Kayla's Journey from Nurse to Full-Time RV Traveller

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‘Kayla shares her shift from a nursing career in South Dakota to full-time travel with her family in an RV. Inspired by her son’s struggles in traditional school, she and her husband, Colton, sold their home to explore all 50 states. Kayla discusses the challenges they faced, the lessons learned, and how this lifestyle has strengthened their family bonds. Through her YouTube channel, she aims to inspire others to embrace adventure and learn from their travels.’

Background

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My name is Kayla. My husband, Colton, and I are from South Dakota. We met in high school and were high school sweethearts. We got married young, and when my husband joined the Marine Corps, we moved to California, living there for four years before returning to South Dakota.

After moving back, we welcomed our son, Rylen, and a few years later, our daughter, Lylah. During that time, I pursued a career in nursing. I applied to nursing school after returning to South Dakota and worked as an Operating Room RN for nearly a decade before we made the decision to travel full-time.

Can you share a bit about your life before you started travelling full-time? What inspired this lifestyle change?

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Before we began traveling full-time, I was working full-time as a registered nurse. My son, Rylen, struggles with ADHD and Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, which has been a lifelong challenge for our family. School was particularly difficult for him—he spent a lot of time in trouble, sent to the principal’s office, or placed in special classrooms. He never quite fit into the mold of the traditional school system.

When he reached sixth grade, the struggles escalated. He got into trouble more frequently, and it became overwhelming. I had initially been working full-time, but I found myself constantly needing to pick him up from school or care for him at home, which prompted me to start working part-time at the hospital.

To supplement the decreased hours at the hospital, I started working evenings in a gym as an aerial silks instructor. He was unhappy, we were unhappy, and I was barely seeing my kids between juggling multiple jobs. Eventually, it all came to a breaking point.

This all came to a head right after COVID, in 2022, when the world still felt different. My husband and I realized we needed a change. We needed to take a step back, re-evaluate our priorities, and reset as a family.

So, we made a bold decision—we sold our home at the peak of the market, bought an RV, and planned to travel for eight months. Our goal was simple: to spend quality time together hit the reset button and figure out our next steps before settling down again.

As those eight months passed, we started to see real, positive changes—not just in Rylen, but in our entire family. Our relationships strengthened, our communication improved, and we all began to grow, both individually and as a family unit. By the time our original plan was up, we realized that maybe this journey wasn’t over. Things were working for us in a way they never had before.

So, we decided to extend our travels for another year. And after that year, we chose to continue again. It became clear that this lifestyle was what our family needed. We checked in with our kids, and everyone agreed—this was the right path for us. Since then, our family dynamic has only improved. We’ve developed stronger communication skills, deepened our connections, and built a life that truly works for us. And as long as it continues to work, we have no plans to stop.

What was your initial motivation for choosing to travel with your family in an RV?

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I was bitten by the wanderlust bug at a young age. Traveling has always been a passion of mine, and I did everything I could to visit as many places as possible while still maintaining a full-time job and living in a traditional home. However, my son’s struggles ultimately became the catalyst that pushed us toward a full-time travel lifestyle.

I had first brought up the idea in late 2020, but at the time, the timing wasn’t right, and my husband thought I was a little crazy for suggesting it. Still, the idea lingered in the back of our minds. Then, after COVID—life as we knew it changed—combined with everything happening with our son, we felt an undeniable pull toward something different. Those challenges became the final push we needed to take the leap.

While the dream had always been there, it was the combination of those life-changing events that truly motivated us to embrace this lifestyle and make it our reality.

What has been the most memorable destination you've visited in the past 2.5 years, and why?

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There are so many incredible places we’ve visited, and our favorites really depend on who you ask. For my kids, boogie boarding on the beaches of Maui, Hawaii, was easily one of their most memorable experiences. My husband loved the boat tour in Seward, Alaska to the Kenai Fjords. The marine life was abundant, and the landscape was breathtaking. We even had the opportunity to witness a jelly smack, as well as a glacier calving.

As for me, I have a deep love for southern Utah. The national parks, endless hiking opportunities, and stunning landscapes of the Southwest—stretching across Utah, Nevada, and Arizona—make it one of my absolute favorite regions to explore.

How did you manage to visit all 50 states? Are there any favourite spots that stand out?

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We move around a lot, typically traveling to a new location every week. While we do spend a few weeks back in South Dakota each summer, we’re rarely in one place for long. This does limit our time for exploration, but it also gives us plenty of reasons to return to places we love.

