Where will your RV take you next? The opportunities are limitless. It might even take you to a festival where thousands of glowing lanterns fill the night skies. For the Milestein family, an RV trip to The Lights Festival in Denver, Colorado, provided a chance to make memories in a unique way while camping onsite at the event.
While many people associate RVing with traditional camping trips or visits to popular vacation spots, your RV can be a gateway to unique experiences, including festivals, sporting events, and much more. Imagine the thrill of parking your home on wheels onsite, immersing yourself fully in the atmosphere without the hassle of finding parking and accommodations.
Don't limit yourself to daytime activities; there's a whole world waiting to be explored after dark. For nature enthusiasts, an RVing night sky adventure unveils a treasure trove of nocturnal wonders, with many gems found after the sun goes down.
A Festival of Lights
The Lights Festival is a celebration that brings together people from all walks of life to create an enchanting evening filled with light, hope, and community. Held in various locations, often in scenic outdoor settings, the festival is a special experience for participants of all ages.
The Lights Festival offered an exciting destination for Adam and Aurora Milestein and their two children. “Having an RV, you really choose your own adventure. You're not bound by airplanes and waiting in line for things, and you dictate how you want the adventure to be,” says Adam.
The highlight of the festival is the evening lantern release. Each attendee is given a lantern and a marker, with the opportunity to write a wish or special message. Tradition holds that once the lantern ascends into the sky, your wish will come true.
Wonder, Magic, and RVing
In addition to the excitement of the event, RVing only added to the fun. The Milestein family was able to camp onsite, spending the day and evening joining in the festival events–all with the comforts of home nearby.
“Our kids are at an age now where every moment is a memory, and every day that we can create experiences for them that they're going to remember, that's what life's about,” said Adam. Aurora looked forward to seeing the “wonder and magic” through her children’s eyes.
While it might take some extra effort to plan these journeys, there is always a payoff. As the Milesteins’ daughter said, “When I watch my lantern float away I'm going to think about this adventure that my family and I had and how much closer it brings all of us together.” What more could a parent want?
Other Dark Sky RVing Opportunities
If you enjoy celestial events while RVing, here are some ideas for planning your next adventure:
- The Lights Festival is just one of many lantern events hosted by organizations and communities. Instead of sending lanterns to the skies, some send the glowing boats out onto waterways. Check online to find an event near you.
- Many national parks host night sky events, with RV camping available onsite. These may include everything from a moonlit hike in Great Sand Dunes National Park to the annual Grand Canyon Star Party, which brings tons of telescopes and special events to the South Rim.
- Go RVing in or near one of the hundreds of certified International Dark Sky Places. These locations promise the best constellation viewing around the world, thanks to the lack of light pollution.
- If you love music and RVing, consider camping at a music festival. Many offer onsite camping, allowing you to dance the night away before returning to your home on wheels.
Adventuring with an RV means you're free to roam, explore, and create unforgettable memories with your family. Whether it's a lantern festival or a simple night away, these moments are priceless. So pack your RV, bring your loved ones, and set off on your own unique adventure. Half the fun may be found after dark.
