight.

An Unexpected Wildlife Encounter

"I'm standing there looking at the sunset, and this black bear just kind of walks around the corner of the shower house, minding his own business, having a lovely evening stroll," Alicia recalls.

The encounter showcased perfect campground community spirit—a fellow tent camper helped capture photos, and when our teardrop needed positioning help on the elevated campsite, friendly neighbors immediately pitched in.

Family Time in Ohio

Our next stop was Countryside Campground in Mogadore, Ohio, chosen for proximity to Nathan's family and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. For Nathan, this area held special childhood significance.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park: Where Urban Meets Wild

"Though a short distance from Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park seems worlds away. The park is a refuge for native plants and wildlife."

We explored via the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad—a 90-minute round trip ($18 adults) from Peninsula to Akron, offering views of forests, waterways, and the famous Towpath Trail. The two-story visitor center featured historical displays, while outside areas allowed visitors to explore artist displays and even wade in the river.

A Modern RV Challenge

During our family dinner at Hartville Kitchen—"like a Cracker Barrel on major steroids"—Alicia received a notification that our RV's power had gone out. With 22-year-old cat Gremlin alone in the camper, she immediately left dinner to check on our feline companion. The power returned quickly, but it highlighted the vigilance required when traveling with pets.

Wisconsin Dells: Natural Beauty Meets Family Fun

Wisconsin Dells offered our first Jellystone Park experience, mixing family activities with natural beauty. While the main area featured pools and themed Yogi Bear sites, the gem was the remote section with hiking trails to a lake offering kayak rentals.

In town, we discovered local moonshine tasting and found "Kurveball" barbecue whiskey—sold in convenient plastic bottles perfect for RV travel.

The Badlands: A Landscape Like No Other

We headed to Badlands National Park next!

"The land of stone and light. The rugged beauty of the Badlands draws visitors from around the world."

Staying at Badlands Hotel and Campground put us literally on the park's doorstep—just ten feet from our campsite to this otherworldly landscape. Before exploring, we invested in the America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80), invaluable for multi-park travel.

The Notch Trail: Adventure for the Bold

Our Badlands highlight was conquering the Notch Trail—a challenging mile-and-a-half hike featuring a rope ladder attached to the rock face. The terrain changes from upright walking to belly-crawling as you follow the mountain's contours to reach a spectacular White River Valley overlook.

"Parts of it you are standing upright and you're like, 'this is easy.' Then there are other parts where you're kind of on your belly and crawling," Alicia explains. While manageable for most fitness levels, it requires comfort with heights and good balance.

Wind Cave: When Plans Change

Our final stop was Wind Cave National Park, with one caveat—the cave itself was closed. We explored the "sunlit world" portion instead: rolling prairie grasslands where bison, elk, and prairie dogs roam. Even without cave access, the wildflowers, hills, and visitor center made it worthwhile. Gremlin even got her photo at the national park sign!

Lessons from 2,273 Miles

Know Your Limits: Both hiking abilities and tolerance for daily driving. Breaking camp every two days proved exhausting.

Be Flexible: Weather and closures happen. Backup plans keep adventures fun.

Pack Smart: Extra water, snacks, and offline maps are essential for remote areas.

Make Time for Family: When loved ones are accessible, prioritize those connections—they became trip highlights.

The Adventure Continues

This eight-day segment captured the unpredictable joy of RV travel, from bear encounters in New York mountains to conquering rope ladders in South Dakota's badlands. Our decision to slow down and spend more time at each location would shape the rest of our westward journey.

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Connect With Us & Explore More

Visit us on our website: marryingyourpassions.com - Your home base for all episode recaps, travel tips, and photos from Nathan and Alicia's adventures.

Check out Alicia's Reviews on Google Maps - Detailed reviews and photos of restaurants, attractions, and hidden gems from their travels. Check Out Nathan's Reviews on Tripadvisor - In-depth travel insights and recommendations for accommodations and destinations.

Places mentioned in this episode that we recommend!

National Parks:

• Cuyahoga Valley National Park - Ohio's accessible national park featuring the scenic railroad and towpath trail between Cleveland and Akron.
• Badlands National Park - South Dakota's otherworldly landscape of layered rock formations and rich fossil beds.
• Wind Cave National Park - Home to one of the world's longest caves and prairie grasslands with roaming bison and elk.

Campgrounds:

• Lake Lauderdale - Cambridge, NY - Peaceful mountain campground with friendly community and stunning sunset views.
• Countryside Campground - Mogador, OH - Clean, well-maintained campground with pull-through sites near Akron.
• Jellystonepark Wisconsin Dells - Wisconsin Dells, WI - Family-friendly themed campground with activities, pools, and hiking trails to a scenic lake.
• Badlands Hotel and Campground - Interior, SD - Prime location campground literally steps away from Badlands National Park entrance.

Restaurants/Distilleries:

• Hartville Kitchen - Hartville, OH - Massive Amish-rooted restaurant and shopping complex, like "Cracker Barrel on major steroids."
• Farmer Boy Restaurant - Akron, OH - Classic greasy spoon diner popular with locals for hearty breakfast fare.

Other helpful links:

• National Parks Annual Passes - $80 annual pass covering entrance fees to all national parks, with discounts available for seniors, military, and fourth graders.
• Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad - Historic railroad offering scenic 90-minute rides through the national park with multiple station stops.

Follow our complete adventure and connect with us @marryingyourpassions on social media.