As for our favorite destinations, our top ten states to visit are Hawaii, Alaska, Utah, Arizona, upstate New York, Florida, Maine, Montana, Wyoming and Texas.

I didn’t include South Dakota in that list—not because it isn’t amazing, but simply because it’s my home state, and I sometimes take it for granted. That said, South Dakota is definitely a fantastic place to visit as well! To be honest, every state has so many incredible qualities. I would visit them all again, and probably will.

What are some challenges you've faced while travelling, and how did you overcome them?

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Living full-time in an RV comes with its own unique set of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles we faced happened right from the start—we had never lived or even traveled in an RV before. While we loved camping, our experience was limited to tent camping in the past and later cabin camping after our kids were born.

Transitioning from a three-story house to a 33-foot RV was a major adjustment. Not only did we have to adapt to a smaller living space, but we also had to learn everything about RV life—from daily living to the logistics of traveling with an RV. It was a steep learning curve, but one that ultimately became part of the adventure.

Another challenge we faced was learning how to homeschool our kids. When we started, my daughter had just finished kindergarten, and my son had just completed sixth grade. That meant we were diving into first-grade and seventh-grade curriculums without any prior homeschooling experience.

I had no idea which programs would work best for them, and the first year was a lot of trial and error as we figured out how to properly educate them on the road. Eventually, we found a program that they both enjoy, where they are thriving and earning good grades.

Beyond academics, we also had to go through an unlearning process—especially with my son. Since my daughter had limited time in a traditional classroom, the transition was easier for her. But my son had struggled with the fear of failure due to his challenges, making school an overwhelming experience for him. He would get frustrated when he didn’t understand something right away, seeing it as a failure rather than a part of learning.

We had to completely reframe his mindset, teaching him that not understanding something doesn’t mean he’s failing—it just means he needs more practice. If something is difficult, he can take his time, reread the material, or try again, and that’s okay. We emphasized that failure is just a "First Attempt In Learning." Over time, he began to embrace this approach.

Now, if he struggles with an assignment or doesn’t get a great grade on a test, he’s comfortable reviewing the material and trying again. That shift in perspective has made a huge difference in his confidence and overall learning experience.

One of the biggest challenges of life on the road isn’t if something will break—it’s when. And it never happens at a convenient time.

Last year, our RV slide broke while we were in South Carolina, right as we were heading to Florida to meet family. The repair process delayed us by two weeks, completely disrupting our travel plans. During that time, we had to find alternative accommodations, spending one week in an Airbnb and another in a hotel while waiting for repairs.

This year, just before the Christmas holiday, our truck broke down—again, right before we were supposed to meet family. Fortunately, we were able to stay in our RV, and the campsite was incredibly accommodating, allowing us to extend our stay another week.

These experiences have reinforced one of the most important lessons of full-time travel: adaptability. Things rarely go exactly as planned, and unexpected setbacks are inevitable. The key is learning to roll with the punches, adjust quickly, and make the best of whatever situation comes your way.

How has travelling full-time affected your family dynamics and relationships?

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We are closer now than we have ever been. When you spend so much time apart, it’s easy to put up walls and treat your family relationships almost like a business interaction—distant, routine, and not always deeply connected. It’s not necessarily a healthy dynamic, but it happens when life gets busy, and everyone is constantly focused on other responsibilities.

For me, I didn’t even fully know who I was, let alone how to show my true self to my family. But life on the road has given me the space to discover who I am, what my goals are, and how to work through personal struggles, including my own anxieties. Taking that time for self-discovery has allowed me to be more open and authentic with my family, and in turn, they have truly gotten to know me.

At the same time, I’ve had the opportunity to deeply understand them—their struggles, their strengths, and who they are as individuals. This journey has strengthened our relationships in a way I never expected. We now communicate on a much deeper level, supporting each other in ways we couldn’t before. I don’t think many families get the chance to truly know one another in this way, and for that, I’m incredibly grateful.

What roles do your kids play in the travel planning and decision-making process?

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For the most part, the kids are just enjoying the adventure, going with the flow as we travel. They don’t typically get involved in planning, but if we’re heading somewhere they’ve heard of or if there’s something specific they want to see, they make sure to let us know.

One of our favorite destinations as a family is Meow Wolf, an interactive art museum with locations across the country. Anytime we’re near one, the kids are the first to suggest a visit—they absolutely love it. Beyond that, their involvement depends on where we are. If something catches their interest, they’ll speak up about wanting to check it out.

