Welcome to Our Campfire Unplugged!
Before COVID hit, we were living the typical life – working 50+ hours a week, juggling school and work, and taking two weeks off each year for vacation. It was a routine we never questioned – until the world stopped.
When the lockdown began, our lives became more restricted than ever. We were homeschooling the kids, working from home, and never leaving the house. Sara finally said, ‘We need to do something different!’ That’s when everything shifted.
We looked into getting a lake house or a beach condo, but it felt like more work than fun. Then, on the way home from Sara’s dad’s place, we saw a friend selling an RV. Sara casually said, ‘What if we tried that?’ That moment sparked something new.
On that drive home, we decided to go all in on RV life. We bought our first RV and truck, and our adventure began! That one car ride changed everything for us.
Our RV has taken us places we only dreamed of. From National Parks to hidden gems, we’ve explored so much. We broke free of the routine and found freedom in travel.
Now, we share our RV adventures through Our Campfire Unplugged, inspiring other families to break free and explore. Whether it’s a weekend trip or a cross-country journey, we’re here to help!
About Us: Unplug. Ignite. Reconnect.
We started small, exploring Kentucky on day trips, then weekend RV getaways. Before we knew it, we were hitting the road on epic multi-week RV adventures to National Parks and beyond. What we learned along the way was powerful:
- You don’t have to go far to create unforgettable family memories.
- Hidden gems and simple adventures close to home can have a huge impact.
- Unplugging from stress and reconnecting with loved ones is easier—and more affordable—than you think.
Our Campfire Unplugged was born out of these experiences. We created this space to help busy families like yours find inspiration, practical tips, and fresh ideas for making the most of your time together. Whether it’s a day trip, a weekend getaway, or a full-blown road trip, we’re here to guide you on your journey to:
- Unplug from life’s stress.
- Ignite your passion for exploration.
- Reconnect with your loved ones.
We’re thrilled to share our favorite travel tips, hidden gems, and affordable adventure ideas to help you create lasting memories.
Ready to start your own adventure?
Join our email list for exclusive itineraries, travel hacks, and insider secrets to make every trip unforgettable.
Our Home on Wheels
Our adventures are fueled by our trusty Chevy Silverado 3500 Duramax, pulling our beloved 39-foot Keystone Cougar 364BHL fifth wheel. This isn’t just a vehicle; it’s our mobile haven, our ticket to endless discoveries, and our cozy retreat after a day full of adventures. Follow along as we showcase our RV Lifestyle while traveling with kids!
Weekends to Remember
Every weekend is a new chapter in our travel diary. From quick getaways to nearby hidden gems in Kentucky to uncovering the lesser-known treasures of neighboring states, we believe in making the most of every moment. Our weekends are packed with laughter, campfire stories, and the joy of discovering new places together. In short, we strive to have awesome Family Adventures while we travel!
Stay connected with our latest Travel Adventures.
Summer Escapades
Come summer, we embark on our grandest adventures! These 10 to 15-day trips are the highlights of our year, taking us from the mystical landscapes of Yellowstone to the breathtaking vistas of Grand Teton. We’ve wandered through the enchanting Red River Gorge, marveled at the Pictured Rock National Lake Shore, and played in the Sand Dunes of Michigan. These journeys are more than vacations; they’re our family’s legacy of exploration and bonding.
Sharing the Journey
Through Our Campfire Unplugged, we’re thrilled to share our escapades, tips, and the sheer joy of travel with you. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or gearing up for a summer road trip, we’ve got insights and stories to fuel your wanderlust. We’re here to show that adventure doesn’t require endless time – just endless curiosity. Want to learn more about Travel Planning?
In 2020 we were new RV owners and trying to figure out the ropes. We listened to podcasts, read blogs and Facebook, and pieced it all together. Our goal is to help you to learn what we did faster and easier!
Traveling as a family has brought us lots of laughter and a ton of smiles! Our hope is to share our joy with you and inspire your next great family vacation!!!
Managing the Financial Challenges of Travel
Mike’s day job is as a CPA and CFO, so in addition to being the chief navigator, he is the chief bean counter (aka NERD) of the family. He likes to squeeze the pennies and drive Sara crazy about how much things cost.
We find planning our travel by spending ahead of time makes our trips much smoother, and Mike is way less stressed! As an added bonus, we don’t arrive home to a massive credit card bill.
Ready to learn how to maximize your travel budget! Check out Mike’s tips!
We measure our travel in smiles per mile!
Join Our Adventure
So, come along and join our family’s journey. Let’s share tips, stories, and the magic of exploring the great outdoors, one weekend and one epic summer trip at a time. Here’s to making memories, embracing the journey, and living the weekend warrior dream!
Where we have traveled!
Our Favorite Destinations
Choosing which destination is our all-time favorite is challenging, so here are a few of our top picks!
Kentucky because there’s no place like home! Our state is home to one of only two moonbows in the world and the most natural arches east of the Mississippi River. We have miles of shorelines around our excellent lakes and thousands of miles to hike and escape the hustle of life! Toss in the cosmopolitan city of Louisville, and we have an adventure for every traveler!
Traveling through Glacier NP showcased a new world to us! Montana will always be a special place for our family! I imagine the Swiss Alps are like Glacier National Park!
Michigan is a fantastic summer destination to escape the heat and humidity of the Ohio Valley. The Upper Peninsula is one of the most amazing places I have ever traveled! Imagine visiting an island without cars! That’s possible in Michigan’s Mackinac Island!
Want to read more about where we have traveled? Check it out here!
Welcome to Our Campfire Unplugged!
As Featured On
- Yahoo!Finance
- Go Banking Rates
- The Homebody Tourist
- The Places Where We Go
- Insta Travel Style
Our Team
Mike Lynch
Mike, a certified CPA and experienced CFO, is the chief navigator and lead content creator for Our Campfire Unplugged, a platform dedicated to family travel and the RV lifestyle. With over 25 years of experience in finance, Mike brings a wealth of knowledge in accounting and strategic financial planning, ensuring Our Campfire Unplugged operates on solid ground.
A seasoned traveler, Mike has explored over 23 states with his family, sharing authentic, tried-and-tested travel and RV lifestyle tips. His commitment to fitness and continual learning fuels the comprehensive advice found at OCU.
With Sara, Mike founded Our Campfire Unplugged out of a genuine passion for family bonding and adventure. We’ve turned our journey into a resource that empowers and inspires families to create lasting travel memories.
Sara Lynch
Sara is the meticulous planner and essential organizer behind Our Campfire Unplugged.
With a keen eye for detail, she ensures every trip is smoothly executed, from booking the perfect sites to curating activities that engage the whole family. Her expertise in meal planning and gear preparation means the family is always well-fed and aptly equipped for every adventure.
Sara’s passion for creating memorable travel experiences is the heartbeat of OCU, inspiring families to embark on their journeys.
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