Discover
RV Out West
RV Out West
Author: Brooks Smothers
Subscribed: 38Played: 1,170Subscribe
Share
© 2026 RV Out West
Description
RV Out West is a Pacific Northwest travel podcast that explores the RV lifestyle, camping adventures, and road trips across Washington, Oregon, Idaho and beyond. Hosted by Brooks Smothers, this show shares insider tips, destination guides and authentic stories from the open road. RV Out West inspires you to explore new destinations, connect with nature, and enjoy the adventure that comes with hitting the open road; one campsite, one story and one unforgettable journey at a time.
🎧 Tune in for travel inspiration, RV tips and stories that celebrate the spirit of adventure in the Pacific Northwest.
193 Episodes
Reverse
Discover the beauty, history, and future of Idaho State Parks, home to some of the most scenic and underrated destinations in the American West. From RV camping to outdoor recreation and road trip travel, Idaho offers a wide range of experiences for adventurers looking to explore beyond the usual itinerary. Your host, Brooks, sits down with Will Armbruster, Senior Public Information Officer for the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, to share how Idaho’s state park system was built, how...
If you’ve spent any time exploring Snohomish County, you already know it’s the kind of place that sticks with you; snow-capped peaks, scenic backroads, waterfront towns and unforgettable local stories. In this episode of RV Out West, we sit down with the team behind Discover Snohomish County and the Snohomish County Placemaker’s podcast to dive deeper into what makes this region a compelling travel destination right here in the Pacific Northwest. From outdoor adventure and RV campground ideas...
From the outside, it might seem like she just picked up and chased a different kind of life… but spend a few minutes listening and you realize there’s intention behind every mile, every story, and every conversation she’s chosen to share. In this episode of RV Out West, we sit down with Jennifer, a 13-year full-time RV veteran who has helped shape what modern RV living looks like for thousands of travelers seeking freedom, clarity, and a life less ordinary. As one of the voices behind the Lea...
Join us as we continue the Fire and Ice adventure in the Pacific Northwest in this part two of our two-part mini-series, we leave the glacier-covered volcanoes of Washington behind and cross into Oregon to explore some of the most spectacular volcanic landscapes in the region. If you missed part one, we highly recommend going back and listening to episode 188, as we explored Washington’s iconic peaks. That episode set the stage for this next leg of the journey as we continue traveling south a...
Discover the volcanic heart of the Pacific Northwest as we begin the Fire and Ice RV road trip through Washington State’s iconic Cascade volcanoes. Stretching along the edge of the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Cascade Range is home to some of the most dramatic landscapes in North America with towering peaks built by fire and crowned with glaciers and snow. In this episode, we explore the powerful contrast that defines the region: active volcanoes, massive glaciers, alpine wildflower meadows, and...
I’m sharing my Top 10 RV gear essentials that have truly earned their place in my rig. From simple, practical tools that solve everyday campsite challenges to a few comfort-focused upgrades that add a touch of luxury, this list highlights the gear that makes RV life smoother, safer, and more enjoyable on the road. You’ll hear about equipment that helps you level quickly on uneven campsites, maintain proper tire pressure for safer towing, cook memorable meals at camp, and even elevate your eve...
Experience four-season RV travel in Sun Valley, Idaho, where mountain adventure meets small-town rhythm beneath the towering Sawtooth Mountains. In this episode, we roll into one of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic basecamps for RVers and explore why Sun Valley is a year-round destination worth returning to again and again. From sunrise over Bald Mountain to golden evenings under wide Idaho skies, you’ll discover what makes this valley feel cinematic in every season. Winter brings world-cl...
If you’ve ever RVed in the Pacific Northwest, you know how the cold can sneak in during late-season hookups, foggy morning coffee walks, or packing up camp after sunset. In this episode of RV Out West, we dive into winter RV camping, sharing practical tips to stay warm, extend your camping season, and truly enjoy your time on the road. We explore the perks of winter RVing from fewer crowds, snow-covered scenery, and peaceful campgrounds to what you should consider before venturing out. I talk...
RVing with Joe is a familiar name for anyone who enjoys RV travel, road life stories, and practical insight from someone who actually lives it. Through his popular YouTube channel, RVing with Joe invites viewers along for real world RV adventures, covering everything from campground experiences and RV setups to travel routes and day to day life on the road. His content speaks to both seasoned RVers and those just starting to dream about life behind the wheel. What makes RVing with Joe resonat...
