This article is sponsored and made possible by Toyota Trucks.
Thanksgiving week doesn’t have to mean airports, traffic, or crowded dining rooms. It’s the perfect time to trade busy schedules for a more relaxed kind of holiday. With the comfort and capability of Toyota Trucks, getting there feels as good as being there.
These national parks are ideal for a visit in late November, and they’re ready for Detourists, the people who’d rather make memories outdoors than fight the holiday rush.
White Sands National Park, New Mexico
It’s hard to imagine a better backdrop for a family holiday than the snow white gypsum dunes at White Sands. In November, daytime temps hover in the 60s, perfect for hiking and sand sledding.
With miles of scenic roads and picnic spots tucked into the dunes, the Toyota Sequoia feels right at home here. Its spacious interior and three-row seating make it easy to pack kids, coolers, and camping gear while keeping everyone comfortable. The Sequoia’s available 4×4 system adds peace of mind when sand or soft ground comes into play. Camping inside the park is temporarily closed, but there are nearby campgrounds outside of the park.
Tip: Unlike snow, the sand is not slippery, so waxed plastic snow saucers work best. Bring your own or rent one at the park’s gift shop. If young kids are joining, bring sand toys for the perfect entertainment once they tire out from sledding.
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Big Bend’s vast desert and mountain landscapes feel endless in late November. Days are mild, nights are crisp, and stargazing is unmatched, because this park has the least light pollution of any national park in the lower 48. Whether it’s a family hike along the Rio Grande or a drive through the Chisos Basin, Big Bend has plenty to enjoy this time of year.
The Toyota Tundra’s available high ground clearance and 4×4 capability handle the park’s rugged backroads and sandy washes with ease. With plenty of space for gear and a truck bed ready for camp setups, it’s ideal for exploring scenic drives like Ross Maxwell or the rougher routes that lead to backcountry campsites. That’s where the Tundra earns its Detourist reputation, getting you to the places most travelers never see.
Tip: Developed campgrounds can book up even in the off-season, but the backcountry stays quieter. Reserve early if you want a site with hookups, or get a backcountry permit within 24 hours of your stay for a more remote, peaceful experience. You’ll need a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle to access the backcountry.
Channel Islands National Park, California
A short ferry ride from the California coast, the Channel Islands offer quiet trails, ocean views, and plenty of wildlife. Late fall brings cooler weather, calm seas, and good chances to see sea lions, seabirds, and migrating whales.
Camping on the islands is simple but rewarding. There are no vehicles, shops, or services, which feels like a pleasant escape, but also means that you’ll need to bring everything with you. The Toyota Sequoia makes it easy to pack camping gear, food, and warm layers, with enough room to keep things organized for the ferry ride.
Tip: Check ferry schedules ahead of time since fall crossings can shift with weather. Bring reusable water containers and food storage to minimize waste and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Family Camping Tips for Cooler Weather
Late-fall camping means fewer crowds, but also earlier sunsets and colder evenings. Pack layered clothing, warm sleeping bags, and waterproof footwear.
Since dinner prep is often in the dark, planning simple and warm dinners like foil-pack meals, soups, and hot drinks helps keep your whole crew warm. If you’re camping with kids, plan short hikes, and bring games or books for dark evenings.
Be a Detourist
Thanksgiving week feels different when you skip the rush and take your holiday outside instead. Use the time to slow down and enjoy the kind of moments that only happen when there’s nowhere else to be. With Toyota Trucks, there’s room for everyone, and for everything that makes the holiday yours.
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