As they’ve gotten older, we’ve also given them the autonomy to decide if they want to participate in certain activities. For example, our son, who’s now 14 going on 15, sometimes opts out of hikes or other excursions if they don’t appeal to him. We respect those choices, allowing him the freedom to engage in the experiences he truly enjoys while still making plenty of memories together as a family.

Can you share specific experiences where you or your children learned something significant about a culture or community?

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Our trip to Hawaii stands out as one of our favorite cultural experiences as a family. We chose to visit Hawaii by taking a cruise, which allowed us to explore four different islands without the hassle of flying. The cruise was perfect for us because it took care of our accommodations, meals, and transportation between islands.

What made the experience even more enriching was the opportunity to learn about Hawaiian culture while on the boat. During the ten days at sea, we had two cultural ambassadors who guided us through various classes on Hawaiian traditions, including language. We discovered that the Hawaiian language has just 13 letters in its alphabet, which was fascinating.

My daughter and I had the chance to learn hula dancing, picking up several dances and the storytelling elements that come with them. Meanwhile, my son got to try his hand at playing the ukulele, which was a fun and immersive activity.

In Hawaii, we also enjoyed sampling local foods. One of our highlights was visiting the farmer's market in Hilo, where our kids discovered apple bananas and rambutan—both new fruits to try, and we all loved them.

We also learned about Hawaii's native birds, including the endangered nene, the state bird, which we were lucky enough to see while in Hilo.

How do you incorporate learning into your travels? Do you have any favourite educational activities?

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Our travels are a constant learning experience for our family. We've had the chance to explore historical sites, especially on the East Coast, where we’ve delved into the rich history of the region. We also visit numerous state and national parks, picking up junior ranger guidebooks and participating in different educational activities.

Most recently, we stayed at a state park in Texas that offered a variety of classes throughout the week. We took part in a bird-watching class, where we learned a lot about the local bird species. My daughter, eager to share what she had learned, ran in after her astronomy class, excitedly telling me that the Andromeda galaxy is the closest to the Milky Way. She showed me the constellation Orion and pointed out the star Betelgeuse. It was amazing to see her so engaged in learning about the universe.

We also had the chance to give back to the community while staying at this state park. The kids volunteered to walk homeless dogs from the local animal shelter, which was a rewarding experience for them.

The opportunities we’ve had to immerse ourselves in history, culture, nature, and even contribute to local communities have been invaluable. These experiences on the road are helping our kids grow not only in knowledge but also in empathy and understanding of the world around them.

What outdoor adventures stand out to you, and what impact have they had on your family?

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One of our favorite outdoor activities as a family is hiking. It gives us the opportunity to bond, spend quality time together, and share in an adventure. Depending on the type of trail we're tackling, we often find ourselves working together to overcome challenges and push further along the path.

Every hike brings a sense of discovery and a chance to learn. The landscape, wildlife, and cultural history vary with each region we explore. Recently, we visited Valley of Fire State Park, where we saw ancient petroglyphs and learned about the culture of the people who once lived there. Whether it's spotting native wildlife, uncovering history, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature, hiking always offers us something new. It’s not just an outdoor activity—it’s an experience that deepens our connection as a family.

How do you ensure safety and preparedness during your outdoor explorations?

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Safety is a top priority for us, especially since we spend so much time outdoors hiking. Each of us carries a backpack stocked with essentials, including water and snacks to keep us fueled on the trail. Our packs also serve as a place to store additional gear we may need along the way.

Dressing in layers is another key part of our hiking routine. Weather conditions can change quickly, so we always make sure we can adjust—removing layers when it's warm and adding them when temperatures drop. My husband carries a first aid kit, while I bring an extra battery charger to keep our phones powered for safety and navigation.

Our preparedness has come in handy on more than one occasion. While hiking at Mount Rainier National Park, my son was stung by a bee on his ankle. Fortunately, our first aid kit contained everything we needed—anti-sting medication, anti-inflammatory medicine, and later, an ice pack waiting for him in our vehicle. Though he had to trek back to the truck, we were able to care for him properly, ensuring he was as comfortable as possible.

Even though we love adventure, safety always comes first. We make sure the kids have everything they need, we stay aware of our surroundings, and we always stick together—no one wanders off alone. Being prepared allows us to enjoy our hikes while keeping our family safe and ready for whatever the trail brings.

What insights have you gained about the world and yourself during your travels?

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Since we began traveling, I’ve gained so many insights that have completely reshaped my perspective. The world is so much bigger than I ever imagined, and there’s so much I thought I knew—about places, wildlife, and landscapes—that I’ve only truly come to understand by experiencing them firsthand. Even within the United States, the diversity of terrain, cultures, and ecosystems is astounding.