We sit down with Joanna from the Oregon chapter of Girl Camper to talk all about RVing in Oregon and what makes traveling throughout the state such a great experience. Joanna shares how she first got started as an RVer, what sparked her love for life on the road, and how RV travel has created opportunities for adventure, community, and lasting memories. We explore some of her favorite RV destinations across Oregon, including coastal campgrounds, mountain locations, and peaceful forest setting...
There’s a moment that happens in the Pacific Northwest. You step outside, take a breath, and you’ll notice it. A mix of salt in the air and cool mountain freshness that feels grounding and familiar all at once. I was born and raised here, spent a decade away exploring the country and the world, and yet that feeling always pulled me back. Some places you visit. Others stay with you. This episode explores RVing in the Pacific Northwest through the seven things that make it so special. From weat...
Living full time in an RV gives you a firsthand look at what works and what breaks on the road. In this episode you will hear from the couple behind Fair Winds RV, full-time RVers who share practical RV maintenance tips, advice for full-time RV living, and stories from their travels across the United States and the Pacific Northwest. From routine checks to preventing common breakdowns, they provide real-world guidance every RVer can use to keep their rig running safely and smoothly. Their exp...
The freedom of RV travel is more than open roads and scenic overlooks; it’s a way to explore the United States with curiosity, adventure, and a sense of discovery. As the country prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, there’s no better time to hit the highway, experience the beauty of national parks, campgrounds, and Americana while creating memories along the way. From breathtaking landscapes to quiet campfires and sunrises over the horizon, RVing offers a way to slow down, connect with t...
The end of the year is in sight, and 2026 is already peeking over the horizon. In this week’s final episode of 2025, we’re taking a moment to look ahead, dream a little bigger, and talk about what’s coming next for this show and for the adventures waiting out on the open road. As we shift gears toward a brand-new year, we’re talking goals, fresh possibilities, and the excitement that comes with a clean slate. For RVers and road-trippers, the future is always just one highway away — and 2026 p...
Travel and adventure take many forms, and the RV lifestyle is no exception. In this week’s episode of RV Out West, we sit down with Mark, a full-time RVer, inventor, and entrepreneur whose journey highlights the many ways people choose to live life on the road. Some RVers travel nonstop, others settle into a seasonal rhythm, and many choose a hybrid approach—moving when inspired and staying put when it feels right. Mark has lived all three versions, giving him a rare and insightful perspectiv...
Life on the road looks a little different for Kevin and Lareka of Retired Road Tripping, the YouTube duo who traded traditional living for full-time RV life. In this episode, we dive into their adventures across the Pacific Northwest, from rugged coastlines to volcanic peaks, and explore the experiences that shaped their decision to live on the road. Their story is driven by freedom, curiosity, and a commitment to making the most of every mile traveled. Kevin and Lareka share what sparked the...
Gathering around a campfire is one of the most timeless traditions in outdoor life. The crackling flames, the glow of the embers, and the warmth beneath the open sky create the perfect atmosphere for sharing stories, laughter, and memories that last for generations. Campfire conversations are a cherished part of RV living and camping, and they hold a special place in the heart of so many adventurers. In this episode of RV Out West, we explore the power of storytelling outdoors and how a singl...
Stan is a full-time RVer who travels the Pacific Northwest and beyond, chasing the perfect fly fishing waters and the thrill of rodeo life. He shares his journey of adventure, connection, and freedom on the open road while offering practical insights for anyone curious about the RV life from full-time to weekenders. Between casting flies in quiet alpine rivers to experiencing the excitement of the region’s best rodeos, his stories paint a vivid picture of life powered by passion and explorati...
Carrie Silverhorn joins RV Out West to share her inspiring journey of resilience, reinvention, and life on the open road. A full-time RVer, certified RV technician and inspector, and published author, Carrie’s story is one of courage and transformation. After overcoming a cancer diagnosis, she made the bold choice to embrace the RV lifestyle, trading convention for freedom and self-discovery. Carrie talks about how she turned her challenges into motivation, finding empowerment through l...
Fall is the perfect time to give your RV a fresh start with a deep clean and a good declutter before winter sets in. After a summer of dusty roads, campfires, and adventures, your RV deserves some care to keep it in top shape. In this episode, we dive into practical fall RV cleaning and organization tips to help you refresh your rig, from scrubbing and sanitizing your interior to decluttering gear you no longer use. You’ll learn how seasonal maintenance not only keeps your RV looking great bu...




