10 Best Places Across The World For A Jeep Vacation
There’s No Vacation like a Jeep Vacation
There’s nothing like a Jeep vacation. Exploring the wider world and the wilderness in-between seems impossible until you’re behind the wheel of a Jeep. Many trails are open for off-road exploring, but there are some places where a Jeep unlocks a whole new level of adventure.
No matter where you roam, rent a Jeep to get the most out of new destinations. Unwind from the stresses of home, pitch a tent, and find the unbeaten path. From the Islands of the Mediterranean to the Sand Dunes of Oregon, here are the ten best places across the world for a Jeep Vacation.
Mykonos, Greece
Mykonos is an island in the Aegean Sea and the most famous island in Greece. It is home to plenty of world-class nightlife, breathtaking ocean views, and stunning Cycladic architecture. Mykonos also has excellent campgrounds such as Paradise Beach for an adventurous stay. Still, those looking for refined accommodations will want to book a night at the Myconian Utopia Resort.
Mykonos is the perfect beach destination location. The dry and windy climate makes Mykonos an ideal destination for Jeep lovers who enjoy top-down fun. This is an island so be prepared to travel via boat or plane. Once on Mykonos, Jeep rentals allow enthusiasts to hit the road without limits. Don’t miss out on unparalleled surfing on the most secluded beaches like Korfos, Ftelia, or Meyali.
Wharton State Forest, New Jersey
Wharton State Forest, located in central New Jersey, is an outdoor adventure waiting to happen. The largest tract of land in New Jersey offers plenty of camping opportunities with Atsion and the Godfrey Bridge campgrounds. For more lodging options, you might explore the primitive campgrounds and cabin rentals. Regardless of how you stay in Wharton State Forest, you’ll have easy access to fishing, hunting, boating, and wildlife watching.
Temperatures are warm and humid in the summer, with typical highs in the 90s. Dressing for the occasion will make your adventure more comfortable. Also, Wharton State Forest is a Jeep vacation destination perfect for removing the doors and roof. Hit the rugged terrain in style, and discover one of the best places for a Jeep vacation.
Custer State Park, Black Hills, South Dakota
Custer State Park in Black Hills, South Dakota, is home to sprawling granite peaks, crystal clear lakes, and scenic views. Several restaurants sit on Legion, Stockdale, and Bismark lakes and provide exquisite menus that focus on fresh ingredients. The park has 9 campgrounds to choose from. If one of the plentiful camping opportunities doesn’t suit your taste, the Custer State Park Resort is sure to please.
The many lakes offer gorgeous hiking trails, biking, and bird watching. Jeep owners have plenty of rock formations to climb, advanced trails to explore, and streams to cross. Custer State Park provides a Jeep vacation like few other places on the planet.
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Oregon
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is the rugged terrain every Jeep owner lives for. Where else can you drive your Jeep up a mountain of sand? These sprawling dunes and beaches have dedicated sand play areas for 4x4 vehicles. Once the daylight fades, pitch a tent at any one of the many campgrounds or select a dispersed area for a more secluded trip.
The Oregon Dunes sit near the Pacific Ocean and several lakes, as well as the Siltcoos river. With all these water options, there is a ton to do. You can partake in popular activities such as boating, fishing, kayaking, surfing, swimming, hiking, birdwatching, picnicking, and cycling. But the dunes are the main attraction so have fun carving up the sand. Watch out for those dune buggies!
Mount Etna, Italy
Vacation in style in one of the most beautiful places on Earth: Mount Etna. The tallest volcano in Europe puts on a fiery show, with active lava flows on the regular. It’s also one of the best places for a Jeep vacation. Hop into a Jeep rental and explore the numerous hiking trails, snowsports, or perfect cave diving opportunities.
Camping around the volcano is possible at several campgrounds, but to really enjoy Mount Etna, book a room at the Relais San Giuliano, which offers an upscale lounge and bar with picturesque Italian architecture. Mount Etna has various climates, from cold, winter-like conditions near the summit to warmer, Mediterranean temperatures towards the bottom, so pack accordingly!
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Everything’s bigger in Texas. The Big Bend National Park is a massive backcountry adventure that’s a Jeeper’s dream vacation. There’s no shortage of things to do, from scenic drives to day hikes. The park is home to several primitive dirt roads for high-speed off-roading in your Jeep!
Camping opportunities offer pitch-black skies perfect for viewing the stars. For a less rugged sleeping experience, lodges offer rooms with stunning Southwest architecture that blends into the landscape. Plus, dining at the Mountain View Restaurant in the Chisos Mountain Lodge provides scenic views of the Chisos Basin.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is home to a unique Jeep vacation. The South African city is a culture, nightlife, and dining hub. Hop in a Jeep rental and explore one of the city’s diverse neighborhoods such as Durbanville, Kalk Bay, and Langa. There’s no shortage of shopping, spas, or hiking trails. Plus, inspired hotels highlight adventure and elegance throughout the city.
City life isn’t the only attraction in Cape Town. Several wildlife reserves provide wild animals sanctuary against poachers and habitat loss. Dirt trails outside the city offer camping, off-roading, and unique winter hiking. Cape Town is in the southern hemisphere, so expect opposite seasons when planning your packing.
Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks offers spectacular ocean views. You can also take a historic dive through America’s early history and explore the lost colony of Roanoke Island. There’s something for everyone on the Outer Banks with countless lighthouses, outstanding seafood restaurants, spas, shopping, hiking, camping, and watersports.
Outer Banks has some of the best off-road beach driving on Earth, but be sure to bring the proper OVR equipment to avoid getting stuck in the sand. In addition to the parks and camping, there are plenty of cottages, cabins, condos, inns, and bed and breakfasts. The beaches are also sea turtle nesting areas, so conservationists may limit night driving depending on the time of year.