What I’ve realized is that the world isn’t as chaotic as it’s often portrayed on TV. Seeing it with my own eyes is entirely different from what’s in textbooks, on social media, or in the news—it’s been an eye-opening journey.

One of the biggest changes for me has been learning to slow down. Before, life felt like a constant race—balancing a full-time job, raising kids, and always looking ahead to the next thing. There was never time to pause, breathe, and just be present. Now, everything feels different.

Time itself seems to move more slowly, not because life is uneventful, but because every day is filled with learning, discovery, and new experiences. Even on quiet days, full-time RVing has made it feel like we’ve been living this way forever—in the best possible way. We’re no longer counting down to weekends or vacations. We’re not wishing time away. We’re actually living, fully immersed in the present.

This journey has also given me the space to reflect and grow in ways I never expected. I’ve learned to set boundaries, to take care of myself, and to prioritize what truly matters rather than simply following societal expectations. The so-called "normal" way of doing things isn’t necessarily the best way.

Choosing to live on the road and embrace a lifestyle that aligns with our values has been life-changing. It’s helped us understand where we truly stand in the world and what our purpose is. More than anything, it’s reinforced that life isn’t just about going through the motions—it’s about actually living.

How has your perspective on community and connection changed since you began travelling?

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One of my favorite things about full-time RV living is the incredible sense of community among fellow travelers. It’s not just retired couples and empty nesters, but also a growing number of families who have embraced this lifestyle. Together, we’ve built strong, supportive networks where we can share ideas, experiences, and advice in ways I never had before.

Before RV life, my community was mostly centered around work. I had colleagues and friends, but the connections weren’t the same as what I’ve found on the road. Now, I’m part of a group of entrepreneurial women who meet regularly, offering support and encouragement to one another. We all run our own businesses in different ways, but our motto—community over competition—defines our bond. Unlike traditional business environments where people often guard their success secrets, we openly share knowledge, helping each other grow.

This spirit of support extends across the entire RV community. Whether you have a question about YouTube, travel routes, or gear, you can ask just about anyone, even a stranger, and they’ll gladly offer advice. There’s an unspoken understanding that we’re all in this together. I’ve met up with fellow RVers who immediately made me feel like family. In this lifestyle, you know that if you need help, you can knock on someone’s door, and they’ll be there.

The RV community is truly special—welcoming, generous, and always ready to lend a hand. It’s hard to put into words just how incredible it feels to be part of something so supportive, but it’s one of the best parts of this journey.

What inspired you to start a YouTube channel to share your experiences?

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Before we hit the road, several colleagues and family members asked if I planned to blog about our adventures. Even though I had no experience in blogging or website creation, I said, “Yeah, I’ll figure it out.” The first few months of our journey were spent learning how to build a website and create a blog from scratch—a long and challenging process, but one that ultimately led to what my blog is today.

After our first year on the road, we met a couple in Indiana who had just begun their RV journey. They, along with several others we encountered, asked if we had a YouTube channel. At the time, we didn’t, but after receiving the question so often, I realized it might be something worth pursuing.

That’s how Camping with Kayla was born. My YouTube channel primarily focuses on travel content—not just for the love of travel itself, but for the educational value it brings. There are so many incredible places, stories, and experiences that people might not know about, and my goal is to inspire and educate through our adventures.

Photo of Camping with Kayla YouTube Channel

For example, if someone is planning a trip to Hawaii, they can watch our videos to see how we managed to explore the islands on a budget. When my daughter, Lylah, studied the Minutemen and Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride in her history course, she had a unique advantage—we had been there, and she could revisit those places through our videos as a supplement to her lessons.

Through Camping with Kayla, I aim to help people not only discover the best hiking trails (including kid-friendly ones) but also learn about different cultures, wildlife, and landscapes. I share practical travel tips, like why you need bear spray in Glacier National Park or why vented shoes are a terrible choice for Valley of Fire (my husband learned that one the hard way).

My goal is to provide knowledge and inspiration so that others can make the most of their own travels—learning from both our successes and our mistakes—while exploring the world with confidence.

What feedback have you received from your audience, and how has it impacted your journey?

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The best feedback I’ve received—multiple times—is, “I’ve learned so much from your channel. Every time I watch your videos, I learn something new.” That is the ultimate compliment because it aligns perfectly with my goal.

I want to teach people something new—something they haven’t experienced before or perhaps never even considered. Knowing that my content is helping others expand their knowledge and appreciation of the world around them is what fuels my passion.

I’m a lifelong learner myself, always seeking knowledge from as many sources as possible. So hearing that my videos inspire others to learn and explore—that’s what keeps me going.

What are your future travel plans? Are there any destinations or experiences still on your bucket list?

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There are still so many travel destinations I want to visit, even within the United States. Yes, we’ve been to all 50 states, but you can’t see everything in just one visit. The beauty and diversity of this country are truly remarkable, and we have plenty of exploring left to do.

Now that we’ve reached all 50 states, our next big travel goal is to visit every national park in the U.S. We’ve made it about halfway, but with so many parks left to explore, our journey is far from over. Even in the parks we’ve already visited, there’s always something new to discover, and I have no problem going back to experience more.

The United States offers such diverse terrain and incredible destinations beyond the usual vacation spots. Many families default to visiting the same place—like Disney—over and over again. We used to take our kids there frequently, but there’s a whole world of experiences beyond theme parks.

National parks, historical sites, and even unexpected destinations like Las Vegas offer so much for kids to see and learn. My kids have been to Vegas twice, and there’s more for them to experience there than people might expect.

Beyond the U.S., we’d love to expand our travels internationally. We’ve already visited Vancouver and Victoria in Canada, as well as Ensenada, Mexico, during our cruise to Hawaii. We’d love to do more touring abroad, but for now, there’s still so much left to see right here at home. Our travel days are far from over!

How do you envision your travel lifestyle evolving as your children grow older?

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We plan to slow down our travels a bit. For the past two and a half years, we’ve been moving fast—visiting all 50 states and changing locations nearly every week. While we’ve loved the adventure, constantly being on the move is challenging, and it doesn’t always allow us to fully experience each place. Sometimes, we only get a single day at a location, and that’s just not enough.

As the kids get older, we also want to give them the opportunity to build deeper, more lasting friendships. They’re very social and meet plenty of new people, but spending only a week in one place makes it hard to develop strong connections. By slowing down and staying in locations for a month or longer, they’ll have more time to bond with friends and engage more fully in each community.

Our future travel plans focus on a balance—giving the kids a little more stability while still exploring and connecting with other RV families. Meeting other kids who share this lifestyle will help them feel even more at home on the road, and we’re excited for the new experiences this slower pace will bring.

Thank you, Kayla, for taking the time out of your day to inspire others. At this stage, you are welcome to add any additional information you feel the audience should know about yourselves or share additional stories.

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Was moving into an RV a magic fix for us? Absolutely not. Things didn’t change overnight, and life didn’t instantly become easier just because we hit the road. Everything we’ve accomplished over the past two and a half years has taken intentional effort—it didn’t just happen on its own. We’ve had to work at it every step of the way, and we continue to do so.

What RV life did give us, though, was time—time with each other, time to focus on what truly matters, and time to grow together as a family. Every day isn’t perfect, and this lifestyle comes with its challenges. But through it all, we’ve learned that this way of living works for us. It may not be for everyone, but for our family, it has been the right path. And that makes all the effort worth it.

To continue following our explorers Camping with Kayla’s journey or simply want to reach out and say Hi, you can connect with them on the following accounts:

Instagram

@campingwithkayla

TikTok

@camping.with.kayl

Facebook

Kayla Mathieu

Youtube

https://youtube.com/@campingwithkayl

Website:

https://campingwithkayla.com

Email

campingwithkayla@gmail.com

Kayla: “For exclusive insider information on the places we stay, our favorite campgrounds, must-visit restaurants, and hidden gems we’ve discovered along the way, be sure to sign up for our bi-monthly newsletter! It’s the best way to get a deeper look into our travels, learn more about who we are, and truly connect with our journey.

In each edition, I share the good, the bad, and the unexpected realities of RV life—everything from breathtaking destinations to vehicle breakdowns, unpredictable weather, and the challenges of life on the road. If you want an honest, behind-the-scenes look at full-time RV living and all the tips and insights we’ve gathered along the way, head over to my website and subscribe to our newsletter. You won’t want to miss it!”.

Camping with Kayla

Kayla's Journey from Nurse to Full-Time RV Traveller

To continue following our explorers Camping with Kayla’s journey or simply want to reach out and say Hi, you can connect with them on the following accounts:

Instagram@campingwithkayla

TikTok

@camping.with.kayl

Facebook

Kayla Mathieu

Youtube

https://youtube.com/@campingwithkayl

Website:

https://campingwithkayla.com

Email

campingwithkayla@gmail.com

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Jordan Wood

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@campingwithkayla