South Coast, Iceland
The South Coast of Iceland is a popular destination for Jeep travelers. With unbelievable views, there are ample opportunities for wallpaper-worthy pictures, including the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, the Vatnajokull Glacier, and the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. You can even take an exciting glacier Jeep tour to explore Iceland’s unique geography. Each location feels like another world.
Iceland’s South Coast is a more temperate area. Still, it’s a good idea to plan for cold weather with all the glacier exploring! If you don’t feel like camping, there are plenty of hotels and lodging options. The entire South Coast is just a quick drive down from Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík.
Greenbrier Resort, West Virginia
Spend your vacation in the most iconic resort in America: the Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia. Founded in 1778, the Greenbrier Resort is the most refined hotel in the United States, with manicured landscaping, premier accommodations, and luxurious rooms.
The Greenbrier Resort offers a Jeep driving experience, letting you explore the rugged mountain trails of their private 11,000-acre mountain preserve in a fully-loaded Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. After you clean the mud off, there are high-class restaurants, spas, shopping, fishing, gambling, golf, and even an alpine adventure park.
Final Thoughts on the Best Places Across the World for a Jeep Vacation
You want to make the most of your precious vacation time. That’s why a Jeep vacation is an ultimate way to explore a new place, both on- and off-road.
Explore the beautiful coasts of Mykonos or the spectacular views of the South Coast of Iceland. Check out the rugged terrain of Mount Etna or the giant sand dunes of Oregon. There’s no place that’s unreachable in a Jeep. But remember to maximize your time rolling. Dress for the conditions, and always be mindful of the advanced terrain that you’ll encounter. Most importantly, have the time of your life!
Frequently Asked Questions
Taking a Jeep vacation brings up some obvious questions. Here are a couple of common ones.
What State Is Best For Off-Roading?
Colorado and California are generally considered the top states for off-roading. While Colorado has those majestic mountain trails, the edge has to go to California for the wide range of terrain, from deep forest to coastal roads, from unforgiving desert to vibrant cities. There’s a little of everything.
Other great off-roading states include Utah, Oregon, Arizona, and Alaska. Utah is known for its rock crawling and is home to the famous Easter Jeep Safari. Oregon has those stunning sand dunes while Arizona’s Sedona area has beautiful red rock canyons. Last but not least, Alaska has mountain peaks and otherworldly glaciers. You can’t go wrong with any of these states!
What Should I Pack For A Jeep Tour?
If you’re taking a Jeep tour, lucky you. But you want to be prepared. What you should pack will depend on the climate you are touring in and the time of year. Generally, you’ll need comfortable closed-toe shoes, layered clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, snacks and drinks, gloves, any necessary medications, and, of course, your sense of adventure. If on a winter tour, dress warm and bring equipment to handle the snow and ice. If you’re touring the beach or dessert, dress light and bring extra water to handle the heat.
When embarking on an unguided Jeep tour, don’t forget gear to get out of a tight situation. Pack your first aid kit, blankets, and extra water just in case. For more Jeep tour tips, click here.
How Should I Maintain My Jeep After Off-Roading?
Following the recommended Jeep maintenance is essential, especially after long or difficult trips. After off-roading, your Jeep will likely be dusty, muddy, and dirty. Clean off the muddy badge of honor to prevent any damage to the paint or undercarriage. For our expert off-road cleaning tips, click here.
After any off-road adventure, check tires and fluids. Also, check for any damage under the Jeep that might cause leaks, noises, or a decrease in performance. Ignoring any of these symptoms will make your next off-roading adventure end more quickly than expected.
Can I Use My Jeep In Winter?
Every season is Jeep season. Using your Jeep during the winter makes the colder months more fun. Winter ushers in its own type of adventures through the cold, ice, and snow. Your Jeep can tackle any icy road or snow drift, keeping you safe while still having a blast on the most frigid trail. A Jeep is even an ideal vehicle when the conditions get bad (although even a Jeep is sometimes no match for a blizzard).
However, it’s crucial to correctly maintain your Jeep to avoid getting stranded. Make sure your air conditioner is running properly and keep an eye on your coolant. For more about how to maintain your Jeep for Winter use, click here.
Which Jeep Model Is The Best To Buy?
It’s hard to go wrong with a Jeep, but which one? The king of off-roading is the Wrangler, which is also the most popular model. Other great models are the Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, and Wagoneer.
It’s tempting to buy a cheaper model like a Compass, but these models are built for commuting and lack some off-road chops. Every model has a different purpose, so you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons. Check out our handy buying guide for more information.
How Can I Rent A Jeep For Vacation?
Renting a Jeep for a vacation is an excellent way to up the adventure. There are lots of ways to rent one. Several companies like Enterprise, Hertz, or Avis rent Jeep models, as do individual Jeep rental locations. Many resorts have local connections to companies that offer Jeep rentals.
With the rise of ridesharing, there are also several apps that offer rentals, such as Turo. Turo allows private owners to rent out their Jeeps for vacationers. Check the availability online and book before you travel to avoid issues. Turo is not available in every area.
What Are The Best Vacation Destinations With A Jeep?
The best vacation destinations with a Jeep include Mykonos, Mount Etna, Oregon Dunes, South Coast, and Outer Banks. There’s something unique at every destination, but each offers untamed off-road adventures and some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.
Most importantly, the best vacation destinations are any that get you outdoors and in your Jeep. Jeeps are the most versatile vehicles in the world, and there are few locations where a Jeep can’t go. That’s excuse enough to go off-